Iam very sorry for your loss. However, It doesn't matter whether you are abroad or in the US. There are many here who die under the same circumstances because health care insurance is not affordable. I agree with the not moving abroad if you can't afford health insurance for those that have it. If you don't have it here, it's no different to not have it there.
‘If you can’t afford health insurance, you can’t afford to live abroad. Simple.’ 🤌🏻
Tried 18 months in the US as a type 1 diabetic without health insurance and without insulin. No amount of goat yoga will save you. Nearly died. Health is wealth. 💪🏻
First and foremost, I am so sorry for your losses. My mum is facing serious health problems right now, and, although we're on the edge of the abyss, I thank the universe every day we're in France where we don't have to worry about health insurance and the costs of things. I lived in the US for years and know oh too well how much stress and hardship these material conditions bring to an already emotionally draining situation. I always had health insurance but knew most of my fellow freelancer friends didn't.
I'm so glad to hear that you're in France and Are happy with the medical system there. Definitely remember to get yourself well covered should you travel! And I'm so sorry to hear about your mum's health problems. I will keep her in my prayers.
Hey Steven, many thanks for your thoughtful comment. The point of my post was to show what your experience can be like living abroad if you don't have health insurance, not necessarily to point out the weaknesses in the Mexican medical system.
That said, I would disagree with you that their deaths had zero to do with the Mexican medical system. But again, not the point of my post, and I don't know if I feel like going anymore into it then that right now.
Certainly, the private healthcare system is better, but also, like Thailand, one risks being treated like a walking ATM and being misdiagnosed in order to receive more expensive treatments that one does not need. I have personally experienced this, as have many of my friends and family.
Anyways, not planning to get into a debate about this, but just wanted to set the record straight from my experience. I'm glad that you have had nothing but good experiences down here in Mexico.
You have dealt with a lot. The grief, but also what I thought about a lot while reading this is that you were parenting your parents to a certain degree, which is extremely difficult (at least in my experience). I’m sorry. ❤️
I admire your fathers bravery and decision to end it when his quality of life was ultimately declining. That must’ve been hard to witness though.
Reading this makes me appreciate living in a place where health insurance is affordable, even for me as a freelancer. I pay less than €150 per month here in Amsterdam with very few co-pays. Important to mention I’m healthy overall (knock on wood). In New York, if I bought my own insurance, I’m sure it would be AT LEAST $500 per month and then I’d still have to pay all sorts of co-pays. This is a great lesson.
Good question! And tbh, I wasn't sure. So I googled it and on a government site, I found this info: Healthcare insurers are obliged to accept anyone who applies for the standard insurance package and must charge all policyholders the same premium, regardless of their age or state of health.
So I conclude that it is the same for everyone, regardless of age and health. ;)
Such a sad but I think common story. As an American, AND I AM IN HEALTHCARE!, I would assume that in many places I’d be better off abroad without insurance than in the US without insurance. Overall it’s just depressing sad and terrible. I’m sorry for your losses.
Depends on which state. In the US. Many states in the south and midwest have rejected taking federal medicaid money for their residents because the state would have to match the funds with some kind of state income tax or medical surcharge. Others put impossible work standards or limitations just to apply. Even if you have health insurance if you can’t work because of cancer, you may lose your insurance if you can’t afford the monthly premiums payments. Annd now the federal government is determined to slash the number of people on medicaid. But other countries where people retire to “save” money can be traps as well.
Nonsense. In America if you can't afford insurance you are eligible for highly subsidized Obamacare or Medicaid. If you arrive at an emergency room, they are required to treat you regardless of your ability to pay. If the system in Canada is so great why do so many