Latest Moan From You and Me 2024

That, imo would be an unmitigated disaster, @Loofah. I have worked in both systems and the USA provides no care if you are poor, and very expensive, often unnecessary care if you are insured.

I do however agree, that we might need to change our model, and I think the most likely is to adopt the European insurance model.

 

I'm already paying into a kind of half private insurance but you need the GP to set the ball rolling, its always getting past the receptionist that is the problem, once you get into the system things get better in my experience.

I have relatives in Australia and they pay into insurance, I dont think its particularly un affordable and they seem to get pretty prompt treatment, basically whatever they seem to ask for, in fact often more than they asked for.

 

You have raised one of my major concerns, @pete, some Insurance Systems can lead to over treatment. The Australian system, is fee for service, everything that is done has a cost. Human nature means that some people will get over treated.

 

I had private insurance in the UK through my work, BUPA. When we came here in 2001 J checked what private would cost and put that amount i an "ear marked£ account. We do the same for our cats. We have both had Cancer since being here and the SNS/NHS automatically pays for that. My first hip replacement was done immediately on the SNS/NHS due to emergency accident. I have had my knee replaced and a hip revision (due to an e-Coli Infection in my leg and my hip removed for six months, paid for privately from our "fund". We only see Private Doctors and Dentists now paid for by our "fund". We get appointments promptly. Now in our mid 70s we cannot "arse about" (excuse me) with the State (who were exceellent).

 

The problem is I dont like paying for both, ok now retired, but I paid in for 50yrs and got little out until recently, but been paying into, basically a queue jumpers scheme, for the last 20 yrs as well.
I'm glad I did as it got both knees replaced and without it I'd probably still be waiting to get the first one done.

I doubt the NHS will get sorted out in my lifetime.

 

Well you only have to see how vets operate over here.
Its stupid money for a couple of tablets.

 

My nephew who lives in Florida had appendicitus ... and the emergency op cost $150,000!!! Fortunately he had German insurance cover at the time. My Sister's daily Chemo tablets cost $5,000 a week, again German insurance covered it.

 

Thank you @Fat Controller, I'll get some

I recently paid £98 for a vet consultation for Bella, when she had an examination with a vet who was more interested in fiddling with a keyboard and screen than listening to me, and then another £45 for a follow up visit ...
and in the end I found out it was the cheese she craves which was giving her an upset stomach (she likes the Cathedral City make)
No more cheese for Bella, she can sit looking at the fridge door as much as she wants but it will not open

 

I think it is 39 Euros for a Vet Consultation here.