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30 People Compare Healthcare In The US Vs. Other Countries, Say The US Has A Lot To Learn
When Harvard professor Moshik Temkin was in France, he had to see a doctor. At the time, he didn't have health insurance, so Temkin couldn't know what to expect. The appointment could have taken a serious bite out of his pocket. But it didn't. In fact, it was so cheap compared to what he's used to in the United States, Temkin even tweeted out his experience.
The tweet instantly went viral, inspiring other people to share stories as well. Continue scrolling and take a look at some of the most popular ones.
Image credits: moshik_temkin
Image credits: moshik_temkin
Image credits: moshik_temkin
Image credits: moshik_temkin
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Sum Guy 3 years ago
Our hospitals in Eswatini might not be up to par with the world... it's a 3rd world african country after all, but I had my wisdom tooth removed for about $4 total, pain meds included. Also sometime last year I had to get a couple of tests and scans including X-rays. total cost, 20 emalangeni which is just over 1 US dollar.
According to the Commonwealth Fund, which regularly ranks the health systems of a handful of developed countries, in 2017, the best countries for health care were the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Australia. The United States came in last. The country's health care system, the report says, spends far more than other high-income countries yet has gaps in the quality of care. And this is consistent throughout 20 years.
The U.S. had the worst performance score overall and ranked last or near last on the Access, Administrative Efficiency, Equity, and Health Care Outcomes domains. Based on a broad range of indicators, the U.S. health system is an outlier and should look at other countries' approaches if it wants to become an affordable, high-performing health care system that serves all Americans.
#2
Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago
Shameful. The USA pays more per capita on health care than any other country, so I've heard, yet we have the highest maternal death rate of any first-world country. We are sick and getting sicker.
"The United States spends far more on health care than other high-income countries, with spending levels that rose continuously over the past three decades," the report said. "Yet the U.S. population has poorer health than other countries. Life expectancy, after improving for several decades, worsened in recent years for some populations, aggravated by the opioid crisis. In addition, as the baby-boom population ages, more people in the U.S.—and all over the world—are living with age-related disabilities and chronic disease, placing pressure on health care systems to respond."
#3
Radek Suski 3 years ago
They don't do it anymore in Germany. The TV is free. I mean it wouldn't work these days anyway as almost everyone have at least a smartphone
#4
The important thing is that timely and accessible health care could mitigate many of these challenges, but the U.S. health care system fails to deliver required services reliably to all who could benefit. Particularly, poor access to primary care has contributed to inadequate prevention and management of chronic diseases, delayed diagnoses, incomplete adherence to treatments, wasteful overuse of drugs and technologies, and coordination and safety problems.
#5
am_c0m0 3 years ago
In Canada, I had a hysterectomy and stayed at the hospital 5 days. My Medicare was expired , they told me to come in when I got my new one. While I was waiting for it, I got a bill from the hospital: over $10,000! A few days later, went with my new Medicare card, they registered it and I paid $0.00, including my new Medicare card.
#6
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
LOL. American: "I paid 49 Euro for a doctor visit and meds!!!" European: "Dude, you've been robbed!!"
The Commonwealth Fund's president, David Blumenthal, said at the Spotlight Health Festival, which is co-hosted by the Aspen Institute and The Atlantic, that there are 3 main reasons why the United States lags behind its peers.
Firstly, a lack of insurance coverage. A common talking point on the right is that health care and health insurance are not equivalent—that getting more people insured will not necessarily improve health outcomes. But Blumenthal stated: "The literature on insurance demonstrates that having insurance lowers mortality. It is equivalent to a public-health intervention."
#8
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago (edited)
Netherlands: 140 Euro per month for insurance. Co-payment 385 Euro per year. No payments to doctors for visits or house calls, very minor contributions to prescriptions until you've maxed out your co-payment for that year.
More than 27 million people in the United States were uninsured in 2016, which is nearly a tenth of the population. That's mostly because they can’t afford coverage, live in a state that didn’t expand Medicaid, or are undocumented. Those aren’t problems that people in places like the United Kingdom worry about.
#12
Crazy Meerkat Lady 3 years ago
Can't Bored Panda staff get rid of this Hazel Lily shmuck? Except for Parkinson's, apparently she is also suffering from memory loss because she posts the same damn comment everywhere!!! We get it....ultimate herbal clinic.... the answer to everything. Suffering from a disease? Ultimateherbclinic. Suffering from stupidity, Ultimateherbclinic. Lost a nipple? Want to become pen pals with a rehabilitated serial killer? You know it people...... Ultimateherbclinic. Get out!
Next, administrative inefficiency. "We waste a lot of money on administration," Blumenthal explained. According to the Commonwealth Fund's report, in the United States, "doctors and patients [report] wasting time on billing and insurance claims. Other countries that rely on private health insurers, like the Netherlands, minimize some of these problems by standardizing basic benefit packages, which can both reduce the administrative burden for providers and ensure that patients face predictable copayments." To put it simply, while insurance coverage, in general, is great, it's not ideal that different insurance plans cover different treatments and procedures, forcing doctors to spend precious hours working with insurance companies to provide care.
#16
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Stop voting for people who think that universal health care is socialist and that article 25 of the universal declaration of human rights is just a joke.
#18
Luis 3 years ago
A brick hit my left foot toe and get broke, after 3 hrs and 300 for the X-rays, they ask me 3,700 for the surgery ( with the insurance that I pay 350 per month) I went to Mexico, 35 dlls for the appointment and the X-rays, Dr told me can make the surgery right there; he did it, and charge me 175 dlls I live in the border, I just cancel my insurance in USA and get it in Mexico... Now I pay 125 for my and my wife and my 2 sons, and I'm covered 100% and my copay is 125 dlls for any procedure We may need...
