European Healthcare Expenditure on Long Term Care (Health) by Household Out-of-Pocket Payment by Country

European countries display significant variance in healthcare expenditure on long-term care paid directly out-of-pocket by households. In 2023, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany reported the highest ratios as a percentage of total healthcare expenditure, while many Eastern European countries like Poland and the Czech Republic recorded minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Over the last year, notable changes include Malta's sharp decline in out-of-pocket spending and Belgium's substantial increase. Over the previous five years, Lithuania, Romania, and Bulgaria exhibited robust annual growth, suggesting an upward trend in household financial responsibility for long-term care.

Future trends to watch include potential policy shifts towards minimizing household burdens across high-expenditure countries like Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Additionally, continued monitoring of rising expenditures in countries with historically lower spending may highlight shifts in healthcare funding models or societal acceptance of increased personal financial responsibility.