Is the British Health Care System Really Better?

[@chrisdansey2600]

Is the British Health Care System Really Better? Yes. Next dumb question?

[@thefurrybastard1964]

+Chris Dansey Umm, what's the wingspan of a Swallow?

[@chrisdansey2600]

African or European?

[@fionagregory8078]

yes.. Britain is best in everything I can think of

@@fionagregory8078 Fiona might I suggest you travel more

[@JuanGarcia-qi4ze]

Why do the English go to Spain to do health tourism?

[@thomasjamison2050]

"Everybody in the country is covered." "That's remarkable!" Only remarkable in the US. It's standard in the civilized world

[@LouiseKernow2024]

Not to mention if you are retirement age, on welfare, pregnant or children they do not even pay for prescriptions. They get all that free too.

[@andrewblythe3896]

@@TheWhale45 eh?

[@wir154]

@@LouiseKernow2024 And it's free in Scotland also for everyone.

[@stopthecensure6349]

@@LouiseKernow2024 You pay peanuts otherwise. No one's prescriptions cost more than 5£ a month.

[@rgadave]

It's almost as if the interviewer got the majority of answers he would rather not have heard.

[@eli10manning]

The interviewer literally cant believe what hes hearing, I'm British and despite all the remarkable things my country has done in history if ahnyone ever asks me what im most proud of being British it will always be the NHS. RIP NYE BEVAN.

[@fionagregory8078]

yes it is great being British.

[@barriewright2857]

Yes RIP Nye Bevin ,and thank you for your great work.

[@geezerp1982]

@Hammer 001 correction, fire services / police / ambulaces are funded by the county or city councils ! the central government does however give some funding to them !

[@69birdboy]

@@jaywhyeff3797 dude you can have a soft capitalist state that looks after its people through fair taxing and principles of spreading some wealth. Fucking hell the rich are rich enough. The medical insurance companies in america run a true racket....thats if you xcan afford it.. Here we dont have to worry. we get a good health system for everybody...end of

[@1chish]

@@paintedjaguar Right with you on the health care statements but you are way off about the railways. British Railways was created out of a devastated country and EVERYTHING was nationalised just to survive. From 1947 to 1997 that organisation decimated thousands of services, killed freight traffic, lifted thousands of miles of tracks and lost rights to the trackbeds forever. And happily stuck to steam for 20 years longer than anywhere else. And couldn't even build a reliable diesel freight locomotive. It made on successful train: The HST Since privatisation passenger numbers have doubled, new routes have been created, £ Bns of new trains have been delivered and freight has been growing (all private as well).

[@MarineAqua45]

Is the British system better? Oh yes it's much better by light years, than in comparison to the USA.

[@fionagregory8078]

I agree.

[@jmitterii2]

And my experience as well as statistics most of all of Europe and Australia and Japan. Canada is trying and is still better than the US with its short comings that it only does bodily and Rx that is issued in a hospital only, doesn't cover Rx at a pharmacy nor dentistry, that you have to buy supplemental insurance... but my understanding politics there is attempting to bring dental and especially Rx coverage to them too. Despite that, Canada Rx prices are lower than the US often by 50% to 90% depending on the item as their cost controls are based on actual cost of production, they don't have insurance and the producing companies "regulate" it... like letting the fox regulate the hen house.

[@johnmcdonald9304]

@@jmitterii2 Bullshit. My Canadian born daughter-in-law's parent came here damn quick when he needed a heart bypass.

[@mac11380]

Except its not.

[@admiralsquatbar127]

@@mac11380 That's a pretty bold statement, care to prove it with facts, not opinions, *FACTS*

[@abanjoplayer]

"you must like it here" "it's OK" Spoken like a proper brit

[@sportsmusiclover]

Not sure. I’d say ‘it’s alright’. Chaps a foreigner. (I speak in jest)

[@davesy6969]

@Lil PUMP nice beer in Belgium.

[@Chebab-Chebab]

It's alright. It's not bad. Mustn't grumble.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

It's worth remembering that here in Britain, it's not "The NHS or nothing". Private medical care is an option for those who would prefer it.

[@TheNick279]

Correct. We have many private hospitals and many "private" patients from some of the wealthiest countries in the world. A lot of rich Arabs come here for treatment in private hospitals. They are treated by NHS doctors who work a day or two per week in the private sector. The rest of the time these doctors, who could earn fortunes in some other countries, work in the NHS. That means we have some of the best doctors in the world treating us if we need them. God bless the NHS.

[@jrosam9569]

@@TheNick279 Just to add, you can speed up your diagnoses by "going private" and then bring them to your NHS doctor or specialist. I saw my specialist the following week privately which cut down the wait. Depends how you want prioritize you own money so best of both systems if need it.

[@calicokittenproductions591]

@@jrosam9569 it's true you can do that, but personally I think it's morally wrong. If you start the private route the you should finish private.

[@jrosam9569]

@@calicokittenproductions591 Oh morally wrong to reduce the waiting list by one, for the person behind you?

[@calicokittenproductions591]

@@jrosam9569 if they are in such a rush to get treatment then they should pay for all of that treatment. Why should they jump the queue just becausevthey can afford to pay to see a consulant, wrong anyway you look at it. I'm not sure I agree with private health care. I personally believe every man, woman and child should solely rely on the NHS. Be they royal, a politician or just any old plain jane. I'm sure if that was the case more money would be invested in our national treasure.

[@solay78]

He forgot about free prescriptions for a chronic conditions, such as insulin, inhalers or blood thinning medication. Simple rule of thumb: "if it's keeping you alive, it's free"

[@polkad3v]

Type 1 diabetic here waving my free medical exemption certificate that means I don't pay prescription fees, just to prove your point.

[@markmark63]

Not really. There are several cost comparisons on here showing that the healthcare-component of income tax that UK taxpayers pay is on average half of the insurance premium that US citizens pay for an equivalent coverage*. The main reasons is that there are no insurance companies or heath care businesses to take huge profits in UK like there are in USA. *Quality of healthcare is equivalent is most areas for adults, but for children the US is not even close to UK. USA has lower life expectancy, and has one of the highest child death rates in the western world.

