Canada's Healthcare System Explained!

[@kurzgesagt]

It would be really, really cool if you could explain the healthcare systems of some european countries and their pros and cons as well (Germany for example). This stuff is so hard to figure out and you are doing an excellent job!

[@healthcaretriage]

We will!

[@kurzgesagt]

Yeah, nice! We really love your channel and the destruction of all the myths! :D

[@davidng8732]

***** Imagine if there is more stuff like this channel, on topics like sociology, criminology and economics! It'd be so much harder for politicians to hide behind silly rhetoric and actually answers questions!!!

[@UNTBC]

***** I'm sorry, but I thought you should know that there's this thing called Wikipedia, and it disagrees with with program... a lot. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_system#International_comparisons

[@kurzgesagt]

Collegiate Match Fishing Could you be more specific?

[@Key39080683S1]

The logic behind our health care system is simple; noone, especially a child, should have to suffer or die from a curable condition because they don't have the money. Tommy Douglas was voted the Greatest Canadian because he taught us to take care of each other.

[@ohyeahitsthatoneguy]

@@Dan-zt7uj what's up with the whole liberal-individualism that the US adopted? Are we not the same people united? Should we just fend for ourselves and let the less fortunate of the United States not get the care they need? There's a reason why healthcare insurance and coverage is so expensive now because big corporations are profiting off of medical procedures and needed medicine from its citizens. This is why the US is consistently at the bottom of health indexes such as infant mortality rate and life expectancy. All that money, over 11k per capita spent for what? To pay off private organizations for basic medical care? Services like ambulance ride cost is well over 100k as opposed to Canada where it's $35, no wonder people don't want any medical bills or are uninsured, it's too damn expensive in the US for no reason but for private organizations to profit... There's too many examples to list so I rest my case. Selfish sheep like yourself is the reason why the US is the laughing stock of the world, blindly following the system that takes advantage of it's citizens.

[@cajayson8301]

He deserves that title 100%. I so wish the States would finally follow Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia's leads and enshrine a universal health system.

[@wes4522]

Same thing in the US. You clearly don't know what TRUE health care is.

[@wes4522]

@@cajayson8301 Fuck that socialist bullshit. You people just don't want to see the truth of your shitty systems. The only thing separating the USA is an actual written constitution which provides the people with rights that you do not have...

[@slappymcslapster8845]

Yeah, in the meantime you pay through the nose for every other goods and services and you wait 12 months for a surgery. It may not be out of pocket but you guys actually end up paying more for medical than we do here in America.

[@LucysCorsetry]

I know that many of my friends ended up attending medical/ dental schools in the US (there are over 140 med schools in the US and only 17 in Canada), but nearly all of them intend to come back to Canada to practice.

[@1996soccerbabe]

The US also is almost 10x the population of Canada too so it's only proportional.

[@LividImp]

Emily Paterson ***** Hey, you two stop making sense! This is KZbin and we wont stand for it! You are supposed to be bickering about something completely unrelated to this video. Reported for being positive and on topic.

[@steamcastle]

something similarly is going on with swede going to medical schools in Denmark (school is free in both countries ) , at times meaning that around a third of the student was swedes, and the problem being that they moved back to practice. I have been thinking of moving to the western par of Canada for the lase 5 years.

[@LZKS]

Livid Imp No, it's not KZbin. There already were countless ignorant idiots in this world, and all KZbin did was to help bring those people to light so that they can be ridiculed, finally.

[@darwinwallace77]

@Derka Derka They make six figures in Canada too. Listen to what Dr. Carroll said in this video about anecdotal evidence

[@DawnyPotter]

Can I just say how happy these videos make me as a physio student in a course that emphasises evidence based practise. It is near unheard of to hear people supporting their claims with scientific evidence, and talk about how trustworthy the evidence is.

[@healthcaretriage]

Thanks!

[@dewfadfdfefe1152]

+Rachel Julian AKA 99% of youtube.

[@Radioswim]

+Rachel Julian Surveys are not scientific evidence...

[@user-wb2wb5oz5c]

No No, THANK YOU SIR!!!

[@ukieman07]

Canadian here. This is pretty much spot on. It's also worth noting that many provincial supplementary insurance (mine is Alberta Blue Cross) for things like vision, dental, and pharmaceuticals, is provided by your employer to damn near every full time job, and also for many regular part-time jobs. As well, these plans generally cover your WHOLE family (my understanding is that in the United States, only a select few health insurance plans supplied by employers cover the entire family). Plus, this additional insurance is super inexpensive, since it only covers a few things, and all plans cover these same few things, so there isn't much competition to be had.

[@lahdeedah87]

What weird myths. As a Canadian, I had never even heard these before. How strange.

[@hpete97]

Yeah, they're only myths that misinformed people in the US hear that are generally created by fear-mongering politicians that were anti-medicare. I, although American, know that Canada is pretty much totally better than the US. Healthcare wise, economy wise (seeing as Canada was fairly untouched during the Great Depression) and in many other ways too. Plus, your rainbow money smells like maple syrup :)

[@zupaniccarr4686]

Hadley Caulfield I should say Canada wasn't exactly what I would call "fairly untouched" during the Great Depression, if I remember right.

[@hpete97]

***** Oh wow! I'm so sorry, I heard somewhere that they hadn't suffered much but I've been reading about it and Canada was very affected by the Depression, worse than the US. I'm sorry for my ill-informed statement and thank you so much for correcting me. Really, I appreciate you letting and I hope you are having a wonderful day :)

[@zupaniccarr4686]

Hadley Caulfield History is fun! Especially when it involves mass debt and unemployment! The KZbin comment section has always been known as a place of learning and polite discussions. Well maybe not any of that, but I hope you have a nice day too.

[@SaintMatthias]

Hadley Caulfield Canada is certainly better than the US at some things. But the US is far better in other things.

[@westquake1778]

You've left out the patient cost side of the system. Most provinces - no medical premium to patients, i.e. paid out of provincial tax base. No co-pays on covered services. No patient invoices. No bad debts/collections. No personal bankruptcies to pay medical costs. No lifetime limits. No "in/out networks". No pre-existing conditions.

[@TragicallySharp]

As a Canadian I would rather wait and get care for free than pay a whole bunch of money. I love my free health care!!

[@britishpeopleyellowteeth6071]

its not free idiot, you pay a lot more fucking taxes

[@britishpeopleyellowteeth6071]

@mitchell zurbrigg funny bc candians come to the usa for surgery's lol

[@kryptomaniac6517]

@mitchell zurbrigg hey, how does the government manage the expenses of private practitioners in Canada which are very high unlike UK where they are salaried employees.

[@jamesdame6049]

Adrienne Wolf, United States health insurance is awful and I hope Bernie Sanders wins the 2020 primary so we can have a healthcare system like yours

[@adam_156]

mitchell zurbrigg lmfaooo million dollar public heart surgery paid for with taxes, keep dreaming bud

[@lukejvb]

I am a proud Canadian, I have lived here my whole life and I have never hear complaining about "wait times", or any other the other myths.

[@squeegie-beckenheim]

I'm Canadian, and if some moneybags want to go to the States for care, have at it! If I said I didn't give a damn, I'd be lying. No, I'm glad. Why? Because our wait times really aren't that bad, but if you can take even one daft rich person who wants to pay out of pocket, and remove them from /my/ waiting line? I ain't saying no.

[@Pinklewilly]

Best part is they still pay taxes for treating you as well!

[@curryking1]

Exactly, that rich people have an option to go to USA for elective care, it's actually better for Canada. Canada doesn't have to foot the bill for that treatment or hospital stay!

[@dewfadfdfefe1152]

+EmilyEmilyIris It seems like common sense that very few would go to the US for health services. Makes you wonder how such a rumor came to be.

[@rangyixiong]

Totally agree, as long as our American friends understand that rich people go to USA to avoid wait time instead out of necessity

[@rally_chronicles]

I had to wait 6 hours in the ER. Its shit.

[@EasternExplorer]

Every time I've ever spoken to an American about the healthcare system they always go straight to the wait time thing. I've never understood why they think the wait times are long. I've been to the ER 3 times in the last couple years and I've never had to wait more then a few minutes to be seen by a doctor. Likewise when my father had a heart attack they stabilized him ran tests and performed surgery on him within the hour of arrival to the hospital. I've never had complaints on our healthcare.