Finally, underperforming primary care. "We have a very disorganized, fragmented, inefficient, and under-resourced primary care system, "Blumenthal explained. The Commonwealth Fund found that many primary-care physicians struggle to receive relevant clinical information from specialists and hospitals, complicating efforts to provide seamless, coordinated care.
#19
Cassie 3 years ago
"American aversion to going to the doctor" - We hit a rough patch years ago where we didn't have insurance. The kids had Medicaid, but adults generally don't qualify. I broke my foot (dropped a very heavy washing machine on it and there was really no question that it was broken) but refused to go to the hospital for it because there was no way I could afford it. Even with insurance, I'm terrified that one of us will need to go to the ER. It's $150 just to walk in the door and there's no telling what seeing the doctor or getting tests will add to that. Suffering and self-treating are too common here.
#20
Carl Fraser 3 years ago
Hubby developed pneumonia with sepsis in Tokyo. 10 days in hospital, so many blood tests, x-rays, scans etc, even the hospital were worried about the bill. Ended up being $22,000 [Australian] and after our insurance paid out their bit, we were left with a bill of . . . . . . . NOTHING.
#21
Tanya Fisher-Lehmann 3 years ago
The cost in Germany is €10 per day in the hospital. But you only have to pay 280€ maximum per year (4 weeks), no matter how long or often you are in any hospital. That's the cost of food and linen basically.
On top of a lack of investment in primary care, "we don't invest in social services, which are important determinants of health," Blumenthal added. Things like home visiting, better housing, and subsidized healthy food could extend the work of doctors and improve chronic disease outcomes.
#23
#26
Tom Krysiak 3 years ago
Of course you do! You deserve a health system that's not a corporation...
#29
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Find a good friend in Spain who will send you your inhalers. Perhaps we could make it a business. "Good friends for Americans" We buy your meds in Europe, send them to you and you pay us the meds, shipping costs and a little surcharge of $5 per shipment. Happy days for everyone...
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What do you think ?
Shelp 3 years ago
Those testimonies were extremely sad to read. They reminded me of those stories of children from violent households who are extremely distrustful and stressed out when put in a caring and loving environment. They grew up with a terrible system, and can't really believe their luck when confronted to something better, that everyone else finds normal...
Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago
I highly recommend Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko," which contrasts our health "care" with what people get in other countries. We need to be marching in the streets by the thousands!
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Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago
The same people who howl "Socialism!" at the thought of single-payer health care don't bat an eye at the obscene amounts the USA spends on "defense" or corporate welfare.
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Coleonema 3 years ago
I was horrified when I learnt that an ambulance ride in the USA is charged. Wow America, third world countries have cheaper healthcare
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
We have universal health care in Australia but some states an ambulance does cost. In my state the average cost is $750 BUT you can get ambulance cover either though private insurance or straight from the ambulance service. In saying that an ambulance from hospital to hospital won’t cost you anything. That is covered under Medicare. I have been in 2 ambulances without cost but they were both hospital transfers.
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rorofunkytoe 3 years ago
I sometimes forget how lucky I am to live somewhere with free health services and free prescription's it sounds horrific that you can be in debt for years because you become sick.
chi-wei shen 3 years ago
Europeans are used to (almost) free healthcare. This doesn't apply to dental works. If you need a check-up some basic procedures like a root canal or a filling it's also free, but braces and other non-essential work can be costly (in the 1000s Euro range), which is always a shock to many of us.
Ozacoter 3 years ago
That is true, at least for Spain. We have free dentists but they are so understaffed that you could die waiting to get in so we go private. Same for opthalmology
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Jen Cook 3 years ago
The one that haunts me as a Canadian (haunts me the most, Americans deserve so much better in every way), the cost of insulin and Americans dying without insulin. Big pharma telling you it's for research and development. Insulin came from Canada, the scientist sold the patent for $1 because he believes all people should have access to insulin. The other excuse American politicians use "it's too dangerous to let Canadian drugs be brought into the USA because they are not FDA approved" Do you really think we test our products any less rigorously? C'mon, ask for a donor list when you hear these whoppers, these politician deserve to be named and shamed.
Cordi Schmidt 3 years ago
Americans tend to confuse socialism with communism (at least what I have encountered on the internet). Though socialism is not great at full power (no regime great at full power), it is great to pick the best features out of several regimes. And universal healthcare is one of them.
Ozacoter 3 years ago
I honestly cannot understand how people from the usa dont migrate massively to other countries, specially Canada (for distance). I wouldnt be able to live in a country were breaking a leg can bankrupt you.
Becky Samuel 3 years ago
I think a lot of Americans are waking up to the fact that other countries just don't want them and that emigrating is *expensive*.
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Nadine 3 years ago
Yes... I'll never tire of saying it. I live in Spain. Several years ago, my mom tripped and fell on the street, with such bad luck that she broke both and arm and a leg. Ambulance, ER, arm operation, a couple of nights in the hospital... The only thing we had to pay for was the pain medication, and that costs under two euros per 60-pill box. Of course, while the ambulance picked her up in about a minute (they happened to be nearby) she had to wait about four hours in the ER (with a drip painkiller) to get all the x-rays, etc. and then had to wait several days for the operation to get screws put into her arm. The problem here is that hospitals are understaffed... You'll get your tests and treatment, but you might have to wait a bit.
Ozacoter 3 years ago
Its a real pity how badly they damaged the system in the last decades :(
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Jolee Koop 3 years ago
My father fell down the stairs and hurt his back really bad. I don't know how much we had to pay for his weeks in the hospital, X-rays, and surgeries. But I do know that if we lived in the US, it would have brought us close to bankruptcy.
