Beyond that amount, however, in the US, we also all have to pay Medicare and Medicade taxes. Also, that health insurance at $500-$600 also almost certainly includes a deductible. And copays.

And, as a sister comment points out, National Insurance also includes government pension. I don't know if this is true, but if it is, also include our Social Security taxes in the cost.

All of these together makes our equivalent cost thousands a month.