Originally Posted by MrBaldBastard

What's the average wage of those Russian doctors?

and that's where the difference is.

If I was on any sort of Government benefit here, then its basically free, or if I wanted to go through the free system, I have a private doctor and choose to see the next available specialist rather than wait for the next free one.

Aus in many ways has the perfect model for American health care, 60% still have insurance, but free is there and just as good for those that need it. For the rest of us insurance fees are a tax break. Everyone pays 2% tax for medical and that 2% is enough to give everyone free health care.