American Reacts to Australian Healthcare..

[@minkeytalk]

I’ll tell you about my experience with the Australian health care system. My husband and l both were working full time until one day my husband could not walk straight and had trouble with his speech. We went to the doctor and he organised scans and tests to be done. Because we lived in a country area where there was no big hospitals for these tests we were put on the patient assistance program, which pays for transport costs and accomodation costs to a hospital for any treatments we may need. We then found my husband had a brain tumour and needed an operation urgently. He was flown to the capital city with the Royal Flying Doctor Service that same night. I drove my car to the city because l knew l would need my car. My husband was operated on that night and again two more times over the first week. I stayed at my daughters while he was in hospital visiting each day. He was released from hospital to a unit in a block of units in hospital grounds for cancer patients who needed daily care from the hospital or specialist doctors for treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments. We lived at the unit for 9 weeks and everything was provided for us except for food. There was kitchens,laundries, a cinema and a bus to go to shops etc. The hospital provided a cancer care section where my husband and l could get a massage, meditation classes even art classes run by volunteer.s. We jumped on a buggy to go to the hospital and back and there were cafes and restaurants all around the grounds. The treatment was pills for the chemo at over $1000.00 a bottle, anti nausea and pain pills we paid $5.70 per prescription. It was such a relief not to have to worry about money at that stressful time. At the start a social worker gave me all the paperwork for applying for government benefits and within two weeks that started to be paid into our accounts. He got disability and l got a career allowance. From the very start they had told me it was hopeless and he only had about 10 weeks to live, but he was coping well and after the 9 weeks and another 2 weeks rehabilitation we went home. Cancer nurses called on the phone every day and called in to the house once a week and provided all thing required like a wheelchair, walking frame and bed rails etc… the local chemist ordered in anything we needed and kept an eye on me as well. We had to go to the city for follow up appointments all covered by the patient assistance. None of this hard work from all the surgeons and doctors and nurses was making any difference, he enjoyed being in his own home and refused to go into care. After 10 months of relative peace at home ,and a weekly respite day in the local hospital ,he started falling at home and l feared he was getting too much for me to cope with so the local hospital admitted him into the palliative care suite. I visited everyday and the hospital made me meals and had a bed made up for me to stay over if l wanted too. He was in palliative care for about two weeks before passing peacefully one night. The benefits systems continues for 12 weeks after death here. I was too young to retire but just could not go back to work so l lived off my savings for a year until l applied for a widows pension. I am now on a aged pension. It was tough and l aged quite a bit but l am very grateful to the Medicare system that takes the worry out of paying for such a life changing time. I would hate to have to pay back the expenses it cost. Must admit l have a little whinge about my country sometimes but to be honest l would not live anywhere else. ❤️🇦🇺

[@mishamelbourne1649]

Great summary of what the system (flawed though it may be in some areas) does for the citizens of this country. Also, I’m sorry for your loss… it sounds like you were an amazing support to your husband.

[@janerowe15]

I'm sorry for your loss Minkey Talk. Yes thank goodness we live in Australia. I was holidaying in the US with my daughter a few years back and she got sick just before we were due to fly back to Australia. She was transported to hospital with severe dehydration and we were in the emergency dept for 4 hours where they rehydrated my daughter on a saline drip, luckily she didn't need admission as it turned out to be a bout of gastro. I received a bill from the hospital after we arrived home for $4OOO USD which thankfully our travel insurance covered. It just shows how wonderful our Medicare system works. The same level of care in Australia would have cost us nothing.

[@jeanwilson717]

We are so fortunate to have RFDS for those in outlying areas. They do amazing work.

[@denisemangan1413]

Minkey talk I lost my husband under different circumstances- so I’m sorry you lost your husband. What an ordeal you have endured. I wish you well Minkey talk.

[@christophermarshall527]

Sorry for loss, that's a lot to go through, and it's great you both got the help you needed. I hope you've recovered OK from the experience. Cheers 🌷

[@vakhen7]

As an American living here in Australia (Permanent Resident), and having had to take my wife into the ER (she's a citizen), I was worried about what all of these specialists and imaging and tests were going to cost (We'd have found a way to pay, I wanted her better no matter the cost). But in the end they figured out the issue and got her treated and released back home, with her health improving daily. I watched the mail waiting for the bill. Took her a few weeks to convince me that there was no bill coming, ever. Happy to pay a bit more in taxes to know we're not going to have to declare medical bankruptcy.

[@DForSpiD]

A friend of mine had a similar issue, they received some mail from medicare and they looked panicked expecting a bill, but what they actually got was a rebate for most of the out of pocket costs from a specialist visit

[@gregwilliamson3001]

I watch in disbelief all of those American movies where basically people are bankrupted trying to pay for life saving medicines or procedures. Hard for us to believe that a so called "1st World" country, would do that to its own citizens?

[@lward53]

If it wasn't too long ago, when i was discharged i was given a piece of paper showing how much everything cost, But was reduced thanks to medicare.

[@Sovereignty3]

Other than still having to pay American Taxes, our health care system is a great reason if your financially able to, become a citizen here and ditch your American passport. The financial part is the hard bit though depending on your age, and job. My brothers Mother in Lawwould love to at min become a permanent resident here in Australia as her only Child and grandchildren are here, but cannot work in her field here as we don't recognise her countries certs (as far as I understand) and she doesn't speak English.

[@vladtheimpalerofyourmom-ag5112]

Lol. The car park ticket would have hit your pocket though 😆

[@IsabellaL82]

It seems the American healthcare system works for who it's made to work for... businesses. I look at the US and feel blessed to live in Australia. Especially with my health conditions

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

Same here.

[@joandsarah77]

Same

[@duanehirini2078]

If its made for business its pretty crap way of doing it. You need healthy workers.

[@whymeeveryone]

American healthcare is made to make profit then look after people health. Yet here in Australia, if an American came here and need medical attention, would it be cheaper even knowing they would be going through their, health insurance.

[@TheChiefEng]

Anyone living in a country, where the government values the health of its citizens more than anything, will always thank the stars that they don't live in America. America is a 1st world nation to the wealthy and a 3rd world nation to the rest.

[@bryancranston5101]

As an Aussie, I’ll put it into simple terms. Imagine you have an accident at home and break your leg. You’ll call an ambulance and go to the nearest hospital. You’ll be admitted, undergo surgery, have your leg cast, and be discharged with any necessary medication. You won’t receive a bill. You won’t pay a thing. Not one cent.

[@BomberFletch31]

I'm pretty sure Medicare doesn't cover ambulance fees, though. I know I've had to pay ambulance fees before.

[@79BlackRose]

Thanks. I felt this video would have benefited from this guy giving some examples like that. The barrage of quickly delivered facts without examples made this a difficult watch. So, if you required knee or hip replacements would you expect to pay something towards the cost? Or if you have a chronic condition requiring kidney dialysis would there be any charge?

[@mack1915]

In NSW you will wear the ambo ride cost without private cover which jackpots for a chopper ride. Correct on everything else

[@79BlackRose]

@@mack1915 So, are you saying that different areas have different rules? Or to put it another way it is not 'universal'?

[@adrianhempfing2042]

@@79BlackRose those operations and dialysis I believe would be free in the public system here is Australia

[@BarrySuridge]

Everyone in Australia gets a Medicare card, even the wealthy, whether one chooses to use it is up to them. The system sounds complicated but in practice, it's pretty straightforward. 💯👌

[@Sydneysider1310]

The guy explaining it made it sound complicated with all the stats but as you say, nothing complicated about it.

[@Autotrope]

It gets more complicated if you or someone you care for has a disability or you qualify for certain benefits due to income or living situation etc. But it's worth figuring it out and applying for what you're eligible for.

[@Piccolo..]

No they don't. The is reserved for Aus Citizens, NZ Citizens, people applying for PR or asylum seeker. Medicare is not available to international students, expats, tourists.

[@ashleighclifford4019]

But who wouldn’t use it? Lol

[@jadecawdellsmith4009]

@@ashleighclifford4019 idiots who think paying 2 c s'one must mean that that Dr or surgeon is more skilled. Many people don't realise the specialist or surgeon in private practice/hospital also works in the public system too. Same Dr,diff hospital,same outcome but some people have more money than sense.

[@ichabodnoodle9595]

Son fell over at school hurt his wrist - went to A&E, triaged by a nurse, pain killers, doctor consult x-rays, another doctor, temporary cast, back a week later more x-rays, another doctor, waterproof long term cast, 6 weeks later more x-rays and the cast removed : total cost : just under $20 for parking and a couple of kit-kats from the vending machine. I love our system - I hate yours

[@79BlackRose]

Yeah, cannot expect the government to pay for kit-kats, lol. ;) The government should look after the health of people. I am English and, like you, I cannot understand why the US government does not make this provision.

[@cbisme6414]

@@79BlackRose because the Medical system is big business over there, they'd literally have to shut down a whole insurance industry.

