Do countries with free universal health care also have private health care for those who can afford it?

Question

if so, are the best doctors drawn towards private practice rather than public hospitals? or are there incentives so that the public hospitals retain talented doctors?

(i'm not asking this to be political or inflammatory. i'm just curious)

Answer 1

Not sure, but wouldn't that kind of suck to pay twice? Pay your own premiums and then be taxed for every one else?

Answer 2

We have supplimental health care through the insurance companies.

All doctors are governed by the guidelines set down by our national health care.....the suppliment insurance covers, private duty nursing, prescriptions and private hospital rooms, etc.

PS ... that guy from Texas who answered before me has no idea what he's talking about

Answer 3

I had heard a few years ago that some Canadians who lived in the southern areas were buying U.S. private health insurance and coming down here to see doctors. I don't know if its true, but if it is, that says something about socialized medicine. I know that there was definitely a ban on buying private health insurance in Quebec but that was reversed in 2005.

Answer 4

There are no choices in countries with Universal Health Care.

In fact, many Canadians who can afford it, come to the US for treatments since it takes 2-3 years to have routine tests performed.

Answer 5

In Australia, we have both the NHS (called Medicare) as well as private practise.  Everyone pays 1.5% Medicare levy on their tax (2.5% if you earn over $50,000pa).  Private health insurance is dependant on the level of coverage; and does not form part of your salary package.

Obviously, the private hospitals are much nicer than the public hospitals - being more like fancy hotels than hospitals.  And they also serve wine as part of their menu.  Gotta love that.  But you pay for it!  And I'm not kidding about the wine on the menu!

Public hospitals (for the most part) have waiting lists - for elective surgery - that stretch into the years (in some areas).  While in some areas - especially country hospitals - they are closing beds because of the lack of patients.

As for "best doctors" being in private practice versus the public system -- if you have private health insurance, very obviously you can chose your own doctor in a hospital; whereas you get what you get in a public hospital.  However, it's entirely up to you which doctor's surgery you visit for regular check-ups.  Unlike the American system, you are not forced to visit a specific medical group by your health provider.  

However, not all private practice doctors "bulk bill" (ie visits are covered by Medicare).  Some doctors will charge you the difference between the Medicare subsidy and their fee (which you can claim back on your health insurance), while others "bulk bill" - which means Medicare covers the entire visit.  It's up to your doctor as to how they charge for services rendered.

I won't say Australia's Medicare (health scheme) is perfect.  But it does ensure that no one is denied access to basic medical coverage.  In an emergency, you will get into a hospital - regardless of who you are or what social strata you come from.  And because of the national health scheme, drugs are also subsidised.  So for people with Asthma (such as me) or Diabetes or any other malady that requires regular medication, our prescriptions are much cheaper (than in say America); and in some cases, free.