Private vs Public Health Insurance

[LeonG]

Somebody told me recently that your GP can speed up for you to see a specialist if you have something urgent. Some specialists have longer waiting lists like cardiologists here have a year. Surprised me when I found some on jameda with free slots within the next two weeks but of course if you want to book them, they want private.

[Fraufruit]

Yes, my GP has done that for me several times over the years. Straight to radiology from his office a few times.

[Franklan]

A few years ago, I caught a nasty case of foot fungus on a foreign assignment in a third world country.

I went to my GP and when he saw it, he immediately instructed his assistant to call the dermatologist for an appointment.

The appointment was the next day (!).

Explanation: If one doctor tells another doctor it's urgent, then it is. If a layperson tells a doctor it is urgent, it may not be.