[@eurekaelephant2714]

@@cbisme6414 good. And shut it the hell down. All of it.

[@jpmasters-aus]

I love the real costs for kids!

[@qfa330]

Dam those Kit Kats ! - lol

[@greyhairedphantom4038]

Eleven years ago my health reached a crisis point, when Crohnes disease which was undiagnosed at the time, almost took my life. The public system and a brilliant team of guys and girls saved my life. In my three months there I saw people of all walks of life come through the ward. Some middle class, but people of low income and a number of homeless. I can't stress how it touched me that people with no one to care for them or support them were given the very best of care. You would see them come in with their life in a shopping bag, scared, sick and alone. Within days they began to relax and feel comfortable they were going to get the best care. I remember a guy who was homeless gave me his packet of cheezels when he left the ward. I have never forgotten that! There is so many stories I have of my stay at the Royal Adelaide Hospital back then. When i left I felt so proud of my country. Our system isn't perfect, but the people who work in it are so very caring and dedicated. My bill for my stay for three months, two of those months on being fed through a tube at $700 per day. Two major operations.....My bill was absolutely nothing! What I gained was my health, and being mighty proud to be an Aussie!

[@michaelpillingnow]

You, or we, also gained your ability to keep contributing to our country. People forget that you can't have people making amazing discoveries of innovations that benifit everyone, or just helping being up the next generation if the people involved don't survive long enough to do it. The cost of dead people is enormous, for instance of kids are orphaned and the state has to take care of them. Medicare is important for these reasons too. It makes good economic sense.

[@BomberFletch31]

I'm very thankful I live in Australia. I have chronic kidney disease, diagnosed 16 years ago. I've been through dialysis and have had two transplants in that time, and as a result of having kidney transplants, I have to take a lot of prescription medication every single day for the rest of my life. I don't want to think about how much this would cost me in the US, but in Australia, dialysis, hospital treatments, and transplants don't cost a cent. The only thing I have to pay for is the prescription medication, and even then, it is heavily subsidised by the government. I only pay a fraction of the cost of the medication.

[@0077725]

I am thankful too. I had open heart surgery in 2016 to try and correct a heart condition I have had since birth. Initially my cardiologist and surgeon thought it had worked, but not to be. The last statement I remember seeing was for about $55,000. Thankfully I had private health insurance with some extra coverage for cardiovascular issues. All in all, I paid $500 excess and about $200 for pain medications and other drugs. Thank god for having private health insurance. And I had mine done in a private hospital with a very good surgeon (who specialty is actually heart and lung transplants!).

[@Bareego]

I'd be happy to pay more on the medicare levy if it meant our hospitals are properly funded. Alas I'm not in government.

[@brett7801]

I'm also on dialysis, waiting for that magic phone call. I am so thankful for our medicare system. I have had outstanding care so far.

[@carmelmcshanag8144]

Our system isn't perfect, but compared to the US, it is accessible and affordable for the most part. My brother had a kidney transplant ... total cost $0. Last month I went to the doctor, had a MRI, ultrasound, blood test and X-ray ... total cost $0. Was surprised about the low obesity numbers ... I guess it's comparable to other places though. 🤷‍♀

[@Marth667]

I doubt the low obesity declaration, I can't recall the source but a study said Australia ranked high in western countries in obesity.

[@dramoth64]

We don't have high fructose corn syrup in everything which is why compared to the US, our obesity levels are lower.

[@jamiehershon]

I think if the US had universal healthcare that our obesity numbers would actually increase.

[@zaydmerhab6167]

We are second highest in the world for obesity and first for skin cancer

[@jamiehershon]

@@zaydmerhab6167 Where?

[@gregrtodd]

It might sound complicated, but here's how it works for real: I'm a teacher -so not poor, but not rich either. I opted to have private health insurance. I live on the outskirts of Australia's largest city. If I want to get a flu shot, I'll make an online booking with my local practice. I can normally get a consult within an hour or two on any week day. I see the doctor, get the jab, and that's it. My vaccination is covered by Medicare (bulk-billed). A couple of years ago I collapsed with heart arythmia. I was taken to the nearest hospital by ambulance (covered by my insurance) and was seen immediately. Battery of tests, including an MRI. 2 nights in the ICU and 2 in recovery. No cost. I'm happy to pay 1.5% tax for universal healthcare. I'd be happy to pay twice that if it also included dental

[@pearlisreadingthis]

Greg, I agree about dental.

[@lizschultz1]

So agree with dental

[@listey]

Completely disagree as dentists aren't particularly expensive. Certainly no way it would be worth 1.5% of annual salary.

[@chae5306]

@@listey I would take it for the inclusion of orthodontics. Braces, plates and so on are thousands of dollars, not to mention the added costs around them. 1.5% seems reasonable to not have to worry about all of that.

[@JyveKilla]

if you brush twice a day and don't smoke, dental is not expensive. if you are lazy or fork out thousands a year for cigarettes you'll pay a lot more. I've never had tooth decay and I'm 41.

[@Sydneysider1310]

CORRECTION: You do NOT get better care if you go into a private hospital. The same Drs work at both the public & private, they work between the hospitals. Quite often they'll transport you to the public hospital for tests etc. Australia has a fantastic level of care & expertise in our hospitals which is amazing considering we've endured 19 years of conservative govts in the last 26 years! We've currently got a new Labor (left) govt which will only make the current medical situation better over time. No one is scared to go to a Dr or a hospital for fear of debt like what happens in the US.

[@meganwilliams2962]

Yep, this.

[@jpmasters-aus]

This is so true. My local public hospital is on a campus with a private hospital and also private consulting rooms. I was in hospital in the home last year and was rushed to hospital (public) by the nurse via ambulance. The next day I needed to have more tests. The initial tests were undertaken by the private radiological provider to the private hospital (in the private hospital) at no cost to me, and they I saw the public hosptical cardio specialsts for my follow up and consultations. They were concerned with some of the results, and I had an urgent more invasive test in the public hospital that afternoon. All at no cost to me.

[@Sydneysider1310]

@@jpmasters-aus hope you had a good outcome Jason and your health is on the mend. It sounds like you were looked after I’m very grateful for our fabulous hospital care.

[@jpmasters-aus]

It was a good outcome, thanks

[@JesusManera]

That's very true. The main appeal of private hospitals is for longer stays and superficial improvements - nicer rooms, better food, etc. Public hospitals have the best medical care though. The best specialists in Australia work at public hospitals.

[@neilwhitfield5026]

Went to my doctor today -- about 20 minutes checkup and renew medications for heart issues, Then one script from the pharmacy, Doctor charged $0. Blood pressure medication $5.80.

[@davidjordan7190]

One thing he didnt mention was the reciprocal medicare agreements. Some countries such as the UK and Canada have agreements with Australia so that their citizens can access our free healthcare and vice-versa. Very helpful when travelling overseas.

[@jpmasters-aus]

I have used that when visiting the UK - it was seamless

[@lethellsing]

Not with the US we don’t.

[@LM-EntertainmentAustralia]

new zealand too (well not sure about new zealanders here, but aussies travelling to NZ are covered by their universal health care).

[@elisaarrigo5041]

We live in Perth, Western Australia. In 2014 my Mother fell down a flight of stairs at the back of her house and broke her hip. Two ambulances arrived and it took four people two hours to slowly manoeuvre her off the stairs as at that time they didn’t know if she had damaged her back. She had a hip replacement, spent 3 days in ICU, 2 weeks in an high care ward and then 2 months in a general ward. This was all in a private hospital. Mum’s health insurance sent her copies of all the bills the insurance company paid. One bill was for over $50,000 which was for the ICU and high care ward. The only out of pocket cost that Mum had to pay after two and a half months in hospital was $124 for medicines as she had gone over her yearly allowance. We are very grateful for our health care in Australia.

[@laurensutherlandisradical3419]

My youngest daughter recently broke her ankle in a car accident. No cost to us for the ambulance, X-rays treatment at the orthopaedic clinic, moon boot or medication. Thank you 🇦🇺

[@jjaus]

Don't know what state you live in. Here in Victoria an ambulance costs thousands.

[@jessovenden]

@@jjaus Here in Victoria many people get free ambulance services, or they’re included if you decide for some reason you need. private health insurance. Or what you should do is pay $50 a year for singles, $100 for families to Ambulance Victoria for membership. If you don’t get free ambulance cover then you definitely should be a member. You can pay monthly if you like. Really no one should be paying thousands for an ambulance here in Victoria, and I bet the other states are similar. Good luck, I hope that information helped.

[@jjaus]

@@jessovenden Is there something wrong with you? I LIVE in Victoria! Insurance is not the same as free. Our private health covers it, but if you don't have insurance, it's thousands. Don't mislead people.

[@hoofhearted1955]

@@jjaus I live in Victoria too, as a first responder for 15 years l can tell you that the info in the post is correct. Try improving your comprehension skills before being rude to someone trying to help.

