Currently living in the UK. A British friend of mine once summed up the difference between US and UK Healthcare as follows: "In the USA you look on firearms possession as a right and Healthcare as a privilege whereas we look on Healthcare as a right and firearms possession as a privilege" I think he pretty much nailed it! 🙂
@@theworldtoexplore Believe me when I tell you that the US attitude towards firearms fills the average Brit with horror. They think that we are nuts to be so loose with them. My buddy did some math from reliable sources that showed that the average American is 192 times more likely to die in non suicide firearms violence than the average Brit. They don't even routinely arm their cops because they don't need to; gun crime is so very, very rare. 😳
Living in Denmark and is 64 years old. During my life I have had my share of visits to hospital, both emergency (including with ambulance) and for planned visits, both as kid and as adult. Some was minor things, but I have also had eye surgery and recent a nose surgery. I have never paid a single dime out my pocket for this, apart of what I pay in tax. And I pay it with pleasure. Same goes for doctor appointments - I call my doctor in the morning and always get a time later for the day. Never paid a single dime, no matter if it is my normal doctor or a specialist. Of course some may pay more in tax than they use and others use it more than they pay. But this way everybody can be healthy and it helps the whole society.
That’s a powerful perspective on the benefits of universal healthcare. Denmark’s system seems to embody the idea of contributing for the greater good, ensuring everyone has access to essential care. It’s inspiring to hear how smoothly it works for both routine and specialized treatments. Do you feel this model also improves the overall health consciousness of society?
This weekend I came down with a bad fever of 106.7 °F. I called my work and let them know that I was sick. Then I called the doctor and got an appointment an hour and a half later. The doctor then gave me a sick note for the week and prescribed me some medication for €3. Now I'm sitting here on my bed watching the video while I wait to get completely healthy. I had a 5-week paid vacation and Tuesday would have been my first day back. Greetings to all from Baden-Württemberg in Germany✌😊
The best thing is : if you get sick during your vacation you don't lose these vacation days. They turn into sick days and you can take still take the vacation days later.
What i don't understand is, that most americans say that they don't want to pay more taxes to have universal healthcare but on the other hand they wouldn't have to pay for their insurance anymore and for those absurd medical bills which is from what i see a lot more than the amount of taxes we have to pay here in Germany. I have the highest tax class, no kids no spouse, so i have to pay the highest amount of taxes someone has to pay in Germany. I have a gross income of 3.800 € per month and i'm loosing about 1.100 € on taxes per month. The net income is more than enough to have a really good life for a middle class worker and i can see a doctor whenever i want and can get the treatment that every human being deserves for free.
It’s such a good point-there’s this disconnect where many Americans see "higher taxes" as a bad thing without realizing they’re already paying way more through premiums, deductibles, and insane medical bills. Your setup in Germany, even with high taxes, sounds way more logical-less stress about healthcare, and you still live comfortably. Do you think it’s just the fear of change, or is it that many Americans don’t realize how much they’re actually paying for healthcare already?
@@theworldtoexplore Thanks for the reply, your question is a tough one 😅. I can only make assumptions, i believe some americans want to change the systems becaue they see what's wrong but the majority is fine with how things are. Maybe they are afraid of the IRS, from what i know the tax system and the IRS is a nightmare to deal with and it's better to deal with the devil you know instead of fighting a new devil when the goverment changes the tax system to include universal healthcare. Humanity has always been afraid of the unknown 😄 The worst possible assumption that i can make is that americans are so indoctrinated by what they've been told, that they really believe that universal healthcare is a bad thing. When you lie to people often enough they will believe it's true and since most americans will most likely never leave the country and the bubble they live in, they will know nothing of "what could be". Unfortunately this is from my personal perspective the most possible option. oh and i looked at my last paycheck, last month i payed 319,20 € for my healthcare insurance, the rest was nursing care insurance, unemployment insurance, pension and payroll tax. Not bad for just one month of free healthcare 😁
I guess it’s the fear of change, but also all the BS the political class talk about universal healthcare being Communism in action, when really those in charge are just scarring the ordinary people to ensure the gravy train never stops flowing into their bank accounts
That’s such a thoughtful answer! You’re right-fear of the unknown and being stuck in a bubble can definitely hold people back from wanting change, even if it’s for the better. The indoctrination angle is tough to argue with too-when a system feeds you the same narrative for decades, it’s hard to see alternatives. And wow, €319.20 for healthcare is a steal compared to what most Americans pay monthly just for insurance premiums, let alone copays and deductibles.
Exactly! It’s all about protecting their own interests while keeping people scared of “big bad Communism.” It’s wild how effective that narrative still is, even when the rest of the world proves universal healthcare works.
With regards to preventative care, in the UK I get (free) bi-annual Wellman checkups (bloods and other tests), bi-annual bowel cancer checks and other reviews when required. As a 69 year old, I have had bone density checks, balance and strength tests etc. I am pretty healthy but it's good to have this reassurance.
That’s fantastic! Preventative care like this is such a game-changer-it catches potential issues early and keeps people healthier for longer. Do you think this approach significantly reduces the strain on the NHS in the long run?
It’s usually far quicker to see a doctor in Europe than the US, you phone up and get an appointment or just go to the hospital, you might have a few hours wait if it isn’t an emergency or urgent but you will be seen. Priority is given by need, people with life threatening conditions or injuries are seen first, money doesn’t come into it.
That sounds like a much more humane approach. In the U.S., even if you get an appointment quickly, the cost can be a huge barrier for many. But you're right, not all systems are flawless-like in France, where the healthcare system is facing real challenges.
In the Netherlands you have to go to your own doctor, who will refer you to the hospital if necessary. If you go to the hospital without going to your doctor first they will send you away if there is no real emergency.
Makes sense-they want to keep the system streamlined and avoid overcrowding hospitals. But I can imagine it’s frustrating if you think you need a specialist and have to jump through the GP hoop first. Have you ever had a situation where you felt it slowed things down, or does it usually work out okay?
@@theworldtoexplore I never had any problems with that, doctors can do a lot themselves and if they don't know what to do they will say it and write a referral letter so that you can make an appointment with the specialist and hospital of your choice.
@@theworldtoexplore It isn't a;ways the GP that refers you to a specialist. I saw my GP with severe eczema, he called in the specialist nurse to look at it and later when the nurse was treating me, she decided I should be seen by the lymphoedema team. While I was in hospital having a couple of stents fitted, blood tests showed I was dehydrated, and they referred me to the nephrology department at my local hospital. I am in the UK.
Hello. In Norway, the vast majority of people see paying taxes as an investment in their own and others lifes, for my own part, I love hiking in the mountains, skiing etc... I go hiking alone a lot and therefore have an emergency tracker in my backpack. Rescue operations in the mountains are free, even if it means a trip by ambulance helicopter... not to mention free education, social safety net... It feels more like paying taxes is like paying someone to look after your back if something goes wrong, and it gives an incredible feeling of freedom.
Thanks for sharing that perspective! It's really inspiring to hear how taxes in Norway are viewed as a way to invest in the collective well-being and provide that sense of security. The idea of being able to enjoy the mountains and wilderness with the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is available if needed is truly incredible. It sounds like Norway has really nailed the balance between personal freedom and social safety
In Italy, we choose a doctor from a list provided by the national health insurance. You go for a visit.. cost zero. The doctor gives you a prescription.. with that you can go to any pharmacy and get the medicines.. some are free of charge, and some have a low fee. If you feel sick at the weekend, holidays, or nights... you can go to medical clinic and get visited by a doctor... cost zero. Otherwise, you can call a service where a doctor on call will come to visit you at home in an hour or so.. cost zero. If you really feel sick, you call an ambulance that takes to a nearby hospital.. after a queue.. you get visited and come out with a prescription, x-rays, or even surgery.. whatever you need. Cost zero.
Wow, the Italian healthcare system sounds incredibly accessible and efficient-thank you for sharing! It’s amazing how many services are covered at no cost. Do you feel like this system works well for everyone, or are there challenges in terms of wait times or availability in certain areas?
I currently have repeat prescriptions for 4 different medications for long term conditions. Total cost £0.00. Total cost for hospital visits £0.00. The NHS is amazing.
That’s incredible! Having essential medications and hospital care covered removes so much financial stress. Do you feel the NHS still delivers good care despite the funding and waiting time challenges?
@ These criticisms are from people who believe that every service should be exploited for the benefit of the few. We,in the UK are blessed to have the benefits of some complicated men,who nonetheless gave their best ideas for the benefit of the few,this within a capitalist system……(they were socialists btw😂)
UK here. I am in my sixties, and am currently suffering from an autoimmune condition. In 2024, I had: - 7 visits to my GP (General Practitioner doctor) EDIT: and five telephone consultations. - 14 appointments with five different types of hospital consultant specialist - 12 Sessions in hospital for steroid infusion treatment - 9 further hospital appointments with cardiology, endocrinology, rheumatology and pulmonology specialist professionals. - 1 MRI scan - 1 Ultrasound scan - 1 Chest X-ray - 35 (or close enough) blood tests - 7 vaccinations (flu, Covid x3, shingles x2, pneumonia) - 3 hospital and one optician eye tests - 2 dental checkups - 1 set of dental x-rays - 3 routine screenings - 1 hearing test - 1 ear wax removal - 6 ongoing monthly prescriptions for different medicines - 3 shorter-term monthly prescriptions for part of the year, all currently ongoing. All told, I had far more medical care etc in the last 12 months than I have ever had in any year before, by a long way. What would all that lost cost in the US? The UK system for NHS dental care is currently totally broken. And you have to pay anyway. I pay instead through a private scheme, costing around £35 p.m. That covered all the dental costs above. I paid £180 privately to see one of the consultant specialists. And I paid for the ear wax removal, as that is something else the NHS no longer covers in our area. Other than that, the total cost to me of EVERYTHING else on that crazy long list was £149. And ALL of that was hospital car parking charges! Yup, Americans - £149. I would not claim it was all perfect. The hospital admin and follow-up was sometimes dreadful (one department in particular), and the waiting times for "non-urgent" consultations and follow-up were sometimes many months, But all the clinical staff, without exception, were excellent, as were all the clinical treatments and tests. Paying for all that lot privately would cost something like £16,000, PLUS the cost of all the medicines, from a quick reckoning-up. Even then, I suspect that cost would be a fraction of what you would pay in the US?
Wow, that’s an incredible amount of care for such a low cost-especially compared to the US, where this could easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. Sure, the NHS has its issues, like long waits and gaps in coverage for things like dental or ear care, but it’s amazing that you got the treatment you needed without being buried in medical debt. It really shows the value of having a system like this, even if it’s not perfect.