[@zammmerjammer]

+The440plymouth Especially since for lots of people, the "wait time" for healthcare in the USA is FOREVER. Once all those FOREVERS get factored in, I suspect the USA would have far longer wait times than Canada.

[@sentinusdeus]

+zammmerjammer Yes. I'm also pretty sure that if they had to choose between paying quite a bit of money or waiting (but getting it for free), people would choose to wait 99% of the time. People will always complain about stuff that annoys them and people always get annoyed by having to wait for something. In my country we have one of the bussiest and efficient railroads in the world. Yet we complain about delays, because there are a few countries that do better (because their railroad system is way less bussy and stations are a lot further appart). It is mostly because people simply don't understand the system.

[@marcus6872]

+The440plymouth In the last 30 years I'd say I may have had a stupid long wait time in the ER maybe 4 times. I'm talking a wait time of over 2 hours. But it was never a serious issue I needed to be seen for. It is extremely difficult to get a family doctor in Atlantic Canada but I don't really feel I need one as of yet. But if I need to see a doctor and it's not an emergency, I just call and make an appointment at a local clinic/after hours clinic and there's no waiting at all.

[@GorFX420]

wait for what no help they don't help anyone in Canada any more trust me or maybe its just my city but I hear the same old story s over and over my mom or dad or who ever loved ones got cancer and spent the last years of there life in tons of pain and never ones did a dr try and help they have bin giving junkes and crack head and drug dealer pain meds to make it look like there is a problem so they can make more money that's y come jan 2017 they will no longer be paying for meds or giving ppl dying from cancer meds and if they do its going to run them lik 18$ a pill no matter what mg if u look into what I am saying u will find its very true

[@zammmerjammer]

GorFX420 What the actual fuck does any of that even mean? Punctuation -- it's a thing.

[@wannabeMLGpro]

I like seeing Canada get a bit of recognition. We're always glossed over as that place above america, so getting any screen time on anything just gets me going

[@Hraptor]

There is really no reason for you to even care about anyone who would call Canada the place above America, that's ignorant people who know nothing about anything, Why care?

[@jazzx251]

Wear a kilt. It works for Scotland - and everyone is noticing them!

[@FuriosaTerraToma]

As someone born in the US, who lived (Kentucky) there for 26 years and has spent the last 5 years in Canada (Alberta), it is way better here.

[@ChopperSakura]

It's great to hear that. I'm glad you found a better place to live.

[@melissastevens5369]

Were glad to have you man:)

[@timhaskett1733]

I'm glad you moved to Canada, you sound very nice and deserved better

[@FuriosaTerraToma]

***** The easiet way to immigrate is through marriage but only works if you love someone enough to marry. You can get temporary work or school visas but they expire.

[@FuriosaTerraToma]

***** You always get care. If you aren't covered by the health systems in a province, you have to pay like you would in the US without insurance.

[@azzy6634]

Fantastic video, Doc. As a Canadian, I don't like all the foreign hate our health care gets. I have never met a Canadian who is upset with our care. Much of my family who have had things like cancer or heart attacks or other medical situations have had no trouble finding care and support. Keep up the great work guys!

[@TheSuperstitiousGoat]

Well now you have! I’m sure city to city varies but I’ve had quite a few negative experiences going into emerge

[@MegGriffin45]

Hey, Canada. As an American, I'd like to say that a lot of us want universal health care, but a just as large opposition is bogging it down, being the puppets of insurance companies. We need universal health care. Our health care system is classism at its finest, because several people here can't afford health insurance, and are in a ton of debt as a result. One day, I hope to get dual citizenship to Canada, even if the United States gets universal health care, because it's not just about universal health care for me. Canada is a place where, compared to the United States, classism and homophobia aren't as prevalent. Also, the Canadian people are a beautiful people, because it's similar, but different at the same time compared to the United States. Also, Quebec is a fascinating province. It's a world of its own. That makes Canada even more appealing to me. A lot of great entertainment has also come out of Canada. Canada, keep doing whatever it is you're doing, because it's obviously working. From the United States with respect and admiration.

[@Tech-wf6bl]

Yeah Canada rocks! No one I know has ever had a trouble with Canada's health care. Canada has a better education system too. We aren't the world police so we can afford all this stuff.

[@MegGriffin45]

Noel Mushansky I'd imagine that the education system in Canada is only marginally better. For education, I'd look towards Finland as a model education system. And honestly, the United States really shouldn't be intervening in world affairs, but if it does, then it should at least take care of its own problems first.

[@zippydebrain]

ASilva528 From what I have heard, the PRIVATE schools in the USA are notably better than the public schools are while the difference in Canada is not as large as much because the public schools are better on average (though struggling with funding issues and large class sizes) and the Private schools are not as much of an improvement.

[@MegGriffin45]

Zippy the Brain Private schools generally are better, but they're not affordable for most people.

[@zippydebrain]

ASilva528 It goes along with so many other things in America. You can usually get the BEST of anything in the USA, but more often than not you have to be really rich to get it. The average american is doing worse and worse compared to the rest of the world all the time.

[@Nurl-esh]

"Most people assume that America is better..." You mean most americans, right?

[@trigger1377]

Yep, most Americans.. In a country filled with many different races, many different cultures and is the 3rd biggest country in the world, it is a VERY good idea to generalize.

[@crustindanglade6036]

No most Americans probably think that every other country on earth has a better healthcare system when in reality that’s probably not true

[@superpacemaker444]

@@trigger1377 3rd biggest how? We aren't 3rd biggest population size and we aren't even in the top 10 for landmass. And generally speaking most Americans are fed up and sick with this system and it is just the oligarchy keeping things the way they are currently. Those oligarchs do sway a lot of people through the media namely Fox news. And they use alot of scare tactics. But generally most Americans (56% polled anyway) are done with this system of healthcare that we have currently and favor a social option.

[@4wheelliving132]

@@superpacemaker444 Speak for yourself. I never paid a dime for healthcare until I retired and now I pay $230 a month for the best insurance that you could ever want. I get eye, dental, prescriptions, and regular health insurance and the most I could ever pay is $1000 per person per year. You can stuff that government crap they're trying to sell you idiots on

[@superpacemaker444]

@@4wheelliving132 congratulations you hold an unpopular opinion and that's ok man but it dosent make me wrong and it dosent make you right either. Bottom line is Americans pay 17.7% our GDP and that's ridiculous when compared two other nations and even more so once you consider that our GDP is larger than theirs too.

[@tomomatick117]

Im Canadian and im SO happy you made this video. I hate when American people tell me how my health care is. So im really happy to see that you are showing people how it works up here. Keep up the great work

[@cartergomez5390]

So its true that Canadian doctors all want to practice in the United States?

[@kath253]

As a Canadian, it's nice to have a simple explanation about how my country's health care system runs! (I mean everyone knows that it covers everyone, but I did not much beyond that.) Great job, and thank you, Healthcare Triage! :D

[@wes4522]

Btw this video does injustice to the actual Canadian healthcare. In reality it's a joke. Universal healthcare is also a joke. Just look it up instead of watching propaganda from your gov't.

[@adamniagara2108]

Thank you HT!! As a Canadian I am proud to see our system explained by Americans in a positive light. It is such a relief to be a Canadian and not have to worry about health costs unless expensive drug plans are necessary. I have had many family members and friends go through the system for medical procedures such as lower back surgery, hip replacements, knee replacements and other things, none have complained about our system and all felt they were treated well. Particularly in cases where surgery was necessary due to severe pain and medical emergencies, these people were pushed through the system remarkably fast in order to get them better and allow for them to get back to work. I am glad to live in a country where I feel secure that if I need medical treatment I will get it no matter what and that in the down time, I can even receive disability compensation for my time off work via the government. No one, I repeat, no one I know in Canada wants private health care and we all gawk and wonder at the US system and how people can defend it. I hope for the best for you guys!

[@jordanpugh6285]

You pay less in your candian taxes than we do on our health care plans in America. Healthcare is skyrocketing. If you add up what full coverage costs for a family of 4, then put it next to what Canadians pay in taxes, you realize Canadians are spending less, and getting WAY more bang for there buck.

