British Expatriate Network

So the health care in b canada is so good one of thier premiers come her for heart surgery .
danny williams premier of newfoundland gets treatment in US ..


ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland — The premier of Canada's east coast province is undergoing heart surgery in the United States this week because the treatment he is seeking was not available in his home province.

The announcement about of Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams' plans has triggered a debate since Canada prides itself on its universal health care system..




why if the system in canada is better them ours ????? and keith dont come on with the * right wing bigots* thingy this is in the huffington post a far left leaning publication






http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/02...46481.html

John has a good question there.

I would imagine that first of all, if you look at a map of Canada, you'll notice that Newfoundland is almost the back of beyond - it probably didn't have the type of facility he was looking for.

Secondly, I hear he wanted a more glitzy operation that caused less scarring - and was prepared to pay extra to get it. The Canadian system is likely just as good medically but perhaps isn't so bothered about how much scarring you get afterward.

All comes down to personal choice and no one being forced to use the Canadian health system, impressive though it might be.

Just because one rich guy decides to go to another country for medical treatment doesn't reflect on the system.

Down here in San Diego many go across the border to Mexico for cheaper treatment.

This is another example of a smoke screen that the US health insurance companies use in order to justify their existence.

As in the US there is not always treatment available close to home. However as someone mentioned Newfoundland is a very small province and people often have to go to other provinces for treatment. In Ottawa we have some of the worlds best surgeons as do many other major cities in Canada.
Read this. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-la...ry023.html

From what I know about Canuckistan, Newfies are like the banjo players. I wouldn't want a Newfie anywhere near me with a scalpel.

JohnA, I do not think anyone said that the Canadian Medical treatment was better than what it is possible to get in the USA if you have the money.

BUT, what the do say is that the Medical Insurance coverage in Canada is superior to the US system.
30 million or so Americans do not have insurance coverage.

Even Americans who say they have "good coverage", that are covered with Medicare, etc., may not get the same treatment the Canadian got, because their Insurance plan will not pay the fees that the doctor charges.

How many of the 30 million or so in the USA, that are not insured would like to have a Canadian type health insurance policy and never risk being in debt for the rest of their lives???

Many rich people travel the world to expert doctors, and only they can pay their high fees.

Did not Steve Jobs (of Apple) go to Switzerland to have his cancer problems checked out,before getting operated on in the USA?