The Canadian and American healthcare systems have become a significant part of my culture. I have recently been diagnosed with two serious ailments for which hospitals in both countries have become dear to me. Without the use of both systems I firmly believe I would not be here today. There are many differences between the American and Canadian healthcare systems, both of which I have used and have experience with. I'll discuss their key differences and give my opinion on what aspects I like and don't like about each. There are important differences between the Canadian and American healthcare systems. Canadian healthcare is publicly funded, which means it is regulated by the Canada Health Act. It was created to ensure all Canadian citizens have access to healthcare services. The costs are paid through income tax funding, where virtually all essential basic care is covered. Several practices such as psychology, chiropractic, physiotherapy and medications (services not considered critical) are not covered by the government but can be insured by private companies issued through employers or purchased individually. If the patient does not have private insurance, they will have to pay out of pocket. The United States healthcare system is privatized and profit-driven. Americans do not automatically have health coverage. They pay for all services out of pocket, which means people may not receive care if treatment is not accessible. For many Americans, health insurance is an employer-provided benefit to help cover the cost of basic healthcare services. Americans can also individually purchase health insurance at an astronomical price (Parente and Bragdon). When it comes to considering the foundations of both private and public systems, I... middle of paper ......this is the foundations of both healthcare systems, I firmly support the idea that everyone should have the right to healthcare regardless of their financial position, over which Canada has control. In my situation I am very lucky to have a family that supports me and has the money to invest in my physical health. For those who don't have enough money, Canada is a more viable place to live. Works Cited Parente, Stephen and Tarren Bragdon. “Why Health Care Is So Expensive in New York.” The Wall Street Journal [New York] October 16, 2009. Print."Comparison of Health Care Systems in Canada and the United States." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Network. September 25, 2011. "Medical Diagnosis with Dr. Sleeman." Telephone interview. September 15th. 2011.