My opinion probably isnt very educated, as I dont know how things would be for me if I had been transitioning in America, but my Mum is American, and we were looking to move back there when I was about 11, and Im actually glad now, that we didnt, simply because of the NHS.
Theres no way I could have afforded the treatment that I have gotten, and since I started so young, if I had to go this long without being able to get the ball rolling, so to speak, I really dont think Id be here now.
Ofcourse, there are the cons aswell as pros, to transitioning in the UK. But also, if you have the money, you also have the option of going private in the UK.
I went down the NHS route, I was on the clinics waiting list for 15months after being seen by other health professionals for 18months, which almost killed me to wait that long (HOWEVER, I was 16 when referred, and at the time, they did not accept people under 18. They have since, changed this and drastically shortened the waiting time. I think people are seen between 1 and 6 months of referral, apparently).
At the time of my wait to be seen, I knew of 3 people my age that "came out" all after me, all went private and all got T before me. (While I despised this out of jealousy at the time, I would have done it if I had the money).
Short term, I would have gone private, but having been patient, I do think the NHS has treated me very well (and this is taking into account all the mishaps, misplaced files, long waits,me chasing things up etc. I am still grateful).
Also, the guys I know who went private, got T quickly yes, but eventually had to go down the NHS route as they all are still waiting for surgery. And some NHS clinics, regardless of what youve done privately, make you start your RLE all from the beginning once youre being seen by them.
The wait of the NHS route was worth it for me (I can admit this now, but younger, more impatient me would disagree :p ).
From first seeing my GP at 15, to where I am now, post T, top and lower surgery, I feel I have the NHS to be thankful for. All Ive had to pay for is my travel to the clinics, hospitals etc, and any prescriptions regarding surgery (bandages, cream, gauze etc).
I couldnt afford to go private for T,so theres no way I could have afforded any of my surgery, which I so desperately felt I needed. I am pleased with how things have turned out getting treatment in the UK.
However, I guess similar to things working differenlty in different States, we also have what seems to be the "postcode lottery", some people get funding for this and that under local funding, other people elsewhere dont. Someone I know pays for T, but I dont.
