Well in NZ you still have the choice, you can opt to rely on the public system and waiting lists or go private, even though it is an enormous struggle for us we have private, i like the security of knowing if i need an operation or have something serious, i can use my health insurance and be seen to quickly and get the best care possible.

I guess this is what you mean puckstop is it?, to still have the freedom of choice, the best of both worlds.

The way it is now, if i have something less serious, i can choose public and wait, and have it seen to without claiming on my insurance, which of course will put my premiums up,so far i have been lucky enough not to do either, and have not used my insurance,as i only have surgery cover i have covered the cost of the specialists visit personally myself, as luckily we did not need surgery.