> With private, you get exactly what you want, whenever you want it.

In the US this isn't how it works. You can't see whoever you want unless you have a really, really good plan. Otherwise, you need referrals. And lots of specialists won't see you without a referral anyway.

And, the wait is often on the order of months. I know that's something people complain about in the UK but I assure you, it happens that way in the US too even though we're paying 10x as much.

I know private in the UK is quite good. What you need to understand is that the only reason it's any good at all is because of the NHS. It has to remain competitive. If you go full private, then it very quickly decays.

You can call any GP surgery to get emergency treatment for up to 14 days if you're not registered with a GP surgery or are away from home. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/gp-appointments-and-book...

You can absolutely see a GP you’re not registered with if you are travelling and need to. I have done it multiple times. I have been offered it same or next day after calling 111.

With private, you get exactly what you want, whenever you want it... If you can afford it.

So naive. Private only works this way in Britain because it doesn’t have to be responsible for anything. It’s a luxury good and works accordingly.

We have insurance, it’s amazing! But it’s fake. If you want to know how a whole system of this would work, look at the US

* if available in your area or within your means of travel, which may include flying to another state

If only there were some system where the incentives could freely flow through and permeate every level of the sector. Where those organisations that provide sub-standard care die and those that excel receive outsized funding...