[another Linda]

Our experience mirrors rshoffer's. My husband was in the military for 7 years (and our son too is an Army physician at Madigan!). I know he felt the same way.

In addition, we have family in Canada. When my husband's brother was experiencing some serious, undiagnosed GI problems, he got an immediate, intensive, excellent workup to find the problem. On the other hand, when he wanted to schedule elective knee surgery, he had to wait a bit. When my niece recently had a baby, she was able to stay home for a year with her salary at least partially reimbursed by the Canadian government. When my daughter had a baby here, she was only allowed 3 months despite a complicated C-section, and part of that time was used before the birth -- not sure, but I think she was able to get at least some disability.

The other thing we witnessed was our former sitter now lives in France with her husband and family. She was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Under the French system she didn't owe a dime for all the intensive care she received including not only the hospital services but in home services too. Amazing.

I'd like to hear more from some of the Canadians and Brits.