Speaking to an American colleague, who is very supportive and always wants to find the bright side of everything, we were discussing the health systems in UK, France and US. He made me remember this:-
On Thursday
I saw a psychologist for free
I was taken by taxi from her office to the hospital, free
I was looked after by the manipulators finding the correct position for me for half an hour, for free
I had an appointment with the oncology radiation specialist, free
I had a free cup of tea from the nice lady with the tea trolley
I was taken home in a free taxi by a driver who had been waiting for me
There is no money exchanged for any of these exams and services, no need to use the health plan. If you have cancer, everything is taken care of 100%. This was enormously reassuring once we were forced to embark on this sad adventure.
Just a small example but it costs 14€ for me to get to and from the hospital (one bus, one stop on the train, one bus so 3 tickets) and if you multiply that by 36 times, that's quite a cost considering that my ability to work has already been vastly reduced, thus my earnings. And this is just one of the costs involved.
I know the French health system is on the edge in terms of funding and the President is having to bring in some very unpopular reforms to pay for it, but just right now I am very glad it exists and it's supporting me and helping me to hang on in there.
So, thank you France!
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