Why is the UK’s Healthcare System Considered Better than the US’s, Even Though It Isn't Free for Everyone?

The idea that the UK's healthcare system is superior to the US's is subjective and often misunderstood. The claim that something is free automatically makes it better is a misconception that requires further examination. While yes, health care in the UK is free at the point of delivery, it is funded through taxation, meaning that the cost is distributed across the population. This system ensures that everyone has access to the same level of care, unless they have the means to pay for better services elsewhere.

No, It Is Not a Myth

Contrary to the belief that the UK system is universally free, there are certain medications and services where a small charge applies, typically for around 10% of the population. These charges can amount to a maximum of around 150 pounds per year. Despite these minor costs, the overwhelming majority of healthcare services are free, providing equitable access to medical care for everyone in the UK.

Everyone Gets Treated, Everyone Gets Equitable Access

The fundamental principle of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is that everyone is treated, regardless of their financial status or pre-existing conditions. Medical staff, not government officials, decide on the course of treatment, ensuring that patients receive the care they need based on their medical needs, not their ability to pay. This egalitarian approach is something that many modern countries strive for but still fail to achieve consistently.

How Are Certain Citizens Not Covered?

It is a misunderstanding to suggest that certain citizens in the UK do not receive free healthcare services. I have been a UK citizen for 68 years and have never had to pay for any medical or healthcare services. I also know many others who have not had to pay either. The minor charges mentioned are applicable only to a very specific group of people. The vast majority of the population still receives free healthcare, making claims of widespread fees misleading.

Taking Rich vs. Poor into Account

The superiority of the UK healthcare system is heavily influenced by one's financial situation. For the wealthy, the US healthcare system might offer higher quality options due to the availability of private healthcare coverage. However, for the majority of the population, particularly those with chronic illnesses, frequent visits to the hospital, a lot of medications, and pre-existing conditions, the UK's system is consistently better.

Understanding the Fundamentals of the UK’s Healthcare System

The UK's National Health Service is funded through compulsory national insurance contributions made by all employees between the ages of 18 and 65. These contributions support the provision of free healthcare, unemployment benefits, and a basic retirement pension. The quality of care provided by the NHS is remarkable, but it faces challenges related to being overloaded and underfunded. The NHS has reciprocal agreements with many European countries, allowing UK residents living abroad, like myself living in Spain, to access the Spanish national health system without significant cost.

The Profit-Making System in the USA: A Critique

When comparing the profit-making healthcare system in the US to the UK’s NHS, several issues arise. In the US, healthcare is far more expensive and less accessible for a significant portion of the population. High deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and limited coverage for pre-existing conditions can leave individuals vulnerable to financial ruin. Additionally, the for-profit nature of many US healthcare providers often prioritizes shareholder profits over patient care, leading to suboptimal outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

The British system, although facing its own challenges, prioritizes the well-being of its citizens through equitable access and universal coverage. While the US system may offer high-quality care for those who can afford it, the UK’s approach, despite being funded through taxation, ensures that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.