But at least they get the care. People like the above story die waiting for appointments is socialized systems.m
But we in Britain CAN choose to pay. I had a serious wrist injury which was dealt with from start to finish, including multiple MRI scans, x-rays, specialists and surgeries on the NHS.
I paid nothing. If I'd been in the US I would not have been able to afford the top quality care I had.
A few years back I had a weird but not life altering dermatology issue. The NHS was moving slowly and I was sad about how unsightly my skin was getting, but it was not life threatening. I paid one off per private appointment, I think it was £100 or so a session. This is totally doable in the UK even if you don't have private health insurance. From friends, I think an MRI is about £150-£200 so if you're desperate to get an answer you can pay for that, then take it back to your (free) NHS doctor.
The problem with the finite nature of the NHS is that if you have a niggly, annoying problem, you're a low priority. The money will (rightly in my opinion) be used first for life threatening things, long term chronic illnesses, etc. If you are unlucky enough to get cancer, have diabetes, heart problems, get in a serious accident, break a bone, have a premature or sick baby, you will get top quality care without any fear of bills BECAUSE you're lucky enough to have the NHS.