Health

Background

Good health brings many benefits, including enhanced access to education and the job market, an increase in productivity and wealth, reduced health care costs, good social relations, and of course, a longer life.

Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is the most widely used measure of health, although it only takes into account the length of people’s life and not their quality of life. There have been remarkable gains in life expectancy over the past fifty years in OECD countries. On average, life expectancy at birth reached more than 79 years in 2008, a gain of more than 10 years since 1960. The OECD country with the highest life expectancy is Japan, with a life expectancy for women and men combined of 82.7 years. At the other end of the scale, life expectancy is the lowest in Turkey (73.6 years), followed by Hungary (73.8 years).

Recent OECD analysis suggests that health care spending growth accounts for much of the improvement in life expectancy over the past 15 years, but other determinants such as GDP growth, rising living standards, environmental improvements, lifestyle changes and education are also important drivers. Taken together, these explain much of the cross-country differences in health status, as well as their changes over time. Further progress in population health status and life expectancy can be achieved by putting greater emphasis on public health and disease prevention, and improving the quality and performance of health care systems.

Chronic (non-communicable) diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions and diabetes, are now the main causes of disability and death in OECD countries. In 2008, chronic diseases caused around three-quarters of all deaths in OECD countries. Many chronic diseases are preventable as they are strongly linked to modifiable lifestyles. People who do not smoke, drink alcohol in moderate quantities, are physically active, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and have a normal weight have a much lower risk of early death than those who have unhealthy habits.

A number of OECD countries have achieved remarkable progress in reducing tobacco consumption over the past few decades, although it is still a leading cause of early death and the largest avoidable risk to health. Much of the decline in tobacco consumption can be attributed to public awareness campaigns, advertising bans and increased taxation. Less than 20% of adults in Sweden, the United States, Australia, Canada, and Iceland now smoke daily, down from over 30% in 1980. However, tobacco consumption remains high in certain countries such as Greece where almost 40% of adults continue to smoke on a daily basis.

Overweight and obesity is another important risk factor for many chronic diseases and a growing public health concern. In almost half of OECD countries, 50% or more of the population is now defined as being at least overweight if not obese. The prevalence of obesity varies from less than 4% in Japan and Korea to 30% or over in Mexico and the United States. The rate of obesity has more than doubled over the past 20 years in many OECD countries. In the past few years, governments in many OECD countries have begun to introduce different policies to combat obesity through promoting more balanced diets and physical activity. Many governments have adopted initiatives aimed at school-age children, changing the school environment and school menus, as well as including health and lifestyle education in the school curriculum.

Self-Reported Health

Most OECD countries conduct regular health surveys which allow respondents to report on different aspects of their health. The commonly-asked question, "How is your health?", is one way to collect data on self-perceived health status. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers received have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use. Across the OECD, 69% of the adult population rate their health to be ‘good’ or ‘very good’. In New Zealand, Canada and the United States 90% of people report to be in good health; at the lower end of the scale, less than 50% of those in Japan, the Slovak Republic, Portugal, Hungary and Korea rate their health to be ‘good’ or ‘very good’.

Top Ranking

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Indicators

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Health in Detail by Country

Australia

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Australia stood at 81.5 years, more than two years higher than the OECD average.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 8.5% of GDP in Australia in 2007–08, slightly lower than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. However, Australia ranks above the OECD average in terms of total health spending per person.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases. Australia provides an example of a country that has achieved remarkable progress in reducing tobacco consumption, cutting by half the percentage of adults who smoke daily (from 35.4% in 1983 to 16.6% in 2007).

The smoking rate among adults in Australia is now one of the lowest in OECD countries, behind only Sweden and the United States. Much of this decline in Australia can be attributed to policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption through public awareness campaigns, advertising bans and increased taxation.

Obesity rates are high in Australia, relative to most OECD countries, and they have been increasing faster than in any other OECD country in the last 20 years. One in 2 people is overweight in Australia. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 85% of people in Australia reported to be in good health, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Austria

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Austria stood at 80.5 years, more than one year above  the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 10.5% of GDP in Austria in 2008, more than one percentage point higher than the OECD average of 9.0%.

Austria also spends more on health per person than the average in OECD countries, with spending of 3,970 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3,060 USD. Health spending per person in Austria increased by 2.3% per year on average between 2000 and 2008, among the smallest increases across all OECD countries during this period.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Smoking rates among adults in Austria in 2006 stood at 23.2%, almost equal to the OECD average of 23.3% in 2008.

Obesity rates in Austria are lower than the OECD average, but 1 in 2 adults and 1 in 5 children are nonetheless overweight. The proportion of people overweight in Austria is projected by the OECD to rise over the next 10 years, though the rate of increase is one of the slowest in the OECD.

