# # The US system probably is better than the NHS if you’re upper-middle class in a high-paying white-collar job with good benefits (the infamous example being members of Congress). In that case, you’re likely in a very good insurance plan, mostly paid for by your employer, which lets you have any procedure that you want (or, somewhat more precisely, that you can get a doctor to recommend). But the vast majority of American either have a significantly less generous plan (if any), or pay significantly more of their own money towards it.
I would also add this caveat as well: and as long as you don't get gravely ill. The sickest of people have medical costs that are dramatically higher than the rest of payers, and as such private insurance has quite a lot to gain by dropping those persons with the most expensive conditions. And they spend lots and lots of money finding creative ways to do just that.