[nradov]

The economics of healthcare in most developed countries are highly distorted through government intervention. This causes shortages and queues, but it also helps to hold costs down and provide access for poor people who might otherwise not be able to afford it at all.

For comparison look at cosmetic surgery in the USA. It isn't covered by insurance so patients pay out of pocket. Only the affluent can afford it but the business is highly competitive and most procedures are available with little or no waiting and high quality.

Liability is only a minor factor. Some US states have severely limited non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases but that only brought costs down slightly.