Social disparities in weight exist in both men and women in Austria, as in other OECD countries. Women with poor education are almost twice as likely as more educated women to be overweight; a smaller gap is also present in men. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 70% of people in Austria reported to be in good health, close to the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Belgium

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth for the whole population in Belgium stood at 79.8 years, half-a-year above the OECD average.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Health spending accounted for 10.2% of Belgian GDP in 2008, more than one percentage point higher than the OECD average of 9.0%. Belgium also spends more on health per person than the average in OECD countries, with spending of 3,677 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3,060 USD. In Belgium, 72.6% of current health expenditures are financed by public funds, a level close to the average for OECD countries (72.8%).

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases. In Belgium, the proportion of adults who smoke daily has decreased from 40.5% in 1982 to 20% in 2008, lower than the current OECD average of 23.3%. In Belgium, the obesity rate among adults has increased from 10.8% in 1997 to 13.8% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 77% of people in Belgium reported to be in good health, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Canada

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2007, life expectancy at birth in Canada stood at 80.7 years, more than one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 10.4% of GDP in Canada in 2008, more than one percentage point than the OECD average of 9.0%. Canada also ranks above the OECD average in terms of total health spending per person, with spending of 4,079 USD in 2008 compared with an OECD average of 3,060 USD.

Between 2000 and 2008, health spending per person in Canada increased in real terms by 3.4% per year on average, a growth rate lower than the OECD average (4.2% per year). In Canada, 70.2% of health spending was funded by public sources in 2008, below the average of 72.8% in OECD countries.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Canada provides an example of a country that has achieved remarkable progress in reducing tobacco consumption, with the rate of daily smokers among adults having been cut by nearly half since 1980 (from 34% in 1980 to 17.5% in 2008). Much of this decline in Canada, as well as in other countries, can be attributed to policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption through public awareness campaigns, advertising bans and increased taxation.

Obesity rates are high in Canada, relative to most OECD countries, but they have not increased substantially in the last 15 years. Two out of 3 men are overweight and 1 in 4 people are obese in Canada, but the rate of increase has been one of the slowest in the OECD. The proportion of people overweight is projected by the OECD to rise a further 5% during the next 10 years. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 88% of people in Canada reported to be in good health, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Chile

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2007, life expectancy at birth in Chile stood at 77.8 years, more than one year below the OECD average of 79 years.

Throughout the OECD, excessive weight remains an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. In Chile, the obesity rate among adults was 24.5% in 2007. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 56% of people in Chile reported to be in good health, lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Czech Republic

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in the Czech Republic stood at 77.3 years, nearly two years below the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 7.1% of GDP in the Czech Republic in 2008, lower than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. The Czech Republic also ranks below the OECD average in terms of total health spending per person, with spending of 1781 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD. Health spending per person in the Czech Republic grew, in real terms, by an average of 5.4% per year between 2000 and 2008.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

While the percentage of adults who smoke every day has come down in the Czech Republic from 26.1% in 1993 to 24.3% in 2008, it is slightly above the OECD average of 23.3%.

In the Czech Republic, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 17.1% in 2008. This is much lower than for the United States which had the highest level of self-reported obesity at 27.5% in 2008. The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 68% of people in the Czech Republic reported to be in good health, close to the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Denmark

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Denmark stood at 78.8 years, nearly half-a-year below the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 9.7% of GDP in Denmark in 2007, above the average in OECD countries of 9.0%. Denmark also ranks above the OECD average in terms of total health spending per person, with current spending of 3540 USD in 2007, compared with an OECD average of 3 060 USD. Health spending per person in Denmark remains much lower than in the United States (which spent 7 538 USD in 2008) but higher than the levels of most other Nordic countries.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases. In Denmark, the percentage of adults who report to smoke everyday has been cut down by more than half from 47% in 1984 to 23% in 2008. Smoking rates among adults in Denmark now is around the same as the OECD average.

In Denmark, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 11.4% in 2005. This is lower than for the United States (27.5% in 2008) and similar to France (11.2%) and the Netherlands (11.1%). The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 74% of people in Denmark reported to be in good health, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Estonia

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Estonia stood at 73.9 years – more than five years below the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 6.1% of GDP in Estonia in 2008, lower than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. Estonia also ranks well below the OECD average in terms of total health spending per person, with spending of 1263 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases. In Estonia, 26.2% of the adult population reported to smoke every day in 2008— above the OECD average of 23.3%. Compared to current smoking rates in OECD countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States and Sweden (14-18%), the smoking rate among adults in Estonia is still relatively high.