In my country The Netherlands whether it is medical treatment or medications, the costs of those are covered , there are no considerations concerning costs of primary care, specialist care, hospital stay, medications etc, they are covered. So ‘medications are lower priced therefore affordable’ is not really relevant because the medications are included in the coverage (apart maybe from a very low copayment in some countries).
That’s an incredible system-it must be a huge relief to not have to worry about the cost of medical care or medications. Having everything covered really allows people to focus on their health rather than finances. Here’s a question for you: Do you think this system influences how people approach their health, like being more proactive with check-ups or treatments because cost isn’t a barrier?
Preventive healthcare is big in many European countries with universal healthcare. It makes sense because a healthy population is a cheap population when it comes to the expenses of healthcare. No so in the US where the government doesn’t care about the health of the population because people have to pay for their own health care.
You nailed it! Preventive care saves money in the long run and keeps people healthier. The US system often focuses on treating illness rather than preventing it because the costs fall on individuals, not the system as a whole. It's frustrating to see how that approach can leave so many behind.
In Sweden we get one hour (paid) per week to go to the gym or do other health activities. The employer pays part of the gym membership too. Paid parental leave for 480 days per child, divided between the two parents.
That’s amazing-Sweden really prioritizes work-life balance and long-term health. Do you think these benefits have a noticeable impact on productivity and employee satisfaction, or is it just seen as the norm there?
j'ai été opéré en 2022 pour la pose d'une prothèse de genou. L'opération, l'hospitalisation (3 jours) et la rééducation m'ont coûté 0 Euros. Je suis diabétique et l'ensemble des soins, médicaments, insuline, visite médicale trimestrielle, ne me coûtent rien puisque le diabète, affection de longue durée, est remboursé à 100 % par la sécurité sociale en France. Lorsque l'on parle d'instaurer un tel système aux USA, certains américains parlent de communisme. Si le communisme n'avait été que cela, beaucoup de pays seraient communistes maintenant. Non, en europe, nous ne sommes pas communistes, nous sommes moins stupides que d'autres.
C’est clair que le système de santé en France est basé sur la solidarité, pas sur du communisme. Aux US, certains voient l’idée de soins gratuits comme "communiste" parce qu’ils associent tout ce qui est public à un contrôle de l’État. En Europe, on voit ça comme du bon sens, pas une idéologie. Franchement, qui refuserait des soins accessibles si c’était possible partout ?
You forgot to mention.... As an US citicen you can not come to europe and exspect free health care....that is providet to people which have a healthinsurance...not golddiggers. And "not getting an appointment soon if there is an emergency"....means.." in case of an emergency you are treaded without delay". I would never go to the US without a travel health insurance. By the way....in germany your employer pays you your wages when you are sick for up to 6 weeks.
Solid points, Bernd! Totally agree-travel health insurance is a must when heading to the U.S. And Germany's 6-week paid sick leave sounds like a dream compared to the situation in many places. It's amazing how different healthcare systems can be across countries!
@@berndbaasner7445 If you are really sick you receive money in the United States also. You will have to go through an especially appointed physician by the state. You will need to do test also. But it is a good idea to have 6 months of savings in the bank for unexpected emergencies.
@@berndbaasner7445 I dont think anybody does that in the United States. You cannot just go to Europe and expect medical treatment because you wont get it. On the other side we dont want people to come to the United States to get excellent treatment on our cost. I one time this was many years ago met a Dutch man who got treatment in the United States. He was one of the most obnoxious man I ever met. He did manage to get the best treatment/surgery and the surgeon did it pro bono which really p/me off. He told me he had to wait very long in The Netherlands and how he got treatment right away in the United States.
I am from Germany. A long time ago I was treated for cancer. Since I had some problems with nausea I got a treatment which included a special drug that mader the nausea go away. Cost: 0 €. If I had to pay it myself it would probably have been over 1,000 €. The rest of the treatment: Again 0 €.
That’s incredible and shows the real value of universal healthcare. Being able to focus on recovery without worrying about massive medical bills is a huge relief. It’s stories like yours that highlight how important affordable healthcare is for everyone.
the USAs biggest problem is the AMA. With the largest political lobbying budget of any organisation, they have consistently stood in the way of the betterment of the nation's health.
You’re right-the AMA’s influence through lobbying has played a significant role in shaping healthcare policies, often prioritizing interests over systemic improvements. It’s a major barrier to meaningful change in the U.S. healthcare system.
I live in Sweden, in Europe. Yes, we pay a lot in taxes, but when we get sick it doesn't cost much and we get help. When we have children, we can choose to stay home and get paid for it. In Sweden, the man and the woman share those days and get an equal number of days to be at home with the child. There are many things that the US doesn't have and I would never move to your country, because I like it here. (I'm sure you wouldn't move here!)
Interesting perspective! Why do you think people wouldn’t want to move to Sweden? It sounds like a great place with so many benefits-what do you think might hold someone back?
@@theworldtoexplore You're welcome to move over here. We love all people, We make sure you are treated according to your gender (even if it is not the gender you were born with). But I am sure Americans think it is better over there. Just a preconceived opinion.
Here in the Netherlands we have a self-test to detect colon cancer, which was set up by the government, blood was found in my stool, within four days I received an invitation to the hospital, a few weeks later I had surgery, luckily it turned out it concerns polyps. By the way, it cost me 695 euros deductible, but hey, small price for health.
That’s an amazing system-early detection can make all the difference. It’s great that you got checked so quickly and that it wasn’t more serious. Even with the deductible, €695 for potentially life-saving treatment is a bargain compared to what many would pay elsewhere. Do you feel the Netherlands' healthcare system handles preventive care well overall?
USA has 2.59 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, Germany 4.33. For hospital beds: US 2.8 Germany 8.22. Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany have the shortest waiting times for medical appointments in the world
Yep - I live in the Netherlands, and if I want to make a appointment with my doctor I often can visit a few hours later. If it's just a minor thing without any urgency it can take a day, maybe two day's at most. If the complaints are minor, you also can get a telephonic consult the same day, and the doctor than make the decision if you need to visit him or her. The insurance itself is not very high (about €225 a month per person) and it includes everything. Even dentist cost are covered (with a maximum). I have seen hospitals, doctors, dentists, eye specialists, and even had a surgery lately. I have never ever seen a medical bill all those years, and even my very rare dentist bill was around 60 to a hundred Euros. Medication is not totally free. You have to pay a to maximum of €385 a year, but you only have to pay that at the end of the year and it includes all medication. Most insurance company's allow you to pay that in your monthly premium (about €32 a month extra), and give back the money you payed too much at the end of the year if you have used very little medication.
That sounds so efficient and stress-free compared to a lot of other systems! Same-day appointments and affordable coverage must make such a difference in daily life. Do you think this setup is sustainable long-term, or are there areas where it could still be improved?
@@theworldtoexplore Well - It works for more than ten years now (before that it was slightly different, but almost the same, and that was also a long time). With that in mind, I think it is sustainable for sure...
Exactly! When you factor in healthcare, education, and other services, many Americans end up spending more overall than Europeans, even if their taxes seem lower. It’s just a different way of structuring costs, but the "savings" in taxes can be misleading.
You mentioned the Irish person near the start of the video, the irony is Ireland has both public and private healthcare and we have one of the most expensive healthcare costs in Europe and yet, it costs patients absolute pittance compared to the USA.
Exactly! Ireland's healthcare costs might seem high within Europe, but compared to the USA, it's like night and day. Even with a mix of public and private options, the average person still gets far more affordable care. The disparity really puts things into perspective!
I cannot think of anyone in the UK who objects to paying income tax to fund the NHS, true the A&E departments can be very crowded especially at night, but everyone DOES get triaged and gets the treatment they require with no hidden cost worries. Private healthcare is available in the UK such as BUPA and many ordinary folk have it as a secondary backup in case the wait time to see a specialist or to get an MRI scan is too long, but the cost of private healthcare is not overwhelming, and the procedure to pay is straightforward as the cost of being a member is automatically deducted either monthly or annually by direct debit. It scares me to think how my parents would have coped when I was born with a cleft palate and hair lip if it hadn’t been for the NHS.
That’s the beauty of the NHS-it ensures everyone gets care when they need it, no matter their financial situation. Having private healthcare as a backup is a nice option too, but the NHS is such a lifeline for situations like yours. Do you think the system will hold up under the pressure it’s facing now, or does it need some major reforms to stay sustainable?
What bureaucratic nightmare to see a doctor in Europe? Recently, I emailed my doctor with some symptoms and they called the same morning to set up an appointment. I saw them the next day for a comprehensive set of tests. I live in Latvia. Previously, I'd lived in Germany, in the UK and Portugal. I never had a problem getting to see a doctor in a timely fashion. My ex lives in Bulgaria, she's seen quickly too.
It’s refreshing to hear about such efficient systems across multiple countries! Seems like the idea of a "bureaucratic nightmare" is more of a myth in many parts of Europe.
@@theworldtoexplore It sure is. When I call my doctor, she often asks if I have time to visit her in about a hour so on the same day. Only in very busy times (flue epidemic or so), it can take a day or mostly 2 days. By the way - All the medical systems are coupled (with permission of the patient of course), so Hospitals can see you doctor visits and you medical history and vice versa. In case of emergency they always have your full medical record at hand, including medication. It feels very safe.
Wow, that sounds so efficient and patient-friendly! Same-day visits and fully connected medical records must make a huge difference. Do you feel like this system works smoothly most of the time, or are there any drawbacks to it?
@@theworldtoexplore As far as I could see it works very smooth. Not long ago I had to undergo some surgery (umbilical hernia operation), and the hospital had all my medical records, including all medicine I use, so they could plan that surgery with all factors that played a role. No need to say that surgery went very well. I checked in at morning time and was under anesthesia a hour later. When I waked up I got some soup, and got some rest. Later that day I was already at home, and was feeling very well. And - No bill. This whole surgery was fully covered by the insurance. I did not had to pay anything.
That sounds like such a smooth and efficient experience! It’s amazing when healthcare systems can deliver that level of care without adding financial stress to the patient. Having your medical records readily available for planning the surgery must have made a big difference in ensuring everything went perfectly. It’s great to hear how well it worked out for you!
You have wait lists in the USA to. The only diffrence are that in the USA, the wait lists are a company secret. Like the USSR, where they didn't have unemployed people, because everyone was working for the state.
That’s such a good point-hidden wait lists are still wait lists, just with better PR. I wonder, though, do you think most people in the U.S. realize how common these delays are, or are they just convinced the system is running smoothly because it’s all kept behind the curtain?
@theworldtoexplore I think that the US are a flawed democracy, where the press is owned by the rich(oligarchy). The problem is that they are beeing gaslighting and brain washed to think that Europe has an inferior health care system. All because of profitt, on other peoples despair, and pain.
I hear you. It's really frustrating how media ownership can shape the narrative. Europe's healthcare definitely has some great aspects that deserve more recognition. Hope more people start seeing the bigger picture!
