British Perspectives on Health Care in the United States: A System Critique and Analysis

What do the British think of the fact that healthcare in the United States is largely paid for through private insurance? Let me lay out my thoughts.

Disgust and Concern

It is beyond disgusting. I am an Englishman living in Sweden. The National Health Service (NHS) in Britain is far from utopian, and healthcare in places like Sweden also has room for improvement. But the system in the United States is solely about enriching the already rich. It is SHOCKING to read about people going bankrupt due to illness or to hear of insurance companies denying treatment because of pre-existing conditions.

Comparative Healthcare Systems

The disparity in health care systems becomes stark when comparing the experiences of an American without Medicare and a British person with government-funded healthcare. If you are unemployed and lack Medicare in the US, you risk not having medical insurance and may die due to an inability to afford health care. Conversely, a British person has access to government health care and will be treated accordingly.

Historical Context: 1940s Britain

Reflecting on the early post-war period, my mother contracted Meningitis at the age of 7, while my uncle had Pulmonary Tuberculosis around the same time. Both were treated in our local Insulation Hospital, about a mile from my current residence. My grandmother had to provide food and travel via two buses and a walk up the drive, from the other side of the city. This was during wartime, when my grandfather frequently experienced financial struggles due to unemployment and debt. Despite their hardships, they still had to pay for doctors and medications.

The National Health Service (NHS) was conceived and implemented by Aneurin Bevan in 1948 to provide a level playing field of healthcare. Though it has its issues, the NHS remains a proud institution that has been improving and advancing over the years. From its inception to the present, the NHS has been a source of national pride and unity.

Careers and Personal Experiences

As an apprentice nurse, I received government-paid training and in my 32 years as a registered nurse, I was able to earn a house, cars, and even vacations. While it certainly came at a cost to my social and family life, it was worth it for the interesting patients and staff I met, and the unique experiences I had throughout my career.

Conclusion

Overall, the British system, though not perfect, offers a more equitable and accessible healthcare experience. The US system, on the other hand, has a long way to go to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial standing. The UK’s NHS has provided a valuable model for healthcare systems worldwide, and it is something to be proud of.