This is all so true. I moved to New Zealand from New York. I think the free health care has a knock on effect to everything else. Not having health care issues makes lawsuits almost unheard of. Knowing you will be cared for by the State when things go wrong means you can also care for others.
The downside is that people don't try very hard to find solutions. Tripping hazards everywhere, leaky homes, no insulation, mold, bad driving - all because everyone is relaxed and trusting that it wil all work out.
On the whole, for New Zealand, it will.
This is a better system.