Has a Canadian or a European ever complained about their health care system and wish it to be a free market?

Question

Long lines have usually been for none threatening issues where you could wait. As for specialist, every country may consider another specialist for specific diseases. This is also the case for the US.

I know I don't and every other Canadian i have met either. I am not sure why most Americans think this.

Answer 1

I`m a canadian and know people at times have to wait months for an operation and know this past year many women had to go from BC to Washington state to have there baby due to lack of beds and many are in hallways during emergency because of lack of beds,I know people that can afford it go to the USA for surgery that they would have to wait for here in canada.

Answer 2

Complain?Sure,those health care systems aren't perfect but they still are way better than what America does.Ask for the free market to own the place?No way.
The free market is about making profits and as health care in America shows that means if it is more cost effective to let someone die then so be it.
I wouldn't trait our Belgian system for anything else.I truly believe it's the best in the world because it also addressed some of the weak points that often come with Universal healthcare.

You can be assured of the highest-quality medical care in Belgium, regarded as among the best healthcare systems in Europe. As in most countries, the system divides itself into state and private, though fees are payable in both, so you need to ensure that you are adequately covered through either the state insurance and/or private insurance. The advantages of the state mutuelle/mutualiteit scheme is that you can choose any doctor, clinic or hospital you like, in any location and without referral, according to your needs in much the same way as you can with private insurance.

General practitioners can be found in private practices or attached to clinics and hospitals and you are free to consult or register with any you like.

Similarly with specialist consultants. It may be a decision based on location, language or recommendation. It's always worth speaking to neighbours or colleagues when you first arrive; everyone knows of a doctor, or has heard of one with a good reputation.

Answer 3

I personally know 15 Canadians that have left to live in the US. All of them have left because of taxes. While they did not specifically complain about the health care system, I guess they indirectly did because of the tax situation.

Answer 4

Most Canadians like their health care system the way it is. There are shorter lines for care in Canada, the U.K., and in France. Those who decry socialized medicine, spread the myth that it doesn't work well or it results in long lines and problems.

Answer 5

Actually, I have.

I once knew someone from Finland who said his family, although they could, would never use the state sponsored health providers and always go to a private doctor for their concerns.

He complained of lines of lines and claimed that you got poorer service. This person moved to Russia and had the same complaint there afterwards

I really haven't asked anyone else. Maybe, if you can afford to pay for it, you automatically increase the value of the service in your own mind. You appreciate it more. Otherwise, I honestly don't know because I've never had to rely on these systems or have spoken to someone from Canada etc about it.

I think that people rely on a system (health or education) too much and that is the problem with it. So is that the system's fault or the people who decide to rely only on that and make themselves incapable of acting independently? I think it's the person's fault if it makes them lazy, co-dependent and unable to take matters in their own hands when necessary!


As for schools and other systems, I went to public school and still managed to have the ability to think for myself.
I believe that many people who complain about public schools, well they either went to public school and feel they missed out on something (basically whiners) or they went to private school and feel they are better than everyone else. Either way, the problem is with them. Education is supposed to teach you how to think ON YOUR OWN!! Not how to mimic a lesson no matter how brilliant the lesson.

Answer 6

Ask your own people. There are thousands who come to the USA from Canada or from England because they wait six months or more for major stuff like heart surgery.

This is common knowledge. Not a secret.

When you ask the government to pay for something, you are really asking the taxpayers to pay for it. The government runs our schools-what a success! There is nothing that the governement can do to keep costs down in a "free" healthcare system EXCEPT ration services. That means you get seriously ill and you get to wait.

Sorry if that seems offensive to you.

As for the American system-- I can call my doctor and be seen in the same day, if my condition merits it. I can go to a clinic and walk in with no appointment and be seent the same day. Waits are common, but we're talking about hours, not weeks...

Answer 7

Here's an interesting Q&A on the subject:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtlEVTNIvEVfin8ng8Pv26_ty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070809053652AAs9R69

Answer 8

allright whats up with all the idiots on here spreading **** like 'canadians have to wait months for heart surgery'.

stop spreading false lies just because you're jealous of the fact that I can get surgery, and have prolonged hospital stays without having to sell my life belongings to pay for the bill.

Answer 9

i doubt it.

how many americans really think that their health should be controlled by corporations who want to make money at all costs.

whenever you hear insane cons calling dems socialist, it's code for wanting universal healthcare...

Answer 10

I have heard of americans being refused care for lack of money. My sister worked in a hospital in Calif. women in labour came in no money they shipped her off to a county hospital this doesnt happen in Canada