IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 82 - Should citizens be responsible for their healthcare costs
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Healthcare cost is increasing, and many governments are finding it difficult to balance their healthcare budget. To tackle this issue, some people suggest that citizens should be solely responsible for their own healthcare costs with private health insurance, while others suggest that the government should provide free health services for all.
Disccuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
The issue of healthcare costs and how they should be managed is a topic of significant debate in many countries around the world. There are differing opinions on whether citizens should have the responsibility to cover their own medical expenses through private health insurance or if a comprehensive healthcare system that offers free health services to everyone is a better alternative. In my opinion, a comprehensive healthcare system that provides free health services for all is the better option.
It is true that sometimes private healthcare providers can offer better quality care and that competition between providers can drive innovation and improvements in the healthcare sector. But it is not affordable for all and the government must look after the health of its citizens.
Healthcare is a fundamental human right and should be available to all regardless of their financial situation. They believe that a system in which only those who can afford to pay for private health insurance receive the best quality care is inherently unfair. A comprehensive healthcare system also ensures that preventative care is provided to everyone, reducing the burden on emergency services and reducing the overall cost of healthcare.
Moreover, healthcare is a basic human right and should not be determined by an individual's ability to pay for private insurance. It is the responsibility of the government to provide essential services to all citizens, and healthcare is one such service. A comprehensive healthcare system will ensure that all citizens have access to quality care, regardless of their financial situation, and will reduce the overall cost of healthcare in the long term.
In conclusion, the issue of healthcare costs and the provision of healthcare services is a complex one that requires careful consideration. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the government to balance healthcare budgets and ensure that citizens have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
Model Answer 2:
A health care system is a very important part of a country as it is a key factor for the developed countries. Some countries take the responsibility of the citizen's health and provide free medical care whereas other countries think it is an individual’s responsibility. I would support the second opinion as I believe that the health insurance is affordable and it helps to get the better services.
"Nothing is free in this world", this saying is true when it comes to free medical services. Though some countries provide free medical facilities, they indirectly get that money from civilians via tax. For instance, in Australia the health service is completely free, however, the income tax is as high as 35%. On the other hand, the insurance could be economical. For example, a person is earning a thousand dollars a week can afford 50 dollars for the insurance premium. Moreover, if the income increases, it is not mandatory that the premium would also increase. It is understood that some people might not be able to afford health expenses. However, due to growing competition between insurance companies, many affordable plans are available in the market.
It could be argued that if an individual has to pay for his health, he can ignore it and that could result in an unhealthy nation in long-run. However, a free service could encourage the unnecessary visits as well. It is certainly an individual's responsibility to take care of his own health. Moreover, if hospitals have only those patients who are unwell then they could provide better service. For example, when a hospital has one hundred patients out of which only thirty patients are sick, hospitals still has to spend a considerable amount of time with other seventy patients. Patients who are actually sick could receive a far better service and attention if the remaining seventy could be eliminated.
I believe a government could focus more on other areas like infrastructure development where individual cannot contribute. Health care issue could be taken care by people with the help of insurance and better lifestyle.
A much-debated issue these days is whether citizens should take out private health insurance or not. The cost of providing free medical care for both the wealthy and the poor are far too great for any government, and most people agree that if you can pay for insurance, you should. In this essay, I will argue that all who can afford it should be insured, but free medical care must be made available for those too poor to do so.
The most important reason for encouraging people to take out private health insurance is the cost to the government of health care. Free health cover for people who are able to pay for it is a waste of public money. Of course, people will only pay health insurance premiums if they know that they are getting good value for their money. If they get sick, they should pay very little or nothing at all. In addition, the privately insured are entitled to special benefits such as having the choice of their own doctors and being able to avoid long waiting lists for hospital beds.
On the other hand, those who really cannot afford to pay private insurance premiums, which are often very high, are still entitled as citizens to the best medical care available – they cannot be expected to pay their own medical bills. However, if they are working, they should still pay a percentage of their wage (say 1 to 2%) as a tax which pays towards the cost of providing "free" medical services.
In conclusion, most people should privately insure their health, but it is unreasonable to suppose that all citizens can afford it. Therefore, a safety net in the form of a basic free health care system must exist for the very poor and the unemployed.
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