I am sure there have been threads on this before but after another heated discussion with a friend of mine last night (again) I am wondering what most people think.
I am French and have been living here for nearly 10 years. I can't help but comparing the French health system to the system here. We have an incredibly well thought out system in France (with pb but well thought out) where wether or not you see a consultant quickly does not depend on a life/death situation and/or if you have private health insurance.
My friend believes that health insurance is a complete waste of money and according to her, if anything really serious shoudl happen: she would get transfered abroad for treatment. She views private health insurance as a waste because you are paying for a what if? Well, what if she was to fall ill and require long treatment? the list of what if is long. I was also discussing this topic with another friend of mine who happens to be a leading consultant in her field, in this country and she nearly fainted when I said that to her.
Are my views of the system here distorted? Is it that bad? Don't take me wrong, I have been sick (mainly GP) and a few visits to A&E (severe allergies, light things) but in my case, it has always worked that fine as it was either a real emergency or my consultant friend helps me to get to the right people at the right time. What do you all think?
If in the wrong section, please feel free to move but it felt like a "shooting the breeze" post...
I am French and have been living here for nearly 10 years. I can't help but comparing the French health system to the system here. We have an incredibly well thought out system in France (with pb but well thought out) where wether or not you see a consultant quickly does not depend on a life/death situation and/or if you have private health insurance.
My friend believes that health insurance is a complete waste of money and according to her, if anything really serious shoudl happen: she would get transfered abroad for treatment. She views private health insurance as a waste because you are paying for a what if? Well, what if she was to fall ill and require long treatment? the list of what if is long. I was also discussing this topic with another friend of mine who happens to be a leading consultant in her field, in this country and she nearly fainted when I said that to her.
Are my views of the system here distorted? Is it that bad? Don't take me wrong, I have been sick (mainly GP) and a few visits to A&E (severe allergies, light things) but in my case, it has always worked that fine as it was either a real emergency or my consultant friend helps me to get to the right people at the right time. What do you all think?
If in the wrong section, please feel free to move but it felt like a "shooting the breeze" post...