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Comment by llampx | Hacker News Reader

Australia is the example we should all strive to emulate in matters of national health, citizen rights and privacy regulation, as well as a forward-thinking climate policy.

... Not.

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Australia has a generally highly-regarded and affordable health care system (public and private).

The part where they lock you in your house to keep you from getting sick was the crowning achievement.

My favorite part is when they deploy a massive police force to beat you up if you dare protest being locked in your house

Not only that, but Victoria Police actually visit you at home if you're "planning to protest". That's right, thoughtcrimes will get you a visit from the same department which pepper sprayed a 70 year old woman after throwing her to the ground.

Australian healthcare has left me unnecessarily hospitalized, waiting for care, and generally unsatisfied. Do not recommend

I think that most western countries have healthcare systems on the brink of collapse and Australia is no exception unfortunately

Honestly American healthcare is very good. Expensive, but good. I am in a position where I would rather pay with cash upfront than risk to my long term health.

Australian GPs would be very far from able to practice in the US.

Unless it is an emergency you practically does not get good care unless you went private, even for private the wait time is too long. I am not impressed.

I went to a private hospital ER with an infection that was spreading five times over two weeks before being admitted. At that point I needed surgery.

Public isn't any better. My wife is allergic to codeine and had to stay awake all night after an injury that left her hospitalized. Why? Because doctors kept trying to give her medication that she's allergic to. The doctors and nurses made fun of her for being in pain and refusing medicine. It took a specialist coming in the next day and chewing them out to give her anything. They wouldn't even give her an extra ibuprofen.

Quality of care here is unbelievable.

Indeed, we are falling behind in various important areas like dental care and elective surgery waiting lists, but if you have cancer or appendicitis or some other emergency you get good care with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. When COVID happened there was never even a question about whether you would have to pay for tests or vaccinations, everyone could just do it.

Edit: I heard a funny anecdote from a friend working for a large US tech company. The corp wanted to benevolently pay for everyone's private health insurance but employees would have to switch over to a policy provided through work. That doesn't happen here and the Australians were like "uh I like having control over my own policy, I'll just pay for it thanks". Bit of a culture clash.

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