[@timaustin2000]

@@waysaunut we pay reasonable taxes. The crappy state of infrastructure, environmental protection, public transport and a dozen other failings in America can be placed at the door of decades of neo-con, Ann Randt fiscal policy that reduces taxes for your super wealthy at the expense of your health and happiness. Our wealthy pay more than your wealthy, our poor pay nothing. And yet our healthcare covers everyone and just about everything. And per capita is nearly 3 times cheaper to boot.

[@paulbangash4317]

phillip nowhere near what americans have to pay for healthcare , so your comment is ignorant and stupid.

[@MsPinkwolf]

We don't all pay high taxes in the UK. If you're unemployed, a child or a student you pay no tax or National Insurance. If you're on a low wage you pay no income tax and very little NI. Between £21,500 and £50,000 ($65,000) it's 20% tax.

[@Whoami691]

Amricans say 'why should I pay for someone else to get treatment?' I say 'Because it is the right thing to do, and because this way we all look out for each other. Someone else wopuld be paying for you when you need it.' All you do is cut out the profit and focus on the service.

[@TheBaconWizard]

+Whoami691 What you've said is true, but what may be more compelling to people is that they already ARE paying, this is a way of paying less. Right now, the US pays for people who should have been treated months ago, didn't and then require emergency care and longer treatment. Or, they die; something that doesn't happen here. We actually spend LESS of our tax on healthcare than you would in the states, DESPITE their insurance system.

[@SamJonesMediaHUD]

Im happy that my taxes go to making other people better. Why should a poor child not get care because their parents dont earn a lot?

[@Whoami691]

***** Working hard is all well and good, but with, as you say, and 'aging population' and in fact and 'increasing' population, there are only so many jobs. Jobs people like yourself (I am assuming you are working or a board or something) Like cutting to the bone and pay less than the amount needed to live on. When the minimum wage is also the living wage, work will pay, people are on welfare because companies don't like paying their staff. I work 6 days a week and still can't afford to live. Keep taking the moral high ground, view must be great when you are standing on those beneath you.

[@Whoami691]

***** Keep paying tax, I will keep claiming welfare. Ok champ. ;) When you want to pay a decent wage, give me a shout.

[@TheBaconWizard]

***** I think the word "society" should be in parenthesis.

[@malex4321]

This guy is spot on. I am from North Carolina and I have lived in the UK for 9 years and this is 100% true!! The propaganda about about the NHS spread in the USA is very misleading.

[@c.wilkins1921]

If the people in the USA are not willing to believe what they hear, of course all people lie to the USA!!!!! let them do without. I for 1 am sick of hearing about this debate. Let them do without medical care, or lose everything because they were sick. You can't fix stupid.

[@blackberrycat]

Thank you for TALKING the Truth👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽....💯☮️💯🙏🏾🧿from 🇯🇲🇬🇧

[@ursulasmith6402]

I know

[@JonsTunes]

Hit the nail on the head - the NHS care is driven by just that "care" and not "cost" !

[@jimandlizhudson2501]

And it costs the government a lot less than the ridiculous prices for drugs and treatment in America.

[@christine6878]

When the NHS was setup the government had to persuade doctors to accept it, at that time they were reluctant to give up their “private” fees in exchange for government payments. Perhaps this is the real reason why US won’t move to an equitable health system for all its citizens; claiming a UK style system is socialist is a smoke screen designed to scare their people. For the US socialism = communism, and we all know their historical fear of that political system.

[@charlestownsend9280]

Us brits may complain about the NHS but we'd never want it to be privitised.

[@bencrawshaw1227]

No don't fix what isn't broken. Privatisation would fuck it up for ever.

[@VoidDragon82]

We complain about everything and anything. That just how we roll out of bed. 🤣 I complain about our idiot Tory politicians that want to privatise the NHS, and not the NHS itself.

[@muffinman8655]

I love how all the British people in th comments are like the NHS is not perfect. Then you have the Americans who are arrogant and think their system is perfect.

[@VCYT]

+Muffin Man - but ignore the comments of the guy in the vid who actually knows!

[@johnbenton4488]

+Muffin Man The NHS is not, by any means, perfect. There is always room for improvement, but the NHS is going through a pretty tough time at the moment (2015) as our Government has put a major squeeze on public spending. (for reasons known only to the chancellor of the exchequer., but probably motivated by Conservative Party ideology) Despite the best efforts of the Government to close down the NHS (while appearing to support it) the NHS does what it says on the tin - it takes care and cures the sick and injured at no point of service cost. The NHS is not free (despite a lot of people thinking it's free because they do not have to pay. The exceptions to this 'free' service do not include dentistry (for which there remains a token charge) Prescriptions (unless you are one of the 94% who qualify for free prescriptions) and eyesight, (treatment for which is extended only to the partially sighted or 'registered blind'). All surgical operations, accidents,doctor's appointments etc are free at point of delivery. No b ills are ever sent. Ever.

[@VCYT]

I heard in usa a medi co can cancel your med insurance making the docs throw u out of their clinic? which i dont get how that comes about.

[@johnbenton4488]

If anyone wants to come to UK to sample the NHS they'd better be quick before our tame Conservative nitwits - er - government scraps it.

[@bensteel3944]

+John Benton ... You are so thick .. no government including the Tories you seem to hate are never going to scrap the NHS

[@Werrf1]

When I emigrated to the US for family reasons (to Cleveland, actually), it took me a little while to get a handle on how US healthcare works. I was absolutely horrified. The labyrinthine bureaucracy of signing up for it in the first place, the sheer _cost_ coming out of my weekly pay, the struggles to find a doctor anywhere nearby who accepted our insurance, and THEN...it all changed, because the insurer my employers were using wanted to increase our costs 50%, so my employers chose for me another insurer who would only increase our costs 15%. And then I had to find a new doctor. And THEN, after getting expensive and essential dental work done for my children, I find out that I hadn't crossed all the i's and dotted all the t's, and my kids weren't insured. Honestly, all the ''horror stories' I hear about how terrible socialised medicine would be already apply in the US, it's just private companies with no accountability who screw you over instead of politicians - and I still got better care in the UK.

