The fact we live here in the UK with a National Health Service is something I have taken for granted all my life.
And as a family we have had our share of its resources. My mum had several major operations, I have had 2 emergency Caesarean sections and both my babies spent time in intensive care. Both my parents were treated for cancer within our health system and I personally have health issues that see me at the hospital at least monthly.
On a more minor scale, my children have regular FREE dental and eye checks and they see a GP whenever they have an ailment. It is all rather fabulous.
One of the UK’s finest treasures I think. One I might be a bit concerned about leaving behind if we ever made the move?
My cousin Emile left the UK many years ago to settle in Australia and often posts photos on Facebook of the outdoor maxing life he leads there with his young family. I look at the grey skies outside my window and wonder how much I would like to live in Australia too. It does look the most amazing place. I like the fact we have a shared language and culture
Australia also has a health system called Medicare which covers all public hospital treatment and is free (apart from the taxpayers Medicare levy. Like the NHS though there can be lengthy waiting lists and Medicare does not cover dental, physiotherapy or similar related but non-medical treatment. Private insurance is required to cover ‘extras’ like these.
Frank health insurance is an all online, low cost and easy to use health cover that more than 30,000 Australians use. It explains all it covers really simply. Exactly what someone like me needs if they are to understand the system.
With a family, as sunny as the skies seem elsewhere, you have to have things like health insurance sorted if you are going to make a move overseas.
For me it’s also important I speak the language really fluently as I make my living as a writer and therapist and no matter how hard I tried with learning anew language I think the level I would require to do either of these jobs may well be unattainable.
Western culture is also important to me for a variety of reasons and I want my children to grow up with every opportunity. But really if I am honest it is the sunshine and the outdoor living that tempts me to fancy living in Australia. I wonder if I’ll ever be brave enough to make the move.
Would you uproot and move for the sake of sunshiny days and outdoor living?
