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HEALTH CARE & HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE UNITED STATES
Health care in the United States is very expensive. People who need medical care must pay a great deal of money, unless they have health insurance.
People without health insurance risk extremely high costs and financial devastation in the event of even a moderate health problem.
Health insurance in the United States is complicated – for citizens and non-citizens alike! People who come to the United States often find that dealing with medical issues here can be both confusing and costly.
Health insurance in the United States is largely privatized. This means that individuals and families are responsible for making their own health insurance arrangements.
Health insurance is the key to quality health care! When you have health insurance, it gives you:
• Access to many more doctors
• Lower prices for doctor visits
• Lower prices for medicine
• Protection against catastrophic financial loss in the event of a serious illness/injury or pregnancy
Very little health care assistance is provided by the government. Visitors from other countries (including international students and families) are not given any health care assistance by the government.
Even with health insurance, you must be prepared to pay at least a small amount for your health care costs. No health insurance covers 100% of all health care costs. You must often pay a small amount each time you receive health care. This is called a “co-pay” or a “deductible”.
Health insurance is part of your financial responsibility when coming to the United States!
Learn more!
Click below for more information on the following topics:
• Health insurance options for international students and scholars
• Health insurance options for F-2 or J-2 family members
• Health Insurance Policy Requirements
• How to buy private health insurance in the US
• US companies that offer health insurance coverage to international students, scholars, and dependent family members
• Having a baby in the US
• Mental health care
• Local health facilities – where to go if you are sick or injured
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