> and we hear a lot of stories of ppl from other "free healthcare" OECD countries having to come here for decent care

You'll hear that in both directions, to the point where the CDC has a page for Americans seeking care abroad, typically due to exorbitant costs here. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/medical-tourism

> i'd rather a system where i can get better by paying more than a system where i'm at the mercy of some bureaucrat or waiting list.

There are very few countries in which this is the case; you can opt for private healthcare in Europe, Australia, etc. if you like. There's simply also a specific, reasonable level of care available to all. (The idea that the US lacks bureaucrats and waiting lists is, incidentally, funny to most folks who've tried to see a specialist on short order, or had insurance deny coverage for something.)