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

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 15, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Oregon is generally considered to be on par with the rest of the United States. Oregon 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 Oregon are reliable and efficient, with ambulances typically arriving within minutes of a call. To call for an ambulance in Oregon, dial 911.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

How are healthcare services Oregon?

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

"Oregon offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and preventive care. The state is home to many excellent hospitals and medical facilities, including Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, and PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene. Other notable medical facilities in Oregon include Legacy Health in Portland, Salem Health in Salem, and Asante in Medford. These hospitals and medical facilities provide comprehensive care for a variety of medical needs, from routine checkups to complex surgeries," commented one expat living in Oregon.

What are medical services in Oregon like?

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

"Oregon offers a wide range of medical services to its residents. The state has a comprehensive network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that provide quality care to patients. Oregon also has a variety of specialized medical centers that offer specialized care for specific conditions. Additionally, Oregon has a number of community health centers that provide primary care services to underserved populations. Oregon also has a number of mental health and substance abuse treatment centers that provide comprehensive care for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues," said an expat in Oregon.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Oregon?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Oregon can be expensive. The cost of health insurance depends on the type of plan and the coverage offered. Premiums for health insurance plans in Oregon are generally higher than the national average. Additionally, out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services can be high, especially for those without insurance," wrote an expat living in Oregon.

What are emergency services like in Oregon?

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

"In Oregon, 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. They will then dispatch an ambulance to your location. Emergency services in Oregon are provided by local fire departments, police departments, and ambulance services," wrote an expat living in Oregon.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Oregon's largest cities, such as Portland, Eugene, and Salem, offer a wide variety of medical specialists. Other cities, such as Bend, Corvallis, and Medford, also have a good selection of medical specialists. The Portland metropolitan area is home to some of the best medical specialists in the state, with a wide range of specialties available. Additionally, the Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley are known for their excellent selection of medical specialists," remarked one expat in Oregon.

Are common prescription medications available in Oregon?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Oregon. Pharmacies in Oregon are able to fill prescriptions for medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications can be obtained from a doctor's office, a pharmacy, or an online pharmacy. In addition, Oregon has a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) that helps to ensure that medications are being used safely and appropriately," commented one expat who moved to Oregon.

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

"Oregon has a wide range of medical facilities and medical care available to its residents. The state is home to many highly-regarded hospitals and medical centers, as well as a variety of specialized clinics and health care providers. Oregon also has a strong network of primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and other health care professionals who are dedicated to providing quality care to their patients. In addition, Oregon has a number of programs and initiatives in place to ensure that all residents have access to quality health care," said an expat in Oregon.

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

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Oregon, you will have access to public healthcare. Oregon has a comprehensive public healthcare system, known as the Oregon Health Plan, which provides access to healthcare services for low-income individuals and families. The Oregon Health Plan covers a wide range of services, including preventive care, primary care, mental health services, and prescription drugs. The Oregon Health Plan also provides access to specialists and hospital care. The quality of care provided by the Oregon Health Plan is generally considered to be good, and the cost of care is typically lower than private insurance," said one expat.

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

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

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Oregon 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 Oregon.

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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