@@theworldtoexploreMy comment got deleted. Was it because my opinion was that the press is owned, and that the rich are controlling it? The press is the forth part of a democracy, and the first part that's attacked, when the democracy falls. That's the biggest reason why Norway have been the best democracy 7 years in a row, at least. Norway has a governing body of the press. A controlling body, by the press, to govern the press. They have rules that keeps the press as honest as posible. And, if you lie deliberately they will come after you. Norway has also got prices for the most press freedom in the world.
I don’t see any comment deleted, but yeah, the press is a huge issue. Norway’s system sounds solid-it’s amazing how they’ve kept such strong press integrity. On the other hand, platforms like Facebook giving up on fact-checking is just depressing. It’s like they’re throwing the towel in on keeping information honest. How do you think other countries could follow Norway’s lead without overstepping on press freedom?
The high drug prices in the USA are due to greedy middlemen. Of the price diabetics pay for insulin, the manufacturer's share is only 30%, while the greedy middlemen in the USA take 70% of the price!
You’re absolutely right, and it’s infuriating. The middlemen, like PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers), are a huge part of the problem. They jack up prices with little oversight, and patients pay the price-literally. Reform is long overdue!
Currently living in the UK. UK costs "at point of delivery" for these healthcare items, amongst many others: Insulin: £Zero. (NOT $20.30 as shown in that graphic at 03:12 !!! 😠). Contraceptive Pill: £Zero. Surgery: £Zero. Childbirth: £Zero. Ambulance Callout: £Zero Ambulance To Hospital: £Zero Doctor's Appointment: £Zero And that graphic at 09:24 is B.S. as well! God Bless America eh? 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for pointing that out! I'll double-check the figures mentioned in the video to ensure accuracy. It’s clear the UK system offers a lot at no cost at the point of delivery-definitely a stark contrast worth highlighting!
I live in Europe but have US health insurance. The cost of a doctor's visit is the equivalent of $11-12. Since this is way less than my insurance co-pay, I don't even bother filing an insurance claim.
haha that’s an interesting situation-having US health insurance but living in Europe really highlights the cost differences in healthcare! Do you find the quality of care in Europe comparable to what you’d get in the US?
That’s good to hear! It seems like being privately insured in Europe has its perks. Do you feel the overall healthcare experience is less stressful compared to the U.S.?
More than 20 years ago I was bitten by a tick and got an inflammation of the heart muscle which I didn't notice, but when a doctor diagnosed it my heart was so badly damaged that a heart transplant was on the cards. After consulting several specialists I decided against it and voiala I am still alive , although my heart performance is very limited but I wear a defibrillator ( the 2nd ) and get medication . In the USA I would certainly be dead by now because I would not have been able to afford the treatments or the medication as I can no longer work. 6 weeks ICU + 4 weeks hospital , 4 cures , then 2 longer hospital stays 2 and 3 weeks , implantation of 2 defibrillators , 2 more cures and every day 11 medications what would that have cost in the USA ? And this can happen to anyone, an insect bite can be enough because especially in the USA it is always pretended that ALL sick people are to blame for their illness.
In the U.S., your treatments could easily have cost over $1 million, factoring in ICU stays ($10,000-$20,000/day), hospital stays ($5,000+/day), surgeries, medications, and long-term care. And without insurance, it would have been nearly impossible to manage. Your story really highlights the critical role of accessible healthcare-an insect bite shouldn’t ruin lives financially.
@@theworldtoexplore $10,000 - $20,000 per day?????? How do they justify that? Do you get a room for yourself with your own personal nurse and every room has it's own personal jacuzzi? On top of that you get a massage every 30 Min and the food is coming from the 5 star restaurant that is cooking for the ICU only? Holy smokes.....
Exactly! The U.S. healthcare system is mind-blowing in all the wrong ways. Those ICU costs are insane, and yet the service doesn’t come close to the luxury you'd expect for that price. It’s just a system built to profit, not to care. Stories like yours really show why accessible healthcare is priceless-literally lifesaving.
I just wanted to correct something. There is a 1 year waiting list in the Netherlands to get a primary physician. Because I dont have one (moved from the United States to the Netherlands) I am paying for my own physical therapy even though I paid for extra coverage. My p.t. just wrote me that the insurance said I have no extra coverage so I have to keep paying when I definitely am paying for the extra coverage. Even checked it on the internet I definitely have extra coverage including physical therapy. You do something like this in the United States and you can file a formal complaint with the United States government looking over health insurance and if they do this too often they get a monetary charge so they will regret it and fix whatever is wrong with their system.
Exactly-it’s strange to think that worrying about costs can overshadow focusing on getting better. Healthcare should be about health, not financial stress. "Freedom" shouldn’t mean being trapped in a system where medical care feels like a luxury.
Hm, I am a 70 year old retired male with several existing conditions that require regular medical support effort, specialist care and medication. In NL I make my appointments online, order my meds online and have them home-del;ivered and receive test results online. The insurance system is mandatory not for profit commercial costing me roughly $150 a month, which covers all of my needed medical care up-to and including medications, emergency care, specialist care and hospitalisation with limited dental and vision coverage. My average wait time for seeing a physician is less than a day. If we would have been living in the US, I'd have been a widower thirty years ago due to a pregnacy emergency with my wife. The EMT medics were there within minutes.Never saw a bill. During my stay in the US for over 20 years were at least 3 times the amount with vast deductibles and co-pays. There is absolutely no reason why this Dutch system would not be possible in the US, other than due to the lobbying influences of the for profit medical and pharmaceutical industry.
Your experience with the Dutch healthcare system is remarkable,accessible, efficient, and life-saving. Any idea of what it would take for a system like this to become a reality in the US, beyond just tackling corporate influence?
@@theworldtoexplore The following points may get you into the proper direction. 1. Make healthcare Not For Profit right accross the board. 2. Negotiate drug-prices at least at State, but preferably National level. 3. Abolish Drug/treatment commercial messaging. (see Tobacco and Alcohol ads.). 4. Define a National standard of medical information exchange with secure client access. 5. Specify an upper limit at admin-costs that companies can charge to consumers. 6. Avoid undue duplication of testing/procedures by performing regular check-ups. 7. Make physicians the gate-keeper for specialist treatment/referral.
These are strong ideas for reform, but do you think the political will exists to challenge the entrenched interests that profit from the current system? and how?
@@theworldtoexplore Nope, I do not think that the political will exists because too many palms are demanding to be greased and the general public, the healthcare consumers, are constantly being hoodwinked and manipulated with the desperate propaganda and downright lies by the vested interests. The moment any reform is mentioned, a ful-throated chorus of hoe and cry about socialism or communism and death-panels erupts and the public will be cowed into compliance of being wrung dry by the medical mafia. As a contrast, the Dutch system as well as the Swiss system (both of which rank as vastly superior over the US system) are basically a market driven private enterprise system that operates based on mandatory participation and Non-Profit principle within the confines of rules/regulations that are carfully managed by non-stakeholders. This takes out the influence of directly financially incentivised involved parties. No more outrageous PR-campaigns, no more bloated bureaucracy and no more Byzanthine claims rejection schemes and no more ridiculously jacked up compensation-packages for management. Vastly better outcomes for patients, more efficiency across the board, lower costs, but out of reach for the US because of disproportionate influence by the for-profit business-side of the healthcare racket.
I wonder if the U.S. could ever move toward adopting a system like the Dutch or Swiss models. Both seem to offer a strong balance-market-driven yet tightly regulated, with a focus on mandatory participation and non-profit principles to keep things fair and efficient. But in the U.S., it feels like the for-profit side of healthcare is so deeply embedded in the culture and political landscape that it would take a monumental shift to even consider reforms like that.
A doctor in Belgium costs more than 4€ but most of it is refunded by healthcare. One problem however is finding an ordinary doctor. Because of a shortage of doctors many of them apply a "patient stop", they don't take any new patients. The specialists are still available but appointments can take a while.
Very true. I felt like my glasses weren't fit for me anymore so I wanted an eye specialist to get me going for the next few years. That's an undertaking for like 6 months. It is a bit different where you live but I had some problems. But take it or leave it, in BE we have a seriously lack of medical specialists but my personal doctor said to me "Call me any time". I was never ever (and luckily I never had to, but I'm getting old) "forced into costly schemes', whatever actually. My father died like 10 years ago, he had to stay in a healthcare home (! don't get me started). Anyway, it ended up in a two year thing from ambulance ... hospitalm ... exams ... staying for half a year in hospital. It cost me around 2K euros. If the same thing happens to me, I'll be a happy socialist because none of my children are prone to live on the streets simply to pay my healthcare bills. WTF US, once my Biggest Dream but what a disappointment ...
That sounds like a tricky situation-affordable care but harder to access due to the shortage. Do you think more incentives for people to enter the medical field could help, or is it more about managing the demand better?
Sounds like you’ve experienced both the strengths and the challenges of the system in Belgium. Even with the wait times and shortages, it’s a relief knowing your healthcare costs won’t destroy your family’s finances. The U.S. comparison really hits hard-imagine having to worry about leaving your kids in debt just because of medical bills.
@@theworldtoexplore on the contrary, the Flemish government is limiting the number of students for medical professions by imposing an entrance exam. Only the best 1600 are "elected". The Walloon government is planning to do the same ... 25 years later.
It’s interesting how the Flemish government is proactive with the entrance exam, ensuring only the top candidates make it through. Meanwhile, the Walloon side seems to be playing catch-up-better late than never, I guess! Limiting numbers might help with quality, but it also makes you wonder about the long-term impact on accessibility to medical professions.
Essentials for everybody like healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy, daycare and nursering homes should always be government controlled and tax paid. Forget the private actors it always ends up in Klondyke like scenarios.
That’s a strong stance, and many would agree that privatizing essential services often leads to profit being prioritized over people’s well-being. Do you think there’s a middle ground where private actors could still play a role without turning it into a free-for-all?
@theworldtoexplore It's very important to have private actors I think. Everything from food to service to crafts... Private initiativ is the speeder I think - innovation, employment, export, import - but the state must guarantee the essentials. It's difficult to balance capitalism and socialism but I think we obliged to try otherwise there will be too much suffering like we start to witness in the US these days. Good luck Americans from Europe. We know most of you are intelligent, friendly and brave people ❤️❤️
i'm a german male of 39 years (yeah really 39, not a disguised 40 ^^) and here in germany many people think the us system is better because you can earn more money while you're young and healthy and also some people complain about being forced to pay for health insurance. but in my personal case, let's say i emigrate to the us and want an insurance, because at medium age you already have some pain here or something's itching there... can you tell me what i would pay per month for a "medium" insurance, somewhere between "we pay for everything" and "you won't last long with this sh..."? in germany for example, having up to 5.512,50€ per month, you pay 7,3 % and your boss pays 7,3 %, so if you would have 4.000€/month you'd pay 292€ health insurance the thing is: germans are longing for the us system (at least some do) and americans are longing for our system... knowing them both i think i'd take the few disadvantages in germany every day instead of being afraid to die / live a miserable life / getting homeless due to the costs
You’re spot on-it’s totally a “grass is greener” thing. In the U.S., for a decent middle-of-the-road insurance plan, you’d probably pay around $450-$600 a month, plus a yearly deductible of $1,500-$4,000 before insurance starts really covering things. Then you’ve got copays and stuff they don’t even cover on top of that. It adds up fast. In Germany, yeah, the system isn’t perfect, but at least you’re not constantly worrying about going broke if you get sick. I’d take that stability any day over the U.S. system where one bad illness could ruin you financially.
