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Comment by disordinary | Hacker News Reader

Here in New Zealand you don't get asked any questions about finances or being able to afford it but if it's elective and not urgent you'll be prioritised behind those who need the healthcare urgently. No bureaucrats involved (unless it's very specialised care like experimental medication or the need to send someone overseas) just the doctors and specialists.

Public healthcare isn't the same in every country.

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If it’s elective it’s not covered at all in NZ. Was my understanding. If it’s not urgent you’re on a waiting list unless you have private insurance.

I haven’t lived in NZ for like 12 years so I could be wrong.

You can definitely have elective surgery through the public health system but there's a set number done per year whereas all other treatment are done as soon as possible.

Interesting. Learn something new every day. My dad’s cancer treatment last year was completely covered. Even the hospital lodge my parents stayed at for a few weeks while he was in hospital was covered. I’m Glad that NZ isn’t a completely socialist country and just has socialist ideals.

It's always going to be a balance. Capitalism drives innovation and investment but making money at the expense of everything else isn't good for individuals or the environment. Socialism might be better for the environment or individuals in theory but it's not good for investment or innovation.

Like with most things in life being a purist is damaging, you need to be pragmatic and let capitalism do what it's good at and temper it with socialism when it's counterproductive.

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