[@littlegoobie]

that's exactly what i say too. I know people paying $700+ each/month. that means a couple pays $1500/month just for major medical. add that to your pay stub, call it a tax and see what's cheaper.

[@GorFX420]

bro I live in Canada and they don't help anyone u r thinking back like 20 years ago there r ppl dyeing in Canada cuz of are heath care ppl with cancer not getting help at all the dr here are a joke I would rather pay for heath care and get help then not pay but Canada come jan 2016 will cost money just like the usa but not get the good dr u watch the news come jan 2016 keep your eye on Canada news and u r going to see riots in the streets trust me ppl here are so sick of the human writes problem in Canada right now if I told u what happened to me u would be saying a different tune trust me the gov here loves the fact that most ppl that think Canada has the best heath care but its by far the worst and the more that ppl say Canada this and Canada that dose not help us at all helps the lieing fuckers that are making the ppl suffer and if u don't have heath care in canadau don't see dr anymore no help at all got to be new world order

[@justathought973]

You liar! lol

[@WHATISUTUBE]

Depends; I pay 50 bucks a month cause I'm a young healthy American. Health insurance is definitely costly if you're middle age though and a fat slob. I also don't like paying more money for car insurance just cause where I live it's more accidents but hey, logic is logic

[@DudeWhoSaysDeez]

absolutely

[@NiramBG]

wait, what? I've only heard good things about Canada's health care system!

[@InorganicVegan]

You haven't talked to 'muricans, I see.

[@InorganicVegan]

Chip chipperson Not all Americans. Just the ones who are "god-fearing anti-commie conservatives". What I and many others call 'muricans.

[@davidnl1579]

Must be American smh

[@Kiz-0]

@Allen Portz ok boomer.

[@benawesomebw1197]

Allen Portz your not wrong.

[@ReasonMakes]

My reaction as a Canadian: "yep"

[@alexcrouse]

My reaction as an American: "I'm moving"

[@tylersimpson2974]

Alex Crouse Gotta get a job first before you can become a permanent resident. Maybe as a doctor.

[@unbreakableesports3766]

How long does it take to get checks out

[@ReasonMakes]

@@unbreakableesports3766 Like 15 minutes? Depends on how severe what you've got is. We triage care. If you're bleeding out you get help right away. But even for like an ear infection I had a couple months ago I got help very quickly. It's the exact same as in America. It's just that instead of relying on fucking GoFundMe pages we actually have a system in place.

[@unbreakableesports3766]

Reason I would take anyone no matter the severity cuz if they look fine but they have something going inside that they don’t know you would find it out

[@charlietuba]

My late aunt (my dad's brother's widow) was a Canadian Citizen. She LOVED Canadian Healthcare!

[@jiiff1]

I dont understand why the US is so afraid of looking at other countries when they need to make a change to something a huge a health care. Look at what other countries have done, and how it has succeeded! (they have to be doing _something_ right? and they can't *all* be oppressed)

[@IceMetalPunk]

The answer: blind, ignorant, damaging nationalism.

[@jiiff1]

IceMetalPunk I hear that.

[@danycashking]

IceMetalPunk not really it's just simple business :3 business and independance of power bodies in the USA is a lot greater then in most countries so the people with money have greater power to do as they please, that's the biggest fault in the US the federal system as well which grants a lot of freedom to states to do many things as they see fit not as a unified body

[@Selestrielle]

IceMetalPunk *conservatism

[@jiiff1]

Solution: Next November, vote whether health care should change and by what means (single payer or otherwise)

[@geosab6831]

From a Canadian. I went to the hospital lab for my 3 month. blood test, I stopped at emergency to check out my sore throat - 5 minutes, - had strep throat test - results in 4 minutes - all good - went home. Two days later I got call from my doctor who had been alerted by emergency and asked if I wanted a follow up with her. All free! Good luck America I hope you elect Bernie to keep you healthy

[@AnnAmbler]

Just wanted to say thank you for deciding to do videos on healthcare in countries around the world. I lived in the UK for a few years and quickly realized that if your healthcare wasn't tied to your job and if it also wouldn't be one of the primary costs of retirement, how much less would I need to retire? I'm fascinated to see what other countries do and look forward to future videos. Thanks!

[@2sisterslife]

I live in Canada and I happy to say that the wait times have improved dramatically. The healthcare system here is top notch. There is also an option here in Alberta to pay out of pocket for MRI, CT scans, etc. However I experienced first hand that this was not necessary last week when a family member was able to have access through the health care system after only waiting a few short days. My son who is just under 2 can also receive free eye exams and fluoride treatments which is great!

[@nilmereth]

I was specifically asking about this below! Good to hear.

[@scottcarey7725]

As a Canadian I don't even think about healthcare lol

[@jazzx251]

Me neither - from the UK. The peace of mind it gives you not having to worry about healthcare costs - that's actually the best benefit of the system.

[@AveTrainOnDaTrack]

You clearly don’t pay taxes then

[@cassanderrr]

@Allen Portz Don't lie idiot. Your paycheck gets a good chunk taken out for health insurance. Only difference is you pay thousands for health insurance that only covers 20% of the health care in the US. While their taxed based insurance pays 100% and don't have to worry if their doctor is in network.

[@kiwiadventures3773]

I’m a New Zealander in Australia. I don’t pay for healthcare either. They have a reciprocal agreement. Yes I pay taxes but hey I’d rather see them spend on health than security for the Presidents golfing trips.

[@ccpmustfall6445]

@@jazzx251 Dude UK healthcare is much better than Canadian. Look at recent Coronavirus death. LMAO Canadian healthcare got overcrowded and death rate is not good at all. Pfffttt

[@TheTundraTerror]

Every time I hear Americans rag on about the Canadian system, I just go to the walk-in clinic and get my feelings checked for free.

[@adam_156]

TheTundraTerror “free” cuz you’re not being taxed for it right...

[@maxlaurencelle]

@@adam_156 A) Joke B) imagine thinking spreading out the cost of healthcare among the population and having the government keep track of spending to keep costs low is a bad idea. C) Imagine forcing people to ride in an ambulance while unconscious, costing them hundreds of dollars they didn't consent to. D) etc.

[@jakegerry2371]

@@maxlaurencelle imagine having crazy wait times and not being seen by a doctor for 17 weeks. Now imagine your employer covers your insurance and 1% or your salary covers your insurance. Now go to the doctor , pay 25 dollars and have no wait time. Also, don't pay as much in taxes . America is the clear winner here . Canadas system substitutes price for quality decrease and wait times. (Not to mention your higher taxes depending on location) Non the less , both countries are awesome!

[@t3ddyb34r5]

@@jakegerry2371 SEVENTEEN WEEKS?!? 😰

[@vanessahowie4430]

@@jakegerry2371I'm a Canadian, and I've never had to wait anything near 17 weeks for any form of medical care. Over the past year I've had MRIs (abdomen and brain), countless blood work, colonoscopy, physical, and many more appointments with specialists (that are ongoing). Would I have been able to afford to get all that done had I lived in America? Theres no way.. as a result I'd still be suffering. Much of the appeal of the Canadian system comes from the fact that it seems to do more for less. Canada provides universal access to health care for its citizens, while nearly one in five non-elderly Americans is uninsured. In Canada, coverage is not tied to your job or dependent on your income; rich and poor are in the same system, and enjoy equal access. Yet last year, Canada spent far less of its GDP on health care than did the U.S. - 10.4% compared with 17.8% in the U.S. - which was the highest percentage of any nation in the world, according to the World Health Organization. For all that, Canada scored better than the U.S. on two commonly cited health outcome measures - infant mortality and life expectancy. I'll take Canadian health care over American anyday.

[@achtungcircus]

If you want a heart/lung transplant it's hard to beat Toronto General Hospital.

[@oafkad]

One of my ex-colleagues moved from California back to Canada (her home country) because it was cheaper and faster for her to get her healthcare problems handled. This happened the same week one of my in-laws told me that Canadians are fleeing Canada to get our awesome healthcare instead of those Canadian death panels. Weird how reality seems to not jive with the mad ramblings of my hyper-conservative relatives.

