Real Article: The Cost of Care
You injure your leg. At the hospital, the doctor is kind, the treatment is quick — but the bill? Enormous.
Around the world, access to healthcare varies. In countries with universal coverage, medical treatment is often free or low-cost. In others, private hospitals dominate, and affordability becomes a major barrier.
The debate is fierce: Should healthcare be a public service or a personal responsibility?
Next time you take medicine or see a doctor, ask: who paid for this — you or the system?
Vocabulary Deep Dive
| Word | Synonym | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Medical services | “Healthcare” is a broad system; “medical services” focuses on action. |
| Universal coverage | Free care | “Universal coverage” is formal, policy-based; “free care” is informal. |
| Affordability | Cost-effectiveness | “Affordability” is individual-level; “cost-effectiveness” is system-level. |
| Public vs. private | State-funded vs. for-profit | A key contrast in healthcare models. |
There — now you can discuss systems, not just symptoms.
Article 2: Who Should Pay?
Sweden offers universal coverage — funded by taxes, not patients. In contrast, in the United States, many people struggle with affordability, often delaying treatment due to cost.
Advocates of public healthcare say that it promotes equality. Everyone, regardless of income, gets the care they need. Critics argue that public systems face long waiting times and high taxes.
Private healthcare, while faster and more specialised, can lead to inequality. In many places, only the wealthy get timely treatment.
The future? Most experts agree: a hybrid system is likely — combining public access with private efficiency.
IELTS Reading Test
- What are two benefits of public healthcare mentioned in Article 2?
- Complete the sentence:
“In contrast, in the United States, many people struggle with ______.” - True / False / Not Given:
Private healthcare is cheaper than public healthcare. - Multiple Choice:
What is one criticism of universal coverage?
A. It leads to higher inequality
B. It results in lower quality care
C. It creates long waiting times
D. It’s less efficient than private care - Matching Headings (Article 2):
- A. Costs and Delays
- B. Private vs. Public Access
- C. Hybrid Systems
- D. Global Healthcare Equality
Suggested Answer
- Equality and access for all 2. affordability 3. Not Given 4. C. It creates long waiting times 5. A, B, D, C
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Focus Vocabulary: healthcare | universal coverage | affordability | public vs. private
Warm-Up:
- How is healthcare provided in your country?
- Do you think medical care should be free for everyone?
- Have you ever experienced a public or private hospital?
Band 6 Style:
“I went to hospital. It was cheap. But waiting was long.”
Band 7 Style:
“Universal healthcare is available in my country, which improves access. However, affordability is still a concern in private hospitals, especially for major surgeries.”
Try This Frame:
“In my view, ______ is essential for healthcare. I believe combining ______ and improving ______ could help create a fair system.”
You just spoke like a policymaker. Clear. Structured. Persuasive.
IELTS Writing Challenge
Task 2 Prompt:
Some people think healthcare should be free for all. Others believe individuals should pay for medical services.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 7 Sample:
“Free healthcare ensures equality and saves lives, especially for low-income citizens. However, some argue that personal responsibility and private care improve system efficiency. A combination of both systems may be the best solution.”
Structure Plan:
- Intro — highlight both views
- Para 1 — arguments for free healthcare
- Para 2 — arguments for private responsibility
- Conclusion — balanced view with preference for hybrid
Use These Words: healthcare, affordability, universal coverage, public vs. private
Grammar Focus: Modals of Necessity
Structure:
• must, should, have to — express obligation or necessity
• can, could — express possibility or suggestion
Examples:
• “Governments must invest in healthcare to ensure public safety.”
• “Patients should not delay treatment because of cost.”
Practice:
- Rewrite: It’s necessary to offer free care.
→ Governments must offer free care. - Your Turn:
Use: affordability, universal coverage, healthcare
These modal verbs give your writing authority — critical for IELTS Band 7+.
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
Should healthcare be a public responsibility?
Plan:
- Healthcare is a basic need.
- Universal coverage helps low-income groups.
- Private systems may offer better quality but create inequality.
- A fair system combines access with quality.
Your Mission: Write a 4-sentence body paragraph using today’s vocabulary.
That’s real argument-building. You just made a case like a global policymaker.
Final Reflection
✔️ You’ve just:
• Explored healthcare systems across countries
• Learned academic vocabulary with precision
• Practised reading, writing, and speaking tasks
• Strengthened your grammar with modal verbs
• Written structured ideas with professional clarity
To learn how to use concession and rebuttal structures in high-band IELTS essays, business writing, and university arguments — join the full course now.
This topic connects to another essential IELTS lesson—check it out here: