Final answer:
Universal healthcare guarantees coverage for all, with services often from private providers, while socialized medicine involves government ownership of healthcare services and employment of providers. Canada has universal healthcare, whereas the NHS in Great Britain is an example of socialized medicine. The U.S. Veterans Health Administration is a socialized system, distinct from the largely private U.S. healthcare system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Universal healthcare describes a health system where healthcare coverage is guaranteed for everyone, while socialized medicine describes one in which the government owns and operates the healthcare facilities and healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurses, are government employees. A prominent example of socialized medicine is the National Health System (NHS) in Great Britain, providing free healthcare to all its residents. In contrast, countries like Germany, Singapore, and Canada have implemented universal healthcare systems where the funding is public, and the services are often provided by private entities. In Canada, under the Canada Health Act of 1970, healthcare coverage must meet several criteria, including being available to all eligible Canadian residents and publicly administered, while the actual healthcare services are provided by private providers.
The Veterans Health Administration in the United States is an example of a socialized system, as it is government-owned and operates with government-employed healthcare providers. Meanwhile, the U.S.'s healthcare system overall is predominantly private, with government programs like Medicare and Medicaid providing coverage for certain groups of the population.