Canada, at one time, had a very similar healthcare system to that of the health care system in the US. After the reform that occurred in the 1960’s and 70’s, Canada switched over to National Health Care. Some people felt this was a good move and other did not like it. Quite the same as what is happening in the US right now with the healthcare reform. Some feel it is better for the people and others think it is not going to work. When you consider the comparisons between national healthcare and private healthcare , there are quite a few things that stand out. First of all, if a country is on National healthcare, does that mean that a person cannot also choose to carry their own insurance? Typically, it doesn’t mean that at all. In fact quite the opposite, people are still encouraged to take on additional coverage in the form of private insurance. One of the worst parts about national health care is that it is very generic. If you should happen to become ill with a life threatening illness such as cancer, you may wind up waiting on a significantly long list, before you are even seen by an oncologist.
With private healthcare you can make an appointment and get in almost right away. Another great thing about private health care is that you have more options where your treatments are concerned. With national healthcare, even if you do actually get to a doctor before your illness becomes fatal, there are only so many things that can be covered. You will not be able to sit and consult with a team of specialists about what your next move should be. Instead you will be treated in the most generic way based on the protocol for your illness. There are many people who use the national healthcare system for minor things and carry a small amount of private insurance to supplement whatever will not be covered by the public health care. This gives people a little peace of mind in knowing that should a life threatening illness present itself, they will not have to waste precious time waiting to see a doctor.