I have used both the UK, US and Russian systems. I actually preferred the Russian system over the US. The degree of complexity in the US system doesn’t benefit “consumers” - I hate the idea we are only ever consumers - the correct term is patients. Assuming markets and describing people as consumers is neoliberal bullshit.
I have found the US system to be prone to all sorts of potential traps - even after Obamacare which at least reformed some of the most obvious horrors of the system. Its funny how the really poor do better than the merely lower middle class. Medicare/Medicaid is actually pretty good. However HMOs can be really crap. And heaven forbid that you are self-employed or unemployed and not eligible for medicaid.
At least with the Russian system you can just buy the healthcare you need at fairly reasonable prices.
But the thing that I hate the most about the US system is the amount of time I have to spend trying to understand it. The complexity works against the population and favors the insurance providers. Its a massive cost to all users and one the companies don’t have any incentive to reduce. And subjectively I cant help but think its also the hallmark of a rigged game.