YoyoSthlm 3 years ago
In Sweden, the maximum amount you have to pay for meds is like 180$. After that everything is free, no matter what meds you need and how many/much of them. The same system goes for doctor's visits, you pay a max amount of 150$, then it's free. Yes, we have higher taxes but even if I didn't need lots of meds (I do) I will happily pay that so someone else can afford them as well.
flimsynormalcy 3 years ago
I lived in Macau prior to coming to the US. I had my daughter there. I had an emergency c-section, stayed in hospital for a total of 9 days, and walked out with my daughter without paying a cent. The government even "gifted" my husband and I with money because we had a child. I was under that mentality that when you pay your taxes, you get good healthcare in return. I had a rude awakening when I came here. I pay up the nose for healthcare insurance and still have a co-pay and pay a bit more after insurance for doctor visits. What is the point of paying for insurance when each and every time you pay out of pocket when you see a doctor?
John Gustafson 3 years ago
My family and I were traveling in the Philippines many years ago. I cut my foot open and was initially taken to a clinic in the hospital that was staffed by a fulltime RN. When it was discovered that they couldn't provide the care I needed, They sent me to a local hospital in Manila. I was immediately seen in the ER. The resident surgeon sutured my cut and gave me a prescription for pain and antibiotics. Total for ER visit, meds and surgeon: $167.00. They were embarrassed to charge us so much. I am an American healthcare provider (OR Nurse), and I can assure you this was a BARGAIN by our standards.
Lauren Ringel 3 years ago
I saw an ENT in January for non-Covid related loss of taste. I paid $90 for the co-pay. He used an endoscope to look into my sinuses for about 45 seconds. I got a bill for $492 because the endoscope is classified as a surgical procedure. Then I paid another $90 to find out I have hypothyroidism and won't be able to see an endocrinologist until May 24th. I also had to pay a portion of the bloodwork the ENT ordered. My PCP then ordered another test that I had to pay $25 for even though they're just done the same test with the ENT. I met my $1,000 deductible by February 1st, but because my insurance renewal date is 02/01, I now have to meet my now $2,000 deductible before coinsurance kicks in. I don't even want to say how much my insurance charges me to see a psychiatrist.
Mama Panda 3 years ago
Well I guess it's time for me to travel abroad to see if those doctors can figure out what is wrong with my hip and back. I am tired of paying exorbitant prices for doctors to tell me that it's all in my head but yet I can't stand for longer than 3ish minutes or walk for more than 40 steps (I timed and counted). I have been dealing with this pain for almost 9 years!!! I can't work because of the injury. I can't collect disability because even tho I have worked all of my life except for the 5 years when I had my child and then went to school, I didn't have enough "quarters". (what that means is it's just them being assholes and saying I didn't work enough in the 10 years previous to my injury). Yep, I think it's time I leave this country for somewhere better! Any ideas as to where I should go? (Don't tell me to go to hell, I own the place, I have the deed and I use it as my summer home lol)
Lion's Stare 3 years ago (edited)
The problem with the US healthcare system is that the forces at be treat it more as a business than a social service. And as is the case with any any business, profit is the main concern. So pharmaceutical and medical supply companies will charge a fortune for their goods, as well as hospitals for their services. Since these are essential to patients, they must pay up regardless of the cost, and this system is abused. Sadly, a lot of Americans will avoid going to the hospital for fear of what they will pay, and then their illness becomes worse without treatment. It is really disheartening
El Dee 3 years ago
We pay 'National Insurance' it covers healthcare, pensions etc. It is taken by your employer out of your pay and passed on to the government. The amount you pay depends on how much you earn. Also, below a certain amount you pay nothing and above a certain amount you don't pay any extra. All hospital and doctors visits, ambulances etc free. Prescriptions are free. Dental check up - free. Opticians check up - free. If you are a pensioner, sick/disabled or out of work then dental work and glasses are also free. If not then you do have to pay for those things but they are subsidised and a maximum amount can be charged. Condoms and tampons are considered to be part of health and are also free..
cybermerlin2000 3 years ago
America has one of the highest tax rates in the world. Countries with lower tax rates are able to afford a universal healthcare system. If everyone in the US stopped paying for health insurance and kept the money they would have paid in the bank and asked for itemised bills and contested the blatantly overpriced items. Pay in cash. the cost of healthcare will drop and the entire corrupt insurance industry. Hospitals overcharge the isurance companies knowing they will get paid and the patient will have toslug it out with the insurance people. Imagine paying a quarter of what you pay the insurance company in tax instead and it goes to universal healthcare instead.
Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago
Yes, it's a high tax rate - but most of it goes to "defense" or covering for the absurdly huge tax breaks we give the wealthy and big corporations. Big Business needs money and whines to Washington: "Sure, the business of the USA is business." A widow or dumped mother begs for help to feed her hungry, rag-clad children: "You lazy, greedy bum!"
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LittleMissLotus 3 years ago
Honestly, I wish BP would stop posting articles like this every other day. dealing with living in the US is annoying enough at the moment, I don't think we need to be reminded every day how broken our country us when we come to this site to relax. Like, we get it already. The healthcare system is awful. he people in our country who don't want to change it are dumbfucks. You don't need to be constantly rubbing it in.
Lucas 3 years ago
All you can really do LittleMissLotus is bypass these articles. I suspect that BP aren't going to stop posting them any time soon because they provoke a massive response - that's what they want. That's one of the things they'll point to when they sell advertising space on the site in order to generate revenue.
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Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 3 years ago
Honduras: government is as corrupt as they come. ER visit cost all of $75. Lyrica, Pfizer brand name product, no generic available: USA = $1400/mo, Honduras = $80/mo
Hayley Arnold 3 years ago
I don't really understand why people are going crazy about politics. I just don't get why it's so important. it's kinda annoying for me wanting to watch the news and all I hear is Politics.
Aleksey 3 years ago
My roommate cut his gum flux with a kitchen knife in bathroom because of quality of free medicine in Russia. Twice in one year. Without any anesthesia. My mother died in hospital paralyzed because the process of surgery has been made in unsanitized environment. My father died from cancer in hospital without receiving any chemo because of bureaucracy in hospitals. So my point is that some examples may seems wild and costly but at least in first world countries quality of medicine can extend life instead of shrinking it.
