So let's compare it to the German system(as I'm not familiar with the NHS).
Here in Germany everyone is forced by law to have health insurance. You won't get far without.
Both employer and employee pay about the same fixed amount (percentage of the gross income) for the insurance. Meaning those who earn more pay more, but essentially get the same service. If you earn enough you can switch to a private insurance which has its perks, like doctors treating you faster, but provide about the same services as public insurance.
All basic stuff is covered though hospital visits and a wide range of medication you have to pay extra. It won't ruin anyone though since there are a lo of government programs that aid financially. So basically however poor or sick you are, you will get covered if you want to or not.
How does that compare to the American system? Or NHS or the Canadian system for that matter?
If you demand respect or gratitude for your volunteer work, you're doing volunteering wrong.