[@oafkad]

She got her care btw, it was cheaper to lose her job here, get that care, and get a new job in Canada than get her care while employed and insured here >.>...

[@starsn7974]

Hey, Folks! I live in Canada and everything this guy has said just feels wrong to me because of my experiences with the system. It is faster for me to go to ERs in the US by traveling (about four hours) and get help then go to the Canadian one that is less then a half hour away. As for waiting times for specific things my older brother was put on a four month waiting list for an MRI. We then just drove to the US and got an MRI with no waiting list at all. The doctors are terrible as when I broke my hand I was lucky enough to get the hand specialist to even look at my hand two weeks later after the event. And he just looked at it and said it was fine. When I was visiting in the US a couple months later I had a family friend who is a plastic surgeon look at my hand in horror that a hand specialist wouldn't even consider surgery. The doctors in America are so much better as they have a business to run. But you probably just going to blow me off as some crazy conservative just like your in laws. I'm actually a centrist/ libertarian.

[@EdmontonRails]

It's common to hear of people dying because they have to wait well over a year to get life saving operations in Canada. The American system also does alot of things better and is responsible for alot of the world's health technology.

[@miraekim2157]

Actually, if you go to Canada and u have a very big emergency waiting isn't an issue go to the er and if ur having stomach pains u will usually be checked out in time before u die depending on how busy the er is u will get to live your life. the more of an emergency the faster they will get you checked I know this information because I live in Canada and actually saw first hand a guy being treated faster because he had more of an emergency. also, those life-saving operations usually don't depend on the country and depend on the actual supplies and if they have enough to oporate

[@jimburden5113]

Noah S. Hmm my mom got treated for cancer within 2 months I don't know anyone waiting 6 months for mri another myth.

[@bartwilson2513]

As someone who has had ridiculously bad luck when it comes to health I am incredibly happy to be Canadian. From surgeries on my ears, appendix, and brain, as well as type I diabetic genetically predisposed to cancer I would be bankrupt or dead if I lived without universal healthcare. Never had to wait for surgery, or care. Never had to wait long for an appointment. I have never had to pull out my wallet at a hospital (other than to pay the 30$ fee to have a private room) or at a doctors office. I can focus on my health rather than focus on trying to pay for my healthcare.

[@Silencer3121]

+BJ C I am definitely jealous of other Type 1 Diabetics who live in countries with universal healthcare. As a Type 1 Diabetic living in the United States, dealing with the financial cost of the disease is just another burden on top of dealing with the disease itself.

[@bartwilson2513]

To be fair, we have universal healthcare, but not universal pharmacare. Meaning, there are still diabetics who can struggle here. In Ontario, as in almost all provinces/territories, there is full coverage for those on government social support and/or disability, there is a subsidized program for any who wish to access it (quarterly premiums based on income, dependents), and private coverage through many places of employment. One of the worst mistakes we made in Canada when we passed universal healthcare was that we didn't include pharmacare/dental/vision. Back in the 40's, 50's and 60's when our process was underway we spent nowhere near the amount on prescriptions as we do today. There is movement lately to address the issue, but we will see.

[@bartwilson2513]

Silencer3121 see above. Oh, and quite a few provinces provide insulin pumps to any diabetic who wants one. included with that (for those without employment-related plans that would cover them) is a quarterly check to cover the supplies (only about 50-100$ more needed per year to cover the basic supplies, nothing fancy : no constant glucose monitoring or anything )

[@eljefe2151]

Most employers provide insurance for that stuff. My company covers that stuff for me. My prescriptions are usually only 5-10$, but my dental bill can sometimes be 300$(4000-5000 if no insurance)

[@jakedek3884]

No matter free healthcare or not, bureaucracy is destroying Canadian healthcare

[@silkeotd7194]

As a Canadian, I give you credit for the possibly best and most objective report I've seen an American do. Been way way too much blatant lieing in reports I've seen from the States before so nice to see someone talking about the facts from an objective perspective. ;)

[@BluleafLiving]

I'm Canadian. The very best thing about our system is that I have NEVER worried that a medical bill is going to cause me financial ruin, or that I could lose my house if I got sick. My husband had a major spinal cord injury - 4 hour ambulance ride, emergency surgery with a neurosurgeon, 1 month in hospital, 6 months in rehab learning to walk again, 9 years of specialists appointments and aftercare. Out of pocket cost to us - ZERO DOLLARS. Nothing was denied him, he received the best of care and everything we needed was provided without question. Conversely, a friend recently had to spend a night in hospital for observation while on holiday in California, cost to her - $8,000.

[@BrainBubbled]

Wait times may be a by-product of financial means, but what most people in Canada (from what I've seen as an EMR) don't understand is how the triage system works. This is where the charge nurse labels you based on your issue's severity and then continues admitting people with more serious injuries. If you come in with a collapsed lung, you're not going to be waiting. If you're left to wait, it's actually a good thing. The wait times that we're considering to be a real problem are elective and non-life threatening. Not emergency. If you have a deviated septum that means you can't fully breathe out of your nose, you're going to wait a month or two. It isn't going to harm you or cause any life threatening issues.

[@jlmadill]

Nobody gets "emergency treatment" for cancer. I do have asthma however and on the very rare occasions when I needed emergency treatment, it was less than five minutes between walking in the door and being put on oxygen. Paperwork was an afterthought. For those of my family who did have cancer, they did spend a lot of time in the hospital, were well cared for, and the last worry on our list was who is going to pay. Because of course it was free. Nobody has a "cancer attack".

[@garrusn7702]

Hopefully Bernie Sanders will get this going here in the States. Canada has done a great job of emulating some of the good things about American culture and technology (and inevitably some of the bad. Unfortunately the USA has done a poor job of following Canada's excellent leadership in many social policies, mainly healthcare. Sanders 2016.

[@gaiuscassius9439]

Future here Canada couldn't lead lemmings and Bernie lost

[@francefiliault2629]

Gaius Cassius lost because of corruption.

[@nanopixel6460]

I just hear excuses lmao, if you think trump was a bad choice your in the minority other wise someone else would have won

[@OmniJaack]

I'm from Ontario, I was in the hospital a few days ago with severe stomach pains, waited in the ER for only about an hour and they took great care of me and I got an X-ray done, blood work done, got painkillers, etc. Pretty good, and its all free.

[@Zerin666]

For only citizens right?

[@Weebusaurus]

The most impressive thing about Dr. Carroll is his proper conjugation of verbs reflecting the plural nature of "data".

[@walkerman2503]

I am from Nova Scotia. I have serious heart disease, first discovered when I had a heart attack just after I turned 31. I have had bypass surgery (5), angioplasties, stents etc. I have been treated well by our health system. I'll say this. Were I an American, I would have been allowed to die a long time ago, because I would have maxed out my insurance, and unable to buy a policy to cover procedures I had after my initial surgery.If I had any money left after my heart surgery, it would be gone in short order, and so would I. Health Care is a Human Right, not a commodity.

[@kenhamforever3179]

Dan B There has to be a limit on how much of healthcare is paid by the taxes. For example - there are at least 1 million children born in Canada every year suffering from rare genetic disorders that require *HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS* of dollars per year just to keep them alive. This is a burden we cannot afford on everybody, otherwise we will not have any other money left to maintain the country. Basic healthcare is a right, but lets also face the FACT: we can't afford free healthcare to everybody.

[@danieljay8009]

KenHamForever uhhhhhhhhhh but we can and if you watched the video we pay much less than many other nations...

[@JeaneAdix]

KenHamForever Didn't expect much from a person named "kenhamforever", aren't you ashamed to carry the name of one of the most anti-intellectuals of the 20th century?

[@netsquall]

KenHamForever Yup sounds to me like you want one of those death courts that the republicans insist obamacare was going to create.

[@jlmadill]

KenHamForever There are only about 35 million Canadians in total. You think there are really 1 million children born here at all, let alone with genetic problems? Man I guess Canadians are having a hell of a lot more sex than I get.

[@kappyfulliness]

My 2 cents: I was diagnosed with a pretty mild heart condition a year ago that was making my electrical conduction go wonky and i had surgery within a month and a half. it was that fast. between the primary care doc, ekg's, blood work, holter monitor, 1 cardiologist and 1 specialist for my condition, it really didnt feel like it took that long at all. this was in the Waterloo and then Toronto area.

