I think a lot of Canadians complain about the health care system we have, although I agree it is not a great system but compared to the US we have a great health care system. Yes we pay indirectly for the health care but there is coverage Canadians can depend on and no major need for insurance.

I think there is a lot of room for improvement in the Canadian health care system, but I am glad we have what we have. Specially after watching Sicko I have become a lot of appreciative of the system.

There’s an implied social contract in most Canadian governmental programs. If you want to perform useful labor for 35+ hours / week (or to the best of your capacities) you will be able to live a healthy lifestyle.

As a Canadian living in the US, I can tell you that no such social contract exists here. This is most evident in the general lack of health care.

From a retirement standpoint, health care is a very big deal. I know that “free” Canadian health care is not without its costs (taxation, drug costs, medical supplies, etc), however US health care is ridiculously expensive. My wife and I spend $120 / month just to be insured, but my company pays the other 90% of the cost.

That’s $1200 / month, just to be insured. That doesn’t include the costs not covered by insurance which can easily suck up hundreds / year.

Now half of the US population don’t have any health care coverage. The burden on these people is in the ranges of thousands / year just to be insured (let alone to actually receive care).

The average American is going to be significantly less confident if only for the looming burden of health care costs.