15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in the United States

"Find out before coming if your current insurance is accepted by anyone here. I found that not all clinics accepted Blue Cross, which surprised me! Many locals travel to Guam or the Philippines for serious medical procedures, so keep that in mind if you are not in good health, or would not be able to travel to get care," said an expat in Saipan.

"Healthcare services in the United States are provided by a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the federal government through Medicare and Medicaid programs. Quality of public healthcare varies by state and region, but generally is considered to be of a high standard. Foreign residents are not eligible for public healthcare in the United States, however, expats in the United States may be able to access public healthcare through the Affordable Care Act. Expats may also purchase private health insurance plans to cover their healthcare needs," commented one expat living in United States.

"In the United States, medical services are generally of a high quality and are widely available. Patients have access to a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, as well as a variety of treatments and procedures. The US healthcare system is largely based on private insurance, although there are also public programs such as Medicare and Medicaid that provide coverage for certain individuals. Patients have the right to choose their own healthcare provider and can access a variety of services, including preventive care, emergency care, and specialty care," remarked one expat living in United States.

"Healthcare and health insurance in the United States can be expensive. The cost of healthcare services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs, can be high. Health insurance premiums can also be costly, and many people struggle to afford the cost of coverage. Additionally, many health insurance plans have high deductibles and copays, which can make it difficult to access care," wrote an expat living in United States.

"Aside from what I said above, we use my husband's Blue Cross insurance with no trouble. It costs the same as elsewhere, being a benefit of his federal job (he transferred here). Our copays are the same as in Hawaii," said an expat in Saipan.

"In the United States, emergency services are available to provide medical assistance, firefighting, and law enforcement services. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911, which is the national emergency number. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free to call from any phone. When you call 911, you will be connected to a dispatcher who will ask you questions about the emergency and send help to your location," said one expat living in United States.

"There is one hospital on this small island. It is in disarray from top to bottom, and in danger of closing according to local rumor. This is because of corruption in the administration, and inability to keep enough staff due to contract worker visas not being renewed," mentioned one expat in Saipan.

"Cities across the United States are known for having top-notch medical specialists. Some metropolitan areas with a high concentration of highly trained specialists include New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, and Houston. Other popular cities for medical specialists include Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix. For specialized health care, many people also look to more remote areas like the Appalachians and Pacific Northwest, which boast world-class medical centers and resources," said an expat in United States.

"I have not yet traveled to get care, but my friends do it as a matter of course, to Guam where the care is very good. I do have to get my natural hormone replacement therapy from a practitioner in Hawaii (our previous home), as I haven't been able to find someone to prescribe it here," commented one expat living in Saipan, US.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in the United States. These medications are typically prescribed by a doctor or other healthcare professional and can be obtained from a pharmacy. Common prescription medications include antibiotics, pain relievers, hormones, antidepressants, and other medications used to treat a variety of medical conditions," mentioned one expat in United States.

"Prescription medications are available here, at several pharmacies. It's a little more expensive up front, as I need to pay the full price and then get reimbursed by my insurance afterward (didn't work that way in the states). Compounded medicines are a different story..," commented one expat who moved to Saipan, US.

"Anne Arundal Medical Center is located in Annapolis. This 425-bed hospital serves Anne Arundal region. They are recognized for emergency heart attack response and cancer care. Many specialists and primary care physicians also have offices in Annapolis," mentioned one expat in Annapolis.

"As a foreigner living in the United States, you may have access to public healthcare depending on your immigration status. Generally, non-citizens who are lawfully present in the United States are eligible for some public health benefits, such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for most public health benefits. The quality of public healthcare in the United States varies from state to state, but generally it is considered to be of good quality," said one expat.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the local healthcare system in the United States. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities have had to adjust their operations to accommodate the influx of patients with COVID-19. This has led to longer wait times for appointments and treatments, as well as a shortage of medical supplies and personnel. Additionally, many healthcare providers have had to shift to telemedicine services to provide care to patients remotely. This has allowed for more efficient and safe care, but has also created challenges for those without access to technology or reliable internet. Despite these challenges, healthcare providers have worked hard to ensure that patients receive the care they need during this difficult time," remarked one expat living in United States.