In 15 Seconds
- Refers to all medical services provided by professionals.
- Used for systems, insurance, and general medical industry topics.
- Can be written as one word or two words.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the entire system of doctors, nurses, and hospitals that keep people healthy. It covers everything from getting a check-up to having a major surgery.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a new job
Does your new job offer good health care benefits?
Does your new job offer good health care benefits?
Complaining about costs
The cost of health care is getting ridiculous these days!
The cost of health care is getting ridiculous these days!
In a formal meeting
We need to improve access to health care in rural areas.
We need to improve access to health care in rural areas.
Cultural Background
Health care is primarily private and tied to employment. It is a highly polarizing political topic, often centered on the 'Affordable Care Act' (Obamacare). The National Health Service (NHS) provides 'free at the point of use' health care. It is a source of great national pride and is funded through taxes. Japan has a statutory health insurance system that provides universal coverage. It is known for high-tech equipment and frequent doctor visits. Canada has a publicly funded health care system called Medicare. While the government pays, the services are delivered by private providers.
One word or two?
When in doubt, use two words ('health care'). It is always correct, whereas 'healthcare' is sometimes rejected in formal American styles.
Not for pills
Remember, you don't 'take health care.' You 'receive' it or 'have' it. Use 'medicine' for pills.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to all medical services provided by professionals.
- Used for systems, insurance, and general medical industry topics.
- Can be written as one word or two words.
What It Means
Health care is a big, umbrella term. It describes the organized provision of medical services. It is not just about being sick. It is about the whole industry of staying well. Think of it as the 'maintenance' for your body. Just like a car needs a mechanic, humans need health care professionals.
How To Use It
You can use it as a noun. It often acts like a single concept. You will see it used to describe services or costs. For example, you might talk about health care quality. You can also use it as an adjective. In this case, you might say health care worker. It is very versatile in daily life.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about the medical system. It is perfect for discussing insurance or doctor visits. Use it when chatting about your job if you work in a clinic. It fits well in news discussions about government policy. It is also common when comparing different countries. You might say, "The health care here is great!"
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple hygiene. Washing your hands is not health care. That is just personal cleanliness. Also, do not use it for fitness alone. Going to the gym is 'exercise', not health care. Avoid using it when you mean a specific medicine. If you need an aspirin, don't ask for health care. Ask for the pill!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking countries, this is a hot topic. In the US, it is often linked to jobs and insurance. In the UK or Canada, it is seen as a public right. People have very strong feelings about how it is paid for. It is a frequent subject of political debates. It is more than just medicine; it is a social value.
Common Variations
You will often see it written as one word: healthcare. Both are correct, but health care is more traditional. You might hear primary care for your regular doctor. Universal health care means everyone gets it for free. Mental health care focuses on the mind and emotions. These variations help you be more specific.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, highly versatile phrase. Be careful not to use it as a countable noun; use 'services' or 'providers' if you need to talk about specific units.
One word or two?
When in doubt, use two words ('health care'). It is always correct, whereas 'healthcare' is sometimes rejected in formal American styles.
Not for pills
Remember, you don't 'take health care.' You 'receive' it or 'have' it. Use 'medicine' for pills.
Job Benefits
In a job interview, always ask about 'health care benefits' rather than just 'health care' to sound more professional.
Sensitive Topic
Be careful when discussing health care costs with Americans; it can be a very stressful and personal subject.
Examples
6Does your new job offer good health care benefits?
Does your new job offer good health care benefits?
Refers to the insurance plan provided by an employer.
The cost of health care is getting ridiculous these days!
The cost of health care is getting ridiculous these days!
A common conversational complaint about medical expenses.
We need to improve access to health care in rural areas.
We need to improve access to health care in rural areas.
Used in a policy or professional planning context.
Just at the health care clinic for a quick checkup.
Just at the health care clinic for a quick checkup.
Informal shorthand for a medical facility.
My health care plan is basically just eating an apple a day and hoping for the best.
My health care plan is basically just eating an apple a day and hoping for the best.
A joke about the high cost or complexity of the system.
I just want my grandmother to have the best health care possible.
I just want my grandmother to have the best health care possible.
Shows emotional investment in someone's medical treatment.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The government is trying to reduce the cost of ________ for elderly citizens.
We use the uncountable noun 'health care' to refer to the system.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the correct sentence:
Here, 'health care' is used as an adjective to describe her job.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why are you looking for a new job? B: I need a company that provides better ________.
'Health care benefits' is a common collocation in business English.
Match the phrase to the context.
In which situation would you most likely hear 'universal health care'?
'Universal health care' is a major political topic regarding government-provided services.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Health Care vs. Self-Care
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe government is trying to reduce the cost of ________ for elderly citizens.
We use the uncountable noun 'health care' to refer to the system.
Choose the correct sentence:
Here, 'health care' is used as an adjective to describe her job.
A: Why are you looking for a new job? B: I need a company that provides better ________.
'Health care benefits' is a common collocation in business English.
In which situation would you most likely hear 'universal health care'?
'Universal health care' is a major political topic regarding government-provided services.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are used. 'Health care' (two words) is more traditional in the US, while 'healthcare' (one word) is common in the UK and in modern digital media.
No. You should say 'I am going to the doctor' or 'I am going to a health care facility.'
It is a system where every citizen has access to medical services, usually funded by the government.
Yes, they are very similar, but 'health care' is the more common term for the entire industry.
Use a hyphen: 'He is a health-care worker.'
No, it is usually uncountable. You don't say 'three health cares.'
It refers to the first level of contact, like your family doctor or a local clinic.
Yes, 'mental health care' is a very common and correct phrase.
Because in many places, medical technology and insurance are very expensive for individuals or governments.
It is a formal term for a doctor, hospital, or clinic that gives medical services.
Related Phrases
medical insurance
similarA type of insurance that covers medical expenses.
public health
builds onThe health of the population as a whole.
self-care
contrastActions individuals take to maintain their own health.
primary care
specialized formBasic or general health care.
