Whoops, I should point out that this was in the US and I'm an American. That does make a difference.

Whereas when I was in Britain one year, I terrified myself by waking up with a blocked ear (first, though definitely not the last time it happened). Booked an appointment with a doctor through the hotel, got seen the next day, got my ear cleared up, didn't cost a penny (US or UK).

Now ask me again. Which health service would I rather use?