Access to healthcare is something which is universally valued, whether you’re living in Haiti or on the island of Manhattan. And while it’s seen as a human need and right, the reality of the systems that are in place doesn’t always reflect that. It’s often turned into a political platform, the government gets involved, and the disputes and dissatisfaction seem to be never ending.

But when you make it personal, and you and your family are suffering because of long wait times or poor service, it’s good to have the option to take matters into your own hands. These are the times that you seriously consider private healthcare.

Let’s get into the details of why the public system can often not work for your situation:

It’s Bogged Down

When there’s something being offered for free, there are a lot of people that show up to take advantage. And when there is limited funding available for resources, staffing, etc., the lines tend to lengthen rather than shorten. While this might not affect you often if you only go in every once in a few years to take care of an infection or a sprained ankle, there are situations in which waiting is not an option. Mental illness, for example, often requires immediate attention and quick reaction times, but getting access to a psychiatrist can come with a wait time of months.

The Quality is Hit or Miss

With staff being constantly pressured to see as many patients as possible and keep hospital beds available, it’s nearly impossible for them to offer the same quality of care as they would if they had more time and resources. In the public system, they often have protocols for when they can send patients to get certain tests, etc. Meanwhile in the private sector, they do whatever they feel is necessary for the good of the patient.

If you have run into any of the above, here is why you will love the private system:

You can go anywhere you like

You can contact a private clinic in Montreal, you can see whatever specialists you want or feel you need, the health world is your oyster. You have more of a say, and you can switch doctors as you need to until you find someone that gels with you and your family. No more fears of “losing” the practitioner you have while you look for someone new.

More Attentive

The better they treat you, the more likely you are to come back. It’s business. In the private health sector, they are more attentive and willing to listen. No more “bring only one issue per appointment” like you were forced to do when visiting a public sector doctor.

It might be time to get your own health insurance, or perhaps the moment to weigh out the pros and cons in your own situation but remember that the private healthcare system is not the enemy- it’s a possible solution.