anyone else in Oz missing the NHS?

[NickyNook]

 

Private would never pick up the tab for long term chronic conditions either.

 

 

You're right about the private companies too - they put in clauses and exclusions which a public health service doesn't do. When you need it and for as long as you need it, it's there.

 

This is not true for Australian private health funds. No-one is refused cover for chronic or pre-existing conditions.

 

There is a qualifying period (up to a year) for pre-existing conditions and after that period pre-existing conditions can be claimed for.

[Que Sera Sera]

I've no complaints at all with Medicare, I've received top notch treatment here. A recent scare was dealt will perfectly and has given me complete trust in the system and top notch aftercare all free.So no I don't miss the NHS. However my sister is a hard working nurse and I have complete respect for those working at the coalface in the NHS.

Edited April 23, 2014 by Que Sera, Sera

[Paul1Perth]

Hope over to Thailand for dental work.....

 

I'd rather use the plane and hotel cost for treatment at the local dentist that I can go back to if something is wrong.

[Paul1Perth]

Ok guys I think we all know the Nhs is not free and we pay taxes for it.for what I have and my family have been through here in oz I would rather pay a few quid a week to the nhs system rather than going to the docs then being referred to a specialist which then you need deep pockets and longer arms.put it this way and this is my experience I had to have a bone graft in my arm and it was either wait 8 months or pay $5.000 with a specialist I opted for the $5.000 because I could get back to work sooner.Now it's these astronomical upfront costs which are hard to take.i would rather pay a few quid taxes a week rather than a bill out of the blue.

 

Also ambulance insurance,before you do anything get it,i was driving country sa and swerved to avoid a roo in the road ,hit a tree then flipped the car on its roof ,pretty much came out without any serious damage except the damage to my wallet for the bill I got for the ambulance.but they where professional and so was the volunteer CFs which I have a high regard for (god bless you guys).

 

put it like this if you had a big sinkhole at the end of your drive and you could not get your car out would you rather pay a contractor to fix it.(Out of the blue costs)or ring the council and have it fixed.rest my case

 

With the bone graft wouldn't you have had exactly the same choice in the UK? Wait months until they could fit you into the nhs system or pay for a private op? Agree about the ambulance cover, crazy not to have it, but it's not expensive.

[audre]

thanks so much for all the responses and the debate. very sorry for people who have had bad experiences:/

 

of course, when i wrote free in britain, i did mean we pay for it through our taxes. but then again - why not. we all contribute to making a better society for all, not just for those who can afford it. no one should have to buy basic human rights like healthcare. if we are made to pay for healthcare out of our own pockets rather than supporting it through taxation, then only the rich and privileged will receive the treatment they need. i think the huge waiting lists in Oz reflect this aspect: not everyone can afford to dish out 5000 dollars - or even a flight to thailand as someone mentioned (through this seems to happen if we are to believe current affair).

 

and if my taxes help accessible healthcare for you, me and anyone who needs it regardless of social status, i am happy to contribute my share.

[Bibbs]

i did mean we pay for it through our taxes. but then again - why not.

Because people take the piss.

 

Look at some of the stuff available on the NHS now.

 

In my mind it's for emergencies, and illness. Not things like this :-

 

http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/22/now-nhs-boob-job-mum-josie-cunningham-says-celebrity-big-brother-bosses-havent-ruled-her-out-4705200/

[Paul1Perth]

Because people take the piss.

 

Look at some of the stuff available on the NHS now.

 

In my mind it's for emergencies, and illness. Not things like this :-

 

http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/22/now-nhs-boob-job-mum-josie-cunningham-says-celebrity-big-brother-bosses-havent-ruled-her-out-4705200/

 

Like how they are saying that there is no way she would be on the show. That is exactly the type of person they like on shows like that, something controversial so people will watch it.

 

What a classy piece of work she is. What a classy show she's trying to get on too.

[caramac]

This is not true for Australian private health funds. No-one is refused cover for chronic or pre-existing conditions.

 

There is a qualifying period (up to a year) for pre-existing conditions and after that period pre-existing conditions can be claimed for.

 

 

They refused to cover me for anything cardiac because I had a completely benign heart condition.

[NickyNook]

They refused to cover me for anything cardiac because I had a completely benign heart condition.

 

Then you have cause for complaint because according to: http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthfunds/howhealthfundswork/

 

'A health fund cannot refuse to insure you or refuse to sell you any policy you want to buy on the basis of your health or how likely you are to claim.'