Jods 3 years ago
It’s totally insane that an insurance company decides what treatment you can have. I can’t get my head round it at all. Us Brits might moan about the NHS - getting appointments with your GP for instance but when you need to spend any time in hospital, the care is excellent. At the present time prescribed medication is £9.15 per item which would cost me £64.05 every 6 weeks. However, we also have a system where unemployed, low income earners and pensioners get all aspects of healthcare free. Glasses and lenses are also paid for by NHS vouchers. In addition, diabetics get insulin, needles, etc. for free.
Mewton’s Third Paw 3 years ago
So. Here’s a question. If I get sick, like with cancer or lupus or some chronic life threatening illness, or anything really, what stops me from hopping on a plane and going to England on a tourist visa and getting free help? And when your visa runs out just going somewhere similar like Ireland or somewhere in mainland Europe?
Lucas 3 years ago
Think this answers that: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/visitors-from-outside-the-european-economic-area-eea/
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Viktor Feurer 3 years ago
To be honest, in most (if not all) EU states the health insurance is mandatory, deducted from our wage. But it is affordable and the healthcare is really good. Not seamless, but works. The wait times are different and most of the time unpredictable, I also spent long hours in waiting rooms, but when the s**t hit the fan (cancer) every doctor was in a hurry, and appointments were same-day. Even for CT/MR.
James016 3 years ago
I'm in the UK and we are using our private health insurance to get my son's legs looked at as part of his hypermobility. We have seen the consultant, had x-rays, then saw a local specialist. he has recommended a local physiotherapist. Called the insurance company, they don't have child physiotherapists in their network. However as my son is 6 they have approved and will cover the whole cost of 5 sessions. Which saves me a load of money. Aside from the monthly payments, there was an excess of £100. If he needs orthotics etc, they will cover 40%.
Matthew Braim 3 years ago
As a Brit, having the Magnificent NHS, and healthcare 'free at the point of delivery', I will Never get over my shock at discovering that Americans in the US have to PAY to give birth in hospital!!! Astonishing! xxx
Oerff On Tour 3 years ago
If you only look at at na American hospital, they send you a bill for $1,000
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
Trying to find when the US cares what the French think. When they help win a war for us by storming a beach on our shores... then they can talk.
Dave 3 years ago (edited)
Whenever I see shows where people end up in the ER or hospital due to "Whatever". They should always give the cost of the medical care the "hero", "protagonist", whoever had to receive. I think that would be interesting to see. It always makes me think of such scenes. One of the main reasons among others why I would not live in the U.S. even if they paid me to do it, is the absolutely psychopathic, sadistic healthcare system the U.S. has.
NgatiDreadz 3 years ago
Wow here I am having a cry about my doctors going from 14 to 18 bux a visit n.z
Karen Grace 3 years ago
@Bill Newsome You still living in the 1940's or something? Maybe you're stuck in a time loop?? Time for you to join the rest of us in 2021!!
Thomas E S Thomas 3 years ago
I have insurance $60 a month. My doctors visits are all covered.
सूफ़ीया ज़मीर 3 years ago
My aunt flew from the US to Pakistan for some surgery she needed. Apparently it's cheaper to fly to another country halfway across the world rather than have it done in the States.
Zillyboy 3 years ago
My doctor told me about his mother who was terminal in Israel. He went to visit, she was in a large ward of people and they hadn't bothered to give her any palliative care because, well, she was terminal and they didn't care to spend the money on that. It's not all wine and roses with government-run medicine.
CowboyHank 3 years ago
I was backpacking across Europe with a friend. While in Paris, he wrecked a bicycle. Gashed his head open and broke his arm. Took an ambulance to the hospital and he was all patched up free of charge. The problem was this. When his arm was set, he was given no painkillers. Not even a stick to bite. And when the gash on his head was closed, it was done by a nurse with a staple gun. A plastic surgeon was not there or even consulted. My friend is bald and we still call him Zorro. Same accident prone friend on a different trip, to Canada this time. He flipped a 4 wheeler he was riding and tore his calf muscle in half. He had to be helicoptered out because we were in the wilderness. Spent 1 week in the hospital. Cost him a little under $1000 because a helicopter was involved. (more than reasonable) His problem this time was it occurred in July. Canadian summers are HOT. And the hospital didn't have air conditioning. Both times my friend said he wished the incidents had occurred in America.
Margrét Hauks 3 years ago
Iceland. GP visit is just under $4, free for kids, the elderly and people on disability. Phone calls and online messages to the doc are free. FAR from a perfect system, but at least its accessible to all.
Lolabean 3 years ago
I am so proud to be British when I read tweets like this. I am on 6 different medications permanently - one of these is a thyroid medication meaning I qualify for a medical exemption certificate so I pay for none of my meds. I'm pregnant and haven't had the smoothest time... I tried several different medications for severe morning sickness - no cost. I have regular appointments for pregnancy check ups with midwife and consultants - no cost. I have gestational diabetes - I have been provided with blood testing kit and all the relevant refills etc on free prescription, appointments with dieticians and diabetes specialist nurses - no cost. When my baby is born I'll have to stay in the hospital for a few days extra to check on them due to the diabetes and some of the meds I'm on - no cost. I may end up needing a C Section - no cost. My child will grow up with unlimited access to health care - no cost. I will never have to choose between life saving treatment or keeping my house.
SimplySarcastic40 3 years ago
20 years ago in college, I slipped and fell in the dormitory shower and hit my head pretty badly. Thankfully nothing serious but I had a mild concussion. University policy is ambulance for head, neck/back injuries. The ambulance ride was less than 2 miles and the bill for the ambulance was over $6000. Thankfully the hospital and ER bill was covered. The ambulance was not. This was 20 years ago! I can't even imagine what it would be now.
