Canadian Healthcare?

[Joe Mioux]

I don't want this to get political so I am posting in the chat forum.

I just switched health insurance plans and will now save a few bucks as well as have a bit better insurance.

I started thinking today, My Canadian friends enjoy a govt sponsored healthcare insurance program and I pondered a question.

What does it cost you and can you go to any Dr you want or is your choice of physcians limited?

thanks
Joe

 

[Victoria]

It doesn't cost me an extra dime and my doctor is my choice.

As a matter of fact I had an x-ray and blood work done a couple of weeks ago ( my dam n knee is falling apart I think)... no charge. I am booking a mammosquash at the Breast Clinic and there is no charge. I had a baby, no charge, I had injuries incurred from a car crash, no cost, I had surgery, no cost...

My father was in emerg and ICU for a couple of days, no charge, my mother was in for 10 days, no charge...

V

 

[bloomz]

Try watching Sicko Joe - it studies them fairly well IMO, and interviews quite a few Canadians.

 

[Joe Mioux]

It doesn't cost me an extra dime and my doctor is my choice.

V

v. are you saying you do not pay any additional taxes for Ca govt sponsored healthcare?

If so, where does the money come from?

joe

 

[Victoria]

Of course it comes from taxes.

V

 

[Joe Mioux]

OK,

who's taxes?

V, i am geniunely curious about this....... so i hope you don't mind me probing a bit.

thanks
joe

 

[geebf]

Just thought I would butt in... Sorry..!

Here in Australia we have what is called "Medicare" This is a free health care system. Basically we are covered to see a GP and also have access to free Hospital Treatment as well.

However because of the demand on the "free" health system there are long waiting lists for most surgeries etc. It really is advisable to be in a private health fund.

An example being, My Dad has been diagnosed with cancer twice. He has private insurance and without that he would probably of had to wait far too long for surgery and more than likely would not be with us now. Sadly My Father in law was a public patient, He has had to wait and now has only weeks to live.

Because of the long waiting lists and the demands on the public hospitals there is also a need to seek overseas trained Doctors as well. Not sure if you have heard of the Doctor Patell case here in Queensland, ( he has fled to the states so you may of heard about him) but this highlights the problems with staffing the "free" system as well.