[@fionagregory5774]

Werrf1 British is best full stop.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@fionagregory5774 I'm a Brit that lived in the USA for 12 months. I can see why Americans believe the stuff they believe, they are lied to about so much on a daily basis. I honestly think the USA has become everything it was created to fight AGAINST.

[@mikedakin2016]

@@TonyEnglandUK American citizens are living in a CULT . So entrenched within it are they they don't notice it . Its only when they leave it becomes apparent! It is so obvious to the rest of the world though!

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@mikedakin2016 No kidding. Ask any American today _"What is the most-free country in the world?"_ and I guarantee they'll say _"The USA"._ (The United States doesn't even make the top ten.)

[@SilverAgatka]

The range of help NHS offers is second to none. I've paid taxes in the UK for many years and my contributions towards healthcare system were far above what I actually used. I didn't mind paying for others' healthcare, and now in the past year other taxpayer paid for mine: When struggling with depression and unable to work, apart from care from my GP and CBT therapy (all on the NHS) I was referred to charity funded by the NHS. They sent me to a course of trapeze lessons. Bizarre? I don't care, because it had a fantastic effect on my health and self-confidence, better than any medication. I developed a new hobby, I'm fitter than ever … and it cost me absolutely nothing. When few weeks ago I was punched in the face by a stranger who tried to sexually assault me. I went to A&E, had X-ray, was given medication and ended up staying few days in a hospital as my broken jaw required surgery. I received fantastic care and I'm healing perfectly. Again, it cost me absolutely nothing, including all the medication and post-surgery appointments. NHS isn't perfect, but it is constantly improving and provides free essential healthcare to all who need it. Health should never be a luxury available only to those who can afford it.

[@kurth9439]

yes correct. in belgium also this system. only you pay a little every visti doctor or hospital yourself. no refund for that.

[@calicokittenproductions591]

@@kurth9439 I don't like that, imagine if you don't have the funds at the time when it's needed.

[@MrMartibobs]

Good for you. You are absolutely right. And I do hope you are recovering now from what sounds like a terrible experience.

[@mairiconnell6282]

It is a wonderful thing, I paid in years and years, now I am in need. God Bless the NHS and woe betide anyone who puts it at risk.

[@MrMartibobs]

@@mairiconnell6282 US please take note. We're not communists here. We have a QUEEN for God's sake, and hereditary lords. Maybe our rich people are nicer than your rich people, and don't make a fuss about paying twice for health care if they choose to go private.

[@kingofthegarden2350]

For me at least, the NHS is not socialist: it about a nation that cares about its people - for the people by the people.

[@jessicascoullar3737]

In the US they have gone so far right that to even suggest that we should care about other people is enough to be called a fringe socialist fanatic, probably a communist. It is crazy.

[@isthisjustfantasy7557]

They're terrified at the mere mention of the word 'socialism'. It's funny how they're supposedly more Christian in the States than over here, yet most of them couldn't bear to have a fairer system which is better for everyone, especially the people most in need. The majority are are a bunch of hypocrites. Capitalism at its finest.

[@kingofthegarden2350]

@das datics Yes I know. But to me it is still about looking after each other. It should also be add that, many doctors and surgeons were apposed to the formation of the NHS at the Time.

[@RichDoes..]

err THAT is socialism, looking after all ... not the fearmongering communist agenda, just looking after your neighbour who coincidentally looks after you.... it depends who gets sick. We pay to look after each other!

[@MichaelGGarry]

@ShariaFreeUK You are full of shit. You can't even tell the difference between Communism and Socialism - which is a spectrum of differing political ideas. The UK is a democratic socialist country - guess what, that's on the Socialist spectrum. If you were a Marxist, you were a communist - they like calling themselves socialists but they are the most extreme examples and not taken seriously.

[@samwiseshanti]

Glad I found this video. Sometimes, this country is a shambles, but I couldn't be happier with the NHS, and I wouldn't give it up for all the world.

[@fionagregory8078]

I agree

[@MsBabylove11]

And me! 🤗 🇬🇧

[@TonyEnglandUK]

How on Earth is it a "shambles"?

[@TonyEnglandUK]

If there's one thing I love about this country more than anything else, it's the NHS. I'm very proud of - and very grateful to it.

[@thefurrybastard1964]

+Me Here Likewise.

[@wepzuk6073]

+Tony England To keep it, we must leave the EU, there is no way we can keep the system with unlimited, unregulated mass immigration from Eastern Europe.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

Wepz UK I could not agree with you more, Wepz UK, well said.

[@swp12]

Voting on such an important thing just on emotional grounds is unbelievably stupid...

[@goodall1bay]

+Charlie there still welcome, it's the other kind that is not .

[@DimetriKhan]

"The NHS is the closest thing the British have to a religion"-Nigel Lawson (British Conservative politician).

[@derekdelboytrotter8881]

I'm in the UK, last month I fell off my skateboard and hurt my hip. I went to the hospital within 15 minutes I was seen by a nurse, within 1 hour I was having an x-ray. It turned out that I'd broken my hip and the surgeons wanted to know if anymore of the bone was damaged so they wanted me to have CT scan, I had to wait an hour or 2 for that. They said they think the bone should heal naturally but if not than in a month I may need an operation, in the last 5 weeks I'v had 4 x-rays. No charge up front at all. Yes its paid by taxes, but if i was American and had no health insurance how much would all this have cost me?

[@Nickw555]

I peed blood 18 months ago. I got an appointment with my GP the same day. Within a week I had MRI, CT and ultrasound scans. WIth a month I had surgery. I have regular treatment now for incurable cancer. It is ALL FREE. God bless the NHS.

[@johnclair2269]

i would like to add Scotland is part of the UK and we have free prescriptions no charge .

[@Erakius323]

Yeah, essentially, because the central government is making money off Scottish Gas, the Scottish Government gets more money per person back from Westminster. Hence why you still get free prescriptions. Plus I think you still get free University. I might be mistaken.

[@tersecleric2]

@@Erakius323 As far as I'm aware, Scottish people receive more tax payers money back per head than people in England do bar London.

[@Erakius323]

tersecleric2 Pretty much. It’s the only political way to handle the situation. That way, the U.K benefits as a whole from Scottish Gas, but Scotland then gets to demand special privileges, like free prescriptions, on the grounds they are supplying so much gas. Everyone wins.

