An update on healthcare in the USA
The United States offers some of the best healthcare in the world, but also some of the most expensive. To give you an example, a consultation with a general practitioner costs an average of $80, with prices reaching $230 in certain states such as California and New York; a day’s hospital care costs an average of $4,000 per day; and hospitalization for an appendectomy costs between $34,000 and $50,000, depending on the state. Beyond the price of services, the major problem in the United States is that there is no social protection system accessible to all. Working residents have to take out private insurance to be covered. Not everyone can benefit from the same care and, above all, the same reimbursements. There are organizations for the most disadvantaged, such as medicaid and medicare for retirees, but they do not reimburse the full cost of care, nor do they offer the best. It’s important to note that, as a French expat in the U.S., you have access to the best benefits… That’s a great opportunity. There are several things you should know: you can choose between local and international coverage. Not all of them offer the same coverage. Also, HMO, PPO, EPO: healthcare organizations don’t speak the same language (in every sense of the word). Don’t hesitate to find out how the local healthcare system works and, above all, what you’re entitled to (from your employer, your future colleagues or from our experts).
Why take out international health insurance?
As an expatriate abroad, you are no longer entitled to French social security coverage. You depend on the country you’re in. In the event of a medical need in the USA, you cannot benefit from French coverage or reimbursements… Which makes sense, but in a country like the USA, where healthcare costs are among the highest in the world, we strongly recommend that you leave covered. You should also be aware that if you don’t have sufficient health cover, the hospital has the right to refuse you access to medical care… Which, in the event of a serious accident or emergency, can be fatal. Good health insurance is essential, but the question is whether
- your company will pay for all or part of your and your family’s health insurance, and what kind of care and reimbursements it offers.
Please note: the price of private health insurance in the U.S. depends on your age, your situation, where you live (zip code) and the network of providers to which you have access.
- You can take out aninternational insurance policy that covers you for the entire duration of your stay in the United States.
3 tips for choosing your international health insurance for the USA
1. Do your homework
Before you leave, it’s essential to contact your company. Find out whether your health cover and that of your family members will be covered. Is your company prepared to pay for your insurance? What kind of coverage does it offer? And what doesn’t it cover? If your contract doesn’t cover you, or if the proposed insurance doesn’t meet your needs, it’s up to you to arm yourself!
2. Subscribe to CFE
CFE, for Caisse des Français à l’étranger, will not cover all your healthcare costs in the United States. In fact, it only offers reimbursements up to the limit of the rates offered in France… However, you should know that paying contributions to the CFE means you can continue to contribute to your retirement and benefit from coverage when you return to France.
3. Compare the best mutual health insurance offers
You can choose between private American insurance and international insurance for expatriates. However, you should be aware that international insurance is generally 10% to 40% cheaper than American insurance. This depends on the state you’re in. There are also several international offers to cover you in the USA. There is 1st dollar insurance, CFE complementary insurance,insurance for expatriates… It’s important to make a comparison before your expatriation to benefit from the best offer. Please note that, since the Obamacare reform, few insurers offer products that comply with theAffordable Care Act. Please visit our website Santexpat.fr to find out more and to compare the options available. Depending on your situation and age, our health experts will select the best insurance options for you and help you find the company or health organization that’s right for you
