USA Guide: Health

We recommend that you make sure you are covered for healthcare at all times in the United States. This section provides information on the American healthcare system, doctors, hospitals and medical treatment. Things may not work the same way as at home, so get informed in case you get sick.

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  Introduction

  The American healthcare system

  The American healthcare system is very competent and advanced, but also very expensive. The American healthcare system is huge and you can find clinics and hospitals everywhere, even in the remotest areas of the country.

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  Doctors & Dentists

  Appointments, visits and insurance

  In America there are numerous types of doctors, from general practitioners to specialists such as cardiologists and dermatologists. Most people in the U.S. have a ‘primary-care physician’, who refers you to specialists or a hospital if necessary.

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  Hospitals

  How to deal with hospital and clinics

  American hospitals are usually very good and well-equipped. Many public hospitals, however, are overburdened with the treatment of uninsured patients, so most Americans prefer to be treated in a private hospital.

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  Health insurance

  How to cover your medical expenses in the US

  Your first priority when coming to the U.S. should be health insurance. Medication, doctors and hospitals are extremely expensive, so you must make sure that you are covered for sickness and emergencies.

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  Pharmacies

  How to get medication in the U.S.

  Americans take more pills than people in most other countries, and you can find a wide range of medicines at pharmacies, drugstores, hospitals and even at grocery stores. There are two types of medication: freely-available drugs and prescription only, which require a prescription from a doctor.

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  Emergencies

  Emergency numbers, hospitals and pharmacies

  Call 911 if you need urgent medical treatment or in case of emergency. You can call for an ambulance, police or firefighters using this number. You can dial 911 free of charge from any public phone.

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