“Compared to many countries, Australia has an enviable public health care system. Where does private health cover fit with this?”

Three months before my wedding, I had a nasty accident. Let’s just say: extreme sport, bad turn, torn knee cartilage.

Actually, this is embarrassing. The “extreme sport” was golf and I don’t have a macho explanation for how it happened. I bent down to retrieve the ball and r-r-r-ip! Sober, too.

I had two choices. Get it done quickly and privately. Or get it done, whenever, as a public patient, where I might, or might not, have been limping to the altar.

I’d never used my private health cover before so the choice was easy. My out-of-pocket costs were $30. Outside of dental, I don’t think I’ve used it since (although my family has).

Yes, Australia’s public health care system is … okay, if the editor suggests “enviable”, then let’s go with that. But let’s just point out that Mr Rudd’s feuding with state premiers would suggest everyone else thinks otherwise.

The Government wants Gen Xers to have private cover … if you can afford it. How do you know if you can afford it? Simple, the government tells you. Currently, that’s if you earn $73,000 individually or $146,000 as a couple.

If you disagree on affordability, or are a “conscientious objector”, then you pay the fine. Currently, an extra 1 per cent on top of your marginal tax rate, called the Medicare Surcharge.

Private health insurance is a choice. Gun-or-your-wallet sort of choice. But a choice.

Bruce Brammall is the author of Debt Man Walking (www.debtman.com.au) and a licensed financial adviser.