Sadly, the UK's system is probably the worse in Western Europe. Very long delays to see a GP. Incredibly long delays - up to 2 days - in A&E. As for seeing a specialist or waiting for an operation - months or even years to wait.
You're not wrong-the NHS is struggling with delays, and it’s frustrating for so many. The system is great in principle, but underfunding and high demand make it hard to keep up. It shows that universal healthcare needs proper investment to really work.
@@theworldtoexplore It is time the UK's politicians looked at the far better systems in Western Europe, stopped telling us how wonderful the NHS is, and changed to a European system of healthcare.
America doesn’t do thinking a lot. It’s hard. Just shout “socialism!” and complain about paying taxes while you’re healthy so that someone else gets healthcare.
@ There has been a time when the attitude of the US society and administration was different, and that was during the Roosevelt administration and up to ca 1975. The Great Depression and its impact on the majority of society changed the social climate, and Roosevelt, himself a member of the oligarchy, saw that better redistribution and government initiatives could eventually benefit the whole economy. The challenges of Socialism, which was actually rather popular in among US intellectuals at the time, and of WW2 meant that all actors would at least try to appear to be mindful of the common good. The inequality indices such as Gini coefficient or the ratio between smallest and biggest pay within corporations were considerably lower even decades after WW2. Only the deregulation glut and the shareholder value cult that set in with the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations reversed this tendency. I don’t see a greater valuing of the common good returning under the incoming administration for sure - but if the shit shower that we’re going to endure worldwide, but that will especially ravage the US internally, fails to do any good and can’t continue to blame immigrants or foreign countries, who knows. However, I try to be optimistic. America, get well soon, but you’re certainly ill right now.
That’s such an interesting take-so much has changed since those days. Do you think there’s any chance things could shift back toward valuing the common good? Here’s hoping!
Here in Denmark, I pay a maximum of 120 USD for a ozempic 1 mg pen, but with an annual cap on total medicin spending at about 350 USD, meaning I only pay full price for the first one or two pens of ozempic, based on my other medicine consumption.
That’s a great example of how Denmark’s healthcare system supports affordability for essential medications. An annual cap on total medicine spending at around $350 USD is incredibly reasonable compared to what many pay elsewhere. It’s a huge relief for those who rely on medications like Ozempic regularly. Systems like this show how much of a difference thoughtful healthcare policies can make in reducing financial stress for patients.
It is not perfect but... My wife who is seeing an eye specialist saw her in November as was had planned to have an eye scanned in February saw flashes in that eye again today phoned up the out-patients and is being treated tomorrow morning at no cost to us. This is at the local hospital which is a 10 minute tram ride from our house. Not perfect?
@@theworldtoexplore Thanks! It went fine. When she came home there was already three appointments waiting for her on the 12th of February for further investigation. Not bad for 'not perfect'.
It sounds like it could be problems with the heart or circlulation. My father had the same. It was a stroke. Don`t wait if it is something she never had before!Try emergency care
well spotted, big difference indeed, but still part of the same broken system in many ways. Do you think it changes the core issue the video was trying to highlight, or does it just shift the focus?
It’s definitely frustrating to see how profit-driven systems can sometimes overlook people's well-being, especially when it comes to essential needs like food, healthcare, or education. Finding a balance between profitability and fairness is so important. Do you think there’s a better way to address these issues?
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows here in the Netherlands but it’s way way better than in the US. There are big differences between European countries too. We used to have a single payer system but that was before 30 years of right wing government and, to be honest, that had it’s flaws as wel. In the Netherlands healthcare is very accessible but everything has to go via your GP (“huisarts”) Foreigners who try to skip that stap are in for a rude awakening. You can’t just make an appointment with a specialist without going to your GP first. Now emergencies are exempt from this rule for obvious reasons. We do have a copay which is a flat rate of €385,- a year. That is not a large amount but in my opinion it is unfair. For wealthy people it’s peanuts. But for people who struggle financially it may be a deterrent to visit a doctor, especially at the end of the year if they did not make any healthcare costs yet. We do have a requirement for everyone to have private insurance (insurance for all children under 18 is free) The premiums and coverage of these insurances are heavily regulated. Overall I would never want to live in the US, just because of the health insurance situation. Yes Americans may have higher wages than Europeans but they only need a medical emergency to go bankrupt.
Totally get what you’re saying-the Dutch system isn’t perfect, but it’s leagues ahead of the U.S. The GP rule makes sense for keeping things efficient, but I can see how it’d throw off newcomers. That €385 copay-yeah, it’s not much for some, but for people struggling, it’s a real barrier, especially if they’re trying to save it for "just in case." And yeah, one bad hospital visit in the U.S. can ruin your whole financial life, no matter how much you earn. Do you think making the copay income-based would help, or would it just make everything more complicated?
In Italy it’s similar but the “ticket” is due to every visit or exam, it’s 36€ and is waived if you are too poor or for cares related to a known condition. You also may have a private insurance that covers part of the ticket or let you use private hospitals (usually with shorter waiting lists) but you absolutely can live without. Also a visit by a private specialist could cost around 100€ and exams like urgent PET can cost a couple of hundreds but usually if you don’t have a private insurance you go with SSN, wait few weeks and have everything you need out of your tax money.
That sounds like a balanced system-affordable for most, with options for those who want private care. The “ticket” fee seems fair, especially with waivers for those in need. Do you find the waiting times for the SSN manageable?
@@theworldtoexplore Most bigger city's in the Netherlands (like The Hague for instance) have a special medical insurance for low income where that €385 is incorporated. This is a insurance that covers about everything, including dentists (up to €500 a year, but dentists are not very expensive and dental surgery is completely covered). The insurance is partially payed by the city, and the resulting premium is very affordable for those with a low income...
A doctors visit in Belgium is 25 EUR or something like that. That is what you pay, but you get 21EUR back from insurance immediately. So in the end all you pay is 4 EUR. And getting that money back happens automatically. No papers need to be filled out. You give your ID. Done. And when you get a prescription, you go to any pharmacists (who has to study to get that job, almost as much as a doctor) I do not need not have an unreadable paper from the doctor. I give my ID, he gets the info what I need. Insurance get the rest of the bill, while I pay something like 2 or 3 EUR. Easy. And just an extra thing. Filling out taxed. I only need to do that, IF I want to do some extra stuff. But if you are an average employee, they already have all the info. So no need to do anything. You can verify what they have and if that is ok, do nothing. All tax filing can be done online obviously. For free, obviously.
That sounds so smooth-Belgium really nailed efficiency with healthcare and taxes. The fact that you only pay a few euros and everything happens automatically is amazing.
When it is really urgent and life-threatening you will get help at once for sure and you don't have to wait in Germany . And of cozrse you do not have to pay for it But lots if people are just spoiled from decades with much more doctors and the state having more money.
Fair point! But don’t you think some of that “spoiled” feeling comes from not realizing how bad it could be elsewhere? Like, what would happen if Germans actually had to deal with the U.S. healthcare system for a month? Think they’d still complain? 😏
I tried to get an electrician in Belgium. Same problem. Most of them don't reply to my emails, a few show up to check what has to be done. They never show up again.
I am SO over reading about how wonderful "European " health care is! EVERY chart shows Australia well up with the best, do you think Australia is in Europe???? Just being better than the USA doesn't make you good, the bar is very low if that is your basis for comparison. Germany does their wonderful health care for 14% of income, Australia does it for 2%. The Northern hemisphere needs to get over itself, just like the USA. And NO, I don't pay for it through my taxes. I am an aged pensioner and pay no tax.
You make a strong point-Australia’s healthcare system often gets overlooked in these comparisons, but it’s clearly one of the best. The efficiency and affordability are impressive, and it’s a reminder that there’s always more to learn from systems outside the usual Europe vs. US debate. Props to Australia for setting such a high standard!
Which of these truths shocked you the most? Share your own experiences with the healthcare system in Europe or the US below!
Currently living in the UK.
A British friend of mine once summed up the difference between US and UK Healthcare as follows:
"In the USA you look on firearms possession as a right and Healthcare as a privilege whereas we look on Healthcare as a right and firearms possession as a privilege"
I think he pretty much nailed it! 🙂
That’s such a sharp comparison-your friend nailed it for sure! Do you think either system could ever truly adopt the other's approach?
That’s an interesting way to put it!
@@theworldtoexplore
Believe me when I tell you that the US attitude towards firearms fills the average Brit with horror. They think that we are nuts to be so loose with them. My buddy did some math from reliable sources that showed that the average American is 192 times more likely to die in non suicide firearms violence than the average Brit. They don't even routinely arm their cops because they don't need to; gun crime is so very, very rare. 😳
Wow, that’s a crazy stat! It’s wild how different attitudes toward guns are between countries.
Totally nailed it!
Living in Denmark and is 64 years old. During my life I have had my share of visits to hospital, both emergency (including with ambulance) and for planned visits, both as kid and as adult. Some was minor things, but I have also had eye surgery and recent a nose surgery. I have never paid a single dime out my pocket for this, apart of what I pay in tax. And I pay it with pleasure. Same goes for doctor appointments - I call my doctor in the morning and always get a time later for the day. Never paid a single dime, no matter if it is my normal doctor or a specialist. Of course some may pay more in tax than they use and others use it more than they pay. But this way everybody can be healthy and it helps the whole society.
That’s a powerful perspective on the benefits of universal healthcare. Denmark’s system seems to embody the idea of contributing for the greater good, ensuring everyone has access to essential care. It’s inspiring to hear how smoothly it works for both routine and specialized treatments. Do you feel this model also improves the overall health consciousness of society?
@theworldtoexplore absolutely
This weekend I came down with a bad fever of 106.7 °F. I called my work and let them know that I was sick. Then I called the doctor and got an appointment an hour and a half later. The doctor then gave me a sick note for the week and prescribed me some medication for €3. Now I'm sitting here on my bed watching the video while I wait to get completely healthy. I had a 5-week paid vacation and Tuesday would have been my first day back. Greetings to all from Baden-Württemberg in Germany✌😊
Glad you took the right steps and got checked out quickly-cheers to the European healthcare system! Rest up and take care. ✌😊
The best thing is : if you get sick during your vacation you don't lose these vacation days. They turn into sick days and you can take still take the vacation days later.