[@mairiconnell6282]

Free Prescriptions, College Fees and Elderly Care. Go Scotland Alba Gu Brath!

[@paddy864]

@@mairiconnell6282 None of which will you be able to afford in the even of Scottish independence.

[@SuperJimUK]

Not only is the NHS better than the US system, but the amount I pay toward it through my taxes plus the BUPA private health insurance I paid until recently, still comes to less than two thirds of what it would cost me for a single health policy in the United States. Not only are several aspects of US healthcare sub-standard, but they cost the earth, largely becaude they are sold and traded by schysters who are more concerned with bleeding you dry than making you well. For all its faults, and there are quite a few, I would back the NHS with my life.

[@sirdigbychickencaesar3615]

British Health care is unequivocally better in every single way.

[@brianbozo2447]

No true. Not in every way. If a person needs a hip operation they wont get it straight away. If a person needs psychotherapy for depression it wont happen for at least a number of months.

[@y0Milan]

@@brianbozo2447 not true, why, because there is also private care in the uk that still remains cheaper than uS healthcare. I could get either treatment tomorrow cheaper than you can.

[@timaustin2000]

@@brianbozo2447 what I'd say for that is that not every insurance plan covers mental health in America. So some patients in America don't get it,... At all.

[@Echodolly6]

@@brianbozo2447 The wait isn't as long as people think. My dad had a hip replacement. From his first consultation with his GP, referral to a specialist, tests, diagnosis, physiotherapy treatment, to deciding surgery was the best option as opposed to just physio treatment, to the actual surgery.... All happened in a 12 week timeline. That's quite fast considering all of the steps in between and the fact my dad initially asked to try other treatments before opting for surgery as a last resort. As for the mental health side, I myself have rapid cycle bipolar, OCD and borderline personality disorder. At the beginning, my GP referred me to a mental health team, the wait was 3 months but my GP also arranged for therapy in the meantime from a charitable organisation called MIND so I wasn't left without treatment for the 3 month wait period. The 1 time I had a mental health emergency where my life was at risk, I was hospitalised in an NHS psychiatric hospital immediately. So there is no wait for life or death emergencies. Other experiences to compare: I had a bunion on my toe. The wait to have a simple bunion removed was 4 months. I had a suspected mini stroke. I saw my doctor, the doctor admitted me to hospital straight away, a specialist was called in on his day off just to treat me. There was zero wait and an entire unit of my local hospital was opened and staffed just for me. (I live in a small town and the local hospital is small and units often close completely when not needed to save money) So all in all, I find the wait times vary depending on the severity of each case. I've never had to wait longer than 4 months for non urgent surgery and I've never waited longer than a couple of weeks for moderately urgent surgery and all life and death things have always been tended to immediately.

[@InvalidUser_]

@@brianbozo2447 did you listen to what this guy said

[@jackthebassman1]

when in Florida quite a few years ago, one of my sons, had a very serious throat/tonsils issue and having severe breathing difficulty we had to go to a hospital and before they would even look at him or help in any way, they took my credit card details !!!!!! I was frantic and horrified, we are so used to getting treated without question here. You can keep your US healthcare, it makes me shudder to think what would have happened if I had forgotten to take my AMEX card with me!

[@fionagregory8078]

I had a tonsilectomy at 6 yrs old and never had many colds since.

[@bumiker]

Relax. He would have been treated regardless. Everyone in the US gets treated, especially in an ER. No one gets turned away.

[@bengaljam4550]

@@bumiker Not true. You only get treated if if your life is in danger. Also they would have been billed for it.

[@franceslucas8945]

No sick person will be turned away from treatment in the US, regardless of their ability to pay, but anyone living in the US knows the importance of having medical insurance and avoiding massive bills. Believe me during the Covid disaster, the NHS failed miserably and many people were not given necessary treatment for their illnesses and not just people who wanted elective surgery. I was so glad to live here in Florida where world class treatment is always available and was throughout the Covid pandemic. I admit that we have always had great insurance, but that was because we were very aware of the importance of having it. We do not pay anything like the amount of taxes that UK residents pay, especially because there are many states that do not impose a separate tax , like Florida. We are retired, but I would be willing to bet that our taxes plus our medical insurance is still less than would be imposed in UK.

[@jackthebassman1]

@@franceslucas8945 You’re most welcome to your treatment for the wealthy system, i was in-effect turned away. I am very happy to live in a civilised country where I don’t have to show my credit card before I get treatment. My family has had only superb treatment from our wonderful NHS. At age 76, I’ve had ongoing pain treatment for severe injuries suffered as a toddler and now a new surgical procedure has repaired my severely damaged pelvis, replaced the hip and is providing spinal surgery for my back which was worn out as a result of the way I walked due to the accident. I’ve also had eye surgery for a detachment retina, in addition to this I have had leukaemia for the past eight years which had been treated successfully. If I had moved permanently to America as I almost did in 1997, I enquired about the pelvis/hip surgery and was told firmly that insurance wouldn’t pay for any treatment at all as it was a “pre-existing condition”. American “healthcare” no thank you very much. I know me and my family need never worry about nor being able to afford illness or injury.

[@erict.watson2460]

What irritating camera work. Couldn't watch to the end - got a headache, so went to the doctor.

[@cyberash3000]

what i love is that ive paid about 5 grand in national insurance and had about 750 thousand pounds worth of treatment, and ive hd so much free and discount medicine its unbelievable jeff

[@davidphan100]

How dare they think that because it’s free that our doctors are sub standard

[@tersecleric2]

It's funny how you can't immediately get a job in the NHS with a US medical degree because it's not the same standard.

[@minahambleton512]

The fact that birth is not a medical procedure says something about your health care.

[@xtraspecial4677]

@@minahambleton512 because birth is natural ..if you go to hospital as a patient then its medical .

[@TheMijman]

But surely, you're paying less, so it must be worse. That's how America works

[@wir154]

Doctors and other medical professionals from all over the world have chosen to work in the UK. I have met people from Sweden, Ireland, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Canada, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Poland, Iraq, India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand, who work for the NHS. If I asked any of my friends who work for the NHS what other nationalities they have met working for it, I could get a far longer list than this!