In Estonia, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight – was 18.0% in 2008. This is significantly lower than the United States which had the highest obesity rate (27.5% in 2008) among OECD countries based on self-reported measures. The average obesity rate for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 56% of people in Estonia reported to be in good health, lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

 

Indicators

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Finland

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Finland stood at 79.9 years, nearly one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 8.4% of GDP in Finland in 2008, a slightly lower share than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. Health spending as a share of GDP is lower in Finland than in all other Nordic countries, but higher than in several other European countries and in Japan. Between 2000 and 2008, health spending per person in Finland increased in real terms by 4.6% per year on average, a growth rate higher than the OECD average of 4.2% per year.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Smoking rates among adults in Finland in 2008 stood at 20.4%, lower than the OECD average of 23.3%.

In Finland, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 15.7% in 2008. This is lower than for the United States (27.5%) but higher than most other Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway and Sweden). The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 68% of people in Finland reported to be in good health, slightly lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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France

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in France stood at 81.0 years, almost two years above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 11.8% of GDP in France in 2008, or nearly three points above the OECD average of 9.0%. This figure makes France second in terms of health spending relative to GDP, with only the United States spending more (16.0%); however, health spending per person in France (3696 USD) remains half than that in the United States.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

In France, the proportion of adults who smoke daily has decreased from 30% in 1980 to 26% in 2008.

Obesity rates in France are among the lowest in the OECD, but have been increasing steadily. About 1 in 10 people is obese in France, and almost 40% are overweight (including obese). OECD projections indicate that overweight rates will increase by a further 10% within ten years. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 72% of people in France reported to be in good health, slightly higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

 

Indicators

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Germany

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Germany stood at 80.2 years, one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 10.5% of GDP in Germany in 2008, 1.5 percentage points higher than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. Only the United States (16%), France (11.2%) and Switzerland (10.7%) allocated more of their GDP to health than Germany in 2008. On the other hand, Germany ranks only 9th among OECD countries in health spending per person, with spending of 3,737 USD per person in 2008. The OECD average in 2008 was 3,060 USD per person. The largest spenders in terms of health spending is the United States (which spent 7,538 USD per person in 2008, two times more than in Germany), followed by Norway and Switzerland (which spent over 4,600 USD per person).

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Smoking rates among adults in Germany have decreased from 28.5% in 1978 to 23.2% in 2005, a rate that is roughly equal to the current OECD average.

The obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight was 16.0% in 2007. This is lower than for the United States (27.5% in 2008), but higher than in France (11.2% in 2008). The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 65% of people in Germany reported to be in good health, lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

 

Indicators

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Greece

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. Life expectancy at birth in Greece is 80 years in 2008, one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 9.7 % of GDP in Greece in 2007, above the 2008 average of 9.0% in OECD countries. Greece ranks below the OECD average in terms of health spending per person, with spending of 2687 USD in 2007, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD in 2008. Between 2000 and 2007, health spending per person in Greece increased, in real terms, by 6.9 % per year on average, a growth rate higher than the average in OECD countries (4.2%) between 2000 and 2008.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

The proportion of daily smokers among adults has shown a marked decline over the past two decades in most OECD countries, but not in Greece. Greece has the highest rate of daily smokers among adults of all OECD countries, with a rate of 39.7%, compared with an OECD average of 23.3%.

In Greece, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight was 18.1% in 2008. This is lower than for the United States (27.5% in 2008). The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 76% of people in Greece reported to be in good health, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

 

Indicators

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Hungary

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Hungary stood at 73.8 years, more than five years below the OECD average of 79 years. Only Turkey has a lower life expectancy among OECD countries.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 7.3% of GDP in Hungary in 2008, less than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. Hungary also ranks below the OECD average in terms of total health spending per person, with spending of 1437 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD. Health spending per person in Hungary grew, in real terms, by an average of 4.0% per year between 2000 and 2008. This growth rate was just under the OECD average of 4.2% per year. The strong rise in pharmaceutical spending has been one of the factors behind the rise in total health spending in Hungary as well as in many other OECD countries. In 2008, spending on pharmaceuticals accounted for 31.6% of total health spending in Hungary, the highest share among all OECD countries.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

While the percentage of adults who smoke every day has come down in Hungary from 35.5% in 1994 to 30.4% in 2003 (latest year available), it is still above the OECD average (23.3% in 2008).

About one in two adults is overweight or obese in Hungary, close to the OECD average. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", only 55% of people in Hungary reported to be in good health, much lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

 

 

Indicators

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Iceland

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Iceland stood at 81.3 years, more than two years above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 9.1% of GDP in Iceland in 2008, above the OECD average of 9.0%. It went up to 9.6% of GDP in 2009, as a result of the severe economic downturn. Iceland spends more on health per person than many OECD countries, with spending of 3359 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

In Iceland, the proportion of smokers among adults has been reduced from 33.0% in 1987 to 17.8% in 2008, below the OECD average of 23.3%.

The obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 20.1% in 2007. This was lower than for the United States (27.5% in 2008) but was the highest of the Nordic countries. The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 81% of people in Iceland reported to be in good health, much higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Ireland

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy in Ireland stood at 79.9 years, nearly one year above  the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 8.7% of GDP in Ireland in 2008, slightly less than the average of 9.0% across OECD countries. In terms of health spending per person, Ireland ranks above the OECD average, with spending of 3,793 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3,060 USD. Health spending per person in Ireland remains, however, much lower than in the United States (which spent 7,538 USD per person in 2008), and significantly lower than some other big spenders, such as Norway and Switzerland, (with spending of over 4,600 USD per person). Health spending per person in Ireland grew, in real terms, by an average of 7.6% per year between 2000 and 2008. This was the third fastest growth rate of all OECD countries during this period (after Korea and the Slovak Republic), and significantly higher than the OECD average of 4.2% per year.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Ireland has seen the proportion of smokers among adults fall from 45.6% in the early 1970s to 29.0% by 2007, but this is still above the OECD average (23.3% in 2008).

The obesity rate among adults - based on actual measures of height and weight - was 23.0% in 2007. This is significantly lower than for the United States (33.8% in 2008) and just below that of the United Kingdom (24.5% in 2008). The average for the 13 OECD countries with measured data was 21.0% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 84% of people in Ireland reported to be in good health, much higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Israel

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2007, life expectancy at birth in Israel stood at 81.1 years, nearly two years above the OECD average of 79 years.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 80% of people in Israel reported to be in good health, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Italy

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2007, life expectancy at birth in Italy was 81.5 years, more than two years above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 9.1% of GDP in Italy in 2008, slightly above the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. Italy ranks below the OECD average in terms of health spending per person, with spending of 2870 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD. Between 2000 and 2008, health spending per person in Italy increased, in real terms, by 1.9% per year on average, a growth rate much lower than the OECD average of 4.2% per year.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Italy has achieved some progress in reducing tobacco consumption, with current rates of daily smokers among adults standing at 22.4%, down from 27.8% in 1990. Smoking rates in Italy are now slightly lower than the OECD average of 23.3%.

Obesity rates are low in Italy, relative to most OECD countries, but are very high among children. 1 in 3 children is overweight, one of the highest rate in the OECD. About 1 in 10 people is obese, significantly less than the OECD average of 1 in 6. OECD projections indicate that overweight rates will increase by a further 5% within ten years. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 63% of people in Italy reported to be in good health, slightly lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Japan

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, Japan enjoyed the highest life expectancy among OECD countries, at 82.7 years for the whole population. The remarkable gains in longevity in Japan have been largely driven by falling death rates from diseases of the circulatory system, which are the lowest now of all OECD countries, for both males and females.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 8.1% of GDP in Japan in 2007, almost one percentage point lower than the OECD average of 9.0% for 2008. Japan also ranks below the OECD average in terms of health spending per person, with spending of 2729 USD in 2007, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD in 2008. Health spending per person in Japan rose, in real terms, by 2.2% between 2000 and 2007, a growth rate lower than the OECD average of 4.2% for 2000–2008.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

In Japan, 26% of adults reported smoking every day in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 23%. Male smoking rates, at 40%, remain particularly high in Japan, the highest among OECD countries after Greece, Korea and Turkey.

However, at just 3.4% of the general population, Japan has the lowest rate of obesity in the OECD.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 33% of people in Japan reported to be in good health, much lower than the OECD average of 69% and the second lowest rate in the OECD. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Korea

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. Among OECD countries, Korea registered the greatest gain in life expectancy between 1960 and 2008, with an overall increase in longevity of 28 years, rapidly closing the gap with the average across OECD countries. In 1960, life expectancy in Korea was 16 years below the OECD average. By 2008, it stood at 79.9 years, nearly one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 6.5% of GDP in Korea in 2008, the third lowest share among OECD countries, and 2.5 percentage points lower than the OECD average of 9.0%. Health spending tends to rise with income, and generally OECD countries with higher GDP per person also tend to spend more on health. It is not surprising, therefore, that Korea also ranks below the OECD average in terms of health expenditure per person, with spending of 1801 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD.

Health expenditure per person has, nonetheless, increased rapidly in Korea since the second half of the 1980s when the national health insurance was established. During the 1990s, the rate of growth in health spending has been two-times greater than the average across OECD countries. This trend continued between 2000 and 2008, when the growth rate in health spending in Korea reached 8.0% per year, compared with an OECD average of 4.2%. This was the second highest growth rate in OECD countries, after the Slovak Republic. The increase in health spending in Korea over the past decade or so has been driven mainly by a rapid rise in public spending on health, especially in the purchase of pharmaceuticals.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

In Korea, there remains a huge gender gap in smoking rates between men and women: 44.7% of Korean men reported smoking every day in 2008, the second highest rate across all OECD countries after Greece, compared with only 7.2% of women, which was the lowest rate.

