What characterized the Pre-industrial Era of healthcare?

The Pre-industrial Era of healthcare is characterized by a lack of insurance and few institutions. During this period, healthcare was primarily limited to personal services provided by individuals without formal training, often within a family or community setting. The medical practices were rudimentary, and healthcare institutions such as hospitals were rare. Most people relied on home remedies, herbal treatments, and the limited knowledge available at that time, reflecting a fragmented healthcare system without the organizational structure observed in later periods. This absence of insurance meant that patients often paid out of pocket for any care they received, leading to disparities in access to healthcare services. This context underscores the significant challenges in healthcare delivery before the establishment of more formal systems and financing models that became prevalent in subsequent eras.