PineappleQueen 3 years ago
I live in the US and I never realized how expensive health care is. Then again I’ve never had to pay for it because I’m 13, but something really should be done about it.
Maria Batsouri 3 years ago
Americans should pressure for that to change. Healthcare is a right not a privilege.
Sean Harrison 3 years ago
What is so sad to read about these articles, is that this issue has been going on for decades, and we've known this and have been complaining about it for as long, but in the end nothing will change. We have no power over our government or politicians and they have no incentive to do anything for us. They are firmly in the pockets of big business and the wealthy. Not a god damn thing will ever change.
Susan 3 years ago
Sean Harrison, yes it CAN change. If we would only FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP VOTING FOR REPUBLICANS.
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Leslie Burleson 3 years ago
This isn't new.The pharmaceutical business is so enmeshed in our government that constitution prevents vaccine manufacturers from liability.However there is vaccine court that pays out millions a year,of TAX PAYER MONEY.The CDC , a government agency,owns stock in pharmaceutical patents and companies.Not corrupt at all.Little corner pharmacies are getting paid $1000 PER COVID TEST. Just about everything you do nowadays requires a Covid test at some point .Pharmaceutical companies received an initial $250,000,000 in emergency aid money to produce a vaccine.Us citizens got , what $1200?They received further government funding ,I can't recall the actual amount except that it was more than the initial $250,000,000.Us citizens got,$600?Now guess who receives the profits for the government funded vaccine manufacturing?Pharma.Citizens will pay an exorbitant amt for the vaccine that they funded in the first place. The problem goes so deep I don't think they will ever fix it. Why would they?
jasper 3 years ago
I agree the US needs some serious re-working of the healthcare industry. Part of the problem is the insurance companies. If insurance was privatized, like car insurance, it would work much better. Also, the people who keep going on about socialized medicine... who do you think pays for all of that? The people do, one way or another.
Hiker Chick 3 years ago
I've already told my (adult) children to never call an ambulance for me. They can call an Uber or the coroner, but I'm terrified of being bankrupted by an ambulance ride and the emergency room bill.
Peter Ian Staker 3 years ago
I'm glad that all these Americans are happy that they cost European/Canadian citizens money, I believe the term they're looking for is health tourist.
Anne 3 years ago
that's if you do it on purpose. I think most just had an accident and were surprised by the difference.
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Mild Cigar 3 years ago
Please check who developed the Covid vaccine. Pretty sure it wasn't France.
Ren Karlej 3 years ago
There isn't 'a' covid vaccine. There are many vaccines.
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Carrie de Luka 3 years ago
Hayley - have you read the Democrats manifesto? Compared this to Republicans? Both are accessible on the internet. Read what the parties stand for, what their aims are. Where they sit on the political spectrum and what that means (chart attached). Each party has a mix of strengths and weaknesses but we all have our own opinions as to what really matters in life. How we think our countries should be run. Stop listening to all the rhetoric spouted by politicians who are in it for themselves. Far too much of it is just finger pointing and sniping. They're worse than children in junior school. Also, don't listen to other people's opinions as a basis to form your own. A lot are formed from biased media reporting and tub-thumping campaigning. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions, you sound intelligent and more than capable. Political-...ef1a21.jpg 
Chris Jones 3 years ago
Bill Newsome - if the people in the countries that Hitler did invade or bombed (and all the other atrocities enacted) can move on and accept Germany as the excellent country they are today without bitterness and constant harking back, why can't you?
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WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
It's clear that you don't know what you're talking about when you call universal health care " socialized medicine". There are hospitals in almost every city in Europe. That should really get you riled up because how can "socialist countries" be better equipped than the greatest nation in the world? Your fear for socialism is the exact reason why the US won't ever have an accessible and affordable health care. The brainwashing was effective.
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Shelp 3 years ago
Those testimonies were extremely sad to read. They reminded me of those stories of children from violent households who are extremely distrustful and stressed out when put in a caring and loving environment. They grew up with a terrible system, and can't really believe their luck when confronted to something better, that everyone else finds normal...
Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago
I highly recommend Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko," which contrasts our health "care" with what people get in other countries. We need to be marching in the streets by the thousands!
Load More Replies... Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago
The same people who howl "Socialism!" at the thought of single-payer health care don't bat an eye at the obscene amounts the USA spends on "defense" or corporate welfare.
Load More Replies... Coleonema 3 years ago
I was horrified when I learnt that an ambulance ride in the USA is charged. Wow America, third world countries have cheaper healthcare
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
We have universal health care in Australia but some states an ambulance does cost. In my state the average cost is $750 BUT you can get ambulance cover either though private insurance or straight from the ambulance service. In saying that an ambulance from hospital to hospital won’t cost you anything. That is covered under Medicare. I have been in 2 ambulances without cost but they were both hospital transfers.
Load More Replies... rorofunkytoe 3 years ago
I sometimes forget how lucky I am to live somewhere with free health services and free prescription's it sounds horrific that you can be in debt for years because you become sick.
chi-wei shen 3 years ago
Europeans are used to (almost) free healthcare. This doesn't apply to dental works. If you need a check-up some basic procedures like a root canal or a filling it's also free, but braces and other non-essential work can be costly (in the 1000s Euro range), which is always a shock to many of us.
Ozacoter 3 years ago
That is true, at least for Spain. We have free dentists but they are so understaffed that you could die waiting to get in so we go private. Same for opthalmology
Load More Replies... Jen Cook 3 years ago
The one that haunts me as a Canadian (haunts me the most, Americans deserve so much better in every way), the cost of insulin and Americans dying without insulin. Big pharma telling you it's for research and development. Insulin came from Canada, the scientist sold the patent for $1 because he believes all people should have access to insulin. The other excuse American politicians use "it's too dangerous to let Canadian drugs be brought into the USA because they are not FDA approved" Do you really think we test our products any less rigorously? C'mon, ask for a donor list when you hear these whoppers, these politician deserve to be named and shamed.