Obesity rates in Korea are among the lowest in the OECD, but have been increasing steadily. About 4% of the adult population is obese in Korea, and about 30% are overweight (including obese). Furthermore, large socio-economic disparities in obesity exist in women in Korea. Women with poor education are 5 times more likely than more educated women to be overweight. Virtually no disparities exist between men of different educational levels. OECD projections indicate that overweight rates will increase by a further 5% within ten years. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 44% of people in Korea reported to be in good health, much lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Luxembourg

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. Since 1960, life expectancy at birth in Luxembourg increased by more than 11 years. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Luxembourg stood at 80.6 years, more than one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 7.2% of GDP in Luxembourg in 2006, lower than the OECD average of 9.0%. However, Luxembourg is well above the average in terms of total health spending per person, with current spending of 4210 USD in 2006, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD in 2008.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

The proportion of daily smokers among adults has shown a marked decline over the past twenty-five years in most OECD countries. Smoking rates among adults in Luxembourg in 2008 stood at 20%, lower than the OECD average of 23.3%.

In Luxembourg, the obesity rate among adults has increased from 15% in 1997 to 20% in 2007. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 74% of people in Luxembourg reported to be in good health, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Mexico

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In particular, Mexico has seen dramatic improvements in life expectancy (of more than 17 years) and a steady decline in infant mortality rates. Nonetheless, at 75.1 years in 2008, life expectancy remains four years lower than the OECD average and the fourth lowest in the OECD.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 5.9% of GDP in Mexico in 2008, the lowest share among OECD countries and three percentage points lower than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. Although public spending on health in Mexico has more than doubled since 1995, it remains low by international standards. Additionally, Mexico’s health indicators lag behind those of most OECD countries.

Throughout the OECD, excessive weight gain remains an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. Obesity rates have increased in recent decades in all OECD countries, although with 30% of the adult Mexican population reported as obese, they are second only to the US. 10% more women than men are obese in Mexico, more than the OECD average of 4%. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma) and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 65.5% of people in Mexico reported to be in good health, slightly lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Better Policies for Better Lives

Improved health coverage with Seguro Popular

One third of the population, mostly in low-income groups, has no health insurance. The uninsured are less likely to receive appropriate preventive care and timely treatment when sick, which results in higher spending, often out-of-pocket, and worse outcomes. The government is aiming for universal health coverage in 2011 by further expanding Seguro Popular, a program that provides financial assistance to low-income families and has been successful in increasing coverage by about 25% of the population since 2004.

Indicators

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Netherlands

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in the Netherlands stood at 80.2 years, one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 9.9% of GDP in the Netherlands in 2008, which was higher than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. The Netherlands also ranks above the OECD average in terms of health spending per person, with spending of 4063 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

In the Netherlands, the rate of daily smokers among adults has fallen from 43.0% in 1980 to 28.0% in 2008. But compared to the current OECD average of 23.3%, and current smoking rates in countries like Sweden, the United States and Australia (all below 17%), the smoking rate among adults in the Netherlands is still relatively high.

The obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 11.1% in 2008. This is much lower than for the United States (27.5%) and similar to France (11.2%). The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 81% of people in the Netherlands reported to be in good health, much higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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New Zealand

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in New Zealand stood at 80.4 years, more than one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Health spending was estimated at 9.8% of GDP in New Zealand in 2008, higher than the OECD average of 9.0%. New Zealand ranks below the OECD average in terms of health spending per person, with spending of 2683 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Smoking rates among adults in New Zealand have decreased from 30.0% in 1985 to 18.1% in 2007, a rate lower than the OECD average of 23.3%, and sixth lowest among OECD countries.

The obesity rate among adults, based on actual measures of height and weight, was 26.5% in 2007. It is lower than in the United States (33.8% in 2008) and Mexico (30.0% in 2006), but higher than all other OECD countries for which measured data are available. The average for the 13 OECD countries with measured data was 21.0% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 90% of people in New Zealand reported to be in good health, much higher than the OECD average of 69% and the highest rate in the OECD. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Norway

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth for the whole population in Norway stood at 80.6 years, more than one year above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 8.5% of GDP in Norway in 2008, compared with an average of 9.0% across OECD countries. In terms of health spending per person, Norway ranked the second highest among OECD countries in 2008 (after the United States), with spending of 5003 USD, well above the OECD average of 3060 USD. Health spending per person in Norway increased, in real terms, by 1.7% per year on average between 2000 and 2008, the second lowest growth rate of all OECD countries, and well below the OECD average (4.2%).

