Healthcare System in the USA: everything you need to know

How does the U.S. health care system work?

The American healthcare system does not provide universal medical coverage, unlike all other developed countries. It can be described as a mixed system between the public system (Medicare and Medicaid) financed by the government and the private health care system.

About 156 million Americans have health insurance provided by their employer. In this regard, the types of insurance vary, so not all insurances cover the same things, which forces many to pay the high cost of certain treatments. However, it still offers the best coverage which is why the majority of Americans choose to have a private health insurance, mainly employer- sponsored coverage as it offers the best type of coverage and allows employers to offer benefits such as dental care, maternity care, prescription drugs and mental health care which are usually absent in other forms of insurance.

The government-funded Medicare program insures patients over the age of 65, disabled patients and dialysis patients. The Medicaid program helps patients from the lowest strata of society. The federal poverty line for Medicaid patients is set per individual ($13,590 USD per year), for a family of 4 ($27,750 USD per year) and a family of 8 at $46,630 USD per year.

Access to Healthcare for Foreigners

Foreigners traveling to the United States should always have medical insurance, either a travel insurance plan or international health insurance. This is particularly important in the USA as the costs of any treatment or emergency are the highest in the world. A simple procedure to heal a wound can cost up to $5,000 USD.

Travel insurance will allow you to have access to an urgent care center in case of a minor health problem. However, an international health insurance will give you the benefit of getting treated in some of the best clinics in the country, which are among the best in the world, such as the Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins Hospital and UCLA Medical Center, among others.

These hospitals offer the best services worldwide for cancer treatment, orthopedic and cardiac medicine. 

At InternationalHealth.com you can compare, quote and hire the best travel insurance plans as well as international health insurance for your trip to the US. 

How do pharmacies in the United States work?

Pharmacies in the United States are usually very large stores where you can buy a variety of products. From food, beauty and skin care products to prescription drugs. The biggest chains, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid carry over-the-counter medications of their own brand. These can be less expensive than the more popular brands, and serve the same function.

Additionally, many pharmacies can develop images and you can take your passport photos.

Pharmacies only accept prescriptions written by U.S. doctors, many of whom send them directly in digital form to the pharmacy where the patient will pick them up. Once the prescription is delivered, the pharmacy prepares it, a process that can take 15 to 30 minutes. The medicine is delivered in a cylindrical bottle and includes the name of the patient, the doctor, the remedy and instructions for use. 

Can I bring medicine into the United States?

As long as you have the prescription and it is in its original box, you can bring in up to a 90-day supply of medicines. It is recommended to have the prescription from your doctor translated to English as it could be a problem if you do not have it. Also, if you are going to a local doctor, it is best to bring your translated prescription with you so that they can continue your treatment. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in the United States?

In any emergency, no matter what type of assistance you need, you should call 911. The operator will ask you what your emergency is and your location. Answer the questions calmly and give as much information as you can, chances are help is already on the way.

Keep in mind that ambulance services in the USA are some of the most expensive in the world. Another reason to have health insurance. If you have the option of getting to an emergency room by your own means do it, it could save you thousands of dollars. 
 

U.S. entry requirements

Foreign nationals entering the U.S. will be required to be vaccinated against Covid-19. It is recommended, but not mandatory, to have a Covid test after entering the country.

It is not mandatory to wear a facemask anywhere, however it is recommended to use them in public transportation and health care facilities.

If you are planning to move permanently to the United States, certain vaccinations are required in order to live in the country. These are: mumps, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae, type B, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, varicella, pneumococcal disease and influenza.