Cordi Schmidt 3 years ago
Americans tend to confuse socialism with communism (at least what I have encountered on the internet). Though socialism is not great at full power (no regime great at full power), it is great to pick the best features out of several regimes. And universal healthcare is one of them.
Ozacoter 3 years ago
I honestly cannot understand how people from the usa dont migrate massively to other countries, specially Canada (for distance). I wouldnt be able to live in a country were breaking a leg can bankrupt you.
Becky Samuel 3 years ago
I think a lot of Americans are waking up to the fact that other countries just don't want them and that emigrating is *expensive*.
Load More Replies... Nadine 3 years ago
Yes... I'll never tire of saying it. I live in Spain. Several years ago, my mom tripped and fell on the street, with such bad luck that she broke both and arm and a leg. Ambulance, ER, arm operation, a couple of nights in the hospital... The only thing we had to pay for was the pain medication, and that costs under two euros per 60-pill box. Of course, while the ambulance picked her up in about a minute (they happened to be nearby) she had to wait about four hours in the ER (with a drip painkiller) to get all the x-rays, etc. and then had to wait several days for the operation to get screws put into her arm. The problem here is that hospitals are understaffed... You'll get your tests and treatment, but you might have to wait a bit.
Ozacoter 3 years ago
Its a real pity how badly they damaged the system in the last decades :(
Load More Replies... Jolee Koop 3 years ago
My father fell down the stairs and hurt his back really bad. I don't know how much we had to pay for his weeks in the hospital, X-rays, and surgeries. But I do know that if we lived in the US, it would have brought us close to bankruptcy.
YoyoSthlm 3 years ago
In Sweden, the maximum amount you have to pay for meds is like 180$. After that everything is free, no matter what meds you need and how many/much of them. The same system goes for doctor's visits, you pay a max amount of 150$, then it's free. Yes, we have higher taxes but even if I didn't need lots of meds (I do) I will happily pay that so someone else can afford them as well.
flimsynormalcy 3 years ago
I lived in Macau prior to coming to the US. I had my daughter there. I had an emergency c-section, stayed in hospital for a total of 9 days, and walked out with my daughter without paying a cent. The government even "gifted" my husband and I with money because we had a child. I was under that mentality that when you pay your taxes, you get good healthcare in return. I had a rude awakening when I came here. I pay up the nose for healthcare insurance and still have a co-pay and pay a bit more after insurance for doctor visits. What is the point of paying for insurance when each and every time you pay out of pocket when you see a doctor?
John Gustafson 3 years ago
My family and I were traveling in the Philippines many years ago. I cut my foot open and was initially taken to a clinic in the hospital that was staffed by a fulltime RN. When it was discovered that they couldn't provide the care I needed, They sent me to a local hospital in Manila. I was immediately seen in the ER. The resident surgeon sutured my cut and gave me a prescription for pain and antibiotics. Total for ER visit, meds and surgeon: $167.00. They were embarrassed to charge us so much. I am an American healthcare provider (OR Nurse), and I can assure you this was a BARGAIN by our standards.
Lauren Ringel 3 years ago
I saw an ENT in January for non-Covid related loss of taste. I paid $90 for the co-pay. He used an endoscope to look into my sinuses for about 45 seconds. I got a bill for $492 because the endoscope is classified as a surgical procedure. Then I paid another $90 to find out I have hypothyroidism and won't be able to see an endocrinologist until May 24th. I also had to pay a portion of the bloodwork the ENT ordered. My PCP then ordered another test that I had to pay $25 for even though they're just done the same test with the ENT. I met my $1,000 deductible by February 1st, but because my insurance renewal date is 02/01, I now have to meet my now $2,000 deductible before coinsurance kicks in. I don't even want to say how much my insurance charges me to see a psychiatrist.
Mama Panda 3 years ago
Well I guess it's time for me to travel abroad to see if those doctors can figure out what is wrong with my hip and back. I am tired of paying exorbitant prices for doctors to tell me that it's all in my head but yet I can't stand for longer than 3ish minutes or walk for more than 40 steps (I timed and counted). I have been dealing with this pain for almost 9 years!!! I can't work because of the injury. I can't collect disability because even tho I have worked all of my life except for the 5 years when I had my child and then went to school, I didn't have enough "quarters". (what that means is it's just them being assholes and saying I didn't work enough in the 10 years previous to my injury). Yep, I think it's time I leave this country for somewhere better! Any ideas as to where I should go? (Don't tell me to go to hell, I own the place, I have the deed and I use it as my summer home lol)
Lion's Stare 3 years ago (edited)
The problem with the US healthcare system is that the forces at be treat it more as a business than a social service. And as is the case with any any business, profit is the main concern. So pharmaceutical and medical supply companies will charge a fortune for their goods, as well as hospitals for their services. Since these are essential to patients, they must pay up regardless of the cost, and this system is abused. Sadly, a lot of Americans will avoid going to the hospital for fear of what they will pay, and then their illness becomes worse without treatment. It is really disheartening
El Dee 3 years ago
We pay 'National Insurance' it covers healthcare, pensions etc. It is taken by your employer out of your pay and passed on to the government. The amount you pay depends on how much you earn. Also, below a certain amount you pay nothing and above a certain amount you don't pay any extra. All hospital and doctors visits, ambulances etc free. Prescriptions are free. Dental check up - free. Opticians check up - free. If you are a pensioner, sick/disabled or out of work then dental work and glasses are also free. If not then you do have to pay for those things but they are subsidised and a maximum amount can be charged. Condoms and tampons are considered to be part of health and are also free..
cybermerlin2000 3 years ago
America has one of the highest tax rates in the world. Countries with lower tax rates are able to afford a universal healthcare system. If everyone in the US stopped paying for health insurance and kept the money they would have paid in the bank and asked for itemised bills and contested the blatantly overpriced items. Pay in cash. the cost of healthcare will drop and the entire corrupt insurance industry. Hospitals overcharge the isurance companies knowing they will get paid and the patient will have toslug it out with the insurance people. Imagine paying a quarter of what you pay the insurance company in tax instead and it goes to universal healthcare instead.
Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago
Yes, it's a high tax rate - but most of it goes to "defense" or covering for the absurdly huge tax breaks we give the wealthy and big corporations. Big Business needs money and whines to Washington: "Sure, the business of the USA is business." A widow or dumped mother begs for help to feed her hungry, rag-clad children: "You lazy, greedy bum!"
Load More Replies... LittleMissLotus 3 years ago
Honestly, I wish BP would stop posting articles like this every other day. dealing with living in the US is annoying enough at the moment, I don't think we need to be reminded every day how broken our country us when we come to this site to relax. Like, we get it already. The healthcare system is awful. he people in our country who don't want to change it are dumbfucks. You don't need to be constantly rubbing it in.
Lucas 3 years ago
All you can really do LittleMissLotus is bypass these articles. I suspect that BP aren't going to stop posting them any time soon because they provoke a massive response - that's what they want. That's one of the things they'll point to when they sell advertising space on the site in order to generate revenue.
Load More Replies... Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 3 years ago
Honduras: government is as corrupt as they come. ER visit cost all of $75. Lyrica, Pfizer brand name product, no generic available: USA = $1400/mo, Honduras = $80/mo
Hayley Arnold 3 years ago
I don't really understand why people are going crazy about politics. I just don't get why it's so important. it's kinda annoying for me wanting to watch the news and all I hear is Politics.
Aleksey 3 years ago
My roommate cut his gum flux with a kitchen knife in bathroom because of quality of free medicine in Russia. Twice in one year. Without any anesthesia. My mother died in hospital paralyzed because the process of surgery has been made in unsanitized environment. My father died from cancer in hospital without receiving any chemo because of bureaucracy in hospitals. So my point is that some examples may seems wild and costly but at least in first world countries quality of medicine can extend life instead of shrinking it.
Jods 3 years ago
It’s totally insane that an insurance company decides what treatment you can have. I can’t get my head round it at all. Us Brits might moan about the NHS - getting appointments with your GP for instance but when you need to spend any time in hospital, the care is excellent. At the present time prescribed medication is £9.15 per item which would cost me £64.05 every 6 weeks. However, we also have a system where unemployed, low income earners and pensioners get all aspects of healthcare free. Glasses and lenses are also paid for by NHS vouchers. In addition, diabetics get insulin, needles, etc. for free.
Mewton’s Third Paw 3 years ago
So. Here’s a question. If I get sick, like with cancer or lupus or some chronic life threatening illness, or anything really, what stops me from hopping on a plane and going to England on a tourist visa and getting free help? And when your visa runs out just going somewhere similar like Ireland or somewhere in mainland Europe?
Lucas 3 years ago
Think this answers that: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/visitors-from-outside-the-european-economic-area-eea/
Load More Replies... Viktor Feurer 3 years ago
To be honest, in most (if not all) EU states the health insurance is mandatory, deducted from our wage. But it is affordable and the healthcare is really good. Not seamless, but works. The wait times are different and most of the time unpredictable, I also spent long hours in waiting rooms, but when the s**t hit the fan (cancer) every doctor was in a hurry, and appointments were same-day. Even for CT/MR.
James016 3 years ago
I'm in the UK and we are using our private health insurance to get my son's legs looked at as part of his hypermobility. We have seen the consultant, had x-rays, then saw a local specialist. he has recommended a local physiotherapist. Called the insurance company, they don't have child physiotherapists in their network. However as my son is 6 they have approved and will cover the whole cost of 5 sessions. Which saves me a load of money. Aside from the monthly payments, there was an excess of £100. If he needs orthotics etc, they will cover 40%.
Matthew Braim 3 years ago
As a Brit, having the Magnificent NHS, and healthcare 'free at the point of delivery', I will Never get over my shock at discovering that Americans in the US have to PAY to give birth in hospital!!! Astonishing! xxx
Oerff On Tour 3 years ago
If you only look at at na American hospital, they send you a bill for $1,000
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
Trying to find when the US cares what the French think. When they help win a war for us by storming a beach on our shores... then they can talk.
Dave 3 years ago (edited)
Whenever I see shows where people end up in the ER or hospital due to "Whatever". They should always give the cost of the medical care the "hero", "protagonist", whoever had to receive. I think that would be interesting to see. It always makes me think of such scenes. One of the main reasons among others why I would not live in the U.S. even if they paid me to do it, is the absolutely psychopathic, sadistic healthcare system the U.S. has.
NgatiDreadz 3 years ago
Wow here I am having a cry about my doctors going from 14 to 18 bux a visit n.z
Karen Grace 3 years ago
@Bill Newsome You still living in the 1940's or something? Maybe you're stuck in a time loop?? Time for you to join the rest of us in 2021!!
Thomas E S Thomas 3 years ago
I have insurance $60 a month. My doctors visits are all covered.
सूफ़ीया ज़मीर 3 years ago
My aunt flew from the US to Pakistan for some surgery she needed. Apparently it's cheaper to fly to another country halfway across the world rather than have it done in the States.
Zillyboy 3 years ago
My doctor told me about his mother who was terminal in Israel. He went to visit, she was in a large ward of people and they hadn't bothered to give her any palliative care because, well, she was terminal and they didn't care to spend the money on that. It's not all wine and roses with government-run medicine.