[@jjaus]

@@hoofhearted1955 Really? Ambulances are free? Someone is ripping off the public then with all the invoices you guys send out.

[@eurekaelephant2714]

My daughter was very ill with a bone infection. She had an emergency operation in a public hospital, which basically saved her life, and two subsequent operations. She was only 7. She stayed in hospital for two weeks, was fully fed, and cared for by lovely nurses. She was brought christmas presents on christmas day by visiting volunteers. We were allowed to stay in her room the whole time. (Sorry, im in tears now), but the fact is that we wouldnt have been able to afford such costs if we lived in America. We paid something like $20 for her whole time in hospital that saved my precious daughters life, and that was for take home medication. I couldnt imagine living within a system so brutal that health care, life and death is based upon your ability to pay. Im actually shedding a few tears just thinking about it all. I sincerely wish for real solid progress in America! Its beyond time! Stay strong until you get it! For the people who STILL oppose, you really truly and MUST wake up! You are being brainwashed and hoodwinked, and you MUST drop your irrational fears that socialised medicine js some form of communism! Its not, its a form of compassion! X

[@denisemangan1413]

I lived in both worlds- that is before Medicare. I remember my mother being ill with Hepatitis A in 1967 & she couldn’t afford to go to hospital. So, my mother stayed home, the doctor visited & as small children we were separated & removed from our home. Then Medicare came at a later date & it took away a lot of financial pressure off patients not to mention getting top healthcare. I’m a Registered Nurse. 🇦🇺

[@melissabarrett9750]

Our world prior to Medicare was scary. So similar to America

[@Bareego]

Thank you for what you're doing. I know lots of healthcare stuff have to put up with a lot of BS.

[@susanthrift7056]

I'm so grateful I was born in Australia, I was born with a complex heart condition and had 2 open heart surgeries in a public hospital for free which saved my life. I was friends with a young lady in the US who died from her heart condition as she couldn't afford the surgery, this was before GoFundMe and such. I couldn't believe the difference, if she had of been born here, she would probably still be alive. 😔 Too many rich people in America and it's govt who don't think they should have to help the less fortunate, even our welfare system is better.

[@nicolel3041]

Had surgery on Monday on my tailbone after breaking it few times. Surgery, meds i was sent home with and the nurses that come change my dressing daily for the next month is all free.. im grateful

[@tameelah3839]

I am Australian but I gave birth to my son in America while working there. My son was born a month early, he was in NICU for 14 days, I was in for 9 due to complications. His bill $21,000 and mine was $15,000. I had private health insurance and that was after private health insurance paid there part. I was blown away with the cost just to have my son.

[@RadicalValkyrie]

holy crap!

[@cheryljones1865]

😮

[@tinawise5478]

That sucks man, guess I wouldn’t be having a kid in the U.S

[@bernadettelanders7306]

I’m a senior (old Aussie lady) lol. My ex husband, a Civil Engineer, I was married to him for over 20 years, he wiped me out financially, his company solicitor didn’t charge him one cent for the legal divorce stuff. I had a cheap solicitor. I wasn’t feeling well at all one day years later, I rang the docs, nurse said call an ambulance right now. Cost me nothing for the ambulance, I had many tests, even a brain scan, cost me nothing. Years earlier when my sister and I had our children, at different times, at the same small local hospital, she wanted a private room, I wanted a few new mums in a ward (for fun and giggles) . My sister paid extra, but didn’t break the bank, neither of us ended up in debt, mine was cheaper. Better care? No, we had the same docs and midwives. Now I’m older , too dam old lol. I don’t pay one cent to see my doc, my meds are pretty dam cheap, but I get the same care if I had more money. I don’t owe anyone one cent. I don’t go without either. Just can’t afford to stay in the swanky motels when married we used to stay at. No great loss really.

[@mgreen1206]

I’m a nurse but I am currently off work as have a illness. I have had to see neurologist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, surgeons and have had 3 operations. I have private health, basically I have been covered for everything.. I have just have had to pay some small amounts. As a nurse who works in hospital, we see everyone for free. Since I’ve been unwell I have said many times “thank god I’m in Australia” don’t get me wrong there’s things that need improving but the service I have got has been great, like I’m going to hosp next wk for an outpatient procedure but it’s far away from where I live so I staying at hotel across from hosp. The hotel gives rooms to outpatients like me all time. The room is $43 a night but as I’m more than 100kms away I get a rebate for hotel bill.

[@petersp63]

People knock the NHS but when it works it is amazing and I would not be about today without them!

[@reefsurfing3273]

Have no medical insurance I just use the public service, had a full knee reconstruction and 2 months physiotherapy all free, broke my leg in 4 places stayed in hospital for 3 week's and then 3 months physiotherapy also free, got to ❤️🇦🇺👍

[@aileensmith7716]

In the state of Victoria, we also have something called the TAC which is a similar healthcare system that is set up specifically for road accidents. It 100% covers your medical, pharmaceutical, and rehabilitation costs until you're fully recovered. This is fully funded by TAC taxes. And I am so grateful for this state government initiative as we used it when my husband was involved in a fatal car accident - he was resuscitated at the scene - and spent a month in hospital, and took a year to fully recover. Everything was covered and I am happy to pay my taxes if it benefits someone else's loved one.

[@maryjones4112]

As an Aussie, I don’t know anyone who has to declare bankruptcy due to hospital costs!

[@melissabarrett9750]

Because not a single person ever has to

[@idealicfool]

@@melissabarrett9750 yea duh. That is exactly the point they are making. People in the US not only face financial crisis for medical issues, but also an increased risk of death due to leaving it to late to see a doctor. Or simply not being able to afford something that should be affordable, if not outright provided by the state such as insulin.

[@traviscue2099]

No, but people have died being on the extremely long waiting list. A private clinic can get you into see them in a few weeks, compared to public which can take years.

[@idealicfool]

@@traviscue2099 but then, just think how highly subsidised our private health care is and compare and to what Americans are paying for health insurance. Still doing a hell of a lot better. Not to mention all the benifits that come with private health cover such as money off prescription glasses and that sort of thing.

[@traviscue2099]

@@idealicfool Oh sure, our private is much better over here. But the reason why its cheap is because of what happens in the US. My issue is that people think we have this amazing free system without any flaws, it has big flaws.. It's not a "bad" system, just not as good as people percieve it to be.

[@01DOGG01]

I had a tumor in my moustache area. Cost me 0 to go to the GP, like 40 bucks for 2 specialist visits after medicare reimbursement and something like 70 for a plastic surgeon consultation which was required as it was a facial operation and he was going to be performing it. So around 110 dollars.

[@eshiestrik2756]

As a senior, I don't pay for anything except for mediation which is hugely subsidised. My general practitioner bulk bills which means my visits are paid in full by Medicare. There are some general practitioners who charge a minimal gap I'm very happy for our system ♥️🇭🇲

[@jadecawdellsmith4009]

R u aware that there is a $300 threshold? once u have exceeded this amount on scripts the rest will b free 4 the remainder of the year. For people that r on a lot of meds it's good 2 know.

[@davidthemod4729]

Private care in Australia isn't necessarily about better care, but more about expedience. Public health usually has a high er waiting time as opposed to an almost instant treatment under private car.

[@deannahiotis5674]

Not to mention the waiting times in the emergency departments. My mum has no private cover and we waited 13 hours in a public emergency department a few weeks ago..my husband has private cover and he waited 45 minutes in emergency just last week .

[@davidthemod4729]

@@deannahiotis5674 it's the same here in New Zealand, the waiting time is atrocious.

[@colinmcgrathinsydney]

I'm an Australian and only (just) coming out the other end of a very painful and distressing illness that has seen me use up all my sick leave and annual leave (holiday pay). During testing, a chronic disease was identified, adding to my distress. Throughout this journey, I have been quite observant of the processes, and this is because I work in an Aboriginal health and medical research organisation whose purpose is to ensure the effective delivery of health services to Aboriginal Communities. My experiences throughout my ordeal has been, and still is, very positive, and the doctors and nurses were professional and supportive. I have not paid a cent for all the treatments and consultations. I do pay for it, but it is taken from my salary, and is an amount so small you don't feel any financial pain. Our Medicare system is a great system for all Aussies and I applaud it. However, I have concerns for its continuance. Doctors in the public health system are paid a fee-for-service, and fees vary depending on the services provided. This is how doctors make a living in the public health system. The fees paid to doctors has not changed in decades, and herein lies the problem. Whilst cost of living has increased, doctors fees have stagnated. This has resulted in many doctors leaving the public health system and going private because they cannot live and prosper in the public health system. The items covered under Medicare need to be reviewed and increased, if we are to keep great doctors in the public health system. Thanks for covering our Medicare system. It's a great system, but needs reviewing to ensure we keep great doctors in the public health system.