[@terrywhelan6651]

It always comes down to the question plaguing people since the invention of government? "How many government employees does it take to do one person's job?" Medical care is no different than police, ambulance or fireman. It needs to be government controlled with private doctors and whenever feasible facilities. Private insurance companies are not interested in people's health. It also allows funds to be spent in avoiding or prevention before they become a serious health issue. Try it!

[@kkawing]

I'd like to chime in on the wait time thing. Finding a specialist for something that is not immediately life threatening is what takes a bit of time. I have Crohn's, looking for the gastro took a few weeks to book a time to see him, then another few to see the surgeon. This was for diagnosis and again, not immediately life threatening. A while later a fistula formed and basically every appointment was a week or two for scopes and seeing specialist. The initial scheduled operation was 2 months out, but was on a priority list if cancellation happened. Effective wait time from the decision to be operated on to wheeling into the operating room was 2 weeks due to a cancellation. Later on a second fistula formed in a rather secluded/complicated area and was going through the usual week or two waits to see specialist when the pain spiked hard one night. Got myself to the hospital/ER that night at around 10pm and was assessed and on morphine within 20 minutes. Ultrasound and MRIs were done within 2 hours, operation was planned the next morning, and I was in the operating room in the afternoon. Overall a pretty good experience in terms of getting care. All they needed was my health card. No worrying about affiliated hospitals, insurance restrictions, or insane fees and crippling debt.

[@tummy_fritters]

Thank you for reminding me about the benefits of the Canadian medical system. It's easy to forget that people pay large OOP fees to even see a GP, let alone have surgery or have a broken bone set. Love your videos, you reasonable reasonable man! Keep em comin'

[@SvenneKrap]

I am Danish. Our system is also a single payer system (and funnily enough we have almost the same exceptions as the canadians). We have optional (private) supplementaty insurance (which helps you for large bills for medicine etc) and some have work-sponsored private health insurance (mostly to avoid wait times, which are not horrible, but existent). Also, by law the drug stores have to inform the user of the cheapest drug with the same active component. That is often way under half the price (and with identical performance).

[@alessandro_ofc_06]

Eu tenho uma pergunta: A Dinamarca é um país socialista ou um capitalismo de *ESTADO* *FORTE*

[@papalosopher]

My infertility treatments were not covered. Also, it is unfortunate that we don't cover dental, optical, or drugs under single payer. I am Canadian. This video made me feel more patriotic than all the Gold we just took home from Sochi. Double double y'all.

[@robertofontiglia4148]

Optometry is not covered by the governement if it is not required by a handicaped person. People with visual handicaps ARE covered for optometry - my glasses are covered by the government.

[@Isabellecomplete]

Those 19 and under do have optometrist coverage, which typically is when people need the most coverage for their vision. I will agree that dental coverage would be a good idea

[@robertofontiglia4148]

kamaxox123 I'd go further : dental coverage isn't just "a good idea". In fact, I find it appalling that no political discourse exists on this topic : no party has that as part of their platform ... even the left wing parties don't talk about it ... and we're all getting scammed by dentists (especially those of us with wrong wisdom teeth - these shits cost me about 1000 $ to remove) and nobody says a thing. That's total BS...

[@jazzx251]

We don't get free dental coverage in the UK either - unless you're a child or unemployed/disabled. Having said that ... the UK's version of single-payer dentistry involves 3 bands: A, B and C. For visiting the dentist for a checkup, and some rigorous tooth cleaning ... it's band A - mandatory every 6 months if you want to stay on the NHS register. Roughly $20. If you need any fillings - then it's $50, Band B, - but that includes loads of fillings - my NHS dentist, who has been harping on about doing loads of preventative fillings for the last two years, finally took control - he did 7 fillings in one session. And it was ALL Band B - only $50 . Now THAT's value for money! Band C is something like $200 - and is for things like bridges and gold crowns. Seems alot - but imagine a gold crown done by private dentistry .... OMG!

[@samgigote4174]

most jobs cover dental care tough, my university does, for 100 bucks a year

[@malcolmfrench9540]

While Canadian Medicare went national in 1966, the first province to implement a universal single payer system was Saskatchewan and that was in 1962. The Premier who passed the Medicare legislation and is recognized as the "Father of Medicare" was the late Tommy Douglas, a Baptist clergyman, who was chosen by Canadians as the Greatest Canadian in 2004, beating out a number of famous figures such as our first Prime Minister and hockey legend Wayne Gretsky. Tommy Douglas is also the grandfather of movie star Kiefer Sutherland who is very proud of his grandfather's achievements.

[@malcolmfrench9540]

It is worth noting that the introduction of Medicare in Saskatchewan in 1962 was met with the same kinds of lies, distortions and fearmongering as we see in the United States today.

[@megannancy23]

I remember speaking with a friend I had met through an online forum. He's from USA and I'm from Canada. He was going on about how he was really sick and having a hard time breathing and couldn't sleep well and he was always tired. I was telling him that he had to get to the doctor because it sounded like he had an infection or pneumonia or something of the like. He kept saying that he was just going to wait for it to go away and I was getting really worried about him. I've had issues with my lungs for many years now and I knew how much better his life would be if he could see his doctor. Finally, he told me that it was just too expensive and I was stunned into silence. I forgot that for me in Canada, it was really easy to go into the doctor and get my blood drawn and get an xray of my lungs and go back to see my doctor multiple times. It was also free. I felt very lucky that day to be a Canadian.

[@Cliffdog01]

This is easily my favourite series to date for all of the DFTBA Chanels.

[@healthcaretriage]

Thanks!

[@aimelle3]

Anyone who complains about the wait times in the healthcare system in Canada has only experienced it for non-life threatening issues. When your life is actually in danger, the system moves insanely quickly.

[@littlegoobie]

I know an american whose husband works at a very large company with one of the best health insurance programs around. ...she had to go to mexico to get something done because of the wait time in the US. so that'll be the situation i know and will tell everyone.

[@thomasjust2663]

I lived in Canada and the Canadian system sucks, the waiting times are unacceptable, don't buy the propaganda

[@jackiehannaford]

I'm an occupational therapist working in BC and one of the myths I find a lot of Canadians believe about our health care system is that everything is free. For example, during our last hospital wheelchair inventory, we discovered that over 40 of our chairs were missing! People aren't stealing them maliciously (Canadians are way too polite for that), but they assume that they can just take one home just because it's "from the health care system." Sorry folks, you have to pay for some of that stuff! Ask your medical and therapeutic teams if you're unsure!

[@madisontrumley8447]

We do a lot of donating too. Like, if a hospital wants to upgrade their systems or expend the hospital, they will ask the community donate to that specific area. Some sections are donated by companies and they get honored for that! :)

[@JosephDavies]

Why is it that Dental care/insurance is always considered separate from Medical? Is it some historical artifact that's been carried into the modern day?

[@bella91xox]

To elaborate on what was said in the video, dental care (annual visits not orthodontics) actually is covered by medicare for children in Canada (under 18 years old) and is considered elective for adults.

[@AHatredOfEs]

I feel like it is. I hate that our dental care isn't treated like our medical care.

[@smurfrise]

I agree that it should be part of basic health care instead of elective, because mouth health is directly linked to physical health. Good oral hygiene is good preventative health care.

[@AHatredOfEs]

sarah sunrise Yeah, the worst bit is that doctors even say that, like, if they acknowledge that it's so important why don't they cover it in the same way?

[@leodaza3]

I too wish our Dental Care was covered. Just because someone can survive without teeth doesn't mean that'll be a good quality of life.

[@gingerr8015]

Did anyone else notice that the anthem they played said "my home and native land" instead of "our home and native land" or is it just me

[@Dr.Krules]

+Ginger Ruparts I heard it

[@teagan_p_999]

Ya, I noticed it

[@jamesmontgomery3839]

+Ginger Ruparts Yup. I got it too

[@MyName_Jeff]

Ginger Ruypers Lol yep

[@timetuner]

So Canadian Medicare doesn't cover drugs, but they're still able to negotiate for them at a federal level? Why can't/doesn't the U.S. do that if single payer isn't a prerequisite?

