The Obligatory Healthcare Post

Being a Canadian in the United States is an interesting endeavor, especially in the current political climate. In many ways, Canucks and Yanks are very similar and much of the American culture has migrated north over the years.

However, there are some pretty big differences when it comes to perceived social benefits. Healthcare being the biggest one. I have never appreciated the Canadian healthcare system so much now that it is unavailable to us. It very much feels like a business here with co-pays and insurance always in the back of your mind when you are deciding whether you really need to go to the doctor or not.

Not to mention the questions of, 'Do I want this thing to show up on my medical record? What if we have to switch insurance providers? I don't want this to show as a pre-existing condition?" All things I had never contemplated when we lived in Canada. Get sick, go to doctor. It wasn't such a process of how it will affect me later, or what the consequences will be down the road. In short, it was easy. There was nothing to consider or worry about. No such thing as 'delayed care' because you couldn't afford it, or didn't want it to show up on your record.

RIP the simple life.

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