Reply #12: By comparison to what they have it certainly is

[Lorien]

but they can't wrap their heads around our system. I've been talking to an Aussie friend this week who still can't believe that people actually die from lack of health care in the "most powerful Nation on Earth". He writes:

"I pay about $1600 per annum on health insurance (I'm on the premium cover), and this paid for my knee reconstruction, dental bills, physiotherapy etc. I cannot believe the cost people are paying for their health insurance in the USA - and that's the strongest country in the world! What i can't understand is hearing stories in the usa about people being denied medical care because they dont have insurance- is that true? Here, Health insurance companies are so keen on keeping their clients here that they gave me five hundred dollars free medical care after being with them five years. I busted my knee cap from my new zealand holiday, and so far, all physio sessions have been free. Are you a democrat or republican? I have American friends here and whether democrat or republican, they generally think that there is a level of corporate greed that has been able to permeate into corporations and affect the country's policies. Health care is the biggest example, i guess."

This friend also takes two months of paid vacation a year and travels the globe doing all sorts of risky sports that most of us would never attempt. Life is completely different for those in civilized societies.