A constant in society is that members of that society will suffer from illness, injury or some form of debilitating condition. Medical care on most planets is provided by dedicated, trained professionals, who work in a variety of facilities such as clinics, hospices and hospitals. On many planets, hospitals represent the peak of medical care. These dedicated facilities are equipped with the best equipment available on the world, staffed by the best medical professionals. Hospitals are the destination of choice for anyone suffering from conditions that significantly impact their health, as the range of treatment available here significantly outstrips options available at smaller healthcare facilities.

The downside of hospital care can be the cost. Depending on whether a hospital is government funded or owned by a private healthcare group, the cost to patients can vary from almost insignificant to bankrupting. Government hospitals are usually much cheaper than private ones, although waiting times can be high, and the bedside manner of the medical staff can be called into question due to stress induced by extremely high workloads. On the flip side, private hospitals generally provide a much more comfortable and personalised experience, but costs are much higher, making health insurance almost a must on many more technologically advanced worlds.