Originally Posted by Wilchemy
I don't really know what systems the Brits and the Maples have, but over here I think anyone can get specialist treatment of sorts under the public health system, but the waiting lists are so long you might be dead first. Having private health insurance allows you to jump the queue and pick and chose services/doctors more - i think.
Happy to be corrected by someone who actually knows tho
I am fortunate enough so far not to have had much other than basic dealings with the medical system....touch wood.
The system is broadly speaking, similar in all 3 countries (very broadly speaking). You will get very good specialist treatment here in the public system and if you need urgent review, you can queue jump even as a public patient. Where things fall apart is with the so-called "elective" procedures, where waiting lists in the public system have blown out to ridiculous proportions. That's where private insurance comes in handy.
Of course, a properly funded and staffed public system would do away with most of the waiting lists but that is the stuff of fantasy these days. (and let's not get onto the subject of doctor and nursing shortages which are a worldwide problem)