[@gordonbradley199]

To the exhibit ' hawken ' My daughter is a doctor in a UK NHS hospital. Come over here and tell her she's an inferior product of a substandard system ! You better have one hell of an insurance plan to cover your air-ambulance back where you came from, and the years of treatment you'll need before you can walk again !

[@Dave68Goliath]

I'm a Brit that's lived in California for ten years. There is no comparison. UK all the way.

[@MrPicklerwoof]

US healthcare is primarily a business. UK healthcare is primarily a service.

[@FIHRR-bd8uy]

From cradle to grave NHS 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@ianharvey8025]

The NHS was born in 1948 3 years after a devastating war. Our towns and cities were in rubble and we were half starved. The country was bankrupt and yet the people pulled together and made the worry for sick or poor people facing medical bills impossible. The NHS is a miracle

[@NearAbbeyRoad]

".the US can't have socialized healthcare." It can it socializes everything else: army, police, firemen, education, etc, etc.

[@popbasketball1696]

Lol.... education isn't socialized... something called private schools. There is private security big boi..... not only that it's unconstitutional to "socialize " healthcare, education, and etc etc on the federal level.

[@jackmason7823]

@@popbasketball1696 point to the part of the constitution that says socialised healthcare is unconstitutional. We also have private hospitals, people just choose the NHS because its more effective for what you pay. You have schools funded by the government, that's socialism.

[@Coyleravane]

@@popbasketball1696 You have public schools which are paid for by the government for everyone to use, and private schools which people have to pay for themselves. That is exactly the same as Socialised healthcare, like in England where the NHS is paid for by the government for everyone to use, and we also have private hospitals, clinics etc which people can pay for out of their own pocket if they so choose.

[@popbasketball1696]

@@jackmason7823 Exactly, since there is no where in the Constitution that reserve the power to the federal government, it is reserved to States. Look up the 10th amendment. It's up to the People of the several States to decide whether they want a tax funded healthcare system for their respective State.

[@floppymcdankus2905]

@@popbasketball1696 you're an idiot do some research before you open your mouth or type

[@jlw22356]

I am Diabetic,I have had Cataract operations,various laser treatments,other on-going eye treatments.I have Ostroporosis, Athritis in my neck and spine and other 'things'. My treatment and medication is free (45 years of tax and insurance contributions) have paid for it. Without Insullin I would have died,without eye treatment I would be blind and without pain meds etc ,confined to a wheelchair. I would never want to live in a country where,if I could not afford it I would be left to die. Nor would I want my fellow citizens to suffer either.

[@Steeleperfect]

+Jax LLJ My diabetic brother has laser treatments too and has had excellent care on the NHS. In America, he would just have to go blind.

[@MsBabylove11]

@@Steeleperfect wow that's really really sad and disgusting to hear! 😔 I'm glad that he's getting the treatment here xxx 🤗 xxx

[@jimbo271uk]

I met a lady today who is 65, she had been diagnosed with cancer, she starts chemo therapy next week, in a Us system they would let her die, The British NHS system is the nations biggest employer its good for the economy, any government that does not but the health of its own people first should not be in power.

[@bumiker]

You are 100% full of crap. First, in the US if she is 65 then she qualifies for Medicare and would pay NOTHING for her care. Either you are lying or you are being lied to.

[@Person01234]

@@bumiker Sounds like extending that to everyone would be pretty sweet. So if she was 40 she could also be ok.

[@69birdboy]

@@bumiker Everyone is cared for in the UK. What about that is bad? We are a highly modern, very rich, very diverse country with over a thousand years of history and democracy. We also manage to have a strong armed force and pay for a high class medical service for everyone. Add to that , ther are still private services in the UK if you don't want to weight say 2 weeks to see a specialist. The NHS saved my mums life many times. It's not the demon its made out to be in the states. Its a very good system. It could always use more money of course. Mosteuropean countries have a similar system. Its only the US that doesnt want to do this...i find it strange youve all be conned by the system

[@MsDarby64]

@@Person01234 no one is refused. At the age of 40 she would most likely have insurance through her employer. If not there are multiple options for assistance. Individual hospitals also take on a percentage of Compassionate Care patients that pay nothing or have greatly reduced treatment.

[@MsDarby64]

@@69birdboy did I say it was bad? Looks like your reading comprehension skills are not up to par. I simply stated that he was lying that in the US people are simply refused care and left to die. Don't you think that would make the news? But since you brought it up, I did see the 4 yr old with pneumonia sleeping on the floor of the hospital because y'all couldn't even produce a cot for him. The NHS is facing serious challenges costing an additional 10 billion pounds a year, you don't have enough beds, nurses, doctors or ancillary staff. Y'all are about to find out why it's not such a great plan. And finally you reference several European countries with similar systems as if that's supposed to mean something? The US has a much bigger and more diverse population spread over a much larger nation. You do you. We're gonna be fine.

[@paulmiddleton8699]

9 years ago I suffered a pretty major stroke and spent four months in neurological rehab unit learning to walk again all paid for by the NHS, last year I had skin cancer diagnosed and treated within five weeks and I still a free check up twice a year again paid for by the NHS.

[@davebilson]

Good to hear an informed view in this debate of Medical Insurance funded care vs an NHS type of system. Rather than listening to opinions and hearsay, this is an informed opinion from somebody who has had expereince of both the US and UK health system.

[@deafected]

In the U.K it works out at £41 ($60) a month for total coverage through (middle)income-tax. My friend says she is spending $250/m on insurance depending on income, hours worked and health. My conclusion; the insurance based system is ripping American's off.

[@Praisethesunson]

$60 a month for all those benefits? I so jealous and angry it hurts. I spend $180 a month for the privilege to spend even more money when I actually try to use any kind of healthcare.

[@deafected]

louis43233 $60 when you earn middle income. Lower if you don't earn over a threshold. £0 if you happen to be jobless. That also includes visits to the dentist, opticians and therapists.

[@MrDeits97]

+Jack Ah don't you get free dentistry and optician visits if you're under 18 only?

[@deafected]

MrDeits97 Basic charges are means tested. But if you want anything cosmetic done to your teeth they will charge. For dentistry they have a stricter entitlement policy; if you are young, old, physically/mentally unable or earning small amounts you can get everything for free. By small amount I mean; when I was earning £22k a year and I got basic procedures for free.

