Moving to the United States: 10 reasons and health insurance

The United States fascinates with its excessiveness, popular culture, dynamic economy and breathtaking scenery. For many, the American dream remains a lifelong goal. But expatriating to this country-continent requires preparation, particularly in terms of health, a point often underestimated. Here are the top 10 reasons to move to the U.S. – and essential information on choosing the right health insurance before you leave.

10 reasons to move to the USA

1. A comfortable quality of life

The USA is known for its wealth: the country is a true world power, and the US dollar is a benchmark. Salaries are generally higher than in France, providing a comfortable living environment. Many expatriates, French or otherwise, come to live here for a couple of years for the work experience and to save money, but household expenses are no greater. It all depends on the state you choose, of course, but even in California, which remains one of the most expensive states (especially for taxes), gas, electricity and public transport costs are no higher than in France. Finally, we’ll come back to this below, but the civic-mindedness and friendliness of the population contribute to this quality and comfort of life.

Cost-of-living comparison chart: USA vs France

📝*Health insurancefor expatriates, variable according to profile and coverage. Estimates for a single person in 2025.

2. A breeding ground for professional and entrepreneurial opportunities

The United States is a real breeding ground for jobs. Many multinationals have their headquarters here, and it’s easy to set up a business in any sector. There are lots of companies, lots of jobs, lots of money, people investing, creating, donating… As a result, salaries are attractive. The same goes for missions and positions. It’s not unusual to be given major responsibilities. Even if a degree is important, Americans value and appreciate the work that goes into it. If you’re hard-working, you’ll have no trouble finding a position and, above all, quickly progressing. Finally, the Civil Right Acts prohibit national preference when hiring: an employer will give the same opportunities to an expatriate as to an American.

3. Spectacular, diverse nature

America’s wide open spaces are unique in the world. Not only are the landscapes varied, but the regions and landscapes are immense. It’s easy to find yourself alone in the middle of a desert, a park or a forest – you’ll never be in a crowd of tourists. The Grand Canyon, Death Valley and the Mojave Desert all cover thousands of square kilometers. And between plains, mountains, beaches and deserts, there’s an incredible variety of landscapes.

4. An efficient but costly healthcare system

The U.S. healthcare system is a recurring topic of debate, due to its high cost and the absence of universal coverage for all residents. Unlike many European countries, there is no free public healthcare system for all. This means that, without insurance, even basic care can result in astronomical bills. For expatriates, it is therefore essential to take out international health insurance before moving to the USA. This will enable you to access health care without incurring excessive costs. Good health cover guarantees you access to the best care available, whether in public, private or university hospitals, which are recognized as being among the best equipped in the world. What’s more, you’ll benefit from high-quality medical care, with experienced nursing staff and state-of-the-art infrastructures, thanks in particular to major investments in medical research.Taking out international health insurance tailored to your situation will give you peace of mind, protecting you financially against the unexpected while enabling you to enjoy the high standards of care in the USA. Platforms such as Santexpat.fr facilitate this process by comparing health insurance offers for expatriates, to find the one that best suits your needs and budget

5. High-level education

As with health, education can be a subject of debate, as it too is expensive. Nevertheless, the level of education in the USA is high, and the country boasts some of the world’s best academies. Harvard, Stanford and MIT are all world-renowned institutions, and the smallest children are not left out. American education focuses on their development and well-being. In addition to the traditional subjects found in all schools, children have the opportunity to take part in theater, music and the creative arts, all of which contribute to their development and self-expression.

6. A different culture

Many people go to the United States expecting to arrive in a culture very similar to European culture: think again. American culture is very different indeed. And this culture, once you’ve arrived in the country, can be a real eye-opener.

7. A warm and respectful people

Americans are welcoming, smiling, friendly and optimistic. American culture is open and people-oriented. The “positive attitude” is American. Many Americans will say hello to you on the street, even if you’ve never met them. They’re friendly, warm-hearted, and will come to help you whenever they can. They’re also very civilized: your parcel can sit on your doorstep all day without anyone touching it (or even all week). And at the entrance to some parks, all you have to do is swipe a ticket. We trust you, and you can trust anyone.

8. A deeply multicultural country

The American dream isn’t just French; it exists in the consciousness of people all over the world. As a result, the United States has experienced immigration, and today the country is a concentration of all nationalities. If you choose the USA for your expatriation, you’ll rarely feel alone. You’ll meet other French people in your situation, and people from all over the world. This means you’ll be exposed to all kinds of cultures, as well as enjoying the culinary traditions of many countries, hearing many different languages and experiencing many different customs.

9. A dynamic lifestyle

Americans get up between 5 and 6 a.m. and start their day early. They can be at work by 7 a.m. and still be very active throughout the day. They finish early, which allows them to multiply their activities. In the USA, we live earlier and faster.

10. Freedom of lifestyle choice

Nature in Utah, big cities like New York or Los Angeles, the sunshine of Florida or California, the cold of Boston or Chicago… Whatever your preference, it’s all possible. The choice of climate and nature is yours. And don’t forget, since we’re talking about a country the size of a continent, you can find everything in the same territory, without having to take out your passport.

Expatriate health insurance for the USA: a must

When it comes to moving to the USA, the question of health insurance is crucial for expatriates. The American healthcare system, while one of the most advanced in terms of medical equipment and research, is also notoriously expensive. Medical costs can escalate rapidly, even for routine care, and accidents or serious illnesses can result in staggering bills. That’s why it’s essential to take out international health insurance before you leave. With the right coverage, you can benefit from the best care without worrying about high costs. Platforms such as Santexpat.fr offer an international health insurance comparison service, helping you to find the solution best suited to your needs, while guaranteeing personalized support and competitive prices.

Expatriating to the United States is an ambitious but incredibly rewarding project. If you’re considering this adventure, make sure you’re well prepared – especially when it comes to healthcare. To compare the best expatriate insurances, visit Santexpat.fr and find the plan that’s right for you.

How do I get to the USA?

While it’s easy to answer why, it’s much harder to answer how… The question of a visa is a tricky one in the USA. There are several depending on your status (student, worker, investor) and to obtain a visa, you’ll need to find a company willing to hire you and pay for the visa, a university, or register as a student. You’ll then need to make an appointment at the embassy, and meet all the requirements. The procedure is straightforward, but can take several months. Finally, if the visa allows you to live in the United States for a few years, the question of residency or American citizenship is even more complex and time-consuming… Despite this, it has to be said in conclusion that this is the country of all possibilities. American culture sets few limits, and children grow up with the idea that they can do anything. You can do anything, in every sense of the word, even go out and buy coffee at 2 a.m. because you know you’ll run out the next day, or have a cappuccino machine delivered at 9 p.m. on Sunday to get the week off to a good start. And that’s a good reason to move here: it’s a simple place to live