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

 

In Norway, the proportion of smokers among adults has been reduced from 36% in 1980 to 21% in 2008, slightly below the OECD average of 23%. Much of this decline can be attributed to policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption through public awareness campaigns, advertising bans and increased taxation.

In Norway, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 10.0% in 2008. This was much lower than for the United States (27.5%) but almost identical to Sweden, (10.2% in 2007). The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9%. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 80% of people in Norway reported to be in good health, much higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Poland

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Poland stood at 75.6 years, almost four years below the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 7% of GDP in Poland in 2008, two percentage points lower than the OECD average of 9%. Poland also ranks below the OECD average in terms of health spending per person, with spending of 1213 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD in 2008. Only Chile, Mexico and Turkey had lower per person spending. Health spending per person in Poland grew, in real terms, by an average of 7.4% per year between 2000 and 2008. This growth rate was well above the OECD average of 4.2% per year.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

While the percentage of adults who smoke every day has declined markedly in Poland from 41.5% in 1992 to 26.3% in 2004 (latest year available), it remains above the OECD average (23.3% in 2008).

The obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 12.5% in 2004. This rate is much lower than for the United States (27.5% in 2008). The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 58% of people in Poland reported to be in good health, lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Portugal

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Portugal was 79.3 years, close to the OECD average of 79 years. Life expectancy was highest in Japan with 82.7 years, followed by Switzerland, Italy and Australia.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 9.9% of GDP in Portugal in 2006 (the latest year available), almost one percentage point more than the average across OECD countries (9.0%). Despite spending a high proportion of its GDP on health, Portugal spent only 2,151 USD on health per person in 2006, a lower figure than the OECD average of 3,060 USD in 2008. The United States spent, by far, the most on health per person in 2007 (7,538 USD), followed by Norway and Switzerland (with spending of over 4,600 USD per person).

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Portugal is among the OECD countries with the lowest rates of daily smokers, with current rates of daily smokers among adults standing at 19.6% in 2006, significantly below the OECD average of 23.3%. Sweden, the United States and Australia have achieved notable success in the reduction of tobacco consumption, with current smoking rates among adults below 17%.

In Portugal, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 15.4% in 2006. This is lower than for the United States (27.5% in 2008) and close to rates in Turkey and Finland. The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", only 49% of people in Portugal reported to be in good health, much lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Slovak Republic

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in the Slovak Republic stood at 74.8 years - more than four years below the OECD average of 79 years. Life expectancy at birth in the Slovak Republic in 2008 was the third-lowest among OECD countries after Turkey (73.6 years) and Hungary (73.8 years).

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 7.8% of GDP in the Slovak Republic in 2008, lower than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. The Slovak Republic also ranks well below the OECD average in terms of total health spending per person, with spending of 1738 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD. Countries with high health spending per person include the United States (which spent 7538 USD per person in 2008), Norway and Switzerland.

Health spending per person in the Slovak Republic grew, in real terms, by an average of 11.0% per year between 2000 and 2008. This was the fastest growth rate of all OECD countries during this period, and was significantly higher than the OECD average of 4.2% per year. The strong rise in pharmaceutical spending has been one of the factors behind the rise in total health spending, accounting for 28.1% of total health spending in 2008, well above the OECD average of 17.1%.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

The daily smoking rate among adults in the Slovak Republic was 25.0% of the adult population in 2006—slightly above the OECD average of 23.3 in 2008. Compared to current smoking rates in countries like Australia, Canada, the United States and Sweden (14-18%), the smoking rate among adults in the Slovak Republic is still relatively high.

The obesity rate among adults - based on actual measures of height and weight - was 16.9% in 2008. This is much lower than the obesity rate in the United States (33.8% in 2008) and significantly lower also than the rate in the United Kingdom (24.5% in 2008). The average for the 13 OECD countries with measured data was 21.0% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", only 31% of people in the Slovak Republic reported to be in good health, much lower than the OECD average of 69% and the lowest rate in the OECD. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Slovenia

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Slovenia stood at 78.8 years, close to the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 8.3% of GDP in Slovenia in 2008, lower than the average of 9.0% in OECD countries. The United States is, by far, the OECD country that spends the most on health as a share of its economy (with 16.0% of its GDP allocated to health in 2008), followed by several European countries including France (11.2%), Switzerland (10.7%), and Austria and Germany (both at 10.5%). Slovenia also ranks below the OECD average in terms of total health spending per person, with spending of 2329 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD. Health spending per person in Slovenia grew, in real terms, by an average of 4.2% per year between 2000 and 2008, equal to the OECD average.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

At 18.9% of the adult population in 2007, the daily smoking rate among adults in Slovenia was well below the OECD average of 23.3% in 2008. Still, Australia, Sweden and the United States provide examples of countries that have achieved even lower smoking rates with less than 17% of the adult population reporting to smoke on a daily basis.