[@motormouth2949]

don't forget in the USA having a health insurance does not mean they would actually pay for treatment its still 50/50 on them paying up

[@AlbaSaab]

Also....... if you’re unemployed, over 60, or are on a low wage, you are entitled to free prescriptions. There is also a certificate you can buy for about £30 which lasts three months, if you need a lot of medication but you aren’t entitled to free prescriptions.

[@veritysmart]

As a Brit I would say that’s a fair assessment of the NHS. Staff are nearly all very passionate about helping people the only thing I would say is that nurses need to be treated and paid better by the government, and they need to bring bursaries back.

[@djahallam5401]

When you or a family member is ill, the last thing you want to be thinking about is getting your credit card out and are we covered for this. The NHS is not perfect, nothing ever is, but I am so glad that I live in the UK, with our fantastic Drs and Nurses.

[@Bobrogers99]

The British Health System exists to provide healthcare. The US system exists to make money. As a result, statistics show that Brits have better outcomes (life expectancy, infant mortality, etc.) at much less cost.

[@jackwatson3944]

If you're on benefits, singles parent or pensioner all prescriptions are free.

[@stevenjeffrey9877]

Or if you're living in Scotland. I'll never forget when an English friend of mine went to the chemist for the first time and the woman behind the counter was very confused when he tried to pay.

[@Captally]

People exempt from prescription charges wasn't mentioned. I'm retired and don't pay for a permanent monthly repeat prescription for seven different pills.

[@hauskalainen]

Patient with undiagnosed Ebola arrives at the hospital with symptoms of being unwell, having recently arrived from Liberia (which is awash with Ebola). The triage nurse asks the usual questions including the ones about symptoms and travel history. The doctor later tells the guy to go home but 2 days later he was seen again and admitted with Ebola. Why not the first time? "At a news conference Wednesday, hospital officials said a triage nurse performed the recommended screening - asking about his symptoms and his travel history - but her report wasn't communicated to the rest of his health care team". Report in USA today about Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas. Bad and good things can happen in any system. NHS is not perfect, but neither is the American health care system.

[@Edward1312]

Bankruptcy due to medical default is the biggest reason for bankruptcy in the US and its causes more bankruptcy than every other reason put together.

[@Gunner-11]

I live in England. One time I had to goto hospital because a car hit me. i was seen in less than 5 minutes x-rays, pain killers polite doctors and nurses who seemed to care about me getting better. all the care i needed and not a penny exchanged hands.

[@BobFarnell]

The difference between the British Healthare and the American System is:- In Britain Doctors Practice the hypocratic Oath in America They Practice the hippocritic oath its the money that counts not the patients wellness!!

[@brianbozo2447]

The NHS should go to the US and outline how an NHS system would operate were it to be introduced in the US. The essential benefit is people do not have to pay whenever they need healthcare

[@johnmcdonald9304]

Brain Bozo. Good last name. You're paying for the health care in taxes.

[@MarineAqua45]

@@johnmcdonald9304 Id rather fund my healthcare through taxation,than fund a bunch of greedy,profiteers,extortionate amounts of money, in order to live. Premium costs,go towards the shareholders dividens.

[@devilsadvocate1218]

The best healthcare system in the world. It has its faults but had experience of the US and UK systems. Give me the UK every time!

[@njclondon2009]

as a brit, i fucking love the nhs... how many time times have i done something or been a situation that i now realise it would me a bomb in another country. take a ni cut of my wages anyday...

[@Mrpegs1]

Good to see the guy being interviewed giving a honesty appraisal of the UK, NHS and US healthcare very informative

[@freyjarichardson1519]

I honestly can't imagine having a healthcare system like the US. It just makes me think about all the hospital appointments I've had and how much it would've cost. How much my inhalers would cost, how much my migraine medication would cost, how much future appointments would cost (it's just my type of luck that every few years I have a problem that I need checking out quite a bit😂). All of it was free (and yes I know about taxes before anyone says so at the point of use it's free). I honestly can't even begin to think about what it's like in the US.

[@2meroyn]

I am British. Yes. Yes it is. For everyone. We ALL benefit - Rich and Poor alike. We all live longer, happier lives because we have chosen to offset the huge costs burdened on individuals by working together to ensure we all get effective care when one of us happens to need it. We don't abuse the system, we only use it when we need it, we are all proud to pay very minimal taxes (which are LOWER than insurance costs) so that NO ONE needs to depend on charity or bankruptcy. Rich people do not benefit from living in a country where all the workers have serious untreated health problems. If a country can spend trillions of dollars on its military and on killing people all over the world but it refuses to pool resources to keep its OWN citizens alive and healthy you have to wonder what kind of a country it is and if it's really worth dying for.

[@fodsaks]

Videos like this make me very proud.

[@betty5064]

I ran international cancer support groups online for years. As a Canadian/Brit, I was appalled at the difficulty people had getting treatment in the US. On several occasions, I had to help Americans get care, by email, from Canada.

[@tabor721]

Yes, US healthcare is horrible. As an American, I can also say that it is getting worse and worse everyday.

[@alexanderhaynes9748]

I need a particular drug daily, for which I pay a flat fee of £10 (~$12) per month here in the UK. I was planning a trip to the USA and rang a local pharmacy to check how much it would cost if I lost or ran out of it whilst over there. They quoted me $1600 for a one month supply, if I took the cheaper option. I thought they had made a mistake until I watched this documentary.....

