In the UK, the National Health Service, which is funded through taxation, provides health care to patients free of charge.  Most patients are therefore unaware of the cost of the treatment they receive.

Some people choose to pay into a health insurance scheme to provide access to private health care.  This has the advantage of quicker access to consultants, much greater choice in the timing of treatment and, in most cases, treatment in a private hospital, where there is hotel style accommodation and food.   However, private health care is not really designed for acute cases and treatment for rare, specialist cases like that for an acoustic neuroma has to be provided by a centre of excellence, usually through the National Health Service.  Private treatment at a National Health Service Hospital is often an option, where the health care is identical to that provided free, except for some choice in timing and nursing care in the privacy of a side ward.

 I was treated in a National Health Hospital, occupying a private bed.  I suspect that I was offered surgery much more quickly and enjoyed the luxury of the privacy afforded by a side ward for all but the first twenty four hours of post-operative intensive care.  As a result, I do know what the whole exercise cost.  My Health Plan paid for all the costs associated with consultation, tests, diagnosis and surgery, a total of nearly £8,500.