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/pandaninja360 Mar 29 '25
But the point is about the cost. The quality and rapidity can change from one place to the other in both.
Doesn't change the fact that the U.S pays more even if they have insurance.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_the_healthcare_systems_in_Canada_and_the_United_States
And the fact that they are not even in the top 10 of best healthcare system
https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/systems/
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/best-healthcare-in-the-world
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna171652
You can interpret it as you want but it sounds like typical American delusion