[caramac]

Then you have cause for complaint because according to:

 

'A health fund cannot refuse to insure you or refuse to sell you any policy you want to buy on the basis of your health or how likely you are to claim.'

 

That's interesting. Maybe it's a fairly new thing? This was a few years ago now and they would insure me at an increased premium for anything not cardiac related.

Don't get me wrong, I'm prepared to pay for insurance in Australia because it's the way the system works. I wouldn't touch it in the UK. I'm afraid I trust people more who aren't trying to make money out my health. :smile:

[l1sa]

The NHS is a truely wonderful amazing thing. But as people have already said, it is not free. However some people use it as if it is. Did you know that the UK is the only Country in the world where you don't have to take out travel insurance (medically) to be treated here if you are not from here. Therefore for those people it is free. There are people who come to this Country as migrants who have never paid into the system and get treatment, so for these people it is also free. There are people who live here who are on long term benefits who have never worked and therefore not paid into the system, for these people it is also free. There are people from all over the world who come here solely as medical tourists to get treatment and then return home, for these people it is also free.

 

The NHS CANNOT keep running the way it is running, it is so unfair, there are people who have paid into the system their whole life and do not get back the services they have paid for. If the NHS was a private business it would be bankrupt and sold off into liquidation.

 

I know of a chap in my home town, who came from Nigeria, he had a major stroke whilst living in Nigeria, his wife managed to get him to see a doctor who asked him if he could pay for treatment. He answered no, the doctor told him his only option was to gather all the money he could for a flight to the UK. Which he did. On arrival at Heathrow he was immediately transferred to a hospital where he received all necessary treatments, he was transferred again to another hospital and after TWO years in hospital, the council housed him in the local area, 10 years later he is still here unable to work as he is now on longterm incapacity benefit. Now while I do not begrudge this man treatment and I am sure that anyone in the same situation would have done the same, how is this fair? This is just 1 example from 1 town. How can the NHS run whilst this is happening?

 

My MIL had an emergency kidney scan this week, the doctor wanted it done as an emergency, and told her to make an appointment for 7 days as that is how long it would take to get the results. She phoned the doctors on the day of the scan to book the appointment but the earliest appointment they can give her is 22nd May.

 

My Friend has a problem with her leg at the moment and has been suffering for the last 6 months, doctors keep saying here take these tablets and come back and see me in a month, trying to get to see the doctor is a nightmare. This surgery do not offer the option of booking appointments in the future, only appointments on the day. You have to phone the surgery at 8am for a morning appointment, or at 12 for an afternoon appointment. both at 8 and at 12 the phone is permanently engaged, by the time you get through at 10 past all appointments have gone and on speaking to the receptionist about what to do, they just tell you to try again tomorrow.

 

Obviously there are positive stories too, but they are becoming less and less the norm. It is not the system it once was.

 

Major problems. With no answers and no solutions.

[Guest km75]

I have a child with urinary incontinence, for two years in the UK I sought help and asked for an ultrasound on his bladder and kidneys and got nowhere, went round in circles and offered all sorts of helpful solutions like try sticker charts - here, I walked into a GP, who happily gave me a referral for an ultrasound and blood tests. Ultrasound did cost me $80 (after medicare rebate) but so worth it, my child got the ultrasound the very next day. Blood tests were free. Doc visit bulk billed - well worth every cent in my opinion.

[ramot]

l1sa you say that you can be treated for free in UK on the NHS and don't need travel insurance, but that isn't correct.

we are on a temporary retirement visa in OZ. we are British but haven't lived there for over 20 years, and even though all our income comes from there and we pay UK tax we have to pay to see a Dr in UK and pay private rates for prescriptions. Obviously we always have travel insurance, but because we aren't PR in OZ for reciprocal healthcare and haven't lived in UK for years and aren't moving back we fall between the cracks and definitely get charged when we visit, as do many others that we know.

Certainly isn't fair as we have paid tax and full national insurance and both have a state pension, and constantly hear how other foreign nationals get away with free treatment, but we definitely don't.

[bunbury61]

Hi all

 

let me see if i get this right: in britain, we have the NHS. free healtcare, or very low costs for most things (e.g. dental).

 

in Australia, we pay for most of the medical costs (those refunds wont go far).

