Health systems in the European Union and policy responses to Covid-19: A comparative analysis between Germany, Sweden, and Greece

Abstract

Background: Existing health systems are a product of, and are influenced by, specific political, historical, cultural, and socio-economic traditions. Consequently, they may differ considerably across countries. The pandemic has become a turning point for our healthcare systems and at the same time has also highlighted the need to strengthen the EU’s role in coordinating health care. This paper analyzes the characteristics of the health care systems in three EU countries—Germany, Sweden, and Greece—that represent three different health care system types in Europe as well as their health policy response, to the COVID-19 pandemic. Design and methods: More analytically, the paper attempts to identify indications of interaction between heath care system types and national responses in the health crisis, using data collected from the COVID-19 Health Systems Response Monitor, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Politics as well as the OECD health system characteristics database and national health legislation. Results: The investigation revealed some common responses in all three systems. During the pandemic, in all three health care systems a new model is revealed where the private and the public sector coexist and is characterized by the dynamic state-market relationship. As a result a multilevel approach in health policy, combining national, sub-national, and supranational action is again in the foreground. Conclusions: The paper concludes by articulating some remarks regarding health policy during the pandemic, as well as the European health systems transformation and the importance of maintaining a strong welfare state in Europe.