15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in California
Last updated on Feb 12, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in California is generally considered to be high, with many of the state's hospitals and medical centers ranked among the best in the United States. Emergency services in California are well-developed and reliable, with ambulances and other emergency vehicles typically arriving quickly in response to calls. To call for an ambulance in California, dial 911.
How are healthcare services California?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in California, they replied:
"California offers a wide range of healthcare services, from primary care to specialized treatments. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country, including the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, Stanford Health Care, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. These hospitals offer a variety of services, from emergency care to advanced treatments for cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. In addition, California has a large network of community health centers that provide primary care and preventive services to underserved populations. These centers are located throughout the state, with many located in rural and underserved areas," mentioned one expat in California.
What are medical services in California like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in California, they replied:
"California has a wide range of medical services available to its residents. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and medical centers in the country, offering a variety of specialized treatments and services. California also has a large network of community health centers, providing primary care and preventive services to underserved populations. Additionally, California has a robust system of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups. The state also offers a variety of programs and services to help individuals with disabilities access the care they need," commented one expat who moved to California.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in California?
"Healthcare and health insurance in California can be expensive. The cost of health insurance premiums can vary depending on the type of plan and the provider. Additionally, the cost of healthcare services can be high, especially for those without insurance. Many people in California rely on government programs such as Medi-Cal and Covered California to help cover the cost of healthcare and health insurance," said one expat living in California.
What are emergency services like in California?
When we asked about emergency services, members in California wrote:
"In California, emergency services are available 24/7 to respond to any medical, fire, or police emergency. To call for an ambulance, dial 911 from any phone. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will dispatch the appropriate emergency services to your location," commented one expat who moved to California.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"California is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. Major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have a wide range of healthcare providers, from traditional doctors to specialists in unconventional medicine. For example, Los Angeles is home to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the nation’s top hospitals, while San Francisco has some of the most renowned surgeons and researchers in the world. In addition, areas such as Palo Alto, Orange County and the Bay Area each boast a wide range of specialists in various fields of medicine," said one expat living in California.
Are common prescription medications available in California?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in California. Pharmacies in the state are able to fill prescriptions from doctors and other healthcare providers. These medications can range from antibiotics to pain relievers to cholesterol-lowering drugs. In addition, California pharmacies are able to provide specialty medications, such as those used to treat cancer or HIV/AIDS," said an expat in California.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in California?
"Medical facilities and medical care in California are generally of a very high quality. California boasts many highly trained, experienced, and specialized medical professionals, and the state is home to some of the best hospitals and health centers in the country. Medical facilities in California provide advanced treatments and technology, and are equipped with cutting-edge medical equipment to deliver exceptional care. Additionally, California has a very comprehensive healthcare system through which both individuals and families can easily access quality medical care and services," commented one expat who moved to California.
As a foreigner living in California, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in California, you will have access to public healthcare. California has a variety of public healthcare options, including Medi-Cal, which is a low-cost health insurance program for people with limited incomes, and Covered California, which is a health insurance marketplace where you can compare and purchase health insurance plans. California also has a variety of public health clinics and hospitals that provide free or low-cost care. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but overall, California's public healthcare system is generally considered to be of good quality," wrote one expat.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in California if they have access to public healthcare in California. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"Accessing healthcare during the pandemic in California has been a challenge. Many healthcare providers have had to limit their services due to the pandemic, and some have even had to close their doors. Telehealth has become a popular option for many, but it is not always available or accessible for everyone. Additionally, many people have had difficulty getting appointments with their healthcare providers due to the high demand for services. Furthermore, the cost of healthcare has increased significantly, making it difficult for many to afford the care they need," commented one expat who moved to California.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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