> [on health insurance] It’s very comfortable to know that you are likely not going to receive a huge bill for doing an ultra sound for a routine checkup. Just

> [on health insurance] It’s very comfortable to know that you are likely not going to receive a huge bill for doing an ultra sound for a routine checkup. Just as a comparative data point from the other side of the pond (we're mainland 'yurp): our eldest is currently fighting off some kind of infection with swollen glands and abdominal pain and within the last 10 days I have visited: - our regular doctor twice - [the first time] was referred for ultrasound at another doctor, where he was seen immediately [then] - referral to a paediatrician, where he was seen the next day [and] - he eventually ended up having a complete check-up in the paediatrics department of our nearest hospital, including blood tests. None of that was much fun at all, as any parent will know, thankfully so far none of it uncovered anything bad (thank $deity), but happily all of it was funded from general taxation and deductions that everyone here contributes to. Which is a relief. Next time I'm tempted to whinge about how high the tax rates are here, I need to remember not to.