Should a Mason wish to leave the organization, he can request a 'demit', a certificate which states that he has unaffiliated with the organization under good terms. No Mason is forced to remain a member should he wish otherwise. This is not true in the many cults that discourage and sometimes even forbid medical care. The various hospital services provided by the Shriners are for crippled and burned children, below the age of membership in Freemasonry, and no Masonic affiliation is required for treatment in them. Cult records, if they exist, are confidential, hidden from members, and not shared.
Members are free to disclose their membership to whomever they please.
A legal system exists within Freemasonry and a Mason can also utilize non-Masonic legal and law enforcement agencies and other representatives if needed. In cults, there is only the closed, internal system of justice, and no appeal, no recourse to outside support. Children of Masons may attend public or private schools. A Mason gets to keep his pay, property owned and acquired presents from relatives, inheritances, and so forth. In many cults, members are expected to turn over to the cult all monies and worldly possessions.