Okay, lets just clear up a few things. I shall give you the example of how the UK's NHS works.

The taxpayer and employer both pay a % of their salary through HM Customs & Excise to the UK Government towards their National Insurance. This is then allocated to various Health & Social Departments; ie; NHS, Benefits, Unemployment money etc etc. Employers make a NI contribution on your behalf as well.

Basic rate tax = 20% on taxable income up to £37,400.
Higher rate tax = 40% on taxable income over £37,400.

Average UK salary (2006) = £22,248.

Most average UK taxpayers pay approximately 1/3 of their salaries to the Government in direct taxation.

You are allocated a NHS number at birth - this stays with you for life. You would normally register with a GP near to your home, though you can nowadays register with any GP practice. Like all GP's, they look after your general health needs and virtually all are NHS. GP's can refer you to Consultants and hospitals if and when it is necessary, including specialised hospitals. This is all paid for from taxpayers contributions to the NI fund and other taxes.

You do NOT individually pay doctors, hospitals or drug companies. They are all paid for by Government. Doctors and other health professionals are salaried and paid for by the Government - Department of Health.

There is however a small prescription charge on medications of £7.20 per prescription - some people are exempt however. Medications given during a hospital stay are paid for by the Government. You do not pay anything during your stay in hospital or for tests etc etc.

There are private healthcare facilities, but you would pay for them either by cash, credit or private insurance. You will stay pay for the NHS/NI - there is no opt out of this.

I hope the above has helped a bit.

The NHS is not perfect by any means (what healthcare system is) but it is fair, available to ALL citizens (including foreigners that are visiting) and good value for money. Above all, it is loved by most UK citizens and woe betide any politician that trys to get rid of it.

Originally posted by Wotan

Basic rate tax = 20% on taxable income up to £37,400.
Higher rate tax = 40% on taxable income over £37,400.

Average UK salary (2006) = £22,248.

Thanks for the info Wotan.

I believe my calcs are correct in converting this to USD:

Basic rate tax = 20% on taxable income up to $55,529
Higher rate tax = 40% on taxable income over $55,529

I have a very good insurance policy that covers medical, dental and vision care and will cover up to $1.75M for any single event should my family need it. I currently pay, on average, $11,000 per year for all medical expenses, prescriptions AND insurance premiums for a family of 4 (my employer pays a portion of the premium). By my calculations, if I lived in the UK with the same income I would be paying $38,000 per year for what I now pay $11,000 per year for. Granted, my medical expenses vary from year to year and, God forbid, if someone in my family should need extensive care, my portion would be very expensive but the annual savings of $27,000 per year ($38,000 minus $11,000) for the years that something drastic doesn't happen would more than offset it.

Seems like a no brainer at least in my situation.





[edit on 7/11/2009 by Iamonlyhuman]