Wow, check out this comment on existing U.S. single-payer system

[davidpdx]

39. South Korea has universal healthcare

I have always been able to go to the hospital or clinic of my choice and be seen anytime. A few weeks ago I had an allergic reaction to something (we think food) and my face blew up like a balloon (I kid you not). It happened to be a holiday (Buddha's Birthday) and I had to go the the emergency room. I spend three hours there, had an EKG, three x-rays, and a nice big dose of Benadryl and it only cost about $80.

The big problem is the system is running deficits due to the increasing amount of older people. People are living into their 80's and 90's comfortably. My FIL is 82 and still gets around well (he's a great guy except when he's downing soju, then he just gets too loud and obnoxious).

This is a few years old, but it explains the system in detail:

http://www.coopami.org/en/countries/countries_partners/south_korea/social_protection/pdf/south_korean_health_care_system.pdf