[@brittk3881]

I'm Australian and I'm on the disability pension because I have multiple sclerosis. I have reached the pbs safety net threshold which means that I have spent $244.80 on prescription medication which is the threshold for concession card holders. What it means now is that I pay absolutely nothing for medication that is on the pbs medication list until the 1st of January next year. It can be confusing but everything is on a system. So when I went to the chemist to get some medication, the pharmacist told me that I had hit the safety net because it came up in the system. I was pretty relieved. Even though medication on the pbs cost $6.80, when you have to take multiple medications, the price does add up. But everyday I'm thankful for being born in Australia because I definitely couldn't afford to have MS in most countries 🥲

[@kimscott1241]

Earlier this year, my then 13 month old son was having trouble breathing. I took him to the private hospital near us because wanted a shorter ER wait. We were seen within 20 minutes, spent about 4 hours in the ER while they ran tests etc. That cost us about $120. He was then admitted into hospital as he needed supplemental oxygen. I stayed in the private room with him overnight (and as I was breastfeeding, my meals were included at no cost). We paid nothing for his entire hospital stay as our private health insurance covered it. We are on a family plan (2 adults, 2 toddlers) and pay about $2500 a year total for it. Our system isn't perfect, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Also, I drove us to the hospital, but if we had taken an ambulance, that would have been free (here in QLD the ambulance is free for qld residents)

[@SS_S.]

I had a condition in pregnancy that affected my liver. The only drug that helped was only approved for treating a serious autoimmune disease. Side note - our regulator heavily subsidises medication if it's prescribed for an approved use. If you are prescribed "off-label" you have to pay full fee. This medication would have cost me nearly $1000 per day. The hospital admitted me as a patient for SIX MONTHS so that I could access the medication I needed through the dispensary for free - the "approved use" rule doesn't apply to inpatients. I was allowed out on "day leave" and while I was very ill and frequently in hospital for other reasons, I was allowed to come and go as I needed. The hospital team then took my case to the regulator to have pregnancy-induced cholestasis added to the approved use of that medication to benefit anyone else affected after me. My toddler child needed a specialist head/neck surgeon. I'm in a rural area. The same hospital flew a specialist surgeon in from a major city to perform the operation, and then flew them home again. It cost me nothing and the surgeon was world-class. I'm so privileged. Edit to add: private health cover isn't better, it is mostly just faster. The same surgeon would be doing both operations, you're only paying to move up the waiting list and a nicer recovery room by going private.

[@robparsons1527]

I, unfortunately, have had a considerable amount of use of the health care system in Oz over my lifetime (current classification: Old Bugger) and found it to be excellent, caring and diligent Doctors and Nurses, affordable medications, cheap ambulance with a $50 per year ambulance cover. The overweight statistic is due to two factors, in my opinion, active lifestyle such as swimming, sports, cycling and high quality food, we cook more and takeaway less overall. When I died a few years back, heart attack, it was classic Aussie stuff with the Doctor introducing himself as my plumber, I cracked "That much! I have to see my bank about a loan." Many more jokes followed and then I snuffed it, but they enjoyed the humour so brought me back, an encore performance I guess lol. It's not a perfect system but very good.

[@cbisme6414]

I'm not sure what State you're in, I thought it was the same Australia wide but in WA, if you're on an age pension ambulance is free.

[@robparsons1527]

@@cbisme6414 I'm in SA and it's $50 for St. John Ambulance cover per year, if you don't have it, it will cost around $1000 - $1200 for a ride.

[@jadecawdellsmith4009]

@@robparsons1527 unless u have a pension or concession card & then it's free. Dunno if people r forgetting that or just don't know. Many people also seem unaware that if on benefits & they spend over $300 on scripts in a year the rest of their scripts will b free 4 the remainder of that year. Good 2 know if ur an Old Bugger (or anyone) with chronic illness or the need 4 plenty of meds.

[@PhillipLWilcher]

Joel, basically the public hospital system provides free or low-cost access for all Australians appropriate to medical specialists, health workers, nurses etc . For example, I can visit with my local GP tomorrow, and at most pay a gap fee of $20. He always wavers it for me. I can also have a scan or x-ray done, and walk out without paying anything. Referred specialists are a different story. The private health system, which is voluntary, operates outside the public system. For private health care both in and out of hospital, you contribute towards the cost of your health care. I have always used the pubic system until quite recently, when I needed as a matter of urgency, to take out private insurance with HCF. Also, I was a full-time carer for my father for 12 years. A veteran of WW2, almost all of his health concerns were met by DVA (Department of Veteran Affairs) - his health care package saw DVA supply him with weekly visits from a nurse, a physiotherapist and an occupational health therapist. There was a home-visit podiatry service as well. Everything was covered for, and it allowed for me to ensure he received the best of care here at home until he recently passed away. I am glad of that, that for the majority of his frailer years, any stay at hospital was only temporary and I could continue on caring for him one to one as I did. I know little of your health care system over there (and to be honest, I am not full conversant with our own here in Australia) but from some of my American friends with whom I am in regular contact, I often wonder how you afford it. Hospital stays, for example, they can cost you an arm and a leg, yes? Blessings! Show less

[@adrianhempfing2042]

Sorry for your recent passing. I've heard generally good things about physical care by DVA (veterans medical support). I think there's some specific conditions or mental health conditions issues that care could be better for.

[@PhillipLWilcher]

@@adrianhempfing2042 Thank you, Adrian. I appreciate it. Dad had dementia. I could not have cared for him as I did without the support I received from various facets of the health care system and DVA. There were only two times when I needed to place him in a health care facility - one time after I had sustained a double hernia lifting him (my surgery through the public system and any follow up appointments saw me pay nothing) but both times I had placed dad in respite, he ended up in hospital the worse for it. I was ready to understand that in a facility where there might be 200+ patients, it can be difficult for complete attentiveness to an individual patient's needs one on one. So, I was determined as much as possible to see that he had sufficient care here at home with me. Love is of its own reward, yes? Blessing, Adrian!

[@adrianhempfing2042]

@@PhillipLWilcher well done with being able to care for him at home basically the whole time. Dementia is so annoying , it's like the person is still there but also not there and can or can't seem to even remember relatives or words or events or situations. Many or most families I guess here in Australia, end up placing the relative in the nursing home as it's a big responsibility 24/7 care at home from yourself. But if possible, if the carer can look after the relative safely and without "going insane" themselves , then it's nicer on the relative

[@adrianhempfing2042]

@@PhillipLWilcher glad your operation went well

[@PhillipLWilcher]

@@adrianhempfing2042 Thanks again. I would say that the difficulty for any full-time carer is maintaining g their identity. It can be even harder to do when one's loved one is losing theirs. Sometimes, it felt like dementia was not only stealing my father from me, but me from myself along with it. Fortunately, I am fairly creative and attuned to Spirit, ever the sustaining influence. Yet, those times when dad did not recognise me ( not all that long ago, on asking him if he knew who I was, he simply replied "no!") he was more obliging in doing with me what exercises he needed to do. I could usually tell by the way he thanked me, if he knew whether or not I was his son. During the last days of his life - he literally died in my arms at hospital) he appeared more lucid, as if the dementia had gone from him. Neither had I ever felt so much Love - real Love - between us as I did towards the end. Something else was at work with him, preparing the way. It was not always easy for me to care for dad 24/7. Irregular sleep patterns, days lost through the lack of awareness of Time itself passing, but I am so grateful for the experience and expression of it; to know first hand that Love works! Adrian, blessings!

[@Eskay1206]

Im 60yrs old, had 2 major surgery's in my life,(6 months in hospital) didnt cost me a cent, and have never had to pay for a Dr's visit in my life. its not perfect but we cherish it, recently threw out a Prime Minister Tony Abbott (our version President) for trying to make us pay $7 to see a Dr

[@leagreenall5972]

6 years ago I had an horrific motorcycle accident - I had 8 shattered ribs on the right hand side, broken right shoulder and clavicle, a punctured lung, and half my left ear was torn off... I was helicoptered to hospital, put in a coma had intensive care, and then was in a private room for a couple of weeks..... The cost when it was all finished? Zero, nada, zilch, not a cent, nothing! If I was in America... well....

[@travelgirl747]

I'm a Registered Nurse in Oz. Have been for 36 years so l've seen a lot of changes. My dad died of Pancreatic Cancer and l looked after him at home until he died. Fantastic support from the Palliative care nurses that came every day. On a different level, l have Private Insurance as well simply because even if you are in pain, if its not an emergency (ie you have cancer, yr having a stroke, heart attack or yr leg is missing) you will be put on a waiting list. One of the system flaws. Unfortunately as well, there are a lot of new citizens that don't understand Emergency is for Energency. If you have to sit in ED longer than 6 hours, believe me, its not an Energency. However it is free so there's the drawcard. Nobody is refused care, but you will have to wait in a triage system eg, sickest are seen first. All hospitals worldwide have this system.

