Systems vary dramatically: Switzerland mandates private basic insurance (LAMal/KVG) for every resident with regulated benefits but variable premiums by canton and insurer. The US mixes employer-sponsored, ACA marketplaces and government programs (Medicare, Medicaid). Most EU countries run statutory single-payer systems funded through taxes or income contributions.
Picking a plan involves trade-offs: lower premium typically means higher deductible and narrower network. Healthy individuals may prefer high-deductible plans paired with HSAs; chronic conditions argue for lower-deductible plans even at higher premium.
A Zurich resident pays CHF 380/month for basic insurance with a CHF 2,500 franchise; in a healthy year they pay only premiums (~CHF 4,560), in a bad year up to CHF 7,060 before insurance covers 100%.