Pretty amazing!
begreifen die amis nie, denen wird von kindesbeinen an eingeredet sozialistisch ist kommunistisch
Grüße zurück aus Niedersachsen! That's how it is!😀
What i don't understand is, that most americans say that they don't want to pay more taxes to have universal healthcare but on the other hand they wouldn't have to pay for their insurance anymore and for those absurd medical bills which is from what i see a lot more than the amount of taxes we have to pay here in Germany.
I have the highest tax class, no kids no spouse, so i have to pay the highest amount of taxes someone has to pay in Germany. I have a gross income of 3.800 € per month and i'm loosing about 1.100 € on taxes per month. The net income is more than enough to have a really good life for a middle class worker and i can see a doctor whenever i want and can get the treatment that every human being deserves for free.
It’s such a good point-there’s this disconnect where many Americans see "higher taxes" as a bad thing without realizing they’re already paying way more through premiums, deductibles, and insane medical bills. Your setup in Germany, even with high taxes, sounds way more logical-less stress about healthcare, and you still live comfortably. Do you think it’s just the fear of change, or is it that many Americans don’t realize how much they’re actually paying for healthcare already?
@@theworldtoexplore Thanks for the reply, your question is a tough one 😅. I can only make assumptions, i believe some americans want to change the systems becaue they see what's wrong but the majority is fine with how things are. Maybe they are afraid of the IRS, from what i know the tax system and the IRS is a nightmare to deal with and it's better to deal with the devil you know instead of fighting a new devil when the goverment changes the tax system to include universal healthcare. Humanity has always been afraid of the unknown 😄
The worst possible assumption that i can make is that americans are so indoctrinated by what they've been told, that they really believe that universal healthcare is a bad thing. When you lie to people often enough they will believe it's true and since most americans will most likely never leave the country and the bubble they live in, they will know nothing of "what could be". Unfortunately this is from my personal perspective the most possible option.
oh and i looked at my last paycheck, last month i payed 319,20 € for my healthcare insurance, the rest was nursing care insurance, unemployment insurance, pension and payroll tax. Not bad for just one month of free healthcare 😁
I guess it’s the fear of change, but also all the BS the political class talk about universal healthcare being Communism in action, when really those in charge are just scarring the ordinary people to ensure the gravy train never stops flowing into their bank accounts
That’s such a thoughtful answer! You’re right-fear of the unknown and being stuck in a bubble can definitely hold people back from wanting change, even if it’s for the better. The indoctrination angle is tough to argue with too-when a system feeds you the same narrative for decades, it’s hard to see alternatives. And wow, €319.20 for healthcare is a steal compared to what most Americans pay monthly just for insurance premiums, let alone copays and deductibles.
Exactly! It’s all about protecting their own interests while keeping people scared of “big bad Communism.” It’s wild how effective that narrative still is, even when the rest of the world proves universal healthcare works.
With regards to preventative care, in the UK I get (free) bi-annual Wellman checkups (bloods and other tests), bi-annual bowel cancer checks and other reviews when required. As a 69 year old, I have had bone density checks, balance and strength tests etc. I am pretty healthy but it's good to have this reassurance.
That’s fantastic! Preventative care like this is such a game-changer-it catches potential issues early and keeps people healthier for longer. Do you think this approach significantly reduces the strain on the NHS in the long run?
It’s usually far quicker to see a doctor in Europe than the US, you phone up and get an appointment or just go to the hospital, you might have a few hours wait if it isn’t an emergency or urgent but you will be seen. Priority is given by need, people with life threatening conditions or injuries are seen first, money doesn’t come into it.
That sounds like a much more humane approach. In the U.S., even if you get an appointment quickly, the cost can be a huge barrier for many. But you're right, not all systems are flawless-like in France, where the healthcare system is facing real challenges.
In the Netherlands you have to go to your own doctor, who will refer you to the hospital if necessary. If you go to the hospital without going to your doctor first they will send you away if there is no real emergency.
Makes sense-they want to keep the system streamlined and avoid overcrowding hospitals. But I can imagine it’s frustrating if you think you need a specialist and have to jump through the GP hoop first. Have you ever had a situation where you felt it slowed things down, or does it usually work out okay?
@@theworldtoexplore I never had any problems with that, doctors can do a lot themselves and if they don't know what to do they will say it and write a referral letter so that you can make an appointment with the specialist and hospital of your choice.
@@theworldtoexplore
It isn't a;ways the GP that refers you to a specialist. I saw my GP with severe eczema, he called in the specialist nurse to look at it and later when the nurse was treating me, she decided I should be seen by the lymphoedema team. While I was in hospital having a couple of stents fitted, blood tests showed I was dehydrated, and they referred me to the nephrology department at my local hospital.
I am in the UK.
Hello. In Norway, the vast majority of people see paying taxes as an investment in their own and others lifes, for my own part, I love hiking in the mountains, skiing etc... I go hiking alone a lot and therefore have an emergency tracker in my backpack. Rescue operations in the mountains are free, even if it means a trip by ambulance helicopter... not to mention free education, social safety net... It feels more like paying taxes is like paying someone to look after your back if something goes wrong, and it gives an incredible feeling of freedom.
Thanks for sharing that perspective! It's really inspiring to hear how taxes in Norway are viewed as a way to invest in the collective well-being and provide that sense of security. The idea of being able to enjoy the mountains and wilderness with the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is available if needed is truly incredible. It sounds like Norway has really nailed the balance between personal freedom and social safety
In Italy, we choose a doctor from a list provided by the national health insurance. You go for a visit.. cost zero. The doctor gives you a prescription.. with that you can go to any pharmacy and get the medicines.. some are free of charge, and some have a low fee.
If you feel sick at the weekend, holidays, or nights... you can go to medical clinic and get visited by a doctor... cost zero. Otherwise, you can call a service where a doctor on call will come to visit you at home in an hour or so.. cost zero.
If you really feel sick, you call an ambulance that takes to a nearby hospital.. after a queue.. you get visited and come out with a prescription, x-rays, or even surgery.. whatever you need. Cost zero.
Wow, the Italian healthcare system sounds incredibly accessible and efficient-thank you for sharing! It’s amazing how many services are covered at no cost. Do you feel like this system works well for everyone, or are there challenges in terms of wait times or availability in certain areas?
I currently have repeat prescriptions for 4 different medications for long term conditions. Total cost £0.00. Total cost for hospital visits £0.00. The NHS is amazing.
That’s incredible! Having essential medications and hospital care covered removes so much financial stress. Do you feel the NHS still delivers good care despite the funding and waiting time challenges?
@ These criticisms are from people who believe that every service should be exploited for the benefit of the few. We,in the UK are blessed to have the benefits of some complicated men,who nonetheless gave their best ideas for the benefit of the few,this within a capitalist system……(they were socialists btw😂)
The high taxes doesnt only finance healthcare. It also incudes free education in some european countries.
Exactly! Those high taxes cover a lot more than just healthcare-free education, public services, and social benefits all come with it.
Retirement pension, Dependent child allowances, disability, ….
UK here. I am in my sixties, and am currently suffering from an autoimmune condition. In 2024, I had:
- 7 visits to my GP (General Practitioner doctor) EDIT: and five telephone consultations.
- 14 appointments with five different types of hospital consultant specialist
- 12 Sessions in hospital for steroid infusion treatment
- 9 further hospital appointments with cardiology, endocrinology, rheumatology and pulmonology specialist professionals.
- 1 MRI scan
- 1 Ultrasound scan
- 1 Chest X-ray
- 35 (or close enough) blood tests
- 7 vaccinations (flu, Covid x3, shingles x2, pneumonia)
- 3 hospital and one optician eye tests
- 2 dental checkups
- 1 set of dental x-rays
- 3 routine screenings
- 1 hearing test
- 1 ear wax removal
- 6 ongoing monthly prescriptions for different medicines
- 3 shorter-term monthly prescriptions for part of the year, all currently ongoing.
All told, I had far more medical care etc in the last 12 months than I have ever had in any year before, by a long way. What would all that lost cost in the US?
The UK system for NHS dental care is currently totally broken. And you have to pay anyway. I pay instead through a private scheme, costing around £35 p.m. That covered all the dental costs above. I paid £180 privately to see one of the consultant specialists. And I paid for the ear wax removal, as that is something else the NHS no longer covers in our area.
Other than that, the total cost to me of EVERYTHING else on that crazy long list was £149. And ALL of that was hospital car parking charges! Yup, Americans - £149.
I would not claim it was all perfect. The hospital admin and follow-up was sometimes dreadful (one department in particular), and the waiting times for "non-urgent" consultations and follow-up were sometimes many months, But all the clinical staff, without exception, were excellent, as were all the clinical treatments and tests. Paying for all that lot privately would cost something like £16,000, PLUS the cost of all the medicines, from a quick reckoning-up. Even then, I suspect that cost would be a fraction of what you would pay in the US?
Wow, that’s an incredible amount of care for such a low cost-especially compared to the US, where this could easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. Sure, the NHS has its issues, like long waits and gaps in coverage for things like dental or ear care, but it’s amazing that you got the treatment you needed without being buried in medical debt. It really shows the value of having a system like this, even if it’s not perfect.
In my country The Netherlands whether it is medical treatment or medications, the costs of those are covered , there are no considerations concerning costs of primary care, specialist care, hospital stay, medications etc, they are covered. So ‘medications are lower priced therefore affordable’ is not really relevant because the medications are included in the coverage (apart maybe from a very low copayment in some countries).
That’s an incredible system-it must be a huge relief to not have to worry about the cost of medical care or medications. Having everything covered really allows people to focus on their health rather than finances.
Here’s a question for you: Do you think this system influences how people approach their health, like being more proactive with check-ups or treatments because cost isn’t a barrier?
Preventive healthcare is big in many European countries with universal healthcare. It makes sense because a healthy population is a cheap population when it comes to the expenses of healthcare. No so in the US where the government doesn’t care about the health of the population because people have to pay for their own health care.
You nailed it! Preventive care saves money in the long run and keeps people healthier. The US system often focuses on treating illness rather than preventing it because the costs fall on individuals, not the system as a whole. It's frustrating to see how that approach can leave so many behind.
In Sweden we get one hour (paid) per week to go to the gym or do other health activities.
The employer pays part of the gym membership too.
Paid parental leave for 480 days per child, divided between the two parents.
That’s amazing-Sweden really prioritizes work-life balance and long-term health. Do you think these benefits have a noticeable impact on productivity and employee satisfaction, or is it just seen as the norm there?