[@deannahiotis5674]

i was recently in a public emergency department, saw a man come in in an ambulance, he has a history of heart problems and was known to have heart issues...he sat in the ED for a good 6 hours and still no doctor saw to him, there was the student nurse doing obs on everyone every so often but that was all , he ended up going up to the reception and telling the nurse there that he is going home, he was sick of waiting . I then saw a lady come in with a hemorrhoid and they sent her through with in the hour LOL

[@travelgirl747]

@@deannahiotis5674 having "heart issues" and having a heart attack are two different things. And the common misconception is that getting an ambulance means you are very sick and will therefore get seen first. It works on a triage system. If the man with heart issued could get up and go home then he was not really sick. An ECG would have been done and blood tests taken. If nothing is irregular, he's going to wait. As funny as Haemaroids sounds, they can actually be quite dangerous and very painful if they are strangulated. I'd probably reserve judgement unless you can see the full medical history

[@tranquilbakergentletraveller]

If you go through the public system in Australia, it can be low cost or free. But with certain conditions, there are waiting lists for surgery. If you are a middle to high income earner, there is still an out of pocket expense to see a GP (general practitioner). I had to have surgery at short notice last year and I went through the private system and it cost me over $3000 (it was a day procedure so I went home that afternoon). Private health insurance in Australia can be a bit of a rort, you need to have top-of-the-line cover (which is expensive) to have almost all conditions/scenarios covered. Private health insurance needs an overhaul. I've read some glowing reviews of the Aus healthcare system here, but it's not the same for everyone.

[@deannahiotis5674]

you are right...i discovered private health cover is NOT worth having for child birth for example. I had 3 babies through the public system, it was free and the care was fabulous. I then had one baby through the private system and it cost me thousands and the "care" in hospital was absolutely disgusting ( well non-existent tbh)

[@viys3261]

The GP costs depend whether they bulk bill or not, it’s not based on your income. I’ve never had to pay for a GP.

[@colleengidley147]

A little bit late to this discussion, but I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 17 years ago. I went through the public health system as I did not have private coverage. Yes, the waiting rooms were full of ladies with the same affliction and the waiting time to see a specialist who was assigned to the Hospital was between 1 to 4 hours. But all the surgery, medication and follow up care where free. They had a timeline in which to resolve our medical condition i.e a month from prognosis to surgery. I felt that my condition could have been resolved earlier than the month as I ended up with cancer in both breasts and felt really ill. However, all treatment including Chemo and Radio therapy and scans and biopsies as well as mental health were catered for and free. I had to leave my job, so we were under one income...but 17 years later I am still here and thankful for our Health system.

[@gatlygat]

Interesting video JPS. Thanks Your wondering at 8:09 - two initial observations a> High Fructose Corn Syrup is not a thing in Australia b> The extreme industrialisation of the food system is not at the U.S. levels, so quality/nutrition is higher and more natural and the cost is more reflective (so excess is blunted)

[@lyndarichardson4744]

Joel, it's up to you and all fair minded Americans to kick up such a stink that your Government introduces a decent system of health care ! Even if it's only state by state.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

My dad got hit with RSV a few months ago and subsequent cardiogenic shock. Fortunately he was in hospital (by an hour) and survived. He spent 10-12 days in hospital and we didn’t have to pay a cent. We don’t have private practice insurance but do have the ambulance membership. This would have bankrupted the entire family if we’d been in America. Australia might have its faults but at least we can get help when we need it and not worry about having to lose our home to pay for medical care.

[@tjv2446]

My wife recently had cancer in 2020 and again about 2 months ago. She got surgery and treatment and we didn’t have to pay or beg insurance to manage it. We tried to go private the second time (you can do public or use insurance to go private) but we ended up going public because there was no time or quality difference. We are not out of pocket. We are not in debt. My wife is alive, and because of flexible work arrangements, I did not have to take unpaid time off to care for her after a double mastectomy. I love the healthcare system here. I’m an American and don’t understand how the US system is so messed up.

[@meegingernoodles91]

In 2020 I nearly died from septic shock. I had 3 different surgeries and stayed in hospital for about 3 weeks. Wasn't charged anything. I wouldn't be alive if I was in a different country.

[@dianeoriander8276]

I am an 80yo Aussie woman, had knee replacement surgery physiotherapist, ambulance after care, including taxis to rehab, cost to me a great big zero,very grateful to be in the Australian health care system

[@johnfisher9816]

Again, Canada is similar to Australia. For us going south to warm-up (Florida), health coverage for the US is key! The emphasis on healthcare in the US seems to be more for big business than keeping the population well, safe, and productive. Perhaps a happy medium will come along, but always "follow the money, honey" determines actual motives and priorities.

[@dramoth64]

Over the last 8 years, my family has gone through the wringer in regards to health issues. 2014, my stepdad got diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Started off with chemo and radiation... then once all that was done, they went in and removed the section of his colon with the tumour in it. Every couple of months he would be visiting his surgeon and his oncologist. Having CT and PET scans to keep track of what was going on inside him. Then the cancer came back (It was stage 4 remember). He lasted just over 12 months after being told that new tumours had been found in his kidneys, liver, and brain. Cost to the family: about $1000 in fees, total, to the oncologist. If we lived in the states, he'd have been dead within 12 months because we're considered dirt poor. Anyway, just over 12 months after my stepdad passed, my mum had a chest xray and they spotted a shadow in her lungs. CT scans showed a tumour around 2 inches around. Usual stuff, chemo, radiation. They didn't operate on her though. Just over 2 years later, they spotted another tumour... her chemo treatment last for around 2 cycles before she developed pulmonary embolisms. Blood clots on her lungs. Now, they are just monitoring the progression of her lung cancer and other issues. Costs, the excess fees to the oncologist... and the cost of the meds that she has to take. One sister and one brother... knee replacements. No cost. Myself... Complex PTSD, Depression and Anxiety... and I need a knee replacement due to osteoarthritis... and the costs... what costs. In the US, we wouldn't be able to afford the medication that my stepdad and my mum needed for their chemo treatments without going bankrupt. The knee replacements... forget about it.

[@hahahehe_unfunny6914]

11:05 yeah, obesity here in Australia is so low. About the eating culture stuff, my dad once travelled to America with some of his coworkers for work purposes (this was bloody years ago), anyways my dad likes to keep telling us of the time when he was there, him and one of his coworkers went to a restaurant to eat and obviously ordered seperate meals, one for each, HOWEVER, when the food came back to them my dad said those two meals were big enough to feed about like five people. Basically you guys have gigantic food proportions.

[@NovemberMe5213]

And loads of sugar. You guys put it in everything.

[@raphion88]

Was in Louisiana and Texas in 2019. I can confirm the portion sizes are huge. And it's cheap too. A basic salad appears to use an entire head of lettuce.

[@sandradring6265]

I’m overwhelmed ! most of the information flew quickly over my head! 🤪

[@jemxs]

I have a chronic illness and on meds that cost $5200 a month, but I pay $0.00! So are very appreciative of our healthcare system.

[@jadecawdellsmith4009]

All free? CTG perhaps. Hey it works 4 me,just wish it was introduced earlier

[@jemxs]

@@jadecawdellsmith4009 if I get from Chemist I would pay about $180, but if I get directly from the Hospital is FREE! Oh and CTG??

[@jadecawdellsmith4009]

@@jemxs Closing The Gap is free scripts for indigenous people. EDIT- FOR NON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ON BENEFITS THERE IS A THRESHOLD OF $300, ONCE YOU'VE REACHED THAT AMOUNT FURTHER SCRIPTS R FREE 4 THE REST OF THE YEAR.

[@jemxs]

@@jadecawdellsmith4009 ofc closing the gap..I should have gotten that!

[@jadecawdellsmith4009]

@@jemxs ten points if u did know. Half the chemists don't even know..

[@eurekaelephant2714]

Thankyou. I was interested to hear your views at the end. Those Americans who say they dont want free health care, are the same Americans who would fight tooth and nail to keep it, once they tried it. I feel so incredibly sorry for the rest of America who do want it. How incredibly frustrating. You guys deserve so much better. I would even say your system is frankly abusive towards its own citizens. I really hope you see real change soon.

[@Rastusmishka12]

Great reaction. Have a look at the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Also check out both videos by Geography Now. There's an old general one then a newer one on states and territories.

[@the-flatulator]

The US is the only developed nation not offering universal healthcare. You used to have it, but someone figured out there was money by charging for everything. 10 years ago I had an Aortic Dissection and was in a coma for three days. I had transfers to other hospitals, 24 hour ICU care etc. and the cost to me was zero dollars. I have CT scans every year with zero cost to me. We all pay for it through taxes and share the burden. We can choose private healthcare too if we prefer to get more.

[@larainecurry4566]

He didn't mention how high your charges are compared to ours , your charges are exorbitant compared to ours.

[@angelsdoexist]

I can't understand why anyone would think free healthcare was something people shouldn't have access to

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Basically in the USA you pay the most for any medical issue but get the least. In Australia you pay the least and get the most.

