Originally Posted by Paul Markham

The difference is the State covers it. There's not the same rich lawyers living off suing hospitals for the least possible reason, even though that's changing fast. There's not insurance companies making billions of dollars profit and trying to make more all the time. The poor, disadvantages and those unable to pay for any reason are covered. People are not terrified of losing their jobs because it means losing their health insurance, employers are often paying less to cover employees than in America.

Yes our system isn't perfect and yours is for those able to finds $200 (approx) a month to ensure good medical cover. But if they want to retire, get a very bad accident, disease or any ailment and stop paying. Or if you need treatment that isn't covered. They are still covered. The Insurance companies would of cut me off long ago.

Also covers us for pensions. Small and needs topping up. Still stops people falling through the cracks as best it can.

My 83 year old Mother is diabetic. She lived in the US until recently. Someone was driving to Mexico to buy her drugs, she couldn't just walk into a hospital, a rest home would of cost a fortune.

She's English and flew home. Now lives in a State paid retirement apartment and last week when she was taken ill was rushed to hospital and will stay there for a week. FREE of charge to her.

Her drugs, doctor and anything else are free of course. And no questions asked.