This has been an excellent thread. But I have always been curious about the American health system. I can get private health insurance here for about $2 a day and you probably know what an Aussie dollar is worth. How much does it actually cost over there? And if I need an MRI scan I just walk into the nearest hospital and get it done for free. If I am not working the medications all only cost $5 and if I'm that sick I am unlikely to be working.