Can someone living in Canada give his/her opinion on the Canadian health care system?

In this time of pre-election in United States, so many horor stories are spread about the Canadian health care system that I wonder if these stories are true (excessively long waiting, poor services, inability to select a health care provider outside the national system, etc. . .) or if these are merely “urban legends” that are spread around to scare US citizen from voting for candidates who support some sort of universal health care.

Having lived in Canada all my life, and relying on the health care system on a regular basis for continuing treatment of a minor disability, I have no complaints about the delivery of health care here. I live in a small, remote community. We have had for many years 5 doctors for a population of around 4000. When I’ve needed specialist appointments in the city, I’ve never had to wait more than two or three months (none of the procedures were urgent, nor is my condition life-threatening). And I don’t have to mortgage my house or sell my car to pay for medical treatment. Alberta Health Care covers the cost of all of it.

There is no way I would want American style health care. When I’ve needed to go to a hospital or doctor in the US, the first question has always been “Do you have insurance or a credit card?”, not wanting to know what the problem is, so I’m sure you can understand why I have my view of American health care. My experiences with it have not been positive.

Intuit Health Benefits Center Site Demo

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