AND we have been told some doctors bulk bill and some dont? and this entirely depends on them but most dont bulk bill? whats the deal with that?

 

so if your kid needs braces, will this cost like thousands of dollars? also, if you want to have a wisdom tooth removed, this also costs a thousand dollars? i know dental care is also paid in the UK but when im told teeth cleaning costs 200 dollars in Oz, i cant help but cringe.

 

what are your experiences? we are a young couple so never had any medical issues and have lived in britain, but im thinking of the future, kids etc...

i find myself missing NHS...:arghh:

 

 

 

you miss it because you were spoilt and didn't realise it, because you are led to believe everywhere else is better ....it aint .......free healthcare , cheap prescriptions , the no 27 bus , a postbox on every other corner , the milkman .....we may not score 10 out of 10 in some departments ...but its a steady 7 out of 10 for everything .

I read a post on here about doctors appointments or lack of ....what a load of sh,te ....if I want to see the doc , I turn up at 8 any morning , in by 9 .....any day of the week .

my mate has just had a minor heart attack , and has to have regular medication , every week at 7 quid a prescription ...so hes bought a 12 month unlimited prescription £108 ...not bad eh from poor old blighty .

and theres the family member over from oz , who had a major chest infection , he rolls into a fast track nhs centre , the doctor checks him out and hands him a prescription ...."how much for your time " .....nothing says the doctor ......

[Keefo]

you miss it because you were spoilt and didn't realise it, because you are led to believe everywhere else is better ....it aint .......free healthcare , cheap prescriptions , the no 27 bus , a postbox on every other corner , the milkman .....we may not score 10 out of 10 in some departments ...but its a steady 7 out of 10 for everything .

I read a post on here about doctors appointments or lack of ....what a load of sh,te ....if I want to see the doc , I turn up at 8 any morning , in by 9 .....any day of the week .

my mate has just had a minor heart attack , and has to have regular medication , every week at 7 quid a prescription ...so hes bought a 12 month unlimited prescription £108 ...not bad eh from poor old blighty .

and theres the family member over from oz , who had a major chest infection , he rolls into a fast track nhs centre , the doctor checks him out and hands him a prescription ...."how much for your time " .....nothing says the doctor ......

 

Alright bunbury how long did you live in oz, what were your impressions out of interest.

[bunbury61]

Alright bunbury how long did you live in oz, what were your impressions out of interest.

 

 

6 years keefo ......loved oz , had a great time , no issues

[Keefo]

Whereabouts pal, apologise if you've already said.

[bunbury61]

Whereabouts pal, apologise if you've already said.

 

bunbury w,a ......its in the name

[Keefo]

bunbury w,a ......its in the name

 

Thought I'd check! That's good to know then, we're hoping to go to WA. Why did you return.

[bunbury61]

Thought I'd check! That's good to know then, we're hoping to go to WA. Why did you return.

 

 

Family really keefo , no issues with oz whatsoever , I have some great friends there , and I look forward to seeing them again sometime ....I just like to keep it real ......we have dual citizenship .

I just wont have people bagging the u.k ...most of them either have issues , are trying to justify their decision to move , or haven't been back for years .

And before anyone jumps in about the uks problems ....I live and work around the west mids ....I see all the problems the u.k has ...AND SOME !...

[Chortlepuss]

Living in Oz, I think of healthcare as a bit of a luxury. Never had bad experiences in UK NHS or Oz, but even with a high level of medical insurance I have been left with some hefty out of pocket expenses, all for things that were not available via public system (like daughter having wisdom teeth out in hospital - 1K out if pocket). When I'm working it seems like a bargain, when I'm out of work, (not eligible for concession), I'll avoid the Drs as much as I can. Very rarely encountered a GP that bulk bills - sometimes they take pity on my children (17,18 both have no income). I have two mates working as senior nurse managers in the UK - both say a huge amount of presentations to A & E are unnecessary (girls present with period pain!) Lots of drunks/druggies - in fact the recession has helped keep the numbers down. The NHS is being dragged down by people who take the p1ss with self inflicted conditions - As for benefit tourism, that really makes me angry - people fly over to have babies, dump their elderly - but what can you do, they bill them, but these people just disappear or are abandoned. I'm actually in favour of high taxes, free medical care - but don't see how it would work in the UK with so little personal responsibility for healthcare

[Guest Guest 47403]

