You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many societies in the world, the population is ageing rapidly, and this is leading to an unsustainable increase in the cost of public healthcare. A nation’s population should pay for their healthcare provision in the future.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 1
In this modern world, the number of aged population is increasing rapidly and causing exponential rise of medical expenses which is argued to be carried by people themselves. I strongly agree with this statement because it is obvious that as the aged population increase, the medical budget will follow suit, and governments will not be able to control it.
With the rapid rise of aged population, a government needs to trade-off between the gigantic public healthcare cost and its citizens’ other fundamental requirements. If the healthcare burden lies on the government, it struggles to finance other essential public services such as education, housing, food, and employment. This financial strain has knock-on-effects because the public authority must impose tax on people to finance the healthcare funding deficit, which eventually raises the general living cost and affects people’s crucial decisions regarding family planning and lifestyle. This vicious cycle ends with a soared number of aged population and declined birth rate in tandem.
In addition, public healthcare funding may instigate overconsumption and wastage because when people find that it is free of cost, they tend to visit doctors even when they are unnecessary. Also, people are mostly less caring about healthy lifestyle if they know that it is free to avail any medical assistance anytime. Studies suggest that people in the countries where medical expenses are free or subsidized partially live predominantly unhealthy life, visit doctors too frequently, exploit medical diagnosis and tend to waste medicines. In these circumstances, if they are supposed to pay for their own medical expenses, they would harness the maximum benefit out of it, using the service in the most efficient way.
To conclude, governments’ healthcare funding due to increased ageing population comes at the costs of providing citizens’ fundamental rights such as education, infrastructure, food and so forth. Therefore, as the rate of aged population is skyrocketing, the onus is on people to bear their own healthcare burden in near future.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 2
In contemporary societies globally, an accelerating ageing population trend poses significant challenges to the sustainability of public healthcare financing. The proposition that individuals should bear the financial responsibility for their future healthcare has sparked a complex debate. This essay contends that while personal contributions are essential, they cannot be the sole solution; a multifaceted approach is required, incorporating governmental support and innovation in healthcare delivery.
Firstly, personal financial responsibility for healthcare can incentivize individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, potentially decreasing the overall burden on public health systems. For example, knowing the financial implications of unhealthy choices might encourage people to avoid tobacco, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. This proactive stance could significantly reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart conditions, which are expensive to treat and are prevalent among older populations. However, this approach presumes that individuals have the means and access to make such lifestyle changes, overlooking socioeconomic disparities.
Secondly, the exclusive reliance on individuals to finance their healthcare overlooks the role of collective societal support through government programs. Healthcare is not merely a personal responsibility but a societal investment in the well-being and productivity of its citizens. For instance, countries with universal healthcare systems, funded through taxation, often experience higher life expectancies and lower healthcare costs per capita. These systems ensure that no individual is denied access to necessary care due to financial constraints, highlighting the importance of shared responsibility in healthcare provision.
In conclusion, while the financial sustainability of healthcare systems in the face of an ageing population is a pressing concern, the solution does not lie solely in shifting the burden to individuals. A balanced approach, integrating personal responsibility with government support and healthcare innovation, is essential to ensure equitable and effective healthcare for all, regardless of age. This strategy acknowledges the complexity of healthcare challenges and the need for a collective response to address them comprehensively.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 3
The escalating costs of public healthcare, driven by a rapidly ageing population worldwide, present a daunting challenge to many societies. This phenomenon has sparked a contentious debate: should individuals bear the financial responsibility for their healthcare in the future? I assert that while personal financial contributions are essential, a balanced approach, integrating both government support and individual responsibility, is crucial. The ensuing discussion will delve into the sustainability of healthcare financing and the role of personal responsibility therein.
Firstly, the unsustainable surge in healthcare costs attributed to an ageing demographic necessitates a reevaluation of funding models. Governments traditionally shoulder the majority of healthcare expenses through taxation. However, as life expectancy increases, the strain on public resources intensifies, compromising the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. Personal contributions, whether through insurance premiums or healthcare savings accounts, could alleviate this pressure. For example, Singapore's healthcare model, which incorporates mandatory health savings accounts (Medisave), exemplifies how personal savings can complement public funding, ensuring both sustainability and accessibility.
Secondly, promoting personal responsibility in healthcare financing encourages individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. When people bear a portion of their healthcare costs, they are more inclined to engage in preventive measures, reducing the overall demand for healthcare services. This proactive approach not only mitigates the financial burden on the healthcare system but also fosters a healthier population. For instance, countries with high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses often report lower rates of lifestyle-related diseases, underscoring the potential benefits of individual financial participation in health management.
In conclusion, the ageing global population challenges public healthcare's sustainability. However, a balanced approach, blending government support with individual contributions, can ensure healthcare systems' longevity. Adopting models like Singapore's, which promote personal savings and responsibility, provides a practical solution to these challenges, safeguarding citizens' health and well-being amidst demographic changes and rising healthcare demands.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Comments