Most developed nations have government-funded health care which means that most or all citizens have access to medical facilities and treatment, as well as health insurance.

For example, the National health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom pays for citizens’ medical needs. However, in the US, there is no government-funded health policy – whether for insurance or treatment.

As a result, US citizens and residents must be insured or risk facing astronomical medical bills, garnishing of wages, and bankruptcy. Often, medical insurance (both health and dental) is included in employee benefit packages in the US and other countries. Nevertheless, the issue of affordable health insurance and treatment in the US is one of the most controversial and heated, as many cannot afford either.