In Slovenia, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight – was 16.4% in 2007. This was much lower than the United States (27.5% in 2008) but higher than in Italy (9.9% in 2008) and France (11.2% also in 2008). The average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data was 14.9% in 2008.Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 59% of people in Slovenia reported to be in good health, lower than the OECD average of 69% and the lowest rate in the OECD. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Spain

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth in Spain stood at 81.2 years, two years above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 9.0% of GDP in Spain in 2008, which is equal to the average of OECD countries. In 2008, health spending as a share of GDP was the highest in the United States (which spent 16.0% of its GDP on health), followed by France (11.2%), Switzerland (10.7%), and Germany and Austria (both 10.5%). Spain ranks below the OECD average in terms of health spending per person, with spending of 2,902 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3,060 USD. Between 2000 and 2008, health spending per person in Spain increased, in real terms, by 4.7 % per year on average, a growth rate higher than the average in OECD countries (4.2%).

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Spain has achieved progress in reducing tobacco consumption, with current rates of daily smokers among adults standing at 26.4% in 2006, down from 41% in 1985. However, smoking rates in Spain still remain higher than the OECD average of 23.3% in 2008. Sweden, the United States and Australia provide examples of countries that have achieved remarkable success in reducing tobacco consumption, with current smoking rates among adults below 17%.

Adult obesity rates in Spain are higher than the OECD average, but child rates are amongst the highest in the OECD. Two out of 3 men are overweight and 1 in 6 people are obese in Spain. One in 3 children aged 13 to 14 are overweight. The proportion of adults who are overweight is projected by the OECD to rise a further 10% during the next 10 years. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 70% of people in Spain reported to be in good health, close to the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Sweden

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth for the whole population in Sweden stood at 81.2 years, two years above the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 9.4% of GDP in Sweden in 2008, which was above the OECD average of 9.0%. The United States is, by far, the country that spends the most on health as a share of its economy (with 16.0% of its GDP allocated to health in 2008), followed by France (11.2%) and Switzerland (10.7%). Sweden also spends more on health per person than many OECD countries, with spending of 3470 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD. Countries with the highest health expenditure per person in 2008 were the United States (which spent 7538 USD per person), followed by Norway and Switzerland (with spending over 4600 USD).

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

The proportion of daily smokers in Sweden has been reduced from 32.4% in 1980 to 14.5% in 2006, the lowest rate among OECD countries, and well below the average of 23.3%. Much of this decline can be attributed to policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption through public awareness campaigns, advertising bans and increased taxation.

Obesity rates in Sweden are low relative to most OECD countries. One person in ten is obese in Sweden, but more than half of men and one third of women are overweight. Large social disparities exist in both men and women in Sweden. Women with poor education are more than twice as likely as more educated women to be overweight. In men, the gap is less pronounced than in women, but it is larger than in most OECD countries. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 79% of people in Sweden reported to be in good health, much higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Switzerland

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2008, life expectancy at birth for the whole population in Switzerland stood at 82.2 years, three years above the OECD average of 79 years. Only Japan recorded a higher life expectancy.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 10.7% of GDP in Switzerland in 2008, which was well above the OECD average of 9.0%. The United States is, by far, the country that spends the most on health as a share of its economy (with 16.0% of its GDP allocated to health in 2008), followed by France (11.2%) and then Switzerland. Switzerland also spends more on health per person than many OECD countries, with spending of 4 627 USD in 2008, compared with an OECD average of 3060 USD. Switzerland has the highest level of spending behind the U.S. (7 538 USD) and Norway (5 003 USD).

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

In Switzerland, the proportion of smokers among adults has been reduced from 28.2% in 1992 to 20.4% in 2007, now below the OECD average of 23.3%. Much of this decline can be attributed to policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption through public awareness campaigns, advertising bans and increased taxation.

The obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight – grew from 5.4% in 1992 to 8.1% in 2007. Still, this figure is much lower than the OECD self-reported average of 14.9% in 2008. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 81% of people in Switzerland reported to be in good health, much higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Indicators

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Turkey

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. Among OECD countries, Turkey registered one of the greatest gains in life expectancy between 1960 and 2008, with an overall increase in longevity of 25 years, rapidly narrowing the gap with the average across OECD countries. In 2008, life expectancy at birth for the whole population in Turkey stood at 73.6 years, or nearly six years below the OECD average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 6% of GDP in Turkey in 2007, below the average of 9% across OECD countries in 2008. Health spending tends to rise with income: in general, OECD countries with higher GDP per person tend to spend more on health. Given that Turkey has the lowest GDP per person among OECD countries, it is not surprising that it also spends the least per person, at 767 USD in 2007. This compares with an OECD average of 3060 USD in 2008.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Turkey has achieved some progress in reducing tobacco consumption, with the proportion of daily smokers among adults decreasing from 43.6% in 1989 to 27.4% in 2008. Still, smoking rates among adults in Turkey remain much higher than the OECD average of 23.3%. The lowest rates among OECD countries are in Australia, Sweden and the United States, all with fewer than 17% of adults reporting to be daily smokers.

