France outshines US: Lower healthcare spending, higher life expectancy

The Economist unveils in a new article that France spends a smaller percentage of its national income on healthcare compared to the US, yet it consistently outperforms America in key health indicators. 

While the US dedicates 16.6 per cent of its GDP to healthcare, France allocates just 12.1 per cent, yet the French live an average of six years longer than Americans. The country also boasts a heart attack mortality rate one-third that of the US, a lower obesity rate, and a significantly smaller number of opioid-related deaths.

This achievement extends beyond the US, with France leading in various European health metrics. The country has a lower mortality rate from breast cancer than both the UK and Germany, and its life expectancy at age 65 is among the highest in the EU, second only to Spain.

So, how does France manage such impressive health outcomes with less spending? Experts argue that lifestyle choices play a critical role. Gaetan Lafortune, an OECD health economist, notes that cultural habits in France are more influential than the government’s large healthcare budget. French children, even in areas like Seine-Saint-Denis, are served nutritious three-course meals in schools, while in the US, 17 per cent of the population lives in "food deserts" with limited access to fresh produce—a situation virtually unknown in France.

The French healthcare system is a combination of public insurance, which covers approximately 70 per cent of medical expenses, and private insurance to cover the remainder. The average French family pays 1,540 euros annually for private coverage, a stark contrast to the $25,570 spent by American families on similar insurance. Additionally, out-of-pocket costs for French families account for just 2 per cent of household spending, lower than the 2.5 per cent in Britain.

Despite its successes, the French health system faces significant challenges. There is a shortage of younger doctors, which has led to overcrowded emergency rooms, particularly in rural areas. These regions are experiencing what’s known as "medical deserts," where access to healthcare is limited. In response, the French government is implementing measures to cut waste and improve the efficiency of the system, but reforming a long-established system that has been so successful may prove difficult.

As France continues to address these challenges, the country’s health outcomes remain a testament to the success of its healthcare model, where lifestyle, comprehensive coverage, and cost control combine to deliver better health for less money.

By Naila Huseynova