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

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 15, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Tennessee 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 quickly in response to a call. To call for an ambulance in Tennessee, you can dial 911 or the local emergency services number.

How are healthcare services Tennessee?

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

"Tennessee 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 Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, which is nationally ranked in multiple specialties. Other top-rated hospitals in the state include the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis. Tennessee also has a number of rural health centers and community health centers that provide quality care to underserved populations," remarked one expat in Tennessee.

What are medical services in Tennessee like?

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

"Tennessee offers a wide range of medical services to its residents. The state has a network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that provide quality care to patients. Tennessee also has a variety of specialists, including primary care physicians, surgeons, and specialists in various fields such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Additionally, Tennessee has a number of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. The state also offers a variety of preventive care services, such as immunizations, screenings, and health education," mentioned one expat in Tennessee.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Tennessee?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Tennessee can be expensive. The cost of healthcare services and health insurance premiums vary depending on the type of coverage and the provider. Generally, health insurance premiums in Tennessee are higher than the national average, and the cost of healthcare services can be higher than in other states. Additionally, Tennessee has some of the highest out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services in the country," remarked one expat in Tennessee.

What are emergency services like in Tennessee?

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

"In Tennessee, 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," said one expat.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Tennessee is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, with some of the best selections located in the cities of Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. In Nashville, Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a top-notch facility with a wide range of specialists, while the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville is also highly regarded. In Memphis, the Regional Medical Center is a great option for those seeking medical specialists, and in Chattanooga, Erlanger Health System is a great choice. Additionally, many smaller towns and rural areas throughout the state have excellent medical specialists, making Tennessee a great place to find the care you need," remarked one expat in Tennessee.

Are common prescription medications available in Tennessee?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Tennessee. Most pharmacies in the state carry a wide variety of medications, including those for common conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Many of these medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor. Additionally, Tennessee has a number of specialty pharmacies that offer medications for more complex conditions," remarked one expat in Tennessee.

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

"Tennessee offers a wide range of medical facilities and medical care. The state has a number of hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities that provide quality care to patients. The state also has a number of highly trained and experienced medical professionals who are dedicated to providing the best possible care to their patients. Tennessee also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific medical conditions. In addition, Tennessee has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to finding new treatments and cures for various medical conditions. Overall, Tennessee offers quality medical care and facilities for its residents," wrote one expat.

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

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Tennessee, you will have access to public healthcare. Tennessee has a Medicaid program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. The program covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care. The quality of care provided by the program varies depending on the provider, but overall it is considered to be of good quality," said one expat.

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

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

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Tennessee 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. Overall, I have been very pleased with the care I have received from the local healthcare system during the pandemic," commented one expat living in Tennessee.

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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