I made use of the UK’s health care system several years ago while visiting London. It was on a Sunday and I was suffering from an infected ingrown toenail. The reception desk at the hotel directed me to a nearby hospital (I forget the name). I waited just 20 minutes to see a physician. The doctor told me that he really should send me to the chiropodist (they don't use the term “podiatrist” in the UK) on Monday, but since I was in such pain, he cut out the nail himself and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic which I took to the hospital pharmacy. There was no charge for anything.
I can see why the people of the UK would never give up their socialized medical scheme.
That’s the kind of thing I’m getting at! Britain seems to be (from my travels) the only state healthcare system that works. I only ever pay seven pence per pound (7%) national insurance (NI covers the NHS, not tax - by the way). So on my wages I pay £2,100 per year, yet over the last five years I have probably used around £3000 worth of health care.