[@ghfdt368]

Hi guys Im a Medical Student in the U.K and yes it isn't the "Perfect" Healthcare system. However most people here seem to think that a 2+ week wait for an MRI is what "everyone" gets or has to wait for. Not true, it depends mostly on 2 factors, 1 where you are living obviously Rural area's you must wait longer because one MRI machine may have to accommodate 500,000 people in an area, and secondly it depends on what you illness is. If you were suspected of having a Cancerous Tumor you would have an MRI mostly likely Within 3 days or even possibly the same day depending on availability of MRI, C.T etc. But something less life threatening you would have to wait longer. Also just want to point out that the Media constantly is critical of the NHS because in the U.K we expect the NHS to be flawless all the time, which is obviously impossible for any health system. It could be better yes, for example our dental care is one of the worst in Europe and I believe we have the fewest Doctor/patient Ratio in Europe even if we have some of the best Doctors in the world. But when a case occurs which are still rare the media, politicians are quick to point out how much "It fails" or how bad it is. Also to Americans out there it is true that you must pay for prescriptions in England, but even then if you are under 18 and in full time Education, you still get free Prescriptions, also If you are over the age of 60 you get free prescription. In N.Ireland, Scotland and Wales they are free to everyone. So we are extremely lucky to have the NHS in the U.K its philosophy of helping absolutely anyone from anywhere at any time is a very special thing.

[@peterdurnien9084]

All thanks to Nye Bevan, a man of vision.

[@jjwatcher]

It was actually a Liberal named Beveridge who devised it, The Labour government enacted it

[@bencrawshaw1227]

The quality of care in this country is excellent. The NHS just needs more funding.

[@tylerschofield]

Is the camera man drunk?!? Wtf is wrong with them, swaying all over the place!

[@informationyes]

Another thing is now their a prescription pre pay certificate which always works out cheaper if you require 2 or more a month where you pay like £104 a year and get basally as many prescriptions as you need for that.

[@welshpete12]

In Wales I do not pay for prescriptions, they are free . I do not pay 40 % tax , I pay much less ,and have never paid that much even when earning a very good salary .

[@royfearn4345]

The National Health Service is the one single thing that makes me proud to be a Brit.

[@JLO72]

Of course MRI are in UK we invented it.

[@adam_p99]

Like most things...

[@silus73]

Thus the US already has most of the equipment installed currently so no waiting a year for new equipment.

[@JLO72]

@@silus73 please explain further.

[@silus73]

@@JLO72 As the gentlemen explained in the video in some cases they have to wait a year for some newer equipment. However in the US almost all the Hospitals are already up to date in equipment, there are only a few extremely rarely used medical devices that are available at certain locations however they are always with in the nearest major town or city.

[@adam_p99]

Silus Greystone this is false. New equipment doesn’t take a year. The nhs use the best equipment and have a better healthcare system overall than the USA

[@kopend8638]

99.9% of brits love the NHS. i would be happy to pay even more tax to help the NHS improve and i think most brits would agree. i can book an appointment to see a dr on the same day, i can spend 1 year on a hospital bed and i wouldn't be charged a penny. some of us dont use it as much others but i think everyone understands the importance of having it there on a rainy day.

[@tabor721]

Even Americans love NHS. Many Americans moved to Britain since they provide far better healthcare.

[@YodaOnDMT]

I complain bitterly about the NHS and how it wastes resources and is pretty inefficient.... and it is. But compared to the us and what I've been hearing about the way healthcare works there... I absolutely LOVE the NHS. Even our tax system sounds simpler, although obscenely too high.

[@calicokittenproductions591]

It's time to tax the rich and close all the loop holes that enable tax avoidance. The likes of lorraine kelly that got tax back because she was playing the part of "lorraine kelly" is absolutely bizarre. Tax dodgers should be pulled off t.v. and act some place else.

[@oscarfish38]

My American wifes appendix burst & she was admitted on a Sunday nite to an NHS hosp. Monday morning she had surgery , by Weds morn she was discharged. She said the level of care she recived was exactley the same as she has recieved in her home State of Arkansas. She liked the idea of not providing Ins/payment upfront & was pleased with the way she was treated. She found being on a four bed ward a lil strange at first , but soon made freinds & had a laugh, said it was like being in a Hosp sitcom.

[@markgilder9990]

If it’s an emergency, you will be seen there and then.

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

What is also good, is when us oldies reach 65 years we can retire, plus we don't pay any National Insurance contributions included in our income taxes, and prescriptions are now free. As for Doctors there is my local surgery, (which also has nurses who can take over some of the treatments that normally a Doctor do), so I can phone up after 8am to get an appointment for the same day, or, I can phone for an appointment for 48 hours later. I can phone in the morning after 10:30am to book a home visit if either I or the wife is not well enough to make a visit to the surgery. There is BUPA, where people can pay to get up the queue and pay for private treatments if they don't want to wait. So it is a pain getting old, but, I don't have to pay NI taxes, or pay for prescriptions, which is handy on a State Pension....:) However the NHS is abused by 'health tourists' as they are called, who are people who come from abroad because they have a medical condition they cannot pay for in their own countries, or are going to give birth in the near future, so nip over here, get fixed up 'for free' when they should be paying for their care, and bugger off back to their home countries and don't pay up. So the NHS loses millions of our pounds every year because of this.

[@chrisparnham]

please fellow Americans get real guys the UK NHS is so good..they treat you, give emergency treatment, hospital treatment, your own doctor, nurse, specialist, surgery of all types and it's Free no questions asked Prescriptions are either free for most or very cheap for others free ambulances,free psychiatric and counselling believe me it's incredible!

[@BobFarnell]

The NHS is not free by any means but it is the most Efficient Healthcare system in the world

[@samwisegamgee6532]

From France : “Is British system better ?” is a relevant question when you want to make comparison with France, Germany, Japan... or pretty much any developed country because you need to study pros an cons of each country . But with the US ? Those who say you still need to ask that question are pretty much the same people than the ones who argue that we still need more studies in order to determine that the earth is a globe...

[@hopefultoo]

Everybody, whether they earn money or live on the sidewalk - they're all covered.

[@hlund73]

Watching this after getting an MRI scan with the NHS in 24hrs. The most you'll ever pay for prescriptions is £100 which gets you all your meds for a whole year. World's first MRI scan: 1976 Nottingham England.

[@ruthirwin8222]

Im a nurse in health and social care and i think the care is exeptional ..maybe im biased ...and we dont want it changed ..no way ...def not private its an option already so if u want /can pay you can ..

[@zippymk13]

One thing you missed is that birth control in the UK is free for everyone, prescriptions are also free for a lot of people, those without work or on low wages, certain illnesses qualify for free ones, pregnant women and women who have given birth in the last 12 months get free prescriptions & dental work, people aged 60 and over get free prescriptions too.

