Nobody is screwing anybody over when the water supply is not poisoned (which is the case for nearly every European country). The basis of "contract over status" that let us advance beyond feudalism is mutual assent (or do no harm to the counterparty). What you're describing is essentially centralized tyranny and comes in many forms ("think of the children!")

And no, your health insurance / social retirement example doesn't fit. Sticking to the default in these cases does not amount to willingly poisoning oneself.