I can understand why a lot of people like the NHS. Need something simple? In relatively good health? Can’t afford routine services? The NHS probably delivers reasonably good care. I think that’s why nationalized health care is relatively popular despite the horror stories. Unless one happens to be one of the poor unfortunates in dire need of expensive treatments, like bypass surgery or cutting edge cancer treatments, one is likely to think NHS is a good deal. And for those who do need critical care? You probably won’t be around long to complain...
No one that we have met who lives in Great Britain has told us they like the NHS. The waits are so long for virtually everything that people suffer unimaginably from mundane ailments that would be treated immediately here. And as you say... if you have a life threatening ailment that needs immediate treatment especially if you are old... you better just start making arrangements for the benefit of your survivors. That is something we know from our friend who came to visit us.
I worked in the NHS for 1 1/2 years in the 80’s. My assessment is: it is a great system as long as you don’t get sick.