How is private healthcare defined?

Private healthcare is characterized by the fact that it operates on a fee-for-service basis, where individuals pay for medical services directly or through private health insurance. This model allows healthcare providers to charge for their services, which can include a range of treatments, consultations, and procedures. The private healthcare sector can offer various options that might not be available through public services, and it allows patients greater choice in terms of providers, facilities, and treatment plans.

In contrast, the other definitions do not align with the concept of private healthcare. For instance, healthcare provided for free typically refers to services covered by public healthcare systems or charities, which is not applicable to private healthcare. Emergency-only services suggest a limited scope of care that doesn't reflect the comprehensive nature of services available in private settings. Lastly, healthcare funded by government grants pertains to public or governmental healthcare programs, rather than the privately funded systems characterized by charging fees for services.