[@Tarathiel123]

Likely the issue in regards to the State vs Federal level. States might argue it infringes on their liberties. Not saying I agree with it, just speculating.

[@smalltime0]

Well, I'm not an expert on Canadian healthcare, but in Australia we have something called the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) which is essentially subsidised medication for everyone who needs it. The government negotiates as a single body for everyone that needs to be covered, but users still need to pay a nominal fee (super low though, like $1,000 chemo drugs might cost like $10). I assume Canada has something similar.

[@InorganicVegan]

Abraxian Absolution You're asking why the US can't do something that makes sense... ...think that through.

[@AHatredOfEs]

smalltime0 As far as I can tell the majority of prescription drugs here in Canada are much cheaper. I think it cost seven dollars at most for my acid reflux medication the last time I got a bottle of 90 tabs. And I don't even know the cost of chemo drugs... That crosses a weird in-patient/out-patient line and I'm fairly sure all of the drugs that are administered at the hospital are free.

[@InorganicVegan]

***** In the US, cancer medicine (the entire trial) costs $300 to manufacture. It's sold at $86,400. Don't come to the US.

[@matika1221]

I have lived in Canada all my life (I'm 25), and gotten health care under the national Medicare, my parents insurance, school insurance, and my own personal insurance. Even with all this, I learned something about healthcare here. Thanks!

[@terralynn9]

As a Canadian without much first-hand contact with the healthcare system, I found this really interesting. I've heard all those myths before, and I love finding out that they're not true. Thanks for this!

[@pennylanemarina]

As a Canadian, I know I am lucky to have the health care that is available to us. And being born in Saskatchewan, I grew up learning to thank The Lord for Tommy Douglas. And in ways, I do. But our system is not without flaws. There is disastification, and I know in my health region, and in neighbouring regions, things are being scrutinized with the hopes of changing things around. I will absolutely always be thankful that if anything happens to me right now, I would not be denied care, and I know that our care is good. But I also know that things could be better. Just be careful with the "grass is always greener" mentality. That said, straight trade "as is" with the US - I wouldn't do it, sorry guys!

[@aaron2891]

The grass has been objectively greener in many rich democracies outside the US since 2017, regardless of the healthcare topic. It feels like we are becoming “Nazified” here. But I agree, every system has its flaws, and it’s good to actually weigh pros and cons without bias if possible

[@knarftheriault]

Americans are woefully ignorant about Canada and our healthcare system. It works. It has the overwhelming support of the general population and doctors. It is not some "lib plot" foisted on unwitting citizens; since the Canada Health Act became law in 1966 we've had several conservative governments and they dare not touch our treasured system. We have some of the best medical schools in the world and our research hospitals have introduced many innovative procedures. We take a back seat to no one regarding the sophistication of our medical services. Wait times are more than reasonable: over the past decade I've been to emerg five times for broken bones. Average time in and out: four to five hours. Not waiting time! Arrive at hospital, register, triage, xray, consult, casting, release. Four to five hours. That's more than reasonable...

[@SeraphimKnight]

My grandma had to have her hip replaced 6 years ago since she fell down the stairs. I don't remember her waiting any significant amount of time. And I still don't understand how the US manages to pay proportionally MORE money on healthcare than Canada while still not having a public healthcare service. That is just ridiculous to me.

[@cassanderrr]

The US over charges for everything which is why they pay more. They charge a thousand dollar for just putting a blanket on a patient. It's kind of dumb. Also Americas health insurance is like a wild west where you don't even know if it will be covered. You could go get a surgery with health insurance and still be billed $80,000 because the room you were operated in wasn't in network. Even though the surgeon, hospital, and anesthesiologist was in network.

[@ericaespinosa4030]

Lots of Canadians travel to the states for vacation. And sometimes something's bad happens while you're there. We, (my family), every time we go camping there. We get scared something could happen to us there. One time I had a sinus infection that ruined my camping trip there. We waited it out until we came back to Canada to get help. I got treated for it and felt better. That's how much we allowed myself to stay in my misery till we got back home. Now that I have kids, we are staying doing our travelling in Canada this year for our trip since one of them tends to get sick a lot.

[@jhonbus]

Hope you do the UK next week. I'm a Brit, and even moving to Canada with its single-payer system is a concern for me because of the possible or at least perceived difficulties of obtaining prescription coverage if you have a chronic health condition that requires lifelong use of expensive medication.

[@loralogue]

Bad healthcare is one of many reasons I never want to live in America. The only reason I could come up with for not moving to Canada is that it's freezing cold. I will be remaining in Australia.

[@acecase25]

what are your other reasons for not wanting to move to America?

[@loralogue]

Guns, religion, institutionalised political corruption, tertiary education costs, corporate power, wars, TSA, traffic, natural disasters, low minimum wage, police brutality, NSA spying, non-NSA spying, massively biased media, and really weird spelling are what initially come to mind.

[@acecase25]

Lora Logue we'll convert to metric when they convert to our spelling. I really can't say much about anything else other than that.

[@KevlarGorilla]

But everything in Australia is trying to kill you!

[@silkeotd7194]

ace case The ironic thing is that the U.S. uses the old "imperial" system from England. ;)

[@MEMENGERS-z7i]

I'm thinking to move in Canada and it helped me a lot... Good job ...

[@bella91xox]

Thank you for making this video. As a future physician, I aspire to be like you and promote science and healthcare education. Our system in Canada is not perfect but I do think it is pretty great. Based on my experience, one of the bigger issues with Canadian healthcare (especially in Quebec, where I'm from) is that there are quite a few people who don't have family physicians (Quebec has the highest percentage of people without a family physician: 25%, Ontario has the lowest, ~8%). Because of this, people often go to emergency rooms for primary care treatments. Not only does this contribute to increasing wait times but it actually costs the government 3 times more than it would if they were seeing a family physician instead. Another thing about wait times in Canada is that they can often be avoided if you have the money and/or insurance to go to the private sector for the service. For instance, my mother has chronic back pain needed an MRI and waited ~9 months to get the MRI (public sector). This was completely covered by Medicare but if she wanted she could have gone to a private clinic and had it done much earlier. In a private clinic however, it wouldn't be covered by medicare or our health insurance so she would have to pay $1000 for the MRI. It's unfortunate that having more money could mean easier access to health care. Still, I'm proud of the fact that in Canada, no one is in debt because of medical care and everyone has access to treatment.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

I've had several broken bones here in Toronto in the past 15 years or so. Fastest in-and-out time: 2 1/2 hours. That's triage, registration, x-ray, consult, casting, set follow-up appointment. Leave hospital. Two and a half hours. Wait time? Phhhht. Average in-and-out time for 5 broken bones has been 4 1/2 hours. . . Our system works. Very well.

[@guozichen9357]

Oh god give me a break! I need to wait for 168 days for a ct scan in nova scotia!!!! So I went to calgory to do the tests in private sector with 1600 cad, feels good!

[@cruxtymusic]

Are there seriously Americans that think Canada healthcare system is worse than theirs??...Bahaha

[@JustAnotherHumanist]

During the debate we had over Obama's healthcare bill, Canada's healthcare system was basically held up as the example of "what we don't want to become" - mainly due to fears over rationing and wait times. (obviously this was blown waaay out of proportion)

[@TheCsel]

usually it's described in a quantity over quality argument. The canadian system is cheaper, but the US system has better service and experience. When in actuality the quality difference is almost non-existant.

[@Onikura]

Humanist+ I honestly didn't even know that.

[@Arkiasis]

TheCsel Except Canada has a better life expectancy then the US.

[@robertofontiglia4148]

Humanist+ From what I heard, people feared that there would be a "pannel" of government employees deciding whether you live or die. I thought that was funny, because with insurance companies as they are, instead of government employees (over which you have a little bit to say, since you "elect" the people that hire them), you get your life decisions made by... insurance companies... What's better ?

[@LZKS]

You sir really deserve more views. Unfortunately, the American people tend to shy away from the truth. And I want to blame to the lobbyist, corporations, whatnot. But it's really the ignorance of the American people to blame.