That is comparable to Germany.
j'ai été opéré en 2022 pour la pose d'une prothèse de genou. L'opération, l'hospitalisation (3 jours) et la rééducation m'ont coûté 0 Euros. Je suis diabétique et l'ensemble des soins, médicaments, insuline, visite médicale trimestrielle, ne me coûtent rien puisque le diabète, affection de longue durée, est remboursé à 100 % par la sécurité sociale en France. Lorsque l'on parle d'instaurer un tel système aux USA, certains américains parlent de communisme. Si le communisme n'avait été que cela, beaucoup de pays seraient communistes maintenant. Non, en europe, nous ne sommes pas communistes, nous sommes moins stupides que d'autres.
C’est clair que le système de santé en France est basé sur la solidarité, pas sur du communisme. Aux US, certains voient l’idée de soins gratuits comme "communiste" parce qu’ils associent tout ce qui est public à un contrôle de l’État. En Europe, on voit ça comme du bon sens, pas une idéologie. Franchement, qui refuserait des soins accessibles si c’était possible partout ?
C'est vrai. Je pense, beaucoup des américans pensent que notre système medical est communisme. A bientot d'Allemagne 🙂
You forgot to mention....
As an US citicen you can not come to europe and exspect free health care....that is providet to people which have a healthinsurance...not golddiggers.
And "not getting an appointment soon if there is an emergency"....means.." in case of an emergency you are treaded without delay".
I would never go to the US without a travel health insurance.
By the way....in germany your employer pays you your wages when you are sick for up to 6 weeks.
Solid points, Bernd! Totally agree-travel health insurance is a must when heading to the U.S. And Germany's 6-week paid sick leave sounds like a dream compared to the situation in many places. It's amazing how different healthcare systems can be across countries!
@@berndbaasner7445 If you are really sick you receive money in the United States also. You will have to go through an especially appointed physician by the state. You will need to do test also. But it is a good idea to have 6 months of savings in the bank for unexpected emergencies.
@@berndbaasner7445 I dont think anybody does that in the United States. You cannot just go to Europe and expect medical treatment because you wont get it. On the other side we dont want people to come to the United States to get excellent treatment on our cost. I one time this was many years ago met a Dutch man who got treatment in the United States. He was one of the most obnoxious man I ever met. He did manage to get the best treatment/surgery and the surgeon did it pro bono which really p/me off. He told me he had to wait very long in The Netherlands and how he got treatment right away in the United States.
I am from Germany. A long time ago I was treated for cancer. Since I had some problems with nausea I got a treatment which included a special drug that mader the nausea go away. Cost: 0 €. If I had to pay it myself it would probably have been over 1,000 €. The rest of the treatment: Again 0 €.
That’s incredible and shows the real value of universal healthcare. Being able to focus on recovery without worrying about massive medical bills is a huge relief. It’s stories like yours that highlight how important affordable healthcare is for everyone.
I am a diabetic living in Sweden. For us the Insulin is free.
That’s amazing, Christer! Free insulin is such a lifesaver-literally. Sweden seems to have its priorities straight when it comes to healthcare.
the USAs biggest problem is the AMA. With the largest political lobbying budget of any organisation, they have consistently stood in the way of the betterment of the nation's health.
You’re right-the AMA’s influence through lobbying has played a significant role in shaping healthcare policies, often prioritizing interests over systemic improvements. It’s a major barrier to meaningful change in the U.S. healthcare system.
I live in Sweden, in Europe. Yes, we pay a lot in taxes, but when we get sick it doesn't cost much and we get help. When we have children, we can choose to stay home and get paid for it. In Sweden, the man and the woman share those days and get an equal number of days to be at home with the child. There are many things that the US doesn't have and I would never move to your country, because I like it here. (I'm sure you wouldn't move here!)
Interesting perspective! Why do you think people wouldn’t want to move to Sweden? It sounds like a great place with so many benefits-what do you think might hold someone back?
@@theworldtoexplore You're welcome to move over here. We love all people, We make sure you are treated according to your gender (even if it is not the gender you were born with). But I am sure Americans think it is better over there. Just a preconceived opinion.
Here in the Netherlands we have a self-test to detect colon cancer, which was set up by the government, blood was found in my stool, within four days I received an invitation to the hospital, a few weeks later I had surgery, luckily it turned out it concerns polyps. By the way, it cost me 695 euros deductible, but hey, small price for health.
That’s an amazing system-early detection can make all the difference. It’s great that you got checked so quickly and that it wasn’t more serious. Even with the deductible, €695 for potentially life-saving treatment is a bargain compared to what many would pay elsewhere. Do you feel the Netherlands' healthcare system handles preventive care well overall?
@theworldtoexplore , yes, similar research is also being done on cervical cancer and breast cancer.
USA has 2.59 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, Germany 4.33. For hospital beds: US 2.8 Germany 8.22.
Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany have the shortest waiting times for medical appointments in the world
thanks for sharing these interesting figures!
Yep - I live in the Netherlands, and if I want to make a appointment with my doctor I often can visit a few hours later. If it's just a minor thing without any urgency it can take a day, maybe two day's at most. If the complaints are minor, you also can get a telephonic consult the same day, and the doctor than make the decision if you need to visit him or her.
The insurance itself is not very high (about €225 a month per person) and it includes everything. Even dentist cost are covered (with a maximum). I have seen hospitals, doctors, dentists, eye specialists, and even had a surgery lately. I have never ever seen a medical bill all those years, and even my very rare dentist bill was around 60 to a hundred Euros.
Medication is not totally free. You have to pay a to maximum of €385 a year, but you only have to pay that at the end of the year and it includes all medication. Most insurance company's allow you to pay that in your monthly premium (about €32 a month extra), and give back the money you payed too much at the end of the year if you have used very little medication.
That sounds so efficient and stress-free compared to a lot of other systems! Same-day appointments and affordable coverage must make such a difference in daily life. Do you think this setup is sustainable long-term, or are there areas where it could still be improved?
@@theworldtoexplore Well - It works for more than ten years now (before that it was slightly different, but almost the same, and that was also a long time). With that in mind, I think it is sustainable for sure...
@@theworldtoexplore Universal HC in Germany started 1883 by Bismarck
On average people pay more "taxes" than Europeans when you include the cost of services people in USA have to pay for but is almost free in Europe.
Exactly! When you factor in healthcare, education, and other services, many Americans end up spending more overall than Europeans, even if their taxes seem lower. It’s just a different way of structuring costs, but the "savings" in taxes can be misleading.
You mentioned the Irish person near the start of the video, the irony is Ireland has both public and private healthcare and we have one of the most expensive healthcare costs in Europe and yet, it costs patients absolute pittance compared to the USA.
Exactly! Ireland's healthcare costs might seem high within Europe, but compared to the USA, it's like night and day. Even with a mix of public and private options, the average person still gets far more affordable care. The disparity really puts things into perspective!
I cannot think of anyone in the UK who objects to paying income tax to fund the NHS, true the A&E departments can be very crowded especially at night, but everyone DOES get triaged and gets the treatment they require with no hidden cost worries. Private healthcare is available in the UK such as BUPA and many ordinary folk have it as a secondary backup in case the wait time to see a specialist or to get an MRI scan is too long, but the cost of private healthcare is not overwhelming, and the procedure to pay is straightforward as the cost of being a member is automatically deducted either monthly or annually by direct debit.
It scares me to think how my parents would have coped when I was born with a cleft palate and hair lip if it hadn’t been for the NHS.
That’s the beauty of the NHS-it ensures everyone gets care when they need it, no matter their financial situation. Having private healthcare as a backup is a nice option too, but the NHS is such a lifeline for situations like yours. Do you think the system will hold up under the pressure it’s facing now, or does it need some major reforms to stay sustainable?
What bureaucratic nightmare to see a doctor in Europe? Recently, I emailed my doctor with some symptoms and they called the same morning to set up an appointment. I saw them the next day for a comprehensive set of tests. I live in Latvia. Previously, I'd lived in Germany, in the UK and Portugal. I never had a problem getting to see a doctor in a timely fashion. My ex lives in Bulgaria, she's seen quickly too.
It’s refreshing to hear about such efficient systems across multiple countries! Seems like the idea of a "bureaucratic nightmare" is more of a myth in many parts of Europe.
@@theworldtoexplore It sure is. When I call my doctor, she often asks if I have time to visit her in about a hour so on the same day. Only in very busy times (flue epidemic or so), it can take a day or mostly 2 days. By the way - All the medical systems are coupled (with permission of the patient of course), so Hospitals can see you doctor visits and you medical history and vice versa. In case of emergency they always have your full medical record at hand, including medication. It feels very safe.
Wow, that sounds so efficient and patient-friendly! Same-day visits and fully connected medical records must make a huge difference. Do you feel like this system works smoothly most of the time, or are there any drawbacks to it?
@@theworldtoexplore As far as I could see it works very smooth. Not long ago I had to undergo some surgery (umbilical hernia operation), and the hospital had all my medical records, including all medicine I use, so they could plan that surgery with all factors that played a role.
No need to say that surgery went very well. I checked in at morning time and was under anesthesia a hour later. When I waked up I got some soup, and got some rest. Later that day I was already at home, and was feeling very well. And - No bill. This whole surgery was fully covered by the insurance. I did not had to pay anything.
That sounds like such a smooth and efficient experience! It’s amazing when healthcare systems can deliver that level of care without adding financial stress to the patient. Having your medical records readily available for planning the surgery must have made a big difference in ensuring everything went perfectly. It’s great to hear how well it worked out for you!
You have wait lists in the USA to.
The only diffrence are that in the USA, the wait lists are a company secret.
Like the USSR, where they didn't have unemployed people, because everyone was working for the state.
That’s such a good point-hidden wait lists are still wait lists, just with better PR. I wonder, though, do you think most people in the U.S. realize how common these delays are, or are they just convinced the system is running smoothly because it’s all kept behind the curtain?
@theworldtoexplore I think that the US are a flawed democracy, where the press is owned by the rich(oligarchy). The problem is that they are beeing gaslighting and brain washed to think that Europe has an inferior health care system.
All because of profitt, on other peoples despair, and pain.
I hear you. It's really frustrating how media ownership can shape the narrative. Europe's healthcare definitely has some great aspects that deserve more recognition. Hope more people start seeing the bigger picture!
@@theworldtoexploreMy comment got deleted. Was it because my opinion was that the press is owned, and that the rich are controlling it?
The press is the forth part of a democracy, and the first part that's attacked, when the democracy falls.
That's the biggest reason why Norway have been the best democracy 7 years in a row, at least. Norway has a governing body of the press. A controlling body, by the press, to govern the press. They have rules that keeps the press as honest as posible. And, if you lie deliberately they will come after you.
Norway has also got prices for the most press freedom in the world.