In Turkey, the obesity rate among adults - based on self-reported height and weight - was 15.2% in 2008. This is much lower than for the United States (27.5% in 2008), but still slightly higher than average for the 21 OECD countries with self-reported data. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 67% of people in Turkey reported to be in good health, slightly lower than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

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United Kingdom

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. In 2007, life expectancy at birth in the United Kingdom was 79.7 years, just above the OECD average of 79 years. However, several major European countries – Italy, Spain, France and Germany – registered a higher life expectancy than the United Kingdom.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Total health spending accounted for 8.7% of GDP in the United Kingdom in 2008, compared with an average of 9.0% across OECD countries. The United States is, by far, the country that spends the most on health as a share of its economy, with 16.0% of its GDP allocated to health in 2008. France and Switzerland followed with 11.2% and 10.7% respectively. In terms of per person spending on health, the United Kingdom is close to the OECD average, with spending of 3129 USD in 2008.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

The United Kingdom has achieved some progress in reducing tobacco consumption, with current rates of daily smokers among adults standing at 22.0% in 2008, below the OECD average of 23.3%.

Obesity rates in the United Kingdom are the highest in Europe. In England, rates have increased faster than in most OECD countries. Two out of three men are overweight and one in four people are obese in the United Kingdom. The proportion of people overweight in England is projected by the OECD to rise a further 10% during the next 10 years. Obesity’s growing prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 76% of people in the United Kingdom reported to be in good health, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

 

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United States

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Key Findings

Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care. While life expectancy in the United States used to be 1 ½ year above the OECD average in 1960, it is now, at 78 years in 2008, one year below the average of 79 years.

Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher healthcare spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors). Health spending accounted for 16% of GDP in the United States in 2008, by far the highest share in the OECD, and seven percentage points higher than the average of 9% in OECD countries. Following the United States were France, Switzerland and Germany, which allocated respectively 11.2%, 10.7% and 10.5% of their GDP to health.

The United States spent 7,538 USD on health per person in 2008, two-and-a-half times greater than the OECD average of 3,060 USD. Americans spent more than twice as much as relatively rich European countries such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The United States spends much more on health than any other OECD country on a per capita basis and as a share of GDP. This higher expenditure can only be partly explained by the high income level of US citizens. The extra $750bn that America spends on health more than expected is not due to greater ‘need’ due to aging or sickness, but instead to higher prices for medical goods and services.

Throughout the OECD, tobacco consumption and excessive weight gain remain two important risk factors for many chronic diseases.

In the United States, the proportion of adults who smoke daily has been cut by more than half over the past thirty years, falling from 33.5% in 1980 to 16.5% in 2008. This is the lowest rate among OECD countries after Sweden. Much of this decline can be attributed to policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption through public awareness campaigns, advertising bans and increased taxation.

Soaring obesity rates make the US the fattest country in the OECD. Overweight and obesity rates have increased steadily since the 1980s in both men and women. In the United States, the obesity rate among adults - based on actual measures of height and weight - was 33.8% in 2008. This is the highest rate among OECD countries. Three out of four people are projected by the OECD to be overweight or obese within 10 years. 40% of American children are currently overweight. Of these, half are obese -- the highest rate in the OECD.

Childhood obesity rates have become relatively stable in the last ten years, suggesting that substantial further growth is unlikely and overweight rates in boys might even begin to fall. Still, obesity’s prevalence foreshadows increases in the occurrence of health problems (such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and asthma), and higher health care costs in the future.

When asked, "How is your health in general?", 88% of people in the United States reported to be in good health, much higher than the OECD average of 69%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, the answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use.

Better Policies for Better Lives

Reduce inefficiencies in healthcare to reduce spending

In most countries, health spending is largely financed out of taxes or social security contributions, with private insurance or ‘out-of-pocket’ payments playing a significant but secondary role. This is not the case in the United States where the government plays the smallest role in financing health spending. The public share of health expenditure in the United States was 46.5% in 2008, much lower than the OECD average of 72.8%.

However, the level of health spending in the United States is so high that public (i.e. government) spending on health per person is greater than in all other OECD countries, excepting only Norway and Luxembourg. For this amount of public expenditure in the United States, government provides insurance coverage only for the elderly and disabled people (through Medicare) and some of the poor (through Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, SCHIP), whereas in most other OECD countries this is enough for government to provide universal primary health insurance. Public spending on health in the United States has been growing more rapidly than private spending since 1990, largely due to expansions in coverage.

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