[@dericmartin8092]

Earlier this year I went to Emergency feeling very sick and with abdominal discomfort. After several tests I was diagnosed with a burst appendix and had an emergency operation. I spent 5 days in hospital but two days at home I tore the internal stitching ( by coughing) and had to return for a reparatory operation and spent another 5 days in hospital. The total cost for ten days in hospital, multiple blood scans, two abdominal surgeries and medications was about ten dollars. I do have private insurance but chose to go into the public system because the public system was able to recover some of their costs through my health cover. Amazing doctors, nurses and other health care professionals in a world class hospital.

[@bigoz1977]

When I lived in the uk I loved the NHS, now living in Australia, gotta say The only issue I have with the Aussie system is that I’m not entirely sure if I’m gonna get charged for something. I’m currently diabetic and it cost me $6.50 a month. Can’t really complain about. Although I did just have to go to the dentist for an extraction and it cost me $500. That hurt but it was necessary

[@looking8030]

Well get private health cover for dental or go get it ripped out for free which is everywhere here in Australia

[@looking8030]

And if you want to solely rely on the tax based Medicare system it’s only a simple visit or phone call to find out exactly where to go for FREE stuff

[@mariahewitt9787]

@@looking8030 The dental hospital in Sydney is free. That's where up and coming dentists train.

[@looking8030]

@@mariahewitt9787 there’s plenty I’d say in the city but the flying doctor does us out here in northwest NSW 💯👌🏽

[@drake1896]

It's an interesting hybrid system. Complete universal healthcare might not be best, but it should probably be expanded slightly

[@ashleighclifford4019]

I’m a 35 year old Australian and have NEVER paid out of pocket for any hospital care I have received. 5 children and not 1 penny out of pocket to give birth. Many operations and not 1 penny out of pocket. I have only ever paid to see a specialist. I have to say, we are a very lucky country to have the health care that we have.

[@MrSandancer]

Joel every other industrialised nation has got it into their heads: Healthcare is an essential service just the same a policing, education, firefighting or the military. It’s not complicated, so why has the US got a problem with it?

[@tammyfinnemore]

My partner had to have a hernia operation. His doctor worked in both public and private hospitals. He went in as a public patient, but was in a private hospital (because of doc), three night in private room, tests, operation, meals, wifi, access to his own netfix, youtube accounts through the tv etc, , was all at zero cost, all we paid for (apart from better coffee at the cafe) was the $30 for the antibotics that he needed for a couple of weeks.

[@Phil_A_O_Fish]

To be perfectly honest with you, Joel, this is the first video of yours that I've watched on your second channel from here in the U.K. I was just curious to see whether or not the Australian healthcare system was similar to our own N.H.S. or more like your own American system and I've come to the conclusion that our two healthcare systems here in the U.K. and in Australia are almost identical to one another. As I'm half British and half Australian it was a pleasant surprise for me to be able to see that my fellow Aussies have followed our lead here in the U.K. rather than yours in the U.S.A. when it comes to healthcare. Incidentally, I've never even visited Australia but still consider myself to be half Australian and with me being born and raised in the U.K. without our terrific N.H.S. I probably wouldn't even be alive today to type up all of this sh!t - I was born with poliomyelitis almost 2 years before your very own Dr Jonas Salk's invention of his lifesaving polio vaccine. As my late mother once told me I could've died as a very small baby if the N.H.S. hadn't been around. The only downside of that horrendous disease is that I wasn't able to walk properly until I was aged 3 and a half and I now suffer terribly from trypanophobia ( the fear and terror of hypodermic syringes and needles ) although that's to be expected considering that I had to undergo and endure several lumbar punctures as a baby and small child, isn't it? On the upside I have a lifelong natural immunity to polio although I can still be a carrier of it and pass it onto people who aren't immunised against it. Despite my lifelong trypanophobia this hasn't stopped me from becoming fully vaccinated against COVID including with my booster shot less than 12 months ago and throughout the entire pandemic I've never tested positive for it. I see such measures as being necessary to guarantee not just my own health and well-being but also the health of others. It's just a commonsense and common decency thing for all of us to do, isn't it? I have to admit that I get fed up of listening to all of your fellow Americans who make the excuse of " How are we going to pay for it? " when it comes to freely available public healthcare as we have here in the U.K. and around the world - why don't they come out with the exact same excuse when it comes to your bloated military budget? That same budget increases by approximately US $800 billion every year and yet all of your politicians have no problem with financing it, do they? It's obviously more profitable to most of you Americans to kill people outside of your own borders than it is to treat your own population free of charge within those same borders, isn't it?

[@jujutrini8412]

@Michael Rogers You can change Drs as you please in UK too.

[@eurekaelephant2714]

Well said my friend. From an Aussie.

[@Phil_A_O_Fish]

@Michael Rogers, it's funny that you said that because since I moved to my current address almost 7 years ago I've only ever met my own G.P. once and she's a very nice Muslim lady. She's so busy with all of her other patients that more often than not I get to be treated by either one of her many practice partners or by a locum who happens to be on duty when she's unavailable. If I wanted to change G.P.'s either inside or outside of her practice I have the freedom to do that but their practice is quite adequate for my needs therefore I think that it's a waste of time for me to do that. This is a common practise amongst all of us Brits and we get to choose who we wish to be registered with and we're not told by anyone - most especially not our Government - who we should register with. A case in point is my next door neighbour who moved from a different town here but is still registered with the same G.P. that he's always had from his previous address. Incidentally the only reasons that all of us Brits have to be registered with any specific G.P. are for purely bureaucratic ones and so that our Department of Health and Social Care knows who to pay for each of our treatments. It's quite a logical system when you think about it, isn't it? The alternative would be for us to go here, there and everywhere to get treated by doctors that we don't know but more importantly that don't know us and our specific ailments or conditions....that would be a bureaucratic nightmare for not just the G.P.'s but also for the same Department of Health and Social Care, wouldn't it? Accident and emergency conditions can obviously be treated as and when necessary at any hospital whenever or wherever they're needed.

[@lora-maekeogh5953]

1:53 The part about asylum seekers getting "coverage" while their cases are under review needs to be checked mate. I saw that and immediately said: "Fuck off." While our government is good about some things, saying that asylum seekers receive "coverage" is complete bullshit. Most of asylum seekers and refugees that want asylum and refuge in Australia don't even get that, especially those who come by boat without a VISA. Most of them, if not all, are held in an offshore detention centre on Christmas Island and fuck, the treatment they receive is fucking inhumane. They're separated from their families, barely allowed counselling privileges, treated like prisoners, and aren't treated like basic human beings. This is one of the most appalling things that is still happening to this day in Australia. "The Hungry Ghosts of Christmas Island" is a good, feature length documentary that focuses on this issue.

[@devoidatalent4243]

What's so different about eating habits? I've been to the USA, you have sugar in everything over there... Your bread wasn't bread, it was cake, I actually ended up making my own bread while I stayed there. Your drinks were full of sugar and so was your food, your serving sizes were massive! A large MacDonalds meal over here is your small and that wasn't the only place I found a problem with serving sizes, I think I managed to eat like a 3rd of what was on my plate at the best of times and the servers were constantly filling up my drink, which while lovely, makes it hard to track how much you're having in sugary drinks. I found it very hard to find fresh vegetables and fruit and the tinned versions were filled with sweeteners and sugar, so, to answer your question on this, the difference is serving sizes and the amount of sugar you're exposed to. Not to mention... You guys drive everywhere! The family I was living with (Boyfriend's) would drive 200 metres down the road and even less, maybe it was a crime thing IDK but I felt bloated, tired and got sick from the fatty, oily and sugary food, I stayed there for 2 months and gained like 10kgs, when we got home, I shed it within a few weeks. I loved my stay there though... I had to watch my language and... you guys don't seem to be able to pick up on sarcasm or dry humour too well either but if it wasn't for the possibility of medical bankruptcy for a hospital visit, I'd have happily lived there.

[@outogetyougotyou5250]

Sad thing is that it's not even sugar most of the time, it's high fructose corn syrup.

[@shellshell942]

My Mum just finished chemo in Melbourne. She has private insurance, she went to a private hospital feeling somewhat of an obligation to fund her treatment when she could as she knows many can not. She used to be a nurse too so also why she feels obligated to fund what she can. She came home in tears on her last day of treatment and it was because every doctor and nurse had hugged her goodbye and wished her luck, she got a certificate for finishing treatment too and felt so grateful. A donor even pays for wigs for cancer patients after he watched his own wife struggle through treatment. I think this attitude of helping those less fortunate than yourself is pretty typical in Australia and why our system in general works. You may only be able to help those around you by paying taxes, if you are fortunate to have more then you give what you can. Its just doing the right thing by your community.

