In Quebec, there is a maximum insured by the state and it start 180 days after the event. So if you hand up breaking your ribs/hands and stop working for 4 months, you never get this. My private insurances cover from 60 days up to the 180 days at 80% and then goes down to 60%. The effect of the state insurances is to lower the cost of the private insurances.

Wait a second, this is if you do get fired for breaking your hand right? In most European countries I guess you'd just be on sick leave for 4 months.

What would happen if you were self-employed? Is there some sort of sick-leave state benefit then?

Yes this is what happens in Italy. You pay almost 30% of what you make in a compulsory fund for retirement and disability pension and when you need it, the state pays you.

There is Social Security disability, which pays a little, but not much. You can also collect it for your kids, if your kids are disabled, etc...

In my country it's mandatory, but it's an extra paid for by the employer (much like mandatory social security, etc..).

um the US doesn't have "national health coverage"