CowboyHank 3 years ago
I was backpacking across Europe with a friend. While in Paris, he wrecked a bicycle. Gashed his head open and broke his arm. Took an ambulance to the hospital and he was all patched up free of charge. The problem was this. When his arm was set, he was given no painkillers. Not even a stick to bite. And when the gash on his head was closed, it was done by a nurse with a staple gun. A plastic surgeon was not there or even consulted. My friend is bald and we still call him Zorro. Same accident prone friend on a different trip, to Canada this time. He flipped a 4 wheeler he was riding and tore his calf muscle in half. He had to be helicoptered out because we were in the wilderness. Spent 1 week in the hospital. Cost him a little under $1000 because a helicopter was involved. (more than reasonable) His problem this time was it occurred in July. Canadian summers are HOT. And the hospital didn't have air conditioning. Both times my friend said he wished the incidents had occurred in America.
Margrét Hauks 3 years ago
Iceland. GP visit is just under $4, free for kids, the elderly and people on disability. Phone calls and online messages to the doc are free. FAR from a perfect system, but at least its accessible to all.
Lolabean 3 years ago
I am so proud to be British when I read tweets like this. I am on 6 different medications permanently - one of these is a thyroid medication meaning I qualify for a medical exemption certificate so I pay for none of my meds. I'm pregnant and haven't had the smoothest time... I tried several different medications for severe morning sickness - no cost. I have regular appointments for pregnancy check ups with midwife and consultants - no cost. I have gestational diabetes - I have been provided with blood testing kit and all the relevant refills etc on free prescription, appointments with dieticians and diabetes specialist nurses - no cost. When my baby is born I'll have to stay in the hospital for a few days extra to check on them due to the diabetes and some of the meds I'm on - no cost. I may end up needing a C Section - no cost. My child will grow up with unlimited access to health care - no cost. I will never have to choose between life saving treatment or keeping my house.
SimplySarcastic40 3 years ago
20 years ago in college, I slipped and fell in the dormitory shower and hit my head pretty badly. Thankfully nothing serious but I had a mild concussion. University policy is ambulance for head, neck/back injuries. The ambulance ride was less than 2 miles and the bill for the ambulance was over $6000. Thankfully the hospital and ER bill was covered. The ambulance was not. This was 20 years ago! I can't even imagine what it would be now.
PineappleQueen 3 years ago
I live in the US and I never realized how expensive health care is. Then again I’ve never had to pay for it because I’m 13, but something really should be done about it.
Maria Batsouri 3 years ago
Americans should pressure for that to change. Healthcare is a right not a privilege.
Sean Harrison 3 years ago
What is so sad to read about these articles, is that this issue has been going on for decades, and we've known this and have been complaining about it for as long, but in the end nothing will change. We have no power over our government or politicians and they have no incentive to do anything for us. They are firmly in the pockets of big business and the wealthy. Not a god damn thing will ever change.
Susan 3 years ago
Sean Harrison, yes it CAN change. If we would only FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP VOTING FOR REPUBLICANS.
Load More Replies... Leslie Burleson 3 years ago
This isn't new.The pharmaceutical business is so enmeshed in our government that constitution prevents vaccine manufacturers from liability.However there is vaccine court that pays out millions a year,of TAX PAYER MONEY.The CDC , a government agency,owns stock in pharmaceutical patents and companies.Not corrupt at all.Little corner pharmacies are getting paid $1000 PER COVID TEST. Just about everything you do nowadays requires a Covid test at some point .Pharmaceutical companies received an initial $250,000,000 in emergency aid money to produce a vaccine.Us citizens got , what $1200?They received further government funding ,I can't recall the actual amount except that it was more than the initial $250,000,000.Us citizens got,$600?Now guess who receives the profits for the government funded vaccine manufacturing?Pharma.Citizens will pay an exorbitant amt for the vaccine that they funded in the first place. The problem goes so deep I don't think they will ever fix it. Why would they?
jasper 3 years ago
I agree the US needs some serious re-working of the healthcare industry. Part of the problem is the insurance companies. If insurance was privatized, like car insurance, it would work much better. Also, the people who keep going on about socialized medicine... who do you think pays for all of that? The people do, one way or another.
Hiker Chick 3 years ago
I've already told my (adult) children to never call an ambulance for me. They can call an Uber or the coroner, but I'm terrified of being bankrupted by an ambulance ride and the emergency room bill.
Peter Ian Staker 3 years ago
I'm glad that all these Americans are happy that they cost European/Canadian citizens money, I believe the term they're looking for is health tourist.
Anne 3 years ago
that's if you do it on purpose. I think most just had an accident and were surprised by the difference.
Load More Replies... Mild Cigar 3 years ago
Please check who developed the Covid vaccine. Pretty sure it wasn't France.
Ren Karlej 3 years ago
There isn't 'a' covid vaccine. There are many vaccines.
Load More Replies... Carrie de Luka 3 years ago
Hayley - have you read the Democrats manifesto? Compared this to Republicans? Both are accessible on the internet. Read what the parties stand for, what their aims are. Where they sit on the political spectrum and what that means (chart attached). Each party has a mix of strengths and weaknesses but we all have our own opinions as to what really matters in life. How we think our countries should be run. Stop listening to all the rhetoric spouted by politicians who are in it for themselves. Far too much of it is just finger pointing and sniping. They're worse than children in junior school. Also, don't listen to other people's opinions as a basis to form your own. A lot are formed from biased media reporting and tub-thumping campaigning. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions, you sound intelligent and more than capable. Political-...ef1a21.jpg
Chris Jones 3 years ago
Bill Newsome - if the people in the countries that Hitler did invade or bombed (and all the other atrocities enacted) can move on and accept Germany as the excellent country they are today without bitterness and constant harking back, why can't you?
Load More Replies... WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
It's clear that you don't know what you're talking about when you call universal health care " socialized medicine". There are hospitals in almost every city in Europe. That should really get you riled up because how can "socialist countries" be better equipped than the greatest nation in the world? Your fear for socialism is the exact reason why the US won't ever have an accessible and affordable health care. The brainwashing was effective.
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