[@Katrina-mi2gm]

How right you are about helping community. I was watching Americans being asked about national health schemes v's what they have and the sentiment of majority was " we pay for private health insurance so only we can use it - why should we pay more tax so someone else can get medical treatment?" It even didn't budge them when they were told it would be overall cheaper for them. I could not understand such mentality . All I can say is thank goodness for our health care system. Both of my children had serious health problems, including cancer and a very bad accident. Both required several surgeries, chemo, rehab, follow-ups, medications. We didn't have a private insurance, they both were treated by amazing people in public hospitals, and the only cost involved was car parking fees!

[@kenchristie9214]

Universal health care was introduced by the Australian Labor Government in 1976 and was called Medibank. In 1977 the Australian Liberal Party was elected and the first thing it did was privatise Medibank. In 1982 Labor was back in power and reinstated healthcare for all as Medicare.

[@MrCalman65]

Aussie here. Got diagnosed with paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation which is a serious heart arrhythmia, had a pulmonary vein isolation procedure (cardiac ablation) within 3 weeks after the drugs failed to work, for no personal cost. Its changed my life. I think in the US its well over 30k. I'm so grateful for our health system. its not perfect but its damn good

[@bera0014]

I read a story about an American woman who moved here (Aust) because her husband was offered a job and was on work visa. She was diagnosed w breast cancer, chemo, radiation therapy, operations all via the public system, co pay was ZERO. When she was interviewed she said was totally against universal healthcare because she had been a "brainwashed American". She said she was glad to have the cancer in Australia as she said she would have died or put the family into crippling debt/bankruptcy if she wasn't.

[@tamarawifey]

My mum had a brain aneurysm and was in Intensive care (ICU) for over 2 weeks, and in a ward for another 2 weeks - She didnt pay a cent. If I catch a cold, I can go to my GP for free, a prescription for antibiotics is about $8

[@sashamunro7163]

i think health care should be free anyway people cant help if they get ill

[@overworlder]

Sounds good but the public part of it has decayed since it was brought in, in the 80s. I pay $90 to see the GP of which I only get $35 back and I pay $120 a fortnight for private insurance to jump hospital waiting lists if I ever need it. The only part of the public system that works properly is urgent (non-elective) hospital care. That part of it is fast, free and high quality. But if you aren't triaged into immediate hospital care, you face waiting lists of 6 months if you don't have private insurance.

[@mehere8038]

re the obesity rate being low in Australia, check out a video on Australia's best playgrounds & you'll probably see why. We ripped out the "safe" stuff years ago & replaced it with challenging stuff kids & teens actually want to use. We have some really awesome playgrounds nowadays, so kids naturally get exercise, cause physical play is fun

[@Twopennysau]

I use both Medicare (public) and have private insurance - I have had 11 nights in a public hospital (but treated as a private patient) - 7 of these nights were in a high dependency unit (nursing ratio of 1:2). I also spent 27 nights in a private hospital. On both occasions, my out of pocket expenses were less than $100.

[@langa2150]

great vid, you should do a vid on Australia's venomous and dangerous animals that would be amazing

[@doctorcrusher2918]

Depending on your income, it is compulsory to have private health care. Well over half the population has private cover. That means - if you can afford it, you pay for it. If you can’t afford it the government supports you through Medicare. We’ve had this system since 1984. It is an equitable system. Before 1984, our health system was called Medibank introduced in 1976. There is tiered levels of private cover depending on what you can afford as well, or want, that best suits your life needs/choices. Many people have optical and dental extras, upgraded choice of hospital and doctors et cetera. the Federal government also supports mental health and disability health, to give two examples. We also have a system called HELP (higher education loan payment) so everyone has access to Universities in Australia. It is becoming rarer for our population not to have some form of higher education. Currently, there is an increased amount of people studying/obtained their Masters Degrees. There is no discrimination like in the USA. Nevertheless, Medicare is always up for improvements and changes as the population’s needs change.

[@cjm2995]

My wife and two kids went the the States when covid started kicking off. Sure enough my wife and son got sick with Influenza A. We had travel insurance but “pandemic” wasn’t covered. Needless to say the hospital visit took most of our remaining spending money, I was shocked. I had my appendix burst home in Australia, the ambulance ride, the hospital stay and the surgery…..no out of pocket. When people ask me how I likes America, I say it’s like a shitty version of Australia.

[@tanhazjustdance2024fan4ever]

Living in Australia who is in the top salary bracket, I do not mind paying extra tax for medicare which will take care of others as well as me and my family

[@debkendall]

My husband was in hospital for burns, had skin grafts, pyshiotherapy, out patient care medication and what cost the most was the road tolls and parking for me to visit. We generally never have people going brankrupt because of I’ll health

[@c.p.1589]

The medication that has kept me walking around and working full time, instead of needing a mobility scooter and living in agony, would cost $60,000 USD a year, alone, without the one day a month in hospital for the infusion, if I lived in the USA. Ive been on it for 15yrs and have never paid a cent. I feel like I've paid because Ive employed lots of people and kept an extended family together. I don't think we are 'lucky' here in Australia with our health system.. It wasn't a mistake. We meant it.

[@chrishall-lp8dk]

As an example. At the age of 69 I became aware that I needed a Quadruple Bypass Heart Surgery. Under the Pubic Hospital System I had the operation and all follow up care all under our FREE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM. I am very thankful that I am fortunate enough to live in Australia!

[@ozzietad666]

I’m Aussie and didn’t know we have low obesity but I live in an area that has an obesity problem- and other social issues. But my guesssss as to why we have less obesity in the culture is possibly partially to do with our lifestyles of being outside a lot. We feel safe in most places to walk in parks or beaches or the bush Sport is also important to a lot of people- even older people who may play lawn bowls or golf. We have plenty of junk food but not the serving sizes you guys have. But as we become more multicultural our food culture has broadened a lot and I think we are maybe eating less of the standard carb junk food. People are just as likely to grab sushi or salad or a curry for lunch instead of standard fast food. So that’s my guess.

[@DaveWhoa]

you mightve seen Skyrizi ads on American tv recently. To buy that in America one dose will set you back US$18,272.79 (probably more, as that is just the Wholesale Acquisition Cost) ... in Australia it will cost you a maximum of AU$42.50 (US$27) for the general public, and even less if you're a pensioner or disabled etc. America invests in its businesses, Australia invests in its people (and it turns out when you invest in your people, you're _also_ investing in your businesses due to a healthy workforce!)

[@astra2007]

My American born (now an Australian citizen) husband went blind due to untreated diabetes. He underwent 7 surgeries, several laser treatments and countless specialist diagnostic and follow up visits. He got his eyesight back, and it cost us the price of parking the car at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear hospital. And the state government reimbursed our travel costs as we're from regional Victoria. He never had to wait for a consultation, a surgery or any care. He saw some of the top opthamoligists in the country and was treated with state of the art equipment. He was well cared for is his hospital stays, and during what was a very frightening time for us, we felt well supported. The only "medical" cost was a couple of bottles of eyedrops which were about $7.50 each.

[@Tinkerbellstune]

Yes here private health insurance isn’t mandatory. Whilst it’s free it’s still paid for by the tax payers. I’ve never been to hospital and had surgery where I’ve had to pay for it. Also dental care is reduced to $35 per visit for ppl on a government benefit. We really are blessed in our country in terms of health care

[@janedoe4471]

Aussie here. When I go to the doctors, a hospital, a specialist, whatever, I don’t bother checking my bank account first, I just take my Medicare card and my private health card, if one doesn’t work the other does, the common term the medical industry here uses is “cover the gap” if you have both you are guaranteed immediate care no matter what. There are call centres dedicated to hearing your individual circumstances and finding the best/cheapest private health cover for you (they even sign you up). If you don’t have private cover you still have access to excellent care, the public system handles all urgent medical situations urgently, you may have to go on a waiting list for non urgent care. There is the “nurse on call” hotline you can call if you are unsure of the seriousness of your situation, and they can send GP (general practice/family doctor) to your house 24 hours bulk billed if needed. I was injured at work last year, when I got in an ambulance they asked if I wanted to go to a public or private, I asked how long they thought I’d be laid up, they said a couple of days, so I chose private so I’d get a private room. 4 years ago I had another accident, ambulance said possibly one day, so I went public. The best way I can describe the Aussie health system is a strong safety net that allows for choice.

[@SineN0mine3]

It's important to point out to Americans that our Private healthcare is more competitive because of medicare so those who can afford to pay for their healthcare also benefit in terms of cost and better services. Even optional procedures and cosmetic surgeries are cheaper here, even if there's less availability. Waiting for those procedures is usually preferred to paying considerably more for them, and if you're super rich you can just fly to the US for a same day nose job. It's also surprising to a lot of people that things US Health Insurance companies would deem "optional coverage" is fully covered under medicare. If you need cosmetic surgery due to an accident or as the result of a medical condition it's usually covered so long as there's an apparent benefit to the patient. Obviously you can't get everything under the sun, but there's not much that hasn't been thought of. A side note is that medicare isn't (techincally) free anymore if you earn a moderate to high income. Everybody over a certain threshold pays the medicare levy which is a tax specifically to cover the cost of providing medicare to everyone. You can avoid the levy by having an appropriate level of cover, so it seems to be a pretty fair system. If you can afford to pay, and expect to rely on medicare you do, if you can afford to pay but would rather pay a private health insurance company you have the choice. If you're not earning enough to afford private cover, you definitely won't have to pay the levy either so it's effectively free where it matters most. You probably know all that, but I guess someone might be curious.

