11 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Minnesota
Last updated on Feb 12, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Minnesota is generally considered to be very high, with many of the state's hospitals and medical centers ranked among the best in the United States. Emergency services in Minnesota are well-developed and highly efficient, with ambulances typically arriving within minutes of a call. To call for an ambulance in Minnesota, dial 911.
How are healthcare services Minnesota?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Minnesota, they replied:
"Minnesota is home to a wide variety of healthcare services, ranging from primary care to specialized care. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country, including the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, and the Allina Health System, which has multiple locations throughout the state. Minnesota also has a number of community health centers, which provide primary care and other services to underserved populations. Additionally, the state has a number of mental health and substance abuse treatment centers, as well as a variety of home health care services," said one expat.
What are medical services in Minnesota like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Minnesota, they replied:
"Minnesota has a wide range of medical services available to its residents. The state is home to a variety of hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers that provide comprehensive care for a variety of medical needs. Minnesota also has a strong network of primary care providers, including family physicians, pediatricians, and internists, who provide preventive care and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, Minnesota has a number of specialty care centers that provide specialized care for conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and mental health. Minnesota also has a number of community health centers that provide free or low-cost care to those in need," remarked one expat in Minnesota.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Minnesota?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Minnesota can be expensive. The cost of health insurance premiums can vary depending on the type of plan and the provider. Healthcare services can also be costly, with some services requiring a co-pay or deductible. Additionally, some services may not be covered by insurance, resulting in out-of-pocket costs," wrote one expat.
What are emergency services like in Minnesota?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Minnesota wrote:
"In Minnesota, emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, dial 911. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene. Emergency medical personnel will arrive to provide medical assistance and transport the patient to the nearest hospital," mentioned one expat in Minnesota.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Minnesota is home to some of the best medical specialists in the nation, with numerous cities and areas hosting various specialists to meet the needs of the residents. Minneapolis and St. Paul are the main cities in Minnesota that offer excellent medical specialists, providing a wide range of expertise and treatments. Rochester is another city in Minnesota with an abundance of medical specialists with specialty practices, including Mayo Clinic, one of the top medical institutions in the world. Duluth is also a great destination for medical specialists, where they have access to specialized care at facilities such as St. Luke's Hospital and Miller-Dwan Medical Center. Around the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, there are also many smaller communities such as Golden Valley, New Hope, Edina and Bloomington that provide quality medical specialists," commented one expat who moved to Minnesota.
Are common prescription medications available in Minnesota?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Minnesota. Pharmacies in the state are able to fill prescriptions for a variety of medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, antidepressants, and other medications. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of brand-name medications, which can be more affordable for patients. Additionally, some pharmacies offer special programs that provide discounts on certain medications," wrote one expat.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Minnesota?
"The medical facilities and medical care in Minnesota are among the highest quality available in the United States. Patients can find leading research hospitals, highly-trained physicians and staff, and the latest medical technology and treatments. Minnesota also has many highly-rated regional and community hospitals, urgent care centers and specialists. As a leader in adopting cost-gestation models, Minnesota has been able to lower healthcare costs, making medical care more accessible and affordable," remarked one expat in Minnesota.
As a foreigner living in Minnesota, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Minnesota, you will have access to public healthcare. Minnesota has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides access to medical care for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. The system is funded by the state and federal government, and includes a variety of services, such as primary care, mental health services, and preventive care. The quality of care is generally high, and the cost of services is usually lower than in private healthcare systems," remarked one expat living in Minnesota.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Minnesota if they have access to public healthcare in Minnesota. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Minnesota during the pandemic have been mostly positive. The healthcare providers have been very responsive and accommodating to my needs, and I have been able to access the care I need in a timely manner. The healthcare system has also been proactive in providing resources and information to help me stay informed and safe during the pandemic. I am grateful for the care and support I have received from the healthcare system during this difficult time," said an expat in Minnesota.
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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