Grass not always greener

Seen quite a few of these. I think the problem with US medical bills is that some of the figures look like they sucked them out of their thumbs. It's like it's not even regulated:

a789928c8d37840440a6cd7317c6a7c4.jpg


In comparison, all that would cost you sweet FA in the UK. And you'd probably receive an equal level of care.
 
The Voice said:
Seen quite a few of these. I think the problem with US medical bills is that some of the figures look like they sucked them out of their thumbs. It's like it's not even regulated:

a789928c8d37840440a6cd7317c6a7c4.jpg


In comparison, all that would cost you sweet FA in the UK. And you'd probably receive an equal level of care.
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That's why insurance is a must. If you're covered you wouldn't have to pay that. If you're demonstrably poor, and manage to get treatment (Something that starts in the ER generally gets treatment regardless of insurance), that is generally written off. If you've got some money and get a bill like that, and for whatever reason don't have insurance - you will have to pay it.

Non-lethal problems and no insurance are a recipe for disaster though. Much better to be in UK or Canada for that.
 
Wife's uncle opened his own clinic in New York. He is absolutely minted, filthy wealthy. His son also works there as a doctor and he also works twice a week at a public hospital. Had a long chat about healthcare when I was last there. Problem is it's guys like him and his dad that add to the problem. Although he does at least do some volunteer work.
 
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While you guys are talking about medical aid, the elephant in the room is also taxes. I am lucky , Netherlands tax rate is 42%, but i got in on the 30% tax ruling... Without that i would probably have reconsidered moving here.
 
diabolus said:
While you guys are talking about medical aid, the elephant in the room is also taxes. I am lucky , Netherlands tax rate is 42%, but i got in on the 30% tax ruling... Without that i would probably have reconsidered moving here.
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I pay about 50% taxes in the US. Would be nice if it was lower, but in general, because the tax rate is so slowly progressive, it's a nice problem to have.
 
diabolus said:
While you guys are talking about medical aid, the elephant in the room is also taxes. I am lucky , Netherlands tax rate is 42%, but i got in on the 30% tax ruling... Without that i would probably have reconsidered moving here.
Click to expand...

In the UK the sliding scale is as follows:

Personal Allowance Up to £11,000 0%
Basic rate £11,001 to £43,000 20%
Higher rate £43,001 to £150,000 40%
Highest rate income over £150,000 45%
Click to expand...
 
Dave123 said:
In the UK the sliding scale is as follows:
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Yea, thing is NL don't quite have a sliding scale (partly progressive), you are either on social welfare and have a really low tax rate , or middle-class+ and pay 42%. Difference is, NL citizens get a ton for their taxes (unlike SA), which includes certain education, pension,medical and travel benefits. As an expat you don't necessarily get all these things , hence, why i would be highly peeved if i paid 42% tax without all the benefits. This is why they fortunately have the 30% rate for expats (if you qualify), to counter that....but i know a few people who are working here and didn't get that ruling..so it is definitely a calculation to make.
 
Dave123 said:
It would be pretty crap to earn say 20-30k (£ or €) and get hit with 42% tax...
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Yea, i think it can hit people quite hard if you didn't do your research, and this sort of thing is all over europe:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incom...nds#Progressive_tax_on_wages_etc._.28box_1.29
For 2016, the total tax on income (income tax plus mandatory pension, social security and state funded medical care payments, all of which are a percentage of income up to a maximum) for people under the age 65 is as follows:

For the part of income up to € 19,922: 36.55%; tax on €19,922 is € 7,281
For the part of income between €19,823 and €33,715: 40.40%; tax on €13,793 is € 5,572
For the part of income between €33,716 and € 66,421: 40.40%; tax on €32,706 is €13,213
On all income over € 66,421: 52% [1]
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Admittedly, i still don't have an idea how exactly the dutch taxes work...it's not as obvious as it seems above though.
 
diabolus said:
While you guys are talking about medical aid, the elephant in the room is also taxes. I am lucky , Netherlands tax rate is 42%, but i got in on the 30% tax ruling... Without that i would probably have reconsidered moving here.
Click to expand...

glad to see that it is still 'open' - back in the day got that as well, together with employer contributing towards rents etc.
Rent was not cheap, but apart from that, it was very affordable and when the wife started working, it was schweet! :-)
 
UK tax isn't all that bad. But that excludes NI which, because it isn't considered a "tax", can be adjusted to whatever rate the government feels like.
 
The Voice said:
UK tax isn't all that bad. But that excludes NI which, because it isn't considered a "tax", can be adjusted to whatever rate the government feels like.
Click to expand...

I don't know about that, there was a lot of fuss last time they tried add 1p to it.

I think maximum rate is about 12% now isn't it? Though it can go as low as 5% I think?? (I'm being lazy and can't be bothered to go check, it's your turn :p)
 
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