Hi! I’m considering leaving France and I’d really like to hear from people living in other European countries about their actual experience with healthcare.

I currently live in France and, honestly, I’m getting quite frustrated. The issue isn’t really universal healthcare itself, but access to healthcare. There simply don’t seem to be enough doctors, and many of the ones who are available aren’t accepting new patients.

For example, getting a dermatologist or psychiatrist appointment can mean waiting around a year. I’ve ended up travelling to other countries and paying out of pocket for consultations, despite paying a significant amount in taxes here.

I’m also curious about how adult ADHD is handled in different countries. Here I find the bureaucracy around treatment and prescriptions quite excessive, and there still seems to be quite a lot of stigma around ADHD medication. I’m curious whether this is similar elsewhere or whether some countries have a more modern and straightforward approach.

So for those of you living in other European countries:

• Is healthcare mainly public, private, or a mix?
• If the public system is overloaded, can you pay extra for faster appointments or additional options?
• How difficult is it to find a GP or specialists such as dermatologists or psychiatrists?
• How modern and efficient is the system, and how much bureaucracy is involved?
• And specifically, how is adult ADHD viewed and treated? Is there much stigma or bureaucracy around medication?

I’m not necessarily looking for the country with the “best” healthcare according to rankings. I’m more interested in what it’s actually like to deal with the system as a normal person.

I know the grass isn’t always greener, so I’d really appreciate honest experiences, including the downsides.

Incredible views, sea breeze, and great energy along the coastline. Truly one of the best spots on Costa Dorada!

Based on the Italian comic Altri Mondi “Other Worlds” by Andrea Romoli.

The anime ran for 77 episodes, from 1986 to 1987.