Knowing the differences between healthcare vs health insurance can have a big impact on your choice of policy. Learn the differences between the two.
Healthcare and health insurance are terms that are often used interchangeably. However, healthcare, which typically includes elements like emergency room visits, preventative medicine, and prescription drugs, is far different than health insurance which provides coverage for medical services.
Where it can get confusing is how healthcare is delivered. Not everyone that seeks healthcare services have health insurance. Those that have health insurance may not have private insurance, but instead may have health coverage through the government or organization memberships.
Healthcare is defined as efforts made to maintain or restore mental, physical, or emotional well-being by licensed and trained professionals. It typically includes primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary medical treatment. Healthcare delivered to patients may include any methods or procedures designed to care for a patient.
It also includes the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Healthcare is not just limited to traditional medicine. It also covers dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, allied health, and similar areas of health. Due to advancements in science and technology, the field of healthcare has grown significantly in recent years.
The industry in which medical professionals or “practitioners” work in is commonly referred to as the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry is made up of doctors, nurses, therapists, dentists, pharmaceutical companies, and hospital systems. When these professionals set prices for their products and services, it has a direct effect on health insurance costs.