I don’t see any comment deleted, but yeah, the press is a huge issue. Norway’s system sounds solid-it’s amazing how they’ve kept such strong press integrity. On the other hand, platforms like Facebook giving up on fact-checking is just depressing. It’s like they’re throwing the towel in on keeping information honest. How do you think other countries could follow Norway’s lead without overstepping on press freedom?
Even if you pay the actual cost of an ambulance ride - how can it be 1000 $? Salaries, petrol, some medical stuff - can NEVER cost that much!
Yes it can. 2 guys $100/h also on standby. Ambulance easily $100/h when used. Etc.
No, that doesn't work either, it's simply financial exploitation. The real costs are deducted, the rest goes into their own pockets.
The high drug prices in the USA are due to greedy middlemen.
Of the price diabetics pay for insulin, the manufacturer's share is only 30%, while the greedy middlemen in the USA take 70% of the price!
You’re absolutely right, and it’s infuriating. The middlemen, like PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers), are a huge part of the problem. They jack up prices with little oversight, and patients pay the price-literally. Reform is long overdue!
Currently living in the UK.
UK costs "at point of delivery" for these healthcare items, amongst many others:
Insulin: £Zero. (NOT $20.30 as shown in that graphic at 03:12 !!! 😠).
Contraceptive Pill: £Zero.
Surgery: £Zero.
Childbirth: £Zero.
Ambulance Callout: £Zero
Ambulance To Hospital: £Zero
Doctor's Appointment: £Zero
And that graphic at 09:24 is B.S. as well!
God Bless America eh? 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for pointing that out! I'll double-check the figures mentioned in the video to ensure accuracy. It’s clear the UK system offers a lot at no cost at the point of delivery-definitely a stark contrast worth highlighting!
I had access quickly to a cardiologist recently, and 2 Echocardiograms, cost ZERO. I’m in the UK.
I live in Europe but have US health insurance. The cost of a doctor's visit is the equivalent of $11-12. Since this is way less than my insurance co-pay, I don't even bother filing an insurance claim.
haha that’s an interesting situation-having US health insurance but living in Europe really highlights the cost differences in healthcare! Do you find the quality of care in Europe comparable to what you’d get in the US?
@@theworldtoexplore Yes, the quality is there. And being "privately insured" here I get priority for appointments. Doctors love us!
That’s good to hear! It seems like being privately insured in Europe has its perks. Do you feel the overall healthcare experience is less stressful compared to the U.S.?
@@theworldtoexplore It is if you are fluent in the local language.
More than 20 years ago I was bitten by a tick and got an inflammation of the heart muscle which I didn't notice, but when a doctor diagnosed it my heart was so badly damaged that a heart transplant was on the cards. After consulting several specialists I decided against it and voiala I am still alive , although my heart performance is very limited but I wear a defibrillator ( the 2nd ) and get medication . In the USA I would certainly be dead by now because I would not have been able to afford the treatments or the medication as I can no longer work. 6 weeks ICU + 4 weeks hospital , 4 cures , then 2 longer hospital stays 2 and 3 weeks , implantation of 2 defibrillators , 2 more cures and every day 11 medications what would that have cost in the USA ? And this can happen to anyone, an insect bite can be enough because especially in the USA it is always pretended that ALL sick people are to blame for their illness.
In the U.S., your treatments could easily have cost over $1 million, factoring in ICU stays ($10,000-$20,000/day), hospital stays ($5,000+/day), surgeries, medications, and long-term care. And without insurance, it would have been nearly impossible to manage. Your story really highlights the critical role of accessible healthcare-an insect bite shouldn’t ruin lives financially.
@@theworldtoexplorewhat a Nightmare. Thanks god i live in Europe
TGILIE - Thanks God I Live In Europe 😁
@@theworldtoexplore $10,000 - $20,000 per day?????? How do they justify that? Do you get a room for yourself with your own personal nurse and every room has it's own personal jacuzzi? On top of that you get a massage every 30 Min and the food is coming from the 5 star restaurant that is cooking for the ICU only? Holy smokes.....
Exactly! The U.S. healthcare system is mind-blowing in all the wrong ways. Those ICU costs are insane, and yet the service doesn’t come close to the luxury you'd expect for that price. It’s just a system built to profit, not to care. Stories like yours really show why accessible healthcare is priceless-literally lifesaving.
I just wanted to correct something. There is a 1 year waiting list in the Netherlands to get a primary physician. Because I dont have one (moved from the United States to the Netherlands) I am paying for my own physical therapy even though I paid for extra coverage. My p.t. just wrote me that the insurance said I have no extra coverage so I have to keep paying when I definitely am paying for the extra coverage. Even checked it on the internet I definitely have extra coverage including physical therapy. You do something like this in the United States and you can file a formal complaint with the United States government looking over health insurance and if they do this too often they get a monetary charge so they will regret it and fix whatever is wrong with their system.
So weird to seek medical assistance and then have to worry about costs instead of your health 😮😮😮 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 why? Oh yes, Americans difinition if Freedom
Exactly-it’s strange to think that worrying about costs can overshadow focusing on getting better. Healthcare should be about health, not financial stress. "Freedom" shouldn’t mean being trapped in a system where medical care feels like a luxury.
Hm, I am a 70 year old retired male with several existing conditions that require regular medical support effort, specialist care and medication.
In NL I make my appointments online, order my meds online and have them home-del;ivered and receive test results online. The insurance system is mandatory not for profit commercial costing me roughly $150 a month, which covers all of my needed medical care up-to and including medications, emergency care, specialist care and hospitalisation with limited dental and vision coverage. My average wait time for seeing a physician is less than a day. If we would have been living in the US, I'd have been a widower thirty years ago due to a pregnacy emergency with my wife. The EMT medics were there within minutes.Never saw a bill. During my stay in the US for over 20 years were at least 3 times the amount with vast deductibles and co-pays.
There is absolutely no reason why this Dutch system would not be possible in the US, other than due to the lobbying influences of the for profit medical and pharmaceutical industry.
Your experience with the Dutch healthcare system is remarkable,accessible, efficient, and life-saving. Any idea of what it would take for a system like this to become a reality in the US, beyond just tackling corporate influence?
@@theworldtoexplore
The following points may get you into the proper direction.
1. Make healthcare Not For Profit right accross the board.
2. Negotiate drug-prices at least at State, but preferably National level.
3. Abolish Drug/treatment commercial messaging. (see Tobacco and Alcohol ads.).
4. Define a National standard of medical information exchange with secure client access.
5. Specify an upper limit at admin-costs that companies can charge to consumers.
6. Avoid undue duplication of testing/procedures by performing regular check-ups.
7. Make physicians the gate-keeper for specialist treatment/referral.
These are strong ideas for reform, but do you think the political will exists to challenge the entrenched interests that profit from the current system? and how?
@@theworldtoexplore Nope, I do not think that the political will exists because too many palms are demanding to be greased and the general public, the healthcare consumers, are constantly being hoodwinked and manipulated with the desperate propaganda and downright lies by the vested interests. The moment any reform is mentioned, a ful-throated chorus of hoe and cry about socialism or communism and death-panels erupts and the public will be cowed into compliance of being wrung dry by the medical mafia.
As a contrast, the Dutch system as well as the Swiss system (both of which rank as vastly superior over the US system) are basically a market driven private enterprise system that operates based on mandatory participation and Non-Profit principle within the confines of rules/regulations that are carfully managed by non-stakeholders. This takes out the influence of directly financially incentivised involved parties.
No more outrageous PR-campaigns, no more bloated bureaucracy and no more Byzanthine claims rejection schemes and no more ridiculously jacked up compensation-packages for management.
Vastly better outcomes for patients, more efficiency across the board, lower costs, but out of reach for the US because of disproportionate influence by the for-profit business-side of the healthcare racket.
I wonder if the U.S. could ever move toward adopting a system like the Dutch or Swiss models. Both seem to offer a strong balance-market-driven yet tightly regulated, with a focus on mandatory participation and non-profit principles to keep things fair and efficient. But in the U.S., it feels like the for-profit side of healthcare is so deeply embedded in the culture and political landscape that it would take a monumental shift to even consider reforms like that.
Some 30 years ago I had to have hand surgery after a car accident in Germany. Never paid a dime.
A doctor in Belgium costs more than 4€ but most of it is refunded by healthcare. One problem however is finding an ordinary doctor. Because of a shortage of doctors many of them apply a "patient stop", they don't take any new patients. The specialists are still available but appointments can take a while.
Very true. I felt like my glasses weren't fit for me anymore so I wanted an eye specialist to get me going for the next few years. That's an undertaking for like 6 months. It is a bit different where you live but I had some problems. But take it or leave it, in BE we have a seriously lack of medical specialists but my personal doctor said to me "Call me any time". I was never ever (and luckily I never had to, but I'm getting old) "forced into costly schemes', whatever actually. My father died like 10 years ago, he had to stay in a healthcare home (! don't get me started). Anyway, it ended up in a two year thing from ambulance ... hospitalm ... exams ... staying for half a year in hospital. It cost me around 2K euros. If the same thing happens to me, I'll be a happy socialist because none of my children are prone to live on the streets simply to pay my healthcare bills. WTF US, once my Biggest Dream but what a disappointment ...
That sounds like a tricky situation-affordable care but harder to access due to the shortage. Do you think more incentives for people to enter the medical field could help, or is it more about managing the demand better?
Sounds like you’ve experienced both the strengths and the challenges of the system in Belgium. Even with the wait times and shortages, it’s a relief knowing your healthcare costs won’t destroy your family’s finances. The U.S. comparison really hits hard-imagine having to worry about leaving your kids in debt just because of medical bills.
@@theworldtoexplore on the contrary, the Flemish government is limiting the number of students for medical professions by imposing an entrance exam. Only the best 1600 are "elected".
The Walloon government is planning to do the same ... 25 years later.
It’s interesting how the Flemish government is proactive with the entrance exam, ensuring only the top candidates make it through. Meanwhile, the Walloon side seems to be playing catch-up-better late than never, I guess! Limiting numbers might help with quality, but it also makes you wonder about the long-term impact on accessibility to medical professions.
Essentials for everybody like healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy, daycare and nursering homes should always be government controlled and tax paid. Forget the private actors it always ends up in Klondyke like scenarios.
That’s a strong stance, and many would agree that privatizing essential services often leads to profit being prioritized over people’s well-being. Do you think there’s a middle ground where private actors could still play a role without turning it into a free-for-all?
@theworldtoexplore It's very important to have private actors I think. Everything from food to service to crafts... Private initiativ is the speeder I think - innovation, employment, export, import - but the state must guarantee the essentials.
