Expatriate health insurance in the USA: what you need to know

Are you preparing for an expatriation to the United States, or perhaps you’ve already been settled for some time? Living in the United States has its advantages and disadvantages, which you need to bear in mind. We’ve organized a webinar in collaboration with FIAFE (Fédération Internationale des Accueils Français et Francophones d’Expatriés) on a subject of great interest to those deciding to expatriate to the USA: health. An international health expert, himself an expatriate in the U.S., an expatriate in the U.S. and an international health insurance expert came together for an hour to discuss the topic of expatriate health and health insurance in the U.S. If you’re lost in the red tape or wondering what the healthcare process is like, this webinar is for you. We’ve also covered the different costs of consultations and hospitalization. For example, the price of a dental consultation in the USA, or the price of an ultrasound in the USA. Going to the doctor in the USA can become a real challenge when you expatriate to the USA.

During this webinar, we discussed several key topics. “To begin with, our speakers explored how the USA organizes healthcare. Care pathways in the United States differ considerably from those in France. A diabetologist, who had himself experienced a USA expatriation to Miami, emphasized to participants that, in the USA, having health coverage is an essential step in receiving quality care, as there is no such thing as a free care system.

“You have to completely rethink your way of thinking. […] Everything is done through advertising, which is why you have to get advice. […] You have to forget the health reflexes you might have in France, it’s a different mentality and very costly”Réginald ALLOUCHE

Maternity care in the USA: an expense to consider before you leave

Healthcare in the U.S. is a particularly significant expense for families. This becomes even more apparent when it comes to pregnant women, as maternity-related costs are extremely high. Health-related costs, particularly maternity costs, remain extremely high. In 2024, a simple delivery can cost between $12,000 and $30,000, without complications. Multiple pregnancies or medical complications can multiply these costs significantly. Quality private health insurance is essential to avoid major financial outlays. Opting for private health insurance also gives you the freedom to choose your practitioner, while sparing you uncovered fees, co-payments, and many other additional expenses. Most Americans have health cover provided by their employer, but these companies often offer limited benefits. Going to the doctor in the USA can therefore become a real financial headache.

“Childbirth can cost up to a million dollars in the case of triplets.” Réginald ALLOUCHE

Rising healthcare costs in the USA

Healthcare reimbursement in the USA remains a crucial issue for any expatriate. Since 2021, health insurance costs in the USA have continued to rise. In 2024, this upward trend persists, with premium inflation of around 6% to 8% per year, notably due to medical innovations, general inflation and changes in healthcare policies. It’s essential to factor this increase into your budget before you leave.

“It’s becoming increasingly complicated to find French insurers willing to offer stable, quality-managed policies for the USA.”Raphaël LE BARS

Obamacare for the French in the USA

When relocating to the USA, it’s essential to take into account legal aspects such as Obamacare in terms of healthcare. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is still in force, although certain regulations vary from state to state. In 2024, several states reintroduced local minimum health insurance requirements, making compliant coverage necessary to avoid potential penalties. If you’re considering residing in states like California or Massachusetts, checking specific requirements is a must. Dr. ALLOUCHE highlighted this aspect with regard to Obamacare:

“For Obamacare, there was no longer a health questionnaire to avoid discrimination with insurers. Réginald ALLOUCHE

There’s no denying that the US healthcare system is complex in many respects. Administrative formalities are numerous, and the cost of care in the U.S. can be considerably high. Going to the doctor in the U.S. can be a real issue. On this subject, Raphaël, an expert in international healthcare, was keen to point out:

“We are brokers and comparators, but we are mainly there upstream, especially on the USA, we also help you once you’re there.”

Raphaël LE BARS Raphaël LE BARS

During this webinar dedicated toexpatriate health andhealth insurance in the USA, we were privileged to welcome Dany GALAND, President of FIAFE Washington. She shared her first-hand experience and the advice she wished she’d received before leaving for an expatriation in the USA.

“I encourage you to make a health plan and talk to your future expatriate family and friends about it.”Dany GALAND

Expatriates in the USA: Preparation, Care and Advice

This webinar, packed with interesting information about expatriate health and health insurance in the USA, will be of great use to those considering an expatriation to the USA or who are already expatriates. If you have any queries about expatriate health insurance in the USA, or about your medical treatment, please do not hesitate to contact one of our international health specialists. Living in the U.S. has its advantages and disadvantages, but going to the doctor in the U.S. shouldn’t be one of them!