Living in Oz, I think of healthcare as a bit of a luxury. Never had bad experiences in UK NHS or Oz, but even with a high level of medical insurance I have been left with some hefty out of pocket expenses, all for things that were not available via public system (like daughter having wisdom teeth out in hospital - 1K out if pocket). When I'm working it seems like a bargain, when I'm out of work, (not eligible for concession), I'll avoid the Drs as much as I can. Very rarely encountered a GP that bulk bills - sometimes they take pity on my children (17,18 both have no income). I have two mates working as senior nurse managers in the UK - both say a huge amount of presentations to A & E are unnecessary (girls present with period pain!) Lots of drunks/druggies - in fact the recession has helped keep the numbers down. The NHS is being dragged down by people who take the p1ss with self inflicted conditions - As for benefit tourism, that really makes me angry - people fly over to have babies, dump their elderly - but what can you do, they bill them, but these people just disappear or are abandoned. I'm actually in favour of high taxes, free medical care - but don't see how it would work in the UK with so little personal responsibility for healthcare

 

I think I'd rather pay through the nose to be honest, my dad died because of short comings in the NHS he was kept waiting for a bed with a major bleed on the brain, even after the paramedic who brought him in said he really thought dad needed to be in a high dependency unit asap (totally ignored) I hope @Andy doesn't mind me tagging him and mentioning his recent loss not because of the cancer his poor mother had, but a bug caught in hospital FFS!! If I could go back and pay for the ambulance, triage, etc for my dad who was 60 years old I'd happily do it.

 

The NHS was an absolutely fantastic inception post war but is changing rapidly.

[twinsmom65]

I think some who question the merits of the NHS should look at the health system in the USA.

 

I personally think the NHS is a good thing, but then I am all for universal healthcare. For those of you that states it is not free, you are correct, but I for one would rather pay through my taxes, to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare.

 

Australia to me, appears to be me to be more of a two tier health system, a mix of the USA type and the British system. Canada is like Australia, except we don't pay anything to see a doctor, only dental, eyes and prescriptions. Also many of our employers pay towards the costs of benefits which cover the things like dentists and prescriptions.

 

Like most things, you don't realize how good something is until you no longer have it.

 

The NHS isn't perfect, but it is a good form of healthcare.

 

Cheers

 

Karen

[Guest Andy]

I think some who question the merits of the NHS should look at the health system in the USA.

 

I personally think the NHS is a good thing, but then I am all for universal healthcare. For those of you that states it is not free, you are correct, but I for one would rather pay through my taxes, to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare.

 

Australia to me, appears to be me to be more of a two tier health system, a mix of the USA type and the British system. Canada is like Australia, except we don't pay anything to see a doctor, only dental, eyes and prescriptions. Also many of our employers pay towards the costs of benefits which cover the things like dentists and prescriptions.

 

Like most things, you don't realize how good something is until you no longer have it.

 

The NHS isn't perfect, but it is a good form of healthcare.

 

Cheers

 

Karen

 

i am questioning the merits of the NHS and disagree when you say it is a good form of health care, I personally think it is rotten throughout and in turmoil, which many nurses we have spoken to admitted. Moral is very low and a lot of the staff do not give a monkeys especially about care and see you as just a number. This is not only my personally experience but people I know have also had awful experiences.

[ErmintrudeMcMoo]

Well having had a bit of a bad time healthcare wise ( have been diagnosed with, auto immune disease arthritis, damaged nerve in back plus damaged disc a few years ago, then the icing on the cake I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September last year). I do not have health insurance couldn't really afford it, then really couldn't afford any after various diagnosis. I have a great GP who bulk bills, I've had free physio sessions ( I believe your entitled to 5 a year, which along with care plan my gp put together was enough to give me the help I needed for arthritis, auto immune and back problems). The care I have received since the BC diagnosis has been fantastic, cannot fault it. I don't know what the level of care would have been in Uk or what wait I would have had for treatment as I've been in Australia for nearly 7 years now, but I do know, I can book online for my gp appointments, the wait for the rheumatologist was about 6 weeks ( though I think they look at it on case by case depending on severity) and the wait from being diagnosed with BC to seeing a surgeon was a week, I was then poked prodded, injected, xrayed to within an inch of my life for a couple of weeks before starting chemo. As for dental treatment, well I try to avoid if possible, but the times I have had to go were a bit expensive, and my daughters braces were $6000, though we did get some money back for that at tax time.