Well, my town is not very big so our one hospital is only 10 minutes from anywhere in town.
I guess that the $50 annual subscription works out because most people don't need the ambulance that year. If you subscribe, it also covers air lifting by plane or chopper to the other hospitals if needed.
My friend doing chemo is from a medical family. Her big problem, is that with no immune system, she must not be given any vaccines or it could kill her. So far, we are doing okay with her program. It takes all day, and she is sick for 5 days after, but it buys her regular life and health for the other 3 weeks of the month.
I hope we can get this back on track talking about money, on this money forum.
Regarding my 70+ year old friend, I think yes, it is true that there used to be pensions, and defined contribution is a different mindset. That said, when you spend every cent you make with wild abandon in your 20s, nobody thinks it odd. In your 30s, they think you imprudent. In your 40s, people think you clueless. In your 50s, you are foolish. In your 60s, still spending every cent is hopeless.
At some point in the 50 work years between 20 and 70, every individual has the responsibility to consider their own finances and retirement plans. It is not like it came up on you overnight. I have been talking to her about planning for at least 25 years. But to save, you have to change your eating out at restaurants 6 times a week and your QVC jewerly habits.
You have a good heart for crediting her age to not knowing. But I even remember her long dead mother preaching frugality at her. And mom had saved, had nice investments that gave her comfort in old age. I wish there was something I could do to help her. If you have any ideas, I would appreciate it.