Health care in the USA
The health problems facing Americans are different, than those in some other countries) Sedentary lifestyles and risky physical behavior are the two greatest causes of adult health problems. Nearly all children receive immunizations against diseases. Although the government provides some aid to the poor, the USA does not have a socialized health-care program. Because health care is expensive, most Americans rely on private health insurance to pay medical costs. Poorer people often do not have this insurance.
Health facilities are extensive and modern, except in some rural areas, and the USA is a world leader in medical research and training. The infant morality rate is 8 per 1,000; life expectancy ranges from 72 to 80 years.
(If you have health problems while in the USA, remember you are expected to pay for any treatment you receives, unless you are covered by some form of insurance, either from your country or through traveler's insurance. If you need special medication, see a doctor for a prescription. Medications, readily available in your country, may be restricted there. You should go to a drugstore, or to a pharmacy to shop for medications, although non-prescription drugs are available off-the-counter in most supermarkets.
Medical Insurance in the USA
The USA is one of the most developed countries in the world, but it does not provide health care for all.
Medical care is not free, but many hospitals provide some free or low-cost care for those who cannot pay.
The USA has no public health service, so most people have private health insurance)
America with its private insurance-based system spends 14% of GDP on health. Britain with its popular state-funded NHS spends only 7%.
There are people who receive medical care through social programs) They are Medicare which is intended for people over 65 and the disabled, and Medicaid which is available to the poor.
They say that when the world's rich want the best treatment money can buy, they usually go to the USA. Small wonder, most new medical techniques and technologies become available in America before anywhere else.
Self-employed private physicians receive a fee for each patient's visit, but some medical doctors are on a salary.
Getting Medical Help in England
If you fall ill during your visit to Britain, you must get in touch with a doctor. Under the National Health Service this costs you nothing. Explain to the receptionist that you are a temporary visitor to the country and she will give you a special form to fill in.
If you are too ill to move, you may phone his surgery and the doctor will come to your house, but normally you have to go to the surgery for the consultataion. Most doctors operate an appointment system, so that it is not necesary to wait long at the surgery before seeing a doctor.
When you see a doctor, you describe your symptoms to him and he examines you and makes his diagnosis. Then he decides what treatment you must fallow, usually he gives you a perscription for tablets or medicine, which you must take at a chemist's shop; if you need a special treatment, the doctor will send you to see a specialist at the local hospital, but in Britain you must see the ordinary doctor before you can see a specialist.
In an emergency (e. g. an accident at home or in the street) you can call an ambulance by dialling 999 from any telephone.
Most drugs can only be bought from a chemist if you have a perscription from the doctor, but some simple types are available without any prescription (aspirin, cough mixture)
Medical Insurance in Great Britain
In Britain, medical insurance is organized by the Government and is compulsory, while in some other countries it is not.
The country doesn't spend a lot of money per person on health care, whereas in some other western countries health care systems are much more expensive.
Despite the shortage of money, the system of medical care works well.
The British spend a small proportion of their wealth on health service, because of its simple administration.
In spite of being poor, you can get good medical care in Britain.
The exceptions to free medical care are teeth and eyes, though even this care is available to large numbers of people who do not have pay.
Although Britain has public health care, it has a private sector, too. The biggest is BUPA.
Because of the central organization of public health care there is little cooperation between public health care service and the private sector.