[@felipecunhafreire2434]

Canadian here. I see this is a very old video...health system in Canada is in collapse. Toronto metropolitan area has 8 hours waiting time in emergency. To get and MRI done you have to beg your doctor and still wait 2 - 3 months in line.... I had to cross the border and get it done in Buffalo and MANY Canadians do the same. Also went to south america to get a CT scan done and proved my doctor I had hernia...Preventive medicine doesn't exist for guys like me in my late 30s. It is almost an insult to ask for heart exams like echocardiogram unless you have symptoms. I understand this is a system with limited budget...that is exactly the problem. No private clinics avaliable or a Hybrid model like US or even Brazil where the private companies offer employees a pretty good health insurance that covers specialist doctors. No need to go through GP, referral etc... Many situations of close people around me that were diagnosed with cancer or other diseases in advanced stage because of the limited budget and lacking of preventive exams. Free health care? Yes. Efficient? No. We should at least the have the option to pay for private clinics and choose for the level of service we want...Instead, the government prefers control everything...

[@dylandoyle493]

I like this video. It went further than most of the "Durr durr free healthcare" a lot of people think. Well done :D

[@taragonleaf8005]

I feel like a lot of things in this video haven't aged well. "Canada is not a dictatorship" They keep their costs relatively low

[@ljmastertroll]

We are so dysfunctional in the US now, we can't even provide health care for the wounded veterans we sent to war.

[@moontrucker8939]

But they provide illegal migrants with free healthcare.

[@bradley8575]

Bruh the Veterans Health Administration you obviously don’t know how much socialism is in our healthcare system Bruh

[@EliasRoy]

@@bradley8575 Delusional

[@DaisyBunnyVR]

It's with great shame that I've learned more about my own country's healthcare system with this video than I've ever learned otherwise.

[@infocraft7845]

You need to follow Innovation Medicine Canada - this video is inaccurate - very

[@karlslicher8520]

My mother has just had lifesaving brain surgery costing over £500,000 including recovery time and non of it would have been covered by most policies. She probably would have died in a private system.

[@tabula_rosa]

No, in our system hospitals are required to give you any medical assistance that might be life saving. It's just that you're then on the hook for any emergency medican services you were provided with...

[@robertofontiglia4148]

Deshara So she would have been saved, then in major debt, then out of cash, and then what ?

[@karlslicher8520]

Roberto Fontiglia I'm happy that they would have saved her, but you should not have to pay to be alive and healthy. That is a right we are all born with and you should never accept any less. If a government can't ensure the health of its people then there is no government, only slave masters. Healthcare is one of our most important human rights, without it people die.

[@tabula_rosa]

Roberto Fontiglia Saving somebody's life doesn't justify ruining it.

[@Solarflare27]

Karl Slicher 1) No one should have to pay for healthcare. I'm sure healthcare providers will be thrilled at this idea. 2) I have a right to free healthcare ensured by the government. So really, you are obligated to pay for my right to "free" healthcare. 3) Even if you give people unlimited free healthcare, they will still die.

[@lindsay5322]

[Big fan here, by the way! Keep up the good work!] I scrolled down to about comment 400 but didn't see if anyone clarified a few minor facts. (1) This one is more of a nitpick since commenters seem to be confused--we Canadians actually do spend quite a bit on health care, though it's funded in part by taxes so it isn't a purely government investment. (2) Fertility treatments are not covered in any province but Quebec (and only as of 2010), with 1 or 2 other provinces allowing tax deductions for fertility treatment expenses (I think Manitoba and Saskatchewan). (3) While federal negotiations for drugs and devices do help keep the prices down, it is up to the provinces to decide which drugs and devices they will cover. (4) Regarding "medical tourism," thank you so much for touching on that, since it's become a popular topic in recent years. Despite media reports touting huge numbers of patients asking health care providers for advice or recommendations for such services, the recorded numbers who do seek treatment in specific areas have been quite low [see PMID:20149916 for example]. However, it's nearly impossible to determine actual numbers because information is dependent on patients volunteering information that is usually not requested of them (similar to issues in tracking naturopathic treatment use). (5) And finally, regarding wait times: there will always be wait times of some sort for surgery (even non-elective), modern diagnostics, family physicians, organ donation, etc. However, take into account that some reports of long wait times are due to Canada's geography; we have only 35 million people who live in a gigantic country. Our biggest cities are separated by hundreds of kilometers, and that's assuming you even live within spitting distance of a major city. We've got some top-notch medical and research hospitals, though! [As a final aside, we hear all your media reports of anti-Obamacare and whatnot, but in the 50 or so years we've had our "socialized medicine," how often have you heard Canadians ask to get rid of it? I'd venture a guess of never.]

[@mwheeler1994]

Coming from a young Canadian, I find this really interesting and informative.

[@yidazhou]

Thanks for explaining all this Aaron! I never understand the whole love to the Canada's healthcare system as I'm an Australian - and our healthcare (being biased and all) just is great. Healthcare Triage is such a delight to watch, thanks for all the videos! PS: any chance of going through that drinking milk rant of yours? quite curious

[@healthcaretriage]

Thanks! Milk is coming...

[@FluffRecordings]

This was a good video. But, commenting as a non American, can you please focus a bit more on what each country's system is, as opposed to correcting what Americans think the system is. Comes across as very American-centric when it has no need to be.

[@AtticusAmericanus]

I agree, but part of it is not his fault. He is from a powerful empire whose people's are so culturally self-centered that the very uneducated masses will believe any lie about inferior nations given to them by their nationalistic media. I think Healthcare Triage (HT) should wade between both correcting misconceptions and explaining foreign healthcare systems in detail. Maybe a format like: _'This is how it works' 'This is how you are misinformed'._

[@FluffRecordings]

Mmm. I have to remember that I'm not the target market.

[@teethpaste]

Hadrian Augustus Wow...overgeneralizing much? (I'm assuming you are talking about the US here.) Can you explain how USA's population is much less educated than other countries? Or how we are an "empire"? You are making me think that you are the one holding strong (and ignorant) biases, as you don't really back up those inflammatory claims.

[@teethpaste]

AnAverageMusician "Each country"? So does that mean we need approximately 190 videos for all the other countries?

[@InorganicVegan]

Jeremy Bost We spend 43% of the world's military budget and have bases in over 100 countries. Empire. We can easily back up these claims. Watch FOX News and listen to conservatives talk. They always act like America is the best. It's American "exceptionalism" taken too far, and even led to war (Iraq).

[@BruceDoesStuff]

I'm not sure if these comments are curated so the contrary ones are deleted, or just almost every supposed Canadian happens to be from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc; but there's a lot of this video which doesn't apply to the majority of Canada. Wait times for necessary surgeries in the prairies can be years, and I've spent 9 hours in the ER with a post-op bleed before seeing a single doctor (literally because my surgeon called the hospital in the morning after my mum called his office) and the attending ED doc literally said "oh, well you didn't die last night, so I guess you can go home" and fucked off. As for traveling for healthcare, most people I know (and there are a number of them) travel to either Texas or Mexico for treatment, (in many cases because Canada has BANNED the EFFECITVE treatments for things like MS). Finally, it's only the GOOD doctors who go to the US, and the shittiest ones stay because ita almost impossi le to get fired or lose their licenses, even after multiple allegations of sexual assault or malpractice. I've personally known a number of ExPat MDs; and they end up replaced by foreign GPs. The number of US doctors is largely irrelevant. If we're losing ~480 of the best ones/year, and we only have ~48,000 MDs in the country, most of our best 1% disappear every year.

[@douglasolsen2357]

Wow...what a fantastic summary. I have commented before, but will comment again...thanks for the remarkable research that goes into each of these episodes.

[@victorialangston738]

Your passive comment about the wait time in Canada cost my boss's life.

[@lianghaochen]

As a Canadian, I love our healthcare

[@ccpmustfall6445]

No please improve. Lmao, stop comparing yourself to just US. There are better healthcare system all around the world

[@leerman22]

I'm not worth $40-$400 an hour, so I'd rather wait 4 or 5 hours to get stitches.

[@tristonherrera7144]

What you just said was really fucking stupid😂🤣

[@eliasjackson4145]

Can we just. Acknowledge how Canadian this person is? The username? The profile picture? Thats wonderful lol.

