[mikekchar]

I someone who has lived in countries with universal healthcare my whole life, paid for either through a tax or a levy: it's absolutely worth it. I live in Japan currently and the combined cost of healthcare and pension is 15% (half paid by the employer and half paid by the worker). Everything is covered, though you paid 30% of health care up to a maximum (the maximum depends on your income and is design not to make you destitute). I've had a myriad of health problems in the last 2 years or so as well as having minor surgery earlier. The cost of all services as well as drugs is set by the government. The surgery cost me $500 (including an overnight in the hospital!). Apart from that I've averaged about $30 per month in costs (which includes about 20 visits to the doctor's office/specialist per year and drugs).

But, yeah. It's definitely worth it.

Edit: clarification on the number of times I visit the doctor