[@stephenlong8379]

In 2017 I had an Aneurysm and a stroke within a few days after my blood pressure had been reduced I was operated on didn't have to worry about money to pay for it or no greedy insurance company trying to reduce help given. Give me the NHS anytime we never face bankruptcy because of health cost.

[@Oddballkane]

As a brit i had a tingling feeling in my jaw went to see the dentist. Couldn't find anything wrong. Went to see the dr. He sceduled an mri and got it done wasn't so bad but im glad i kept my eyes shut though. When I went back to work a friend asked what happened to my arm as they put some dye in you to get your brain to highlight. I told her and she said she hated them she must have had a few. It's nice to know you can go get help if i need it without having to worry about my bills

[@JoshRobertson142]

@AppleMaster1 he lives in UK, he works and pays taxes in the UK, so they are his taxes.

[@kanedNunable]

NHS would be much better if tories hadn't spend decades trying to get rid of it too.

[@MrSonofsonof]

Interesting. This is a guy with a good and presumably well-paid job, and even he thinks the NHS is good.

[@ianworley8169]

That's also why he had good experiences of the US health system.

[@michaelfarnham8261]

The NHS is something we are proud of. How much would it have cost me for the care and treatment I have had in the states. Heart attack - diabetes type 2- surgery for carple tunnel syndrome - surgery for myelopathy ( the removal of a disc between the 3 rd and 4 th vertebrae. In the neck. All the medication since I turned 60 free of charge. So which system would I choose? It's a no brainer is it !!!!!!!

[@neilchetwood4625]

Americans need to learn that not EVERY THING has to be a business! It’s $10,000 to have a baby in US-and that’s with insurance! Costs nothing in UK.

[@neilchetwood4625]

T F Forgot about that-I will day that to.

[@johnmcdonald9304]

neil chetwoood. You fucking twit. You pay for it in taxes. Unless your doctors work for nothing.

[@kaysi6605]

@@johnmcdonald9304 yes of course we pay for it in taxes. But that is it.

[@batman51]

@@johnmcdonald9304 You pay taxes according to your wealth, you get "free" health care according to your need. A rather different approach.

[@alundavies8402]

Here in England if you are on the bus you might give up your seat for a nurse or medical worker and they will be treated like gold and they are respected and that is real. They are generally considered to be decent people and we treat them with respect

[@alundavies8402]

But most people don’t think that they get paid enough

[@fionagregory5774]

Yes the British health system is a lot better than USA.

[@CoherentChimp]

Which US Hospital did you go to and why was it inferior to your British hospital?

[@Coyleravane]

@@CoherentChimp It doesn't have to be inferior. The US hospital could be just as good in every way, but the US system would still be worse because it costs so much. You can get private health insurance in England, but it costs between a quarter to a third what it would in the US for the exact same policy, because in the US you have no choice, whereas in the UK you always have the NHS, so they can't overcharge you for private medical insurance.

[@peterhetherington914]

Just needed to clarify one point raised in this interview regarding the NHS being paid by taxation. One pays two forms of tax from one salary, the first is income tax, the higher your salary the more you pay in tax, the second tax from ones pay is the national insurance contribution, this is a much smaller amount which again the higher your salary the more you contribute, however, this contribution is capped, no one pays more than the capped amount. This tax gives one free health care at the point of delivery. Our system may not be perfect but it is certainly better than the care offered in the US.

[@hughjanus900]

Bollocks to private health care give me socialised health care any day

[@TonyEnglandUK]

That's what I love about it here - the whiners who want private health care over the NHS can do that anyway. Just point to BUPA and say _"It's over there, mate."_

[@stevemarks9360]

It seems to me that the only people that don't like it are those that have never used the NHS and are unqualified to judge!

[@styleyK]

OK we may moan about the NHS from time to time, but I love it. I would probably be dead, if it wasn't for the wonderful doctors, nurses and my local practitioners.

[@admon9865]

Most people don't pay for prescriptions however if you do pay you can reduce the cost by getting an NHS Prescription Prepaymant Card. It costs about £100 for a year and covers any prescriptions you need during that time.

[@AppleMaster1]

I love how he says 'our taxes'

[@GB-lg2cz]

Has a cancer confirmed, next week MRI then week after had PET scan. NHS is pride of UK.

[@mcmahonp1]

Thank you for highlighting how good the UK health care system is and how much cheaper it is than US model. Give Bernie Sanders your vote. His brother lives in UK and so he knows full well how Americans can benefit from it.

[@canalnerdlandia2945]

In Brazil the health care,first aid, treatments is free of charge.If you prefer a private health care,so it is your choice.

[@Silberdachs]

I love my NHS

[@scottw9267]

This is what makes this a difficult issue for US citizens.... you have anecdotes on both sides. When i spent a semester in london, my ex pat professors swore against how bad the system there was. The first thing my marketing professor told me was dont wait for an ambulance if you get a bad cut because his friend nearly bled out waiting for an ambulance for over 2 hours earlier in the year. I got blood work there and got my results 4 months after the needle went in my arm. Small sample, but that was my small personal experience. Both sides are just trusting that someone is telling them the truth.

[@brodiecoan]

The NHS has always been good to me, Even though allot of people abuse it...

[@emdiar6588]

Didn't need the video. The answer is YES.

[@ansuhmayram]

The NHS is beautiful but it does have its faults, long waiting times being the one picked up on in this video. Nice balanced perspective in thsi interview, enjoyable

[@MsBabylove11]

They are never really that long, urgent medical hospital treatment is immediate and then the list goes down for operations on a need type basis so it's sometimes possible that your procedure could get pushed back but only if someone who would otherwise die is brought in.... If I wake up sick, I phone my gp first thing and will be seen the same morning! If it's non urgent then it may take a week! 🤷‍♀...and I live in London! 😂

[@jmitterii2]

Asking someone who has sampled Germany's medical system even without being part of their insurance system, as the bill is cheaper than if we had the same in the US with insurance, or to ask a Brit about their NHS, is like asking how much a retiree likes Medicare and socials security check.

[@Thisworldthisweek]

Great Camera work. I need to see a doctor.

[@stevepipenger4651]

richard bloor Dude needs to stand still. This is very distracting for a nice video.