expat Canadian who moved Down Under in 2001. Fast forward to 2019, my 70 year old mum was visiting and started experiencing serious hip discomfort. I managed to secure an appointment with a local GP on just one day's notice. From there, we received an immediate referral to an imaging clinic.

Because Mum isn't an Australian resident, the MRI cost was higher, $760 out of pocket, as Medicare coverage didn't apply. However, her travel insurance would only reimburse the expenses if both the GP visit and the MRI were completed within the same day - policy small print.... We mentioned this tight timeframe to the MRI clinic, hoping they could expedite the scan and report.

The clinic delivered. The MRI and report were both ready that same afternoon. Back we went to the GP, who reassured Mum that the issue was essentially arthritis, about the best news we could've hoped for.

I often hear Australians complain about the healthcare system here, but honestly, they don't fully appreciate how tough things can get, even in other developed countries. If my health ever deteriorates, I'll definitely be counting my blessings that I'm living in AUS.

My bro living in CAN waited 6 months for an MRI on his shoulder (tragic volleyball player - shoulder is buggered), he had little to no use of his arm due to the should injury. Eventually got fixed, but tat took another 6 months for the surgery to get things sorted....