[@joanneday7518]

As an Australian one thing not stipulated strongly enough. The 2 systems of healthcare public Vs private Comes down to several points. 1. Private gives you your choice of Dr and hospital, private room if appropriate. And most importantly treatment can be a lot quicker thru the private system. But you pay for these privileges. You need private insurance and you pay out of pocket expenses ( oope) and that can add up to a lot. Public hospitals often have a long wait for services you get categorised in In Queensland, there are 3 outpatient urgency categories with recommended timeframes for consultation: Urgent (Category 1) - specialist consultation recommended within 30 days of being added to the outpatient wait list Semi-urgent (Category 2) - specialist consultation recommended within 90 days of being added to the outpatient wait list Non-urgent (Category 3) - specialist consultation recommended within 365 days of being added to the outpatient wait list. You also get no choice in dr who provides the service. You may see multiple drs throughout your admission. As an example: surgery for a knee injury. You see an ER dr after you injure yourself, you are transferred to a surgery list. You see 2 or 3 out patient drs and get a surgery date you don't see the dr who does the surgery. After wards you see multiple drs who were not present and only relying on notes from surgeon who did the procedure to follow your care and discharge. Your aftercare is handed to your General dr and you also usually see an outpatient clinic for things like referral to physio etc. Out patient do things like suture removal if your gp hasn't. Yes it can be a good system when it works but it's over loaded and cannot cope with amount of people needing to be seen and treated and those providing the care. Doesn't help that the hospitals don't have the money to have ALL beds in all wards full because they gave not got the money for the full amount of staff needed. This is were mistakes happen and they are costly. Rural public hospitals are extremely limited in what they offer due to most specialist being in major cities. An example I see a specialist privately but they are over 1000km away. Takes me at minimum 3 days ( 1 day to drive there, 1 day to see dr, 1 say drive home) and doing this every 3 months takes its toll. The other option is to fly but costs are prohibited for us.

[@annetterawlings4549]

A couple of years ago I had spinal surgery in a private hospital with a doctor of my choice, just 3 days after consulting him. I was in hospital for a week afterwards. After all bills had been paid we were still left out of pocket about AU$4500 - that's after all the Medicare and private fund rebates. If memory serves the entire incident costs just over AU$12000. Now I could have gone through the public system but I would have been on a waiting list. I could also have used a different specialist, but the earliest I could get an appointment was 6 months away. The specialist I used was the #1 neurosurgeon at the time and is the nicest doctor I have ever had the opportunity to encounter. So even though people think our health system is free, it has a lot of drawbacks, the worst of which is massive waiting lists. We pay about AU$7000 a year for private insurance, on top of our Medicare levy at tax time, but I would never drop private insurance and rely on the public system alone, as over the years it has well and truly proved it's worth. I might also add that I have worked in an administration position within both a public and a private hospital and am well versed on the difference in attitude between the two

[@krystleklearcentral]

I live in Sydney and have NEVER paid to see a GP, I've only ever paid for specialists, and even then it is only sometimes. Max medication cost is about $40 now.

[@tempestbooks]

As someone who has had to have somewhere in the neighbourhood of 20 surgeries (I've lost more than one major organ), and only needed to pay for one of them, I appreciate our healthcare system from the bottom of my heart. If I lived somewhere else I'd have been dead years ago. I may have had to wait for a few months or years for some of the surgeries, being on the public system, but I always knew that I would be cared for immediately if my condition became critical.

[@gregmullins6927]

If an ambulance takes you to hospital in Australia it will cost you for that,in Melbourne it's approximately $500.00,if you need medication on your journey it will cost approximately $1,200.00,you can pay an annual ambulance fee then it's free,but to say our ambulance service is free is incorrect.

[@annecarland2083]

Our Medicare health system came into being under Prime Minister Gough Whitlam a Labour Party Government (similar to democrats) around 1973. It has since been watered down by Liberal Governments (similar to GOP) on a regular basis. The tax Medicare level was introduced in 1997 by a Liberal Government. This tax has changed many times since then mainly under Liberal Governments.

[@s.lawrence9736]

I’m an Australian A prime example of Medicare for us on the lower income side of things is when I went to get my birth control device removed and a new one put in I had a pregnancy test done, Pap smear (cervical cancer test), removal of my IUD (inter uterine device) and a new IUD inserted. All up it cost me $460 as I had both Medicare and private health insurance (as a 27yo) I got $150 of this reimbursed by Medicare wich made not sound like a lot but I work as a sole trader so my income fluctuates wildly so it was amazing getting money back in my pocket!!

[@worrywart1311]

There was no mention of bulk billing of fees available to medical practitioners. That is many of them receive a fee from the government for treating patients and the patients pay nothing. Other practitioners may choose to bill the patient who can claim a full or partial rebate from the government.

[@markdrennan5723]

Hi mate, our system is easy, I have had 4 cancer operations. 3 of which were preformed in a state of the art PUBLIC HOSPITAL. Those surgeries were 5 hours long and a total of 12 days in hospital. 30 zaps of radiation and visits to the hospitals cancer centre for the next 5 years , ( after care ). All at no cost. My Thyroid was taken out so I take a tablet each day to control my Thyroid function, 200 tablets $ 31.00. I can earn up to $100,000 per year and Medicare charge me 1.5 % of my income ( $1,500.00 ). Not bad value for money. The New South Wales State government has spent billions of dollars on public hospitals over the last decades so most are very modern and state of the art hospitals.

[@annamyer8670]

You know what it comes down to? Aussies caring about Aussies. It shouldn't matter your financial situation or political party Or whether you can afford to get the care you need. We pay a Medicare levy out of our taxes each year that pays for everyone to access healthcare.

[@shannonmenendez3327]

I live with a couple neurological disorders which I’ve had since birth, and have been on my parents private health insurance (until 25 which is when I have to pay for my own private health care) since because of the increased onslaught of my conditions. We pay about half of my surgeons bills and imaging but the rest is paid by Medicare including the hospital stays, therapy and medication. I have a lot of medication to take for epilepsy, heart conditions and other conditions which are helped by the PBS system which prongs all my medications from around $100 to $6 and also once the cap is reached my medication becomes free for the rest of that year (so around two months). Our system has so many benefits and I’m glad my parents moved to Australia before having me as this system has helped them so much with paying for my health care with their jobs providing as much as basic care for all the household and bills that need to be paid

[@stevendurick9441]

It really sad seeing some Americans who reject the idea of a Universal Healthcare system claiming it's like "communism" or "Socialism" or something like that. Like pretty sure Health is a basic human right and your financial situation should never prevent you from receiving health care although I will admit to not being familiar with the American Healthcare system (thank god). It also seems to stem from an American ideal which is anti-taxes. Taxes aren't fun, but they are used to pay for services that can be made widely available to the public (Public Transport, Public Schools, Public Healthcare, Police, Fire Delartments etc). Even if I never use/need them, I'm more than happy to pay for them so other people who need these services can access them.

[@krystleklearcentral]

The wait time for elective surgery, which is the most commonly listed 'negative' for the australian system (or really any public health system), is very dependent on where you live, and factors like your health, age, job, etc. For example when my sister was 19 she needed elective surgery on her knee. It was classified as elective as it was never going to kill her. She lived in an area with a really long wait list, but because she was young, healthy, and the impact on her life was considered very high, she put at the top of the list. Where as the same surgery for someone else in the same area, who was perhaps much older, had a desk job, etc, would have to wait a bit longer. I live in an area where the average wait time for elective surgery is only a few weeks.

[@kerravonsen2810]

In regard to the very low obesity in Australia, I would say there are a few factors. (1) Portion sizes. I am utterly staggered by the huge portion sizes in US fast food restaurants. (2) Australia is utterly sports-mad. And it isn't limited to watching sport, people do it for fun, casually. (3) Related to "doing sport", Australia has the best beaches, most of the population live on the coast, therefore most people swim at the beach in summer. (4) There are no school cafeterias. So instead of sitting down at tables inside at lunch time, kids bring their own sandwiches, eat them outside, and then play outside. Just more physical activity in general, from an early age. (And, see also, portion sizes). (5) High availability of a large variety of fresh fruit and vegetables grown in Australia. The range of climates here mean I can eat mangoes from Queensland, and raspberries from Victoria, with no difficulty. (6) No High Fructose Corn Syrup, full stop. We grow our own sugarcane. Not that refined sugar is good for you either, but I gather that High Fructose Corn Syrup is worse.

[@katel7309]

yeh the HFCS is not good