[lb1lf]

In Norway, most health services are funded by the authorities.

The notable exception being dentistry. The dentists (mostly) fight tooth and nail not to be publicly funded; the reason, of course being that the state holds way more leverage than individuals - and rates are sure to plummet once the state foots the bill.

If I go to see my doctor, am admitted to hospital or whatever, I pay a small deductible - $20-40 - each time; once my expenses in a calendar year exceeds approx. $300, I get a waiver valid for the rest of the year, capping my direct medical expenses (excluding dentistry) at $300 a year.

For comparison, last time I had a tooth filled a few years ago, my dentist charged me $300 for a 20 minute job.