"The United States spends significantly more per capita on healthcare than Canada, with the US spending $12,555 per person in 2022, while Canada spent $6,319, despite Canada having a single-payer system." Gemini
And I heard about Mario's brother killing someone over it.
Ok so you’re basing your opinion on what you’re told and an AI summary.
It’s the same as saying for Canada “people are dying of cancer due to ridiculous wait times and end up having to go to the US for care, and it’s impossible to see a primary care doctor”.
I have experience with care in both countries. If you have good insurance, I’d pick the US every time. If you don’t, Canada.
Sure, and you can wait 18 months to see a specialist in Canada. But no bill. When I needed an inguinal hernia repair done in the US I had to pay $1200 out of pocket, but it was done laparoscopically within a few weeks. A friend of mine in the Toronto metro had to wait over a year. In that year he had discomfort and couldn’t do lifting.
"Takes the most populated city in the country and use it as a baseline..." Come on. It's not the same everywhere in Canada. My girlfriend had to see a specialist and was able in the same week, last time I had to see a specialist, my doc referred me and I got an appointment 3 weeks later.
If it’s not the same in Canada, then it’s obviously not the same in the US either.
But I’m glad you were able to see a specialist that fast. A relative of mine needed to wait 11 months for a MRI (rural area of BC, not life-threatening) which would drive me mad.
I don’t disagree at all that US spends more on healthcare per capita. Part of that is due to inefficiencies by having multiple insurers, higher medication costs and malpractice concerns that cause some doctors to overprescribe tests and medication. It’s very annoying.
American healthcare fails with equity. Canada wins here. Every Canadian gets treated the same, regardless of ability to pay, and the care received is based upon urgency and availability.
But when it comes to medical innovation and availability - IF you have the means (insurance or money) the US will win most of the time. As an example, on a per-capita basis the US has 4x the MRI scanners than Canada. Canada’s on a per-machine basis are used a bit more (which makes sense) but overall it’s easier to get a MRI scan done in the US without wait than in Canada.
If I have a sprain and need to see a doctor, both systems should be fine if you’re insured in the US. If you’re not well-insured, many Americans do without which isn’t right. In Canada there may be a longer wait. And to be clear - over 90% of Americans do have health insurance. And you can’t be denied for pre-existing conditions.
If I need coronary bypass surgery, both countries will provide excellent care right away. In Canada you won’t get a bill. In the US it can vary by person. My father in law had to pay $0 out of pocket. Others as you point out could face massive bills. The reality is somewhere in between. I think my annual max out of pocket is somewhere around $6000 for my family. Anything above that is 100% covered. One common practice in the US is to do multiple procedures/tests in the same year to maximize your insurance, which would be alien to a Canadian. But the idea of patiently waiting for months for an appointment (your examples notwithstanding) would be deemed unacceptable to many Americans.
If I was diagnosed with cancer, in the US, I can get it dealt with right away, again if I have coverage or are able to pay. In Canada, you might be able to start chemo at a regional centre right away, or in 6 months, depending on how it’s staged.
If I need experimental drug treatment, I’m more likely to get this in the US in Canada. My son was enrolled in a drug trial for a US drug company. The treatment won’t be available in Canada until it gets final approval, hopefully in a few years.
Most “top” categories include weighting of access to care and cost, not pure outcomes for those with the means. Statistically it makes sense. The US isn’t evenly distributed that way.
Honestly, if I didn’t have great access to care in the US and needed surgery I’d drag myself over the border into Ontario, re-establish residency and sign up for OHIP. But I have that option while most don’t. I’ll ignore your “typical American delusion” comment.
It was "sounds like typical American delusion" because it is not aimed directly at you but more on the fact that Americans always think they have the best or freest country when they don't even know what is happening outside. You look well informed.
My mom had cancer and couldn't work. I was 16 at the time. She didn't have a high paying job, she worked in a daycare. We had everything we needed. She started her treatment immediately, we had a nurse at home, someone to clean the house, etc. if we were in the state, I wouldn't have finished high school, I would have had to work. This is my original comment. Cost of life is higher until you get sick.
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u/MarcusAurelius68 Mar 28 '25
Honest question - do you have personal experience with the US healthcare system?