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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Florida | Expat Exchange
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12 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Florida

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 12, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Florida is generally considered to be on par with the rest of the United States. Emergency services are well-developed and reliable, with ambulances typically arriving within minutes of a call. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or the local emergency services number.

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How are healthcare services Florida?

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

"Florida 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 Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, the University of Miami Health System, and the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Florida also has a large network of community health centers, providing access to quality care for those who may not have the means to pay for it. Additionally, the state has a number of specialty care centers, such as the Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. These facilities provide world-class care for a variety of conditions and illnesses," wrote an expat living in Florida.

What are medical services in Florida like?

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

"In Florida, medical services are widely available and of a high quality. There are many hospitals, clinics, and medical centers throughout the state, offering a range of services from primary care to specialized treatments. Florida also has a large number of highly trained and experienced medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Patients in Florida can access a variety of medical services, including preventive care, diagnostics, treatments, and rehabilitation. Additionally, many medical facilities in Florida offer telemedicine services, allowing patients to access medical care from the comfort of their own home," mentioned one expat in Florida.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Florida?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Florida can be expensive. The cost of health insurance premiums in Florida is higher than the national average, and the cost of healthcare services can also be high. Additionally, many people in Florida are uninsured, which can lead to higher costs for those who do have insurance," commented one expat who moved to Florida.

What are emergency services like in Florida?

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

"In Florida, emergency services are available 24/7 to respond to any medical, fire, or police emergency. To call for an ambulance, dial 911 and provide the operator with your location and the nature of the emergency. The operator will then dispatch the appropriate emergency services to your location," wrote an expat living in Florida.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Florida is home to many medical specialists, however some cities and areas have top-rated medical professionals with a wide selection of specialties. Miami has well-established healthcare facilities with access to top physicians, surgeons and other medical specialists. Tampa is known for its world-renowned specialists and experts in the fields of cardiac care, cancer treatment, rehabilitation and much more. Orlando is home to a number of renowned medical doctors and specialists, offering patients a wide variety of services from pediatric care to orthopedic surgery. Another major city in Florida with outstanding medical specialists is Jacksonville which is home to some of the best neurosurgeons in the country. Ultimately, there are many cities and areas in Florida that offer a wide selection of medical specialists, allowing patients to receive the best care possible," said an expat in Florida.

Are common prescription medications available in Florida?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Florida. Pharmacies in the state are able to fill prescriptions for a variety of medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, antidepressants, and more. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of popular medications, which can be more affordable than brand-name drugs. Additionally, some pharmacies offer special discounts for seniors, veterans, and other groups," wrote one expat.

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

"Medical facilities and medical care in Florida are generally of high quality. There are a large number of health care providers throughout the state and many of them are respected institutions with a track record of providing excellent care. Florida is home to some of the nation's top hospitals and medical centers, including the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and the Cleveland Clinic in Miami. The state also offers an extensive network of community health centers and is home to several major medical research centers. Patients in Florida can rest assured that they are receiving the highest quality of medical care," commented one expat living in Florida.

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

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Florida, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Florida is known as the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). AHCA provides access to a variety of health care services, including preventive care, primary care, specialty care, and mental health services. AHCA also provides access to Medicaid and other public health insurance programs. The quality of care provided by AHCA is generally good, and the cost of care is usually lower than that of private health insurance," remarked one expat living in Florida.

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

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

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Florida during the pandemic have been mostly positive. I have been able to access the care I need, and the staff at my local healthcare facilities have been friendly and helpful. I have also been able to access telehealth services, which has been a great way to get care without having to leave my home. Overall, I am grateful for the care I have been able to access during this difficult time," said one expat living in Florida.

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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