[mytailorisrich]

The thing is that right next to the UK is France, which I know.

The French system is based on a mandatory health insurance, now with mandatory private health insurance in addition to that.

GPs and most health professionals are private practices that set up shop like a, say, lawyer would and there is big private sector involvement up to hospital level.

I think there are many similar examples throughout the world.

This is partly why I find this focus on the US system in the UK puzzling. My best guess is that it is used as a scarecrow by those opposed to any changes to the NHS.