The US Healthcare System

To all international students studying in the United States, the US health care system might seem impossibly complicated and confusing. This is because the US health care system is impossibly complicated and confusing; most US citizens don’t even fully understand it. The following is a short guide to help you to better understand the US health care system, so you will be fully prepared for your stay in the United States.

Quality of US Health Care

The United States boasts the greatest medical expertise and the finest clinics in the world. If you are sick or injured during your studies in the US and you are treated in a US hospital, you can be certain that you are receiving some of the finest care in the world.

The US Spends Money On Health Care

The US spends far more on health each year than most countries; in 2009, the US spent 17.4 per cent of GDP on health, far more than the “rich country average of 9.6 per cent (OECD).” For reference, the next highest spender was Holland at 12 percent of its national wealth.

Life Expectancy Evaluated

In spite of this, 40 countries, including nations such as Chile, have a greater life expectancy than the US. America was placed at number 37 on a landmark World Health Organization ranking of health care systems in 2000.

Health Care Bottom Line

One possible explanation for this may be simply that medical care does not affect health and longevity as much as public health measures and lifestyle. Yet in matters such as vaccinations, the US strictly enforces health protection.
Another potential explanation is the absence of a nationally organized health care system in the US. Such systems can be economic for many reasons: supplies can be bought in bulk; wasteful prescribing can be controlled; unnecessary medical interventions can be limited.

The Value of Health Insurance

As long as you have health insurance, this should not affect you as an international student in the US. With health insurance, you will be entitled to the high quality care provided by the US health care system. However, without valid health insurance, you may find that quality health care is not nearly as accessible to you, and you may need to pay colossal medical fees should you become ill or injured.