[@koukkoufos2000]

@@tristonherrera7144 He’s right though, healthcare should not be a business

[@cakeisyummy5755]

@@eliasjackson4145 What do YOU know aboot Canada?

[@romantheflash]

This was great, I was always wondering what Canada's healthcare system was like so thanks for answering :)

[@ericbogstad5515]

I'm Canadian and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to access our universal health care system. Your video captures everything I know and have experienced over the years, and I can't recall meeting anyone here who feels differently. I'm baffled at the negative opinions that seem to abound in the discourse south of our border. I really feel for those in the U.S. whose financial or employment situation precludes access to healthcare.

[@slam5]

In the past 20 years I had some serious health problem. Nothing that kill me but some serious problem. Canadian health system fix me up every time. I have friends who is familiar with the US system and told me point blank that I would be dead if I was in US. I could not had been afford the care I got if I have to pay out of my pocket and no insurance company will ever take me. I'm eternally in debt to Canada.

[@smalltime0]

I remember seeing a report on how an Australian Senator sought care in the US. It was blown up by the republicans and US media on the perils of state care. A light reading into the story showed that the senator was in the US when he realised he had a problem. It seems like there is a vested interest against the US citizens getting a fair go.

[@Jabrwock]

Same in Canada, there is always a case blown up where someone had to go to the US for a very specialized procedure. 9/10 it's because they didn't like the wait times so spent money to jump the queue, or wanted an experimental treatment that wasn't available here.

[@عبداللهرويشد-ك5و]

I knew John Green had some roots to this video! He's the executive producer!

[@UNTBC]

and he should be ashamed of himself for this video.

[@عبداللهرويشد-ك5و]

Collegiate Match Fishing Why is that?

[@عبداللهرويشد-ك5و]

Collegiate Match Fishing How is the Canadian health care system a failure? Besides, I'm not a socialist; I'm pro capitalism. The reason is _not_ because I like the idea that everyone should mind their own business, even if it could cause harm, but rather because of the wider range of choices it offers in any economic system. For example: the fact that both communist and socialist patterns of business can exist in a capitalist society, and if that's gone, the whole purpose of capitalism - freedom, that is - gets completely destroyed and defeated. As for John Green being a fan of a socialist system and an educator, I'd say shame on _you_ for prejudging people for adopting a mere model. Just to give you an idea of how pointless your accusations are, had John Green been pro-capitalist, - although I don't have access to what believes in, but that is not the point I'm pointing - socialists and communists alike would've probably shamed him for it, in the same way you did. I'm not an economist; that's just my opinion. Nonetheless, feel free to point out any flaws; I don't hate getting corrected.

[@GalanDun]

***** John has said in the past that he's pro-capitalist. So yeah, you're totally right.

[@UNTBC]

***** Let's look at the numbers, how much in Canadian taxes go in to their health care? What is their rationing rate that prevents people from receiving treatment with in a reasonable time frame? I'm sure they are great had giving aspirin and putting band-aids on boo-boos, but more complected and serious illnesses like coronary bypass have waiting lists. You can look up those numbers of people that die or become more ill because of the waiting periods. This can be attributed to a system, that when run by the government, has to ration care because of budgets. Take a look at the VA, if you haven't seen the news in a while, but it's not the first time. The shortages of care in a centrally controlled system is a direct result of engagement system.

[@TheWinnipegredhead]

Wait times can be long for elective surgery but I have never heard of anyone complaining about our system when it really matters. Palliative care and life threatening emergencies are prioritized but then again shouldn't they be?

[@Isabellecomplete]

I am of the belief that the Canadian healthcare system saved my life. I am a university student on financial aid, because I didn't have to pay for it I was able to go to my doctor for a routine checkup where it was discovered that I had pre-invasive cervical cancer. I received by surgical treatment free of charge, which left me cancer free as of 2 months ago (YAY). If I had avoided going to my doctor due to cost (as many people in the US do) the cancer wouldn't have been discovered until it was too late. The death rates for cervical cancer in the US are astronomically higher due to a lack of screening.

[@Mcwrathy]

As a Canadian who has recently had the need for urgent medical care, I can tell you with 100% certainty that the "wait time" you find online for almost all hospitals is FAR under estimated. I live 10 mins from my local emerg, and when i checked, it said 1 hour wait time average over the pat 3 hours. when i get there, there are scores of people, obviously who have been waiting around for many hours, and i wasnt seen by anyone for at least 5 hours. this has happened at multiple hospitals on multiple occasions. So dont believe those garbage calculators. You may be admitted to the hospital, but that just means they have your name and you wait.

[@thanato3798]

+Mcwrathy What as the nature of your urgent medical care. Hospitals triage people based on medical need. If someone has the sniffles they are lower on the triage triangle then someone with a broken arm, and they are lower on the triage triangle then someone with a broken leg, and they are lower on the triage triangle then someone who has suffered a neck and spinal (based on the nature of the leg break, ect)... and so on and so forth. I was sent to the ER from my Doctor and was out of the ER within 5 hours. I had a possible blood clot, which it turned out was not the case. Wait times are a truly first world issue.

[@Mcwrathy]

***** That may be true, and I can vouch that I haven't seen anyone with serious level 1 conditions have serious wait times, but those who do not fit the category of "going to die right bloody now" are stuck in a horrendous position waiting insane wait times, and often making others in the ER sick as infections spread. If you don't believe me ask my family member who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis after waiting over six hours in the ER. This is a standard of care that is seen throughout the modern world. Take countries like Japan and Korea, where the strain on ER and hospitals should be FAR worse, and yet they are not. They are also mostly social healthcare systems without huge costs for service like in the U.S. The standard of care doesn't have to be "we wont let you die.. probably"

[@user-wb2wb5oz5c]

The man in the video clearly spoke of being wary of anecdotal evidence like yours, so "garbage calculators"...mmm well perhaps if we were to graph your experience in a distribution curve that might give us an insight as to how many people lie in the lower end of the bell curve.

[@Mcwrathy]

Cheeseburger OK, fair enough anecdotes do not always portray the averages, but it is quite well-known and well reported that Canada's system inflicts abnormally lonmg wait-times for what are considered essential treatments. www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2014/06/13/if-universal-health-care-is-the-goal-dont-copy-canada/#388410db290d for one example. It just doesn't need to be this way. When I lived in Asia, I could get whatever treatment I needed right away, all the time. I once had hernia surgery (not emergency) 24 hours after seeing my GP. I would see any doctor about any illness within 30 minutes (often faster). And this is normal over there, not just anecdotal. Sure, Asia has it's own challenges when it comes to Healthcare, but ER wait times and lengthy mandatory referrals are not one of them.

[@thanato3798]

Mcwrathy ER wait times are normally bogged down do to non-emergency patients who dont want to go the clinic to see a doctor.

[@jpb4264]

I'd like to hear non political people discuss the PROS and CONS.

[@kezzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

As a Canadian I'v never heard it called medicare its usually defined by province for example i'm an Ontarian and I have OHIP

[@bloofle674]

***** No. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_(Canada)

[@anonymouscommentor411]

@@bloofle674 Tbh, I only heard of of it as OHIP too or by province name. But, it makes sense it would have a proper general name.

[@TheDajamster]

Every time I get a foreign person in my taxi, I ask them about their health care system. I've talked to Brits, an Australian and a bunch of Canadians. They are all appalled that we have people dying from Preventable and Treatable illnesses because the only health care available to them is the ER, and the ER doctors don't do any kind of long term care. I'm sure I'll one day need a knee replacement or something similar. I'd be happy to schedule it 6 or even 12 months ahead of time, just to know that at some point it will actually Get Done. Before Obamacare, there was No Chance of me ever getting that kind of treatment. P.S. It's been said that certain people will stop referring to The Affordable Care Act as Obamacare as it becomes clear that this is a viable and useful program. For this reason, I will continue to call it Obamacare even when other people conveniently forget who got us there.

[@ALBrassard]

I'm Canadian happy that finally someone have the logic to explain that we still still pay for stuff :)

[@geoffreyhughes1]

As a frequent user of the Canadian healthcare system between the ages of birth-15 years of age, I have nothing but praise for the way my province handles healthcare. It becomes tricky when you hit 18 but it isn't unmanageable. Get benifits