Have you just arrived in the United States or are you planning to live there? Don't you know how the American health care system works? Do you have questions about what to expect? We explain everything to you.
Examples of healthcare costs in the United States
In the United States, a consultation is 5 times more expensive than in France. You'll easily pay between $ 150 and $ 300 for a routine checkup. If the consultation is done in a hospital, in an emergency room, the costs can go up to $ 375 and approach $ 700, without insurance.
For complicated procedures, it takes thousands of dollars. For example, you can get out of a party in the emergency room for a broken arm with a very salty note: up to $ 30,000.
The average cost of an MRI in the US is $ 1,119, compared to just $ 788 in the UK and $ 215 in Australia.
You will understand, the prices are excessive, and the American health care system is quite different from ours.
How the health care system works in the United States
In America, there is no general health insurance scheme as in France. Treatment is extremely expensive if you cannot afford private insurance.
Little info: more than 1 in 10 people in the United States live without health coverage!
Indeed, Social Security is not compulsory. It is not intended to reimburse the medical expenses of its members and does not give the right to social benefits offered by the State.
The SSN (Social Security Number) is often required for administrative formalities: opening a bank account, paying taxes, renting an apartment, etc.
More generally, it is used for easier and faster identification but does not cover health problems.
What about drugs in the United States?
Medicines in the United States are 2 to 3 times more expensive than French prices. There is no universal pricing, prices may vary from one pharmacy to another, and depending on the location.
An amoxicillin antibiotic that will cost you 5 or 6 euros in France can go up to 35 dollars in the USA. Laboratories set their prices, based on supply and demand, without regulation.
What is the solution for a stay in the United States?
Obtaining international health insurance before leaving for the United States is strongly recommended.
HEYME, a leading player in international mobility for young people, offers insurance solutions to protect their health abroad.
Whether it is to study, work or travel abroad, being well protected and benefiting from appropriate health coverage is a priority.
World Pass insurance provides coverage anywhere in the world! Whatever option is chosen, it is a 100% reimbursement of the real costs of health expenses, full coverage in the event of hospitalization, repatriation assistance but also (because you never know) luggage insurance. , liability insurance and a legal assistant!
To meet the requirements of American universities, HEYME has also developed special offers adapted to students moving to the United States.
What if I go to work in the United States?
In this case, your employer can offer you 2 or 3 insurance options. Generally, there are two reimbursement systems:
- The Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) : it offers more expensive services, with freedom of choice of doctor
- The Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) : it offers less expensive services, but requires consultation with affiliated physicians.
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