"My question was to ask if we are really that much different than other places? Because, I've heard anecdotes of similar situations from everywhere. And, indeed

"My question was to ask if we are really that much different than other places? Because, I've heard anecdotes of similar situations from everywhere. And, indeed, the link I posted calls out that the US is basically typical for most things." Yes, it's typical with the addition of being insanely expensive and cost is totally unpredictable even with insurance.