Citizen Satisfaction in other Countries with Universal Health Care

In a recent Gallup poll, http://www.gallup.com/poll/122393/OECD-Countries-Universal-Healthcare-Gets-High-Marks.aspx, citizens who were part of a country with universal health care, had more overall satisfaction with their health care policies than those who had privately run health care.

Out of those who has universal health care, 73% had confidence in their national health care and or medical system. In addition, 79% of those polled were satisfied with the quality and availability of the health care in their area. However, out of those who had no universal health care, only 60% of those polled had confidence in their national health care/medical system and only 60% of those polled were satisfied with the quality and availability of health care in their area.

Although universal health care may seem favorable to most in regards to this poll, it may be important to take into account the death rates in both countries and the presence of various diseases, disorders, and injuries. Some in one country may be satisfied with their health care because they are not exposed to the same likelihood of illnesses that may be frequent in another country. In addition, the kind of universal health care that is offered in both countries need to be observed. Are they similar in what kinds of procedures or medications are covered? One countries universal health care may have more options than a universal health care plan that is being proposed in another country that has yet to be initiated into action.

Overall, although the poll may be informative from a general basis, I think it is imperative to look at each poll with some scrutiny in order to fully understand what/who is being polled and varying factors weighing in on those individuals.