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I think it needs to be underscored again. In Britain the government runs health care. In Canada the government pays for healthcare. It makes a HUGE difference.
In Canada, it is doctors that make the call on what treatment I need. Not an insurance company. Not the government. If I don't like the diagnosis from the doctor I am seeing, I can go see another doctor. The only thing the government decides is what they are going to cover. What they do cover is offered universally.
As for "affluent" types heading out of the country... Stats that I have seen suggest that this practice occurs with people who do not want to wait for elective or non-emergency surgeries. For example, a knee replacement surgery might take 3 to 6 months before it can be scheduled. Someone who has the money and doesn't want to wait, will go elsewhere. There are issues in the Canadian system with access to MRI and CT scans in more remote areas. Either they need to travel to access the equipment or they have to wait to get access to something that is increasingly local. This is a problem shared by remote places in the US as well.
I am always amused by the misinformation that floats around in the US when it comes to the Canadian system. Especially when it comes from folks like Idyllic who otherwise appear to be well informed and reasonable.
The best anecdote I can provide is the example of my father in law. He is what one would consider affluent (not massively so but he has no worries when it comes to finances). A few years ago he had some heart problems and had to get a valve replaced. He was diagnosed on a Thursday and was in recovery by the following Monday night. Urgent is urgent and is treated appropriately. He paid $0 for this treatment.
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"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke
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