Hi @steeldovel, you had better come live here in Ausralia. I have ou Medicare Policy, Medibank with extras. 3 years ago I had a massive surgery on my hip and pelvis and hospital in a private hospital with a private room of my choice, with a specialist surgeon of my choice. The food is prepared by qualified chefs, who cater for any diet including religious diets, including a glass of wine , if approved by my doctor, which he did. The food caters for any type diet or religious belief. I pay $229 per month for this policy .The hospital stay of 6 weeks was $46,000. With my policy I paid $500.00. Every Australian is covered by basic by medibank cover, without cost if you are aged. However you have no choice of , timing of operation, hospital or surgeon .Most public hospital have long waiing lists. Many people suggest I am mad paying my high premium , with reseach a d planning I discovered I was spending over $160.00 on coffee, snacks and all types of this and thats. So it is my choice. How does that compare with USA setup?