that might sound like stupid questions but here in germany its still kind of all-inclusive and people not getting necessary medical treatment always feels a bit surprising/odd/outlandish/bizarre (cant find a good word here, maybe you get the meaning).
i dont know how much a cancer treatment costs, but i dont think most people here would be prepared for that kind of misfortune.
There are a few programs out here for the uninsured. One of them is ORSA which is where your bills for hospitalization, rx, and any other medical related cost charged to the state is covered for 365 days. This could me you rack up a year worht of bills, or you start 365 days of treatment. Ect
But as to things like live saving meds. While at the ER, I found out that they had changed prices by alot. If I didnt have the cash on hand, I would have to go without. US health system blows. Aussie one not to bad from my experiance.