[livi]

The Swedish system is dictated by the socio-political perspective that everyone should enjoy the same medical service and treatment no matter your financial status. Hence we cherish our world class taxes that supposedly should give us an equal and high standard health care. Private enterprises are nowadays allowed to a certain extent, but the price is the same for the patient.

In practice it is therefore not even possible to pay your way to a 'better' health care. We do not have your kind of insurance system.

Despite a few drawbacks, I believe it is a fairly good system. Rich or poor - you have access to the same health care. Furthermore, the cost for the patient is very low - almost symbolic - and if you can not even pay for that the state will cover for you.

In my discipline, most centers offer all health care for children without any charge at all.