What's It Really Like To Live In A Country With Universal Healthcare?
From tickld
15 Adults were asked: "People who live in a country with universal health care, what is it really like?"
1. ‘American here. Been living in the UK for 4 years. First doctors visit, I got laughs from staff when I asked "is this it? do I just leave now?” and felt guilty for leaving the office without any kind of co-pay to worry about or insurance card to flash.’ Brickmana
2. 'New Zealand here. You break your arm. You go to hospital. They operate and everything is taken care of. You go home.' Yhusama
3. ‘My little son broke his arm yesterday, we walked into casualty in a UK hospital, the receptionist took the time to talk to him and crack a few jokes, the triage nurses were great and the folks who x rayed him all took the time to show him the pictures and explain what all the bones where. The plaster guys were friendly and gentle whilst making time to tell us how to look after the cast. Walked out without it costing us anything except parking that is not already covered in my taxes. This is the NHS, not perfect but pretty freaking awesome in my book’ Aliktren
4. ‘UK here. My wife gave birth this year, via C-section. 3-night stay in hospital, private room, meals, painkillers (we've got so much leftover codeine I've thought about selling it to make a couple of mortgage overpayments), and oh yeah major surgery and post-op care. The biggest expense of the whole weekend was the sandwich I bought for lunch while visiting each day.’ Dalffalolsz
5. ‘I'm an 18 year old Australian that had heart surgery earlier this year. Without universal health care I would be either dead or thousands of dollars in debt in the next few years. I will never live in a country without it.’ mofftt
6. ‘Poland here. Endless waiting in lines.’ ffocuss
7. ‘In New Zealand, if I get hurt or sick I can show up to the ER and not worry about commas in my bill.’ dmanww
8. ‘UK here. Relative had several years of dialysis, then a kidney transplant, treatment for further complications involving a further three or four further surgical procedures. They have then also been taking a whole cocktail of meds since all this started, about ten years ago. All completely free.’ Gmona
9. ‘Japan here. I 'm single without kids, and I pay 4% of my gross income for National Health Insurance, and my employer kicks in a matching amount. Care is quite cheap. My last MRI was $60.’ Nessie
10. ‘In the UK sexual health clinics and associated medicines to treat STI's are completely free, and there are lots of clinics up and down the country that operate independently of your local GP. I have read stories of teens (and adults) in America not treating STI's because they can't afford the treatment and are too scared to go to their parents.’ diggdal
11. ‘France here: you won’t be bankrupt because you had cancer or something and lost your job. Most medical expenses are fully reimbursed by the Social Security. We pay for it: taxes are heavier than in the US, but all in all it works quite well.’ graendallstud
12. ‘Swede here, since I’ve grown up with it it's not really a big deal for me. For example; 10 years ago, when I was 8, my brother chopped my index finger off. I went to the hospital, got everything taken care of, and went home.’ Gnadalf
13. ‘Canadian here. When we get sick or hurt. the cost of healthcare is the last thing on our minds. I imagine it would be my first concern if I lived in the States.’ prestidigit8or
14. ‘American living in Denmark here. I don't have to worry about cost. If I need to go to the doctor, I can without having to budget for it. My medicine is cheaper as is my healthcare overall. I find it comforting that everyone pays a little so that everyone - even tourists who get hurt during vacation, can get taken care of.’ Ipsey
15. ‘My Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, luckily it's not too serious but she opted for chemo just to be safe. She didn't pay a cent for ANYTHING. Also, she just had her last round of chemo today, and the cancer society had a function for her, as well as many others. They got given a shitload of free makeup and products simply to make them feel beautiful again. Not even accommodation for the 5 weeks she had to stay away from home. This is New Zealand.’ jamtisk
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