Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries were put under tremendous strain due to the sudden increase in patients requiring immediate hospital care. The pandemic exposed latent issues within these healthcare systems that were only exacerbated under the pressure of COVID-19. Insurance remains a major factor in determining the quality and availability of healthcare services. This study will examine the distinct insurance systems of the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) and analyze how they impacted COVID-19 patients’ healthcare outcomes. The US has a mixed insurance system composed of various public and private systems with around two-thirds of the population covered through private insurance. In comparison, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is a universal healthcare system that ensures all citizens have access to medical care. This study will look at four concentrated areas to compare the outcomes in the US and UK: wait times/hospitalization rates, nonCOVID-19 related care, unemployment and COVID-19 related care. The study found that the English and American systems of healthcare both have systemic strengths and weaknesses. The NHS creates large backlogs in medical care and longer wait times, especially during pandemics. However, in times of economic uncertainty, it is difficult for Americans facing unemployment or employed within the gig economy to retain their health insurance. Ultimately, both models of healthcare came with their own individual advantages and problems that clearly affected the outcomes of COVID-19.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Amanda Furiasse
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-2-2025 12:45 PM
End Date
4-3-2025 12:00 AM
Examining the Impact of Health Insurance on COVID-19 Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis of England and the United States of America
Alvin Sherman Library
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries were put under tremendous strain due to the sudden increase in patients requiring immediate hospital care. The pandemic exposed latent issues within these healthcare systems that were only exacerbated under the pressure of COVID-19. Insurance remains a major factor in determining the quality and availability of healthcare services. This study will examine the distinct insurance systems of the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) and analyze how they impacted COVID-19 patients’ healthcare outcomes. The US has a mixed insurance system composed of various public and private systems with around two-thirds of the population covered through private insurance. In comparison, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is a universal healthcare system that ensures all citizens have access to medical care. This study will look at four concentrated areas to compare the outcomes in the US and UK: wait times/hospitalization rates, nonCOVID-19 related care, unemployment and COVID-19 related care. The study found that the English and American systems of healthcare both have systemic strengths and weaknesses. The NHS creates large backlogs in medical care and longer wait times, especially during pandemics. However, in times of economic uncertainty, it is difficult for Americans facing unemployment or employed within the gig economy to retain their health insurance. Ultimately, both models of healthcare came with their own individual advantages and problems that clearly affected the outcomes of COVID-19.
