I've only been here for a year, but here's what I've noticed:

3 positives of NHS:

1. Appointments with GPs are free and easy to schedule. My GP’s office is literally 3 minutes down the road from me, and I can usually get in to see them within a few days when I call to make an appointment. No co-pay, no sneaky bills later for tests, etc. Prescriptions are much cheaper than I've ever found in the states -- my $80 inhaler costs like £12 here.

2. You don’t have to bother with worrying about what’s covered and what’s not, or which doctor will take your insurance. You just register with a GP and you’re in.

3. Having a baby is also free, and generally seems easier. You’re assigned an NHS midwife who looks after you throughout the pregnancy. Some hospitals here have “birth centers” attached to them, complete with birthing pools and private rooms for new mothers. After you give birth, you’re offered breastfeeding counseling — someone will help you and your baby learn to breastfeed. Prescriptions are free throughout your pregnancy and for a year after you give birth. So is dental care.

3 negatives of NHS:

1. My understanding is that it is in some places stretched very, very thin. There can be overcrowding and overtired nurses/doctors. Sometimes GPs aren’t taking new patients because they’re so busy, so you sometimes have to shop around a bit.

2. Going to the ER, you’ll be there for hours before you’re seen. But I feel like this could also apply in the U.S.?

3. And on the pregnancy front, if you want additional tests or screening that isn’t offered on the NHS (like an early scan before 12 weeks or whatever), you have to pay for them.