Health Care

[Orientnil]

Hello Folks,
The NHS has looked after my family and me really well for more than seventy years. I, for one, would not wish to see it diminished in any way and I do not have a single complaint to make.
However, since Christmas last, we have stayed full time here in rural France. To be honest, this has been because of the virus... We feel safe here.
As a result, it became necessary to throw away the NHS 'EHIC' cards, and take out full French health cover; this has just been completed.
I thought you might like to know how it seems to work. Broadly speaking, the standard national care system pays for 70% of costs one may incur. We have bought independent insurance cover to meet the remaining 30%. This costs us about 80 euros each per month for quite a good level of cover. eg: either of us could take a single room if we were to be hospitalised. Care of the long term health problems we have is well covered. So we pay a good bit extra for healthcare than we would have done if we'd returned to UK.
At this early stage, it appears that the French health system provides an enhanced level of service compared to the UK's. A GP appointment is often same day as the booking, dental care and opticians' work is partially paid for, emergency care seems pretty good. Hospital car parking is free. Blood tests and injections are often carried out in your home by the district nurse. Test results come through like lightning. Prescription costs are covered.

Maybe the service is better but you pay a fair whack extra for it don't you? Also, if you're skint and can't pay the extra insurance premiums, I really don't know what happens to you.
Why am I writing this? Almost forgotten now... but I guess it would be interesting to know if people would or wouldn't be in favour of paying more to achieve an enhanced level of NHS service in UK and/or, maybe, better remuneration for those who work in it.

PS: Of course, I'd feel a lot better still if I were able to get back to Brisbane Road more often... Not to mention the Birkie!

[EH16]

Personally I'm 100% against the idea of even a partial payment. The introduction of a free at the point of care health service remains the single best thing, benefitting the greatest number of people that, the UK has ever done. Prepared to man the barricades to defend it. NO. NO. NO.

[greyhound]

80 euros a month each.
OK if you can afford it doubt many can.

[Long slender neck]

I think a two tier NHS is a bad idea.

[Rich Tea Wellin]

If the NHS wasn't treated like a political football, was invested in properly and people weren't constantly trying to make money out of it - it would be thriving and would be ideal. I'm not convinced it will last another 72 years.

[Thor]

no charging should ever be allowed in the NHS, i do believe it should remain free at the point of use.

If you wish to pay for a better or quicker service take out a private hospital policy. Thats your choice to make and your money to spend.

I don't believe you should be made to pay as plenty would not be able to afford it. Look at the USA for what happens when you "run out of cover"

[Still's Carenae]

The nhs is only free to those that do not pay tax. It is a pity that most do not realise this.

[Thor]

but that's the same with any service provided by government either central or local.