Health
Healthcare Costs in the USA for Expatriates and Visitors
The costs of getting medical care in the United States without health insurance
Every traveller who is planning on taking a trip abroad is always advised to purchase health insurance. In fact, travel health insurance is an obligatory requirement for visa applications to many countries, including the Schengen Area. That’s because, without health insurance, the doctor visit costs may add up higher than your entire trip; in some countries more so than others.
With recent media coverage of healthcare cost nightmares in the US, foreigners traveling there have understandably started becoming concerned about the average cost of a doctor visit or a trip to the ER.
Having Travel Health insurance while visiting the USA is optional, but highly recommended and necessary since health services are very costly, more than in any other country anywhere across the globe.
But, just how much does a doctor visit cost in the US? Will visitors have to leave half of their life savings at the hospital because of a simple sprain? What if a more serious medical emergency pops up? What if you get into an accident?
How Much is a Doctor’s Visit Without Insurance in the USA?
The average cost of a doctor’s visit in the US is not too high – provided it is just a consultation and you do not need actual medical treatment. In these cases, the price can range from $200-$300.
On the other hand, if you actually are sick or have sustained an injury and need to visit the Emergency Room, then the prices can quickly add up.
According to a study conducted by the National Institute for Health, the average cost of an ER visit in the US is $2168. The average prices for some of the most common reasons for ER visits are as follows:
For sprains and strains: $1498
For open wounds or extremities: $1650
For a normal pregnancy or delivery: $2008
For a headache: $1727
For back problems: $1476
For a kidney stone: $4247
For a urinary tract infection (UTI): $2598
For an upper respiratory infection: $1101
For an intestinal infection: $2398
For other injuries: $2103
However, the cost of an ER visit depends on several other factors such as the coverage of your health insurance plan (or whether you have an insurance plan at all) and even which hospital you go to. Additionally, your treatment and even your doctor may affect the cost of your hospital visit.
And keep in mind that the earlier figures are an average, which means some people pay much more than that.
Medical Treatment Costs in USA
The US has some of the highest prices in the world regarding medical treatment, and if you don’t have health insurance, a sprained ankle or another unexpected injury during your trip could end up costing you thousands of dollars. One of the reasons why an ER visit in the US can reach such high prices is due to the cost of medical tests and procedures.
Ambulances
In the US, an ambulance ride is not paid from taxpayer money. Much like the rest of the healthcare services in the US, ambulances are also a private business and can reach hefty fees.
The cost for an ambulance ranges from $400 to over $1200, depending on the mileage.
The cost for an air ambulance ranges from $2,000 to upwards of $200,000
Medical tests/screenings
Doctors in the US tend to order more medical tests as compared to other countries. This has been referred to as “defensive medicine” – as a way of protecting themselves from a possible lawsuit. What’s more, these tests are also more expensive.
Blood tests can range from $100 to upwards of $3,000 in price
An X-Ray can range from $150 to over $3,000
An MRI can cost from $1,000 to more than $5,000
Medications
Another reason why medical costs are so high in the US is because the government does not negotiate the prices of prescription drugs with pharmaceutical companies before they release them. As such, these prices are often very high. Diabetes medication, for example, can cost upwards of $500.
On the other hand, you can find over-the-counter medication (cold medicine, pain reliever etc) for very reasonable prices.
Surgery
Prices for surgical procedures in the US depend on the type of procedure you need. For example, tonsillectomy can set you back from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. Gallbladder removal is at least $10,000 whereas brain and heart surgery can reach hundreds of thousands.
In addition, you may also be required to pay additional fees for hospital stay, per-hour costs of the operating room as well as the anesthesia.
Hospitalization
The price of a hospital stay in the US can change from one hospital to the other, but on average, it is about $3,000 per day. This means that a ten-day recovery period may set you back $30,000.
If your condition requires you to recover in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), the price is even higher than that.
Dental treatment
A trip to the dentist can also be pricey, although it’s not going to put you at risk of bankruptcy. A dental examination costs about $50, whereas a tooth extraction is set at about $280. Average prices for some other common dental problems are:
Tooth filling: $115 – $190
Root canal: $695
Sedated tooth removal: $217
Wisdom tooth removal: $175
Health Insurance for Tourists in the US
Unlike for Schengen Visas, tourists to the US do not necessarily have to purchase travel health insurance before they enter the country. However, when faced with the hefty fees, obtaining short-term travel health insurance is the superior option to paying from your own pocket. If nothing, it will give you peace of mind knowing that even if something happens, you won’t be at risk of going bankrupt from a visit to the ER.
The price of the insurance plan changes. It can be as little as $2 per day to over $10 per day, depending on the coverage you select, the number of days you are staying in the US, as well as your age.
