FREE HEALTH CARE

Dansk

Littlerockguy's recent post about paying for his medical care in the USA got me thinking about something I've pondered over for a while before realising you lot here probably have the answer

Because of all the treatments I've been having it has made me mightily glad I live in the UK and the bill is paid for by the National Health Service. Therefore, any medical treatment I receive is FREE. Actually, as we all know in the UK, it isn't truly free as we make National Health contributions every month from our salaries or every week from our wages. These are automatically deducted - one cannot refuse (and rightly so!). Even so, just going off my own predicament, I'm sure that I've benefitted more out of the NHS than it has out of me.

This got me to thinking about other countries. How many other countries besides the UK has a National Health Service or equivalent, i.e. one where one doesn't need to take out medical insurance as the healthcare is free?

I'm assuming Australia and Canada are two such countries?

I'd really appreciate knowing this.

Thanks,

Ian

kwintestal

Yes. It is free in Canada, however we pay for it in waiting lists. Almost a year for me to see a specialist for an initial consultation, and up to 2 years after that for the surgery I may need. 3 months for Mrs Kwin to get an MRI done. The "for profit" healthcare the US system is much better for that, as you could easily go to another hospital and get it done if the wait list is too high. We don't have that option here, however I wouldn't give up my free health care for anything.

Kwin

under74

Don't most of the northern europe countries have free healthcare? That's what I thought...I also (think) Iraq does because that's what the US government promised them.

under74

The "for profit" healthcare the US system is much better for that, as you could easily go to another hospital and get it done if the wait list is too high.

Only if you have the money kwin...you might get in but you'll be sorry later once the bill arrives for even bothering.

Dansk

Almost a year for me to see a specialist for an initial consultation, and up to 2 years after that for the surgery I may need. 3 months for Mrs Kwin to get an MRI done.

Gosh, Kwin, that's terrible, although the length of time for an MRI scan is about on par with the UK.

In the UK the government is cracking down on the length of time it takes for appointments to be given and the waiting time for operations. The latter could, at one time, take two years but now it is said it takes only months. Serious cases often do get seen extremely quickly. I had an MRI scan very quickly indeed. This was due to someone cancelling and I was slotted into their place immediately. Just within a couple of days, in fact. All because I was considered urgent!

I agree, the free health care system isn't to be traded. It takes a lot of worry out of the way.

I believe Clinton was pressing for a free health care system in the USA? Did Bush scupper it?

Ian

Aude_Sapere

Three MONTHS for an MRI?

Dang. I had one done about 2 months ago. The radiology lab actually apologized for asking me to wait 3 HOURS from the time my doctor wrote the script.

-Aude.

Lady Lee

kwin

I got my MRI within a week of them calling me to day 6 months.

It was suggested to me that when I go to the hospital for some reason to roll up to the MRI dept. I told them if there were any cancellations I could be there within a half hour. They said fine and put me on the cancellation list. The next day I got a call asking if I could make an appointment in 2 days but at 9:30 at night.

I said "Ill be there:"

Otherwise I could still be waiting.

Not that it showed anything... but then that was the problem - it didn't show anything

There is a lot of discussion here in Canada for a 2-tiered system. Everyone could get free care but if you pay $$$ you could get fast tracked.

I'm on a 2-yr waiting list for a pain clinic. It sucks

chrissy

...i thought most european union countries were under socialized healthcare...?

no socialized healthcare here. that is why i am crossing my fingers for 2008...Hill-a-ry!! Hill-a-ry!! woot woot. ;o)

carla

I live in the US and in my house you don't go unless you are dying. No complaining either unless you are willing to go to the Dr. Side note- self employed. That explains it. Kids are exempt from (in my house) they dying stipulation. Even then, chicken soup before Dr. You would not believe, some of my kids friends have to go the Dr. when they just begin to sneeze or cough! Which makes us look bad of course. But no, there is never anything the Dr. can do, just rest and maybe try some soup! So if something was going around I would wait for all the friends to go to find out if it was really something that needed a Dr.s attn or not! I know, I sound mean. But some people take such advantage of their health insurance! I have had my kids in for tests of all sorts when needed. Please don't write, 'it's for the kids'! I do take them when needed. How often did Gradma have to take the kids? A little common sense would go a long way!

ESTEE

Hi Dansk,

Nice to see you posting. I live in Vancouver, BC in Canada and health care is not free here. We pay a fee, based on our income. Furthermore, I use natural therapies and nothing is covered! Those premiums I pay are a waste of my money.

Love and light,

ESTEE

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