It's difficult to balance capitalism and socialism but I think we obliged to try otherwise there will be too much suffering like we start to witness in the US these days. Good luck Americans from Europe. We know most of you are intelligent, friendly and brave people ❤️❤️
i'm a german male of 39 years (yeah really 39, not a disguised 40 ^^) and here in germany many people think the us system is better because you can earn more money while you're young and healthy and also some people complain about being forced to pay for health insurance. but in my personal case, let's say i emigrate to the us and want an insurance, because at medium age you already have some pain here or something's itching there... can you tell me what i would pay per month for a "medium" insurance, somewhere between "we pay for everything" and "you won't last long with this sh..."? in germany for example, having up to 5.512,50€ per month, you pay 7,3 % and your boss pays 7,3 %, so if you would have 4.000€/month you'd pay 292€ health insurance
the thing is: germans are longing for the us system (at least some do) and americans are longing for our system...
knowing them both i think i'd take the few disadvantages in germany every day instead of being afraid to die / live a miserable life / getting homeless due to the costs
You’re spot on-it’s totally a “grass is greener” thing. In the U.S., for a decent middle-of-the-road insurance plan, you’d probably pay around $450-$600 a month, plus a yearly deductible of $1,500-$4,000 before insurance starts really covering things. Then you’ve got copays and stuff they don’t even cover on top of that. It adds up fast.
In Germany, yeah, the system isn’t perfect, but at least you’re not constantly worrying about going broke if you get sick. I’d take that stability any day over the U.S. system where one bad illness could ruin you financially.
So ist es! Greetings from a fellow German.
Sadly, the UK's system is probably the worse in Western Europe. Very long delays to see a GP. Incredibly long delays - up to 2 days - in A&E. As for seeing a specialist or waiting for an operation - months or even years to wait.
You're not wrong-the NHS is struggling with delays, and it’s frustrating for so many. The system is great in principle, but underfunding and high demand make it hard to keep up. It shows that universal healthcare needs proper investment to really work.
@@theworldtoexplore It is time the UK's politicians looked at the far better systems in Western Europe, stopped telling us how wonderful the NHS is, and changed to a European system of healthcare.
Absolutely, adopting elements from more efficient European systems could be a game-changer for the NHS. It’s time for bold reforms.
America doesn’t do thinking a lot. It’s hard. Just shout “socialism!” and complain about paying taxes while you’re healthy so that someone else gets healthcare.
Interesting point! Do you think attitudes toward healthcare and taxes in the U.S. could ever shift, or is it too ingrained?
@ There has been a time when the attitude of the US society and administration was different, and that was during the Roosevelt administration and up to ca 1975. The Great Depression and its impact on the majority of society changed the social climate, and Roosevelt, himself a member of the oligarchy, saw that better redistribution and government initiatives could eventually benefit the whole economy. The challenges of Socialism, which was actually rather popular in among US intellectuals at the time, and of WW2 meant that all actors would at least try to appear to be mindful of the common good. The inequality indices such as Gini coefficient or the ratio between smallest and biggest pay within corporations were considerably lower even decades after WW2.
Only the deregulation glut and the shareholder value cult that set in with the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations reversed this tendency. I don’t see a greater valuing of the common good returning under the incoming administration for sure - but if the shit shower that we’re going to endure worldwide, but that will especially ravage the US internally, fails to do any good and can’t continue to blame immigrants or foreign countries, who knows. However, I try to be optimistic. America, get well soon, but you’re certainly ill right now.
That’s such an interesting take-so much has changed since those days. Do you think there’s any chance things could shift back toward valuing the common good? Here’s hoping!
Here in Denmark, I pay a maximum of 120 USD for a ozempic 1 mg pen, but with an annual cap on total medicin spending at about 350 USD, meaning I only pay full price for the first one or two pens of ozempic, based on my other medicine consumption.
That’s a great example of how Denmark’s healthcare system supports affordability for essential medications. An annual cap on total medicine spending at around $350 USD is incredibly reasonable compared to what many pay elsewhere. It’s a huge relief for those who rely on medications like Ozempic regularly. Systems like this show how much of a difference thoughtful healthcare policies can make in reducing financial stress for patients.
Here in Australia I pay AUD $ 7.70.
@@Rottnwoman lucky you
My doctor will actually prescribe the cheapest possible medicins.
Prioritizing affordability while still addressing health needs sounds like how it should always be. it just makes sense..
It is not perfect but... My wife who is seeing an eye specialist saw her in November as was had planned to have an eye scanned in February saw flashes in that eye again today phoned up the out-patients and is being treated tomorrow morning at no cost to us. This is at the local hospital which is a 10 minute tram ride from our house. Not perfect?
Indeed pretty impressive for 'not perfect'! Hope your wife’s appointment goes smoothly!
@@theworldtoexplore Thanks! It went fine. When she came home there was already three appointments waiting for her on the 12th of February for further investigation.
Not bad for 'not perfect'.
That’s awesome to hear! Fingers crossed those appointments bring some good news. Hang in there!
It sounds like it could be problems with the heart or circlulation. My father had the same. It was a stroke. Don`t wait if it is something she never had before!Try emergency care
Life in America could not be tough enough for the average Joe, still those average Joe kept voting to maintain the status quo. Just sad.
Totally agree, it’s tough to see the cycle repeating. What do you think it would take for the 'average Joe' to push for real change?
Ok he was NOT the CEO of a pharmaceutical company BUT of a health insurance company. The video was disqualified after a few seconds of running
well spotted, big difference indeed, but still part of the same broken system in many ways. Do you think it changes the core issue the video was trying to highlight, or does it just shift the focus?
@@theworldtoexplore Maybe there is no shift in focus, but it was incorrect; I agree that the system is broken
It's sickening to see that Americans have to pay that much they do not care about the people only to get more profits
It’s definitely frustrating to see how profit-driven systems can sometimes overlook people's well-being, especially when it comes to essential needs like food, healthcare, or education. Finding a balance between profitability and fairness is so important. Do you think there’s a better way to address these issues?
You get what you voted for
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows here in the Netherlands but it’s way way better than in the US. There are big differences between European countries too. We used to have a single payer system but that was before 30 years of right wing government and, to be honest, that had it’s flaws as wel. In the Netherlands healthcare is very accessible but everything has to go via your GP (“huisarts”) Foreigners who try to skip that stap are in for a rude awakening. You can’t just make an appointment with a specialist without going to your GP first. Now emergencies are exempt from this rule for obvious reasons. We do have a copay which is a flat rate of €385,- a year. That is not a large amount but in my opinion it is unfair. For wealthy people it’s peanuts. But for people who struggle financially it may be a deterrent to visit a doctor, especially at the end of the year if they did not make any healthcare costs yet. We do have a requirement for everyone to have private insurance (insurance for all children under 18 is free) The premiums and coverage of these insurances are heavily regulated. Overall I would never want to live in the US, just because of the health insurance situation. Yes Americans may have higher wages than Europeans but they only need a medical emergency to go bankrupt.
Totally get what you’re saying-the Dutch system isn’t perfect, but it’s leagues ahead of the U.S. The GP rule makes sense for keeping things efficient, but I can see how it’d throw off newcomers. That €385 copay-yeah, it’s not much for some, but for people struggling, it’s a real barrier, especially if they’re trying to save it for "just in case."
And yeah, one bad hospital visit in the U.S. can ruin your whole financial life, no matter how much you earn. Do you think making the copay income-based would help, or would it just make everything more complicated?
In Italy it’s similar but the “ticket” is due to every visit or exam, it’s 36€ and is waived if you are too poor or for cares related to a known condition. You also may have a private insurance that covers part of the ticket or let you use private hospitals (usually with shorter waiting lists) but you absolutely can live without. Also a visit by a private specialist could cost around 100€ and exams like urgent PET can cost a couple of hundreds but usually if you don’t have a private insurance you go with SSN, wait few weeks and have everything you need out of your tax money.
That sounds like a balanced system-affordable for most, with options for those who want private care. The “ticket” fee seems fair, especially with waivers for those in need. Do you find the waiting times for the SSN manageable?
@@theworldtoexplore Most bigger city's in the Netherlands (like The Hague for instance) have a special medical insurance for low income where that €385 is incorporated. This is a insurance that covers about everything, including dentists (up to €500 a year, but dentists are not very expensive and dental surgery is completely covered). The insurance is partially payed by the city, and the resulting premium is very affordable for those with a low income...
That’s amazing-sounds like such a supportive system for low-income families!
A doctors visit in Belgium is 25 EUR or something like that. That is what you pay, but you get 21EUR back from insurance immediately. So in the end all you pay is 4 EUR. And getting that money back happens automatically. No papers need to be filled out. You give your ID. Done. And when you get a prescription, you go to any pharmacists (who has to study to get that job, almost as much as a doctor) I do not need not have an unreadable paper from the doctor. I give my ID, he gets the info what I need. Insurance get the rest of the bill, while I pay something like 2 or 3 EUR. Easy.
And just an extra thing. Filling out taxed. I only need to do that, IF I want to do some extra stuff. But if you are an average employee, they already have all the info. So no need to do anything. You can verify what they have and if that is ok, do nothing. All tax filing can be done online obviously. For free, obviously.
That sounds so smooth-Belgium really nailed efficiency with healthcare and taxes. The fact that you only pay a few euros and everything happens automatically is amazing.
OUCH! I pay $0
When it is really urgent and life-threatening you will get help at once for sure and you don't have to wait in Germany . And of cozrse you do not have to pay for it But lots if people are just spoiled from decades with much more doctors and the state having more money.
Fair point! But don’t you think some of that “spoiled” feeling comes from not realizing how bad it could be elsewhere? Like, what would happen if Germans actually had to deal with the U.S. healthcare system for a month? Think they’d still complain? 😏
Same in Belgium, once they realize it's urgent you are rushed to the front of the waiting row, no messing about.
It seems pretty logical but indeed not applied everywhere
Ever tried to get a plumber in NY? 😂😂😂
I tried to get an electrician in Belgium. Same problem. Most of them don't reply to my emails, a few show up to check what has to be done. They never show up again.
Shocking ??????
haha if you haven't been shocked it means you already knew them!?
I am SO over reading about how wonderful "European " health care is! EVERY chart shows Australia well up with the best, do you think Australia is in Europe???? Just being better than the USA doesn't make you good, the bar is very low if that is your basis for comparison. Germany does their wonderful health care for 14% of income, Australia does it for 2%. The Northern hemisphere needs to get over itself, just like the USA.
And NO, I don't pay for it through my taxes. I am an aged pensioner and pay no tax.
Cry harder 😂😂
You make a strong point-Australia’s healthcare system often gets overlooked in these comparisons, but it’s clearly one of the best. The efficiency and affordability are impressive, and it’s a reminder that there’s always more to learn from systems outside the usual Europe vs. US debate. Props to Australia for setting such a high standard!
I live in Norway, I've never thought about the problem
exactly! cheers!