Ok I'll give this one more reply in hopes you're actually arguing in good faith before I block you for calling me names (uncalled for btw).

Let me be clear, nowhere in what I said have I implied these people are sub-human or shouldn't be rescued, or arguing against universal, free healthcare.

I'm only explaining why Switzerland has this system, because their situation is particular. Based on language, I'm assuming you're a Brit and might not have a lot of experience in high altitude environments, which is totally fair.

Having special insurance or fees for helicopter rescues serves multiple purposes. On one hand, it helps ensure the service can actually be well staffed and well equipped with maintained equipment for when it's actually needed. On the other, and more importantly, it serves a preventive purpose which helps reduce the number of unprepared people going up the mountain. If you know you might end with a big bill for the helicopter ride, you're more likely to think twice about whether you actually know what you're doing.

Reducing these incidents does infinitely more good than just letting everyone do whatever and hope they can be rescued before it's too late for them, and without the rescue team facing peril in process.

Most people without high altitude experience just simply have no idea what they're signing up for when setting off on these trails and underestimate the danger while overestimating their ability. And yes, while I might've let loose a little bit on the tourist trash talk, it's not entirely their fault and of course, they obviously should be rescued regardless.

It's just a reality Switzerland has to deal with and this is one of the measures that help fund and reduce these rescues. Going into these places is a serious endeavour and taking out a very cheap insurance for it is really not a crazy thing. It sure doesn't seem to outrage the Swiss.

I do apologize for going for the personal parallel as that really didn't help the conversation in any positive manner, I sent this in 30sec during a short break.

Free healthcare doesn't mean you can put yourself and others in danger and not face any consequences. In fact I think in some places you might even face legal proceedings for this kind of thing.

I hope this helps clarify my position and allows us to end this thread positively with some understanding, the ball's in your camp, cheers.