Foreign visitors to the US have naturally started to worry about the typical cost of a medical visit or a trip to the ER in light of recent media coverage of healthcare cost woes in the US. Even though it is not required, having travel health insurance is strongly advised because medical care in the USA is more expensive than in any other nation on earth.
But how much does going to the doctor actually cost in the US? Will guests who suffer a minor sprain be required to deposit half of their life savings at the hospital? What if a health emergency arises that is more serious? What if you have a collision?
How Much Does a Doctor’s Visit Cost in the USA Without Insurance?
In the United States of America, the average cost of a doctor’s visit is not excessive if all you need is a consultation and not actual medical care. The cost in these circumstances may range from $200 to $300. However, the costs might pile up rapidly if you truly need to attend the emergency room because you are ill or have been hurt.
The cost of an ER visit, however, also relies on a number of other variables, including the hospital you attend and your health insurance plan’s coverage (or lack thereof). In addition, the cost of your hospital stay may be influenced by your therapy and even your doctor. Additionally, keep in mind that the prior values represent an average, meaning some people spend far more.
Costs of Medical Care in the USA
If you don’t have health insurance, a sprained ankle or other unforeseen illness during your vacation might wind up costing you thousands of dollars. The US has some of the highest medical care costs in the world. The expense of medical tests and treatments is among the factors contributing to the high cost of an ER visit in the US.
Medications
The US government does not bargain the pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals with pharmaceutical corporations before they are released, which is another factor contributing to the country’s high medical expenditures. As a result, these costs are frequently quite substantial. For instance, the cost of diabetes treatment might reach $500. On the other side, you may find over-the-counter drugs (such as pain relievers, cold remedies, etc.) at incredibly low costs.
Surgery
The cost of surgery in the US varies depending on the operation you require. For instance, a tonsillectomy might cost anywhere between $4,000 and $8,000 or more. At least $10,000 is required for gallbladder removal, however, hundreds of thousands may be required for heart and brain operations. You can also be compelled to pay extra expenses for the hospital stay, the operating room’s hourly rate, and the anaesthetic.
Hospitalization
In the US, hospital stays can range in cost from hospital to hospital, but on average cost around $3,000 each day. This implies that a ten-day recuperation time may cost you $30,000. The cost is significantly higher if your illness necessitates recovery in an intensive care unit (ICU).
Tourist Health Insurance in the US
Visitors to the US may not always need to get travel health insurance before they enter the country, unlike Schengen Visas. But when it comes to the high costs, getting short-term travel health insurance is preferable to paying out of cash. If nothing else, it will offer you comfort to know that even if something occurs, going to the ER won’t put you in danger of going bankrupt. The insurance plan’s cost varies. Depending on the level of coverage you choose, the length of time you will be in the US, and your age, the cost might range from $2 to over $10 each day.
Expatriates’ Health Insurance in the US
You must get private health insurance if you want to stay in the United States for an extended period of time. Once more, health insurance is not required in the US. You can choose not to, but doing so will be at your own risk. This article about health insurance for Canadian expatriates should be read if you are a Canadian residing in the United States.
In many circumstances, if you have a US Work Visa, your company will cover your health insurance costs. If they don’t, you’ll have to buy it on your own from an international health insurance provider.
International students may be eligible for F1 Visa Health Insurance, which is frequently provided by the institution as a required insurance plan with set coverage. However, you often have to foot the bill for the insurance policy. Depending on the state, the level of coverage, and the health insurance provider you select, health insurance plans in the US cost, on average, $400 a month.