11 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in South Carolina
Last updated on Feb 15, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in South Carolina is generally comparable to the rest of the United States. South Carolina 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.
How are healthcare services South Carolina?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in South Carolina, they replied:
"Healthcare services in South Carolina are provided by a variety of hospitals, medical centers, and clinics throughout the state. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country, including the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, Prisma Health in Greenville, and AnMed Health in Anderson. These hospitals offer a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized treatments, and are staffed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals. Additionally, South Carolina is home to numerous community health centers, which provide quality care to underserved populations," said an expat in South Carolina.
What are medical services in South Carolina like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in South Carolina, they replied:
"In South Carolina, medical services are widely available and of a high quality. The state has a large network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a range of services, from primary care to specialized treatments. South Carolina also has a number of medical research centers and universities that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing the latest treatments. Additionally, the state has a number of health insurance plans that provide coverage for medical services," wrote an expat living in South Carolina.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in South Carolina?
"Healthcare and health insurance in South Carolina can be expensive. The cost of health insurance premiums in South Carolina is higher than the national average, and the cost of healthcare services can also be high. Additionally, South Carolina has some of the highest out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services in the country. As a result, many people in South Carolina struggle to afford the cost of healthcare and health insurance," remarked one expat in South Carolina.
What are emergency services like in South Carolina?
When we asked about emergency services, members in South Carolina wrote:
"In South Carolina, emergency services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). In the event of an emergency, you can call 911 to request an ambulance. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will dispatch an ambulance to your location. The ambulance will be staffed with trained medical personnel who can provide medical care and transport you to the nearest hospital," remarked one expat living in South Carolina.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"The cities of Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach all have a wide variety of medical specialists available. In addition, the coastal areas of South Carolina, such as Hilton Head and Bluffton, also have a good selection of medical specialists," wrote an expat living in South Carolina.
Are common prescription medications available in South Carolina?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in South 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 over-the-counter medications, as well as vitamins and supplements," said one expat living in South Carolina.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in South Carolina?
"Medical facilities and medical care in South Carolina are generally of a high quality. The state has a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities that provide comprehensive care. South Carolina also has a number of highly-trained and experienced medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other specialists, who are dedicated to providing quality care to their patients. Additionally, the state has a number of initiatives in place to ensure that all residents have access to quality medical care, such as Medicaid expansion and the South Carolina Telehealth Network," wrote an expat living in South Carolina.
As a foreigner living in South Carolina, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in South Carolina, you will have access to public healthcare. South Carolina's public healthcare system is administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The system provides access to a variety of services, including preventive care, primary care, mental health services, and specialty care. The system also provides access to prescription drugs, laboratory services, and other medical services. The system is designed to provide quality healthcare to all South Carolinians, regardless of their income or insurance status," commented one expat living in South Carolina.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in South Carolina if they have access to public healthcare in South Carolina. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"My experiences with the local healthcare system in South Carolina during the pandemic have been mostly positive. The healthcare providers in my area have been very responsive to my needs and have been willing to answer any questions I have had. I have been able to access telehealth services when needed, and the staff have been very accommodating and helpful. I have also been able to access testing and other services when needed, and the staff have been very understanding and accommodating. Overall, I have been very pleased with the level of care I have received from the local healthcare system during the pandemic," mentioned one expat in South 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.