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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Alaska | Expat Exchange
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11 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Alaska

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 14, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Alaska is generally comparable to the rest of the United States. Alaska has a wide range of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers. Emergency services are available throughout the state, and ambulances can be called by dialing 911.

William Russell
William Russell

How are healthcare services Alaska?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Alaska, they replied:

"Alaska offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and emergency care. The state is home to a number of hospitals and medical facilities, including Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Fairbanks. These hospitals provide comprehensive care, including emergency services, inpatient and outpatient care, and specialty services. Additionally, Alaska has a number of community health centers, which provide primary care services to underserved populations. These centers are located throughout the state, with the largest concentration in Anchorage," said one expat.

What are medical services in Alaska like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Alaska, they replied:

"Alaska offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. The state has a network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that provide quality care to residents. In addition, Alaska has a number of telemedicine programs that allow patients to access medical care from remote locations. The state also has a variety of programs and services to help individuals and families access the care they need," wrote one expat.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Alaska?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Alaska can be expensive. The cost of healthcare in Alaska is higher than the national average, and health insurance premiums are also higher than the national average. Additionally, Alaska has some of the highest out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services in the country. These costs can be a burden for many Alaskans, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured," wrote an expat living in Alaska.

What are emergency services like in Alaska?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Alaska wrote:

"Emergency services in Alaska are provided by the Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Fire Service, and the Alaska EMS. In order to call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or contact your local emergency services dispatch center. The Alaska EMS provides emergency medical services, including ambulances, to all areas of the state. They are staffed by trained paramedics and EMTs who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," said one expat.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The largest cities in Alaska have the best selection of medical specialists, such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Additionally, the smaller cities in SouthCentral Alaska, such as Kenai, Soldotna, and Homer, also have many medical specialists available, as well as establishments serving rural Alaska. Outside of Alaska's largest cities, Kodiak, Bethel and Kotzebue also offer a wide variety of medical specialists, generally serving rural Alaskan communities," remarked one expat living in Alaska.

Are common prescription medications available in Alaska?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Alaska. Pharmacies throughout the state carry a wide variety of medications, including both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Many pharmacies also offer online ordering and delivery services, making it easy for Alaskans to access the medications they need. Additionally, many health insurance plans cover prescription medications, making them more affordable for Alaskans," mentioned one expat in Alaska.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Alaska?

"Alaska has high quality medical facilities and medical care. The state has access to modern technologies and treatments, and a number of hospitals and outpatient care centers to meet the healthcare needs of the population. Alaska also has a number of specialized medical centers for specific conditions and treatments. Medical professionals have the training and qualifications necessary to provide excellent care and support to Alaskans. The state provides a robust system of public health services and resources to ensure that quality health care is available to all Alaskans," remarked one expat in Alaska.

As a foreigner living in Alaska, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Alaska, you will have access to public healthcare. Alaska's public healthcare system is called DenaliCare and it provides comprehensive health coverage for all Alaskan residents, including those who are not citizens. DenaliCare covers a wide range of services, including preventive care, hospitalization, mental health services, and prescription drugs. It also offers a variety of programs to help Alaskans access care, such as sliding-scale fees and discounts for low-income individuals. DenaliCare is funded by the state of Alaska and is administered by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services," wrote one expat.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Alaska if they have access to public healthcare in Alaska. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Alaska. Many healthcare providers have had to adjust their services to accommodate the new safety protocols and guidelines. Telehealth services have become more widely available, allowing patients to access care from the comfort of their own homes. In addition, many healthcare providers have implemented additional safety measures such as temperature checks, mask requirements, and social distancing. Despite the challenges, healthcare providers in Alaska have worked hard to ensure that patients have access to the care they need," said one expat living in Alaska.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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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