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

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 17, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Washington is generally considered to be on par with the rest of the United States. Washington has a wide range of medical facilities, from small clinics to large hospitals, and many of them are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained professionals. Emergency services are generally reliable and efficient, and ambulances can be called by dialing 911.

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How are healthcare services Washington?

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

"Washington offers a wide range of healthcare services, including preventive care, primary care, specialty care, and mental health services. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country, including Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington Medical Center, and Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. These hospitals offer a variety of services, from emergency care to cancer treatment to organ transplants. In addition, Washington has a number of community health centers that provide primary care services to underserved populations. These centers are located throughout the state, with the majority located in urban areas," said one expat living in Washington.

What are medical services in Washington like?

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

"Washington offers a wide range of medical services to its residents. The state has a comprehensive network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide quality care to patients. Washington also has a variety of specialty care centers, such as cancer centers, trauma centers, and pediatric centers, that provide specialized care for specific medical needs. Additionally, Washington has a number of community health centers that provide primary care services to underserved populations. Washington also has a robust telemedicine program that allows patients to access medical care from the comfort of their own homes," said one expat.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Washington?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Washington can be expensive. The cost of health insurance depends on the type of plan and the coverage offered. Premiums for health insurance plans in Washington can be higher than in other states, and out-of-pocket costs can also be high. Additionally, the cost of healthcare services can vary significantly depending on the provider and the type of service," said one expat living in Washington.

What are emergency services like in Washington?

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

"In Washington, emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, 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," said an expat in Washington.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Washington's largest cities, such as Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue, offer a wide variety of medical specialists. Other cities, such as Everett, Yakima, and Vancouver, also have a good selection of medical specialists. Additionally, many rural areas in Washington have access to medical specialists, such as the Olympic Peninsula, the Columbia River Gorge, and the San Juan Islands," mentioned one expat in Washington.

Are common prescription medications available in Washington?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Washington. Pharmacies in the state are able to fill prescriptions for medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications can be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Additionally, many pharmacies in Washington offer over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, and vitamins," said one expat.

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

"Washington has a wide range of medical facilities and medical care options available to its residents. The state is home to some of the top hospitals in the country, including Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington Medical Center, and Providence Regional Medical Center. Additionally, Washington has a large network of community health centers, providing quality care to underserved populations. The state also has a variety of specialty care centers, such as cancer centers, trauma centers, and mental health facilities. Washington is committed to providing its residents with access to quality medical care, and is continually investing in its healthcare system," mentioned one expat in Washington.

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

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Washington, you will have access to public healthcare. Washington State offers a variety of public health care options, including Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Washington Apple Health program. These programs provide access to health care services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health services. The quality of care varies depending on the provider, but overall, Washington State has a good reputation for providing quality health care services," wrote an expat living in Washington.

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

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

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the local healthcare system in Washington. Many healthcare providers have had to adjust their operations to accommodate the influx of patients, while also ensuring the safety of their staff and patients. Telehealth services have become increasingly popular, allowing patients to access care from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, many healthcare providers have implemented additional safety protocols, such as temperature checks and mask requirements, to protect their staff and patients. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the local healthcare system in Washington has been able to continue providing quality care to its patients," said an expat in Washington.

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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