[garinda]

Originally Posted by bullseyebarb

That's because you don't buy a health insurance policy! You buy major medical insurance, which covers unexpected events and hospitalization. That is what insurance is supposed to do....help you out in a tight spot. Visits to a doctor or specialist are paid for out of pocket. I know that's a real gasper for those of you in the U.K. who think you are getting it all for free. Nonetheless, I believe that medical care is a service just like anything else and a responsible person should provide for it - just as they buy insurance for their home and automobile and pay for the maintenance of said home and car out of pocket. Imagine how expensive your auto and home insurance would be if the government required insurance companies to cover absolutely everything......oil changes, replacement windshield wipers and tires, for example. And that is what some U.S. states do when it comes to healthcare - which is why such insurance is so costly in many areas. I am glad you are happy with your NHS but I'll take freedom over socialism any day.

I paid N.I. contributions right from graduating until I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease two years ago when I was thirty nine.

I'm glad you are well and happy with the health service in the States. Sadly a lot of people I know there, with long term degenerative illnesses, aren't so fortunate and most medical insurance companies wouldn't touch them with a ten foot barge pole, even if it was shaking wildly.