11 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in North Carolina
Last updated on Mar 21, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in North Carolina is generally considered to be on par with the rest of the United States. North Carolina has a wide range of medical facilities, from small rural clinics to large urban hospitals, and the state is home to some of the top medical schools in the country. Emergency services in North Carolina are generally reliable and efficient. To call for an ambulance, dial 911 or the local emergency number for your area.
How are healthcare services North Carolina?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in North Carolina, they replied:
"North Carolina offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and preventive care. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country, with many of them located in the larger cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham. These hospitals and medical facilities offer a variety of services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. In addition, North Carolina also has a number of rural health centers that provide primary care services to underserved communities," wrote an expat living in North Carolina.
What are medical services in North Carolina like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in North Carolina, they replied:
"North Carolina offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and preventive care. The state has a network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that provide quality care to residents. North Carolina also has a variety of health insurance plans available to help cover the cost of medical services. Additionally, the state has a number of programs and initiatives in place to help ensure that all residents have access to the care they need," commented one expat living in North Carolina.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in North Carolina?
"Healthcare and health insurance in North Carolina can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and provider. Health insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the type of plan and the provider. Healthcare costs can also be high, depending on the type of care needed and the provider. In general, North Carolina residents can expect to pay more for healthcare and health insurance than in other states," mentioned one expat in North Carolina.
What are emergency services like in North Carolina?
When we asked about emergency services, members in North Carolina wrote:
"In North Carolina, emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 from any phone. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency. They will then dispatch an ambulance to your location. Emergency services in North Carolina are provided by local fire departments, police departments, and emergency medical services," wrote an expat living in North Carolina.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"The cities of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Winston-Salem are all known for having a wide variety of medical specialists. Asheville, Greensboro, and Wilmington also have a good selection of medical specialists. Additionally, the Research Triangle Park area, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is home to many of the top medical research institutions in the country, making it an excellent place to find highly specialized medical care," said one expat living in North Carolina.
Are common prescription medications available in North Carolina?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in North Carolina. Pharmacies in the state are able to fill prescriptions for a variety of medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, antidepressants, and other medications used to treat a variety of conditions. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of brand-name medications, which can be more affordable for patients," commented one expat who moved to North Carolina.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in North Carolina?
"Medical facilities and medical care in North Carolina are of a high quality. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and medical centers in the country, offering a wide range of services and treatments. North Carolina also has a strong network of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers, ensuring that residents have access to quality care. Additionally, the state has a number of initiatives in place to ensure that all residents have access to affordable healthcare," remarked one expat living in North Carolina.
As a foreigner living in North Carolina, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in North Carolina, you will have access to public healthcare. North Carolina's public healthcare system is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and provides a range of services, including preventive care, primary care, mental health services, and long-term care. The system is designed to provide quality healthcare to all North Carolinians, regardless of their income or immigration status," remarked one expat living in North Carolina.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in North Carolina if they have access to public healthcare in North Carolina. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"My experiences with the local healthcare system in North Carolina during the pandemic have been mostly positive. I have been able to access the care I need, and the healthcare providers I have interacted with have been knowledgeable and helpful. The healthcare system has also been proactive in providing information about the virus and how to stay safe. I have been able to access telehealth services, which has been a great help in getting the care I need without having to leave my home. Overall, I am grateful for the care and support I have received from the local healthcare system during this difficult time," said one expat living in North Carolina.
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.