Health Insurance for Expatriates in the US
If you intend to live in the US long-term, you have to get private health insurance. Again, health insurance in the US is not compulsory. You have the option of forgoing it but it will be at your own risk. If you are a Canadian living in the USA, you should check this guide to health insurance for Canadian expats.
If you are a US Work Visa holder, in many cases, your employer will provide health insurance for you. If they do not, you must purchase it yourself through an international health insurance company.
If you are an international student, you can get F1 Visa Health Insurance, which is often offered by the school as a compulsory insurance plan with predetermined coverage. Even so, you usually have to pay for the insurance plan yourself.
Health insurance plans in the US cost an average of $400 per month, depending on the state as well as the coverage and the health insurance company you choose.
Note: Please keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only and that the costs displayed are an average and may differ from state to state and even from one hospital or one doctor to the other.
A member representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo State at the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has announced a plan to launch a “Mobile Clinic” programme aimed at providing essential healthcare services directly to rural communities across the constituency.
Scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, this initiative underscores Oseni’s commitment to expanding healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations.
Speaking on Saturday at the 10th-anniversary celebration of God’s Knot Hospital in Ologuneru, Ibadan, the lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), highlighted the programme’s primary objective: bringing healthcare closer to the people.
“Every community deserves attention; healthcare should never be bound by geographical barriers,” Oseni stated.
He explained that the mobile clinics would deliver essential health check-ups, screenings, and preventive care in remote areas, allowing residents to access quality healthcare without traveling long distances.
As part of his broader healthcare agenda, Oseni informed, through a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, that he has already facilitated the construction of two fully equipped maternity centers within his constituency, both slated for commissioning before December 2024. He also disclosed plans to establish two modern general hospitals in 2025, further strengthening his commitment to building a healthier community.
The lawmaker expressed interest in collaborating with God’s Knot Hospital on the mobile clinic project, calling for partnerships to support sustainable healthcare initiatives that enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the constituency.
“I resonate deeply with the mission of God’s Knot Hospital,” Oseni shared, adding that such partnerships would significantly improve healthcare in Oyo State”.
The anniversary event attracted distinguished guests, including former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, whom Oseni commended for his contributions to healthcare, particularly through the Mother and Child Hospitals that transformed maternal and child healthcare in Ondo State.
Oseni urged philanthropists, government bodies, and international organizations to support healthcare projects like the upcoming mobile clinics, emphasising that the improvement of healthcare services is a shared responsibility.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the immediate closure of the Gomboru drug market in Maiduguri following severe flooding that submerged the area and contaminated the drugs sold within the market.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAFDAC disclosed that the decision was made after reports surfaced that contaminated drugs, which had been washed and sun-dried for resale, were being sold at the market.
“After the recent flooding in Maiduguri that submerged the Gomboru drug market where contaminated drugs were washed and sun-dried for resale, the @DGatNAFDAC ordered the immediate closure of the market to conduct a thorough shop-to-shop removal of these compromised drugs,” the agency wrote.
The flooding, which ravaged Maiduguri, was triggered by the rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the city.
The floodwaters claimed at least 30 lives and displaced 400,000 residents, leaving large parts of the city and surrounding areas in devastation.
NAFDAC’s intervention is aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing the sale and consumption of contaminated drugs.
The agency has mobilized teams to inspect the market and ensure the removal of all compromised pharmaceutical products.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State has expressed deep concern following the recent outbreak of cholera cases in the state.
Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water and food, poses significant health risks, particularly in densely populated areas with inadequate sanitation.
Oseni urged residents of Oyo State, especially those in his constituency, to prioritise hygiene practices and strictly adhere to recommended safety measures, emphasising the critical importance of proactive measures to halt the disease’s spread.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the state capital, the lawmaker underscored the necessity of maintaining clean water sources and practicing proper sanitation methods.
“Cholera outbreaks can be significantly reduced if we all take responsibility for our hygiene habits and ensure our surroundings are clean,” he stated.
The APC chieftain also stressed the urgency of seeking prompt medical attention at the first signs of symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which are characteristic of cholera.
“Early detection and treatment are crucial in combating cholera and preventing its spread. Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are fundamental rights that must be upheld, especially during health crises like this,” he asserted.
Oseni further called for unity and collective action in combating the cholera outbreak.
He expressed confidence that through concerted efforts and vigilant adherence to preventive measures, communities can contain and ultimately overcome this challenging public health issue.
“By working together, maintaining vigilance, and prioritising hygiene practices, we can effectively mitigate the impact of cholera on our communities,” the lawmaker concluded.
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