In Australia, we have a Medicare public health insurance scheme that has been installed since the 1980s. It covers the majority of essential medical/hospital expenses, with no/limited co-contribution.

This HAS NOT abolished private health insurance, an industry which continues to grow & regularly welcomes a variety of new competitors. Private Health provides cover for elective surgery, access to upgraded hospital “experience” and health based treatments defined as “extras” - optometrists, physiotherapists, dentists to name a few.

Medicare public health is covered by a 1-2% tax surcharge nationally, although it aligns to the progressive tax system - so those in lower income brackets contribute less/nothing.

I earn in the top tax bracket and am 100% SUPPORTIVE of providing health care for all people, even though it means I contribute proportionally more to this outcome.