A tale of 2 sickbeds: Healthcare in UK vs. US

But to compare two types of private insurance policy you need to compare equivalent policies - the obvious way to judge that is by cost.

What coverage would you get in the US if you spent the same amount as you do in the UK?

(edited for spelling)

Well, I'd compare what you get, then look at the cost. Like I said, most priv ins in the UK still requires you to go via the NHS first. Yes, there are private GPs but they were not very popular (I worked for a private insurer and processed thousands of claims for them).

It's really difficult to compare the 2 countries. Even within the UK there's post code lottery and varying waits. In Exeter I could have seen a physio within 2-3 weeks. Here in Cumbria, it's over 10 weeks. There are also waits for private consultants (because they are often working for the NHS and have a private practice!).

The US isn't wait free either to see a specialist.  My sister currently needs to see an rhuematologist who specializes in lyme disease and she has to wait until after Christmas for her appointment and the appointment was made 3 weeks ago. 
Likewise, I remember having to wait 3 or 4 months to get in with my Ob-gyn- and all were the same amount of wait time!
However, I don't understand a 3-4 week wait on getting an ultrasound here.  My doctor's office in the states had one right in their office.

We have first-hand experience of the Royal Free Hospital, mentioned in the article.  I can empathize with the writer's feeling of being abandoned and receiving 2nd rate treatment.  I can recall instances on a par with her experience.  For example, going in for a fairly simple op. and having to wait for ages in a four bed ward before being seen by a (junior) doctor.  Then having to endure the constant noisy visiting at the next bed all night long.
But -- and I think most NHS patients feel the same -- the quality of care from most of the health professionals is exceptional.  From the consultant to the ward sister to the massage therapist, we had no complaints.  Although some wards were better than others, I have to say.  It is a huge hospital and feels like a factory at times.  A patient definitely needs a friend or family member to help out and run interference with the staff when necessary.  Even to bringing in more palatable food or helping the patient dress or get around.

But to compare two types of private insurance policy you need to compare equivalent policies - the obvious way to judge that is by cost.

What coverage would you get in the US if you spent the same amount as you do in the UK?

(edited for spelling)

Based on my experiences, I would get better coverage in the US for what I pay for.  This is based on what I pay for the NHS in the UK versus what I will pay for insurance premiums through my husband's job in the US.

Sorry - modified to add, I would get much better coverage in the US if I looked what I pay for private insurance in the UK versus what I will pay in the US.  My private insurance in the UK seems pretty worthless, in my opinion.

Based on my experiences, I would get better coverage in the US for what I pay for.  This is based on what I pay for the NHS in the UK versus what I will pay for insurance premiums through my husband's job in the US.

But aren't you ignoring the amount you'd spend on healthcare via tax in the US?

But aren't you ignoring the amount you'd spend on healthcare via tax in the US?

No, I wasn't ignoring that at all.

Oh, I must say, I just got back from a great eye exam, 100% paid for by the NHS in Scotland!    However, when I started looking at the prices of glasses, I quickly realised I couldn't get them in the UK.  The lenses started at £150 and that's just for the ugliest, thickest lenses.  The nice ones were £270, which I need because I have really bad eyes.  That doesn't even include the frames!     I have vision insurance in the US so will get them there and will pay a heck of a lot less.  If my eyes were just one step worse, I could have had a discount from the NHS.

No, I wasn't ignoring that at all.

My fault.  Your post read like you were comparing the NHS tax burden with your US premiums and ignoring the US tax burden.

My fault.  Your post read like you were comparing the NHS tax burden with your US premiums and ignoring the US tax burden.

No worries - I was including both the UK 'income tax' (by which I mean what's deducted out of my income) as well as the US, as the US premiums are only one part of the puzzle.  Also deductibles and copayments have to play a part, but in our situation we don't have them as it's all covered under my husband's plan.

Oh gad yes. I have appalling vision but not quite bad enough for a discount. Glasses cost a FORTUNE here. I know a lot of people get their Rx here and then go to the Continent for the frames and lenses.

Last time I got glasses, I did that but got the frames/lenses in the US. Cost me about half as much. Now I desperately need new contacts but am holding out until I'm in the US.

it's all covered under my husband's plan

You are very lucky geeta. 
Too many people in the US are not insured because health insurance is not affordable to them or it's not availabe at all.  Those people would be grateful for something like NHS, even with all it's faults.  Any kind of medical coverage that didn't empty your already puny bank account would be better than no coverage at all. 
And I don't mind paying an extra % in taxes if it helps someone truly in need.

I'm grateful for the fact that the day I arrived in the UK (on a fiance visa), not knowing anyone but my husband, not having a job or a bank account, not knowing where to buy food or clothes, I was entitled to register with a GP.

Oh gad yes. I have appalling vision but not quite bad enough for a discount. Glasses cost a FORTUNE here. I know a lot of people get their Rx here and then go to the Continent for the frames and lenses.

Last time I got glasses, I did that but got the frames/lenses in the US. Cost me about half as much. Now I desperately need new contacts but am holding out until I'm in the US.

Interesting, as when my now wife (then fiancee) visited here in Feb she bought glasses here because they were much cheaper!
Also, a couple of weeks ago, I encountered what prescription costs are if you don't have insurance in the US, I also was told by someone that had been to an ER that they got hit with a $200 charge even though they have good insurance, it just doesn't pay the full cost.
People have to wait a number of months when starting a job before they are entitled to health benefits.

I know which I'd prefer.....the health care system in the US would be my main stumbing block to moving to the US. I'm not saying the NHS is perfect, far from it - but I prefer the system we have to that in the US.

Also there was a very interesting article in the Wall Street Journal last week about how many people are cutting back on their heath care as a result of the credit crunch.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122204987056661845.html

I don't find glasses to be more expensive here than in the US; I paid for them out of pocket both places.

With all that is going on in the economy, at least here in the UK I don't have to worry about how I will get healthcare if I get made redundant.  I bet that is on the minds of lots of people in the U.S.