I would LOVE a socialized health care system in the US. I agree that the security alone is worth it. Even just basic preventative care would be worth a tax hike to me. But then, I suppose that all depends on how much a person already pays in taxes. I pay a decent amount already. My parents pay a ton especially with this new health care package our congress let pass-and they get nothing out of it except new higher insurance costs for their own plan. Awesome. And the poor? They still get nothing.
Taxes are higher in Canada. However, here in BC, a family of 3 or more pays a maximum of $133.00 per month with no deductibles or copays to ensure every family member. Individuals pay a maximum of $66.50. As your income drops below $30k/year, your fees are reduced or eliminated completely. So we are not paying both high taxes and high premiums.
On the other hand, there is a shortage of doctors and rather dismal wait times for many surgeries and diagnostic procedures. This could be improved, I believe, with higher premiums on the upper income ranges, and a less -absurdly- strict licensing procedure for foreign (including Americans with US certification) doctors who wish to practice in Canada.
I wouldn't describe living conditions in the US as something to be feared. LOLOL!
I didn't suggest that they were; I was pointing out that conditions in other countries that embraced a more 'socialized' variety of income distribution weren't to be feared any more than conditions in the US.
Edit: Since I would be ineligible for health insurance in the US due to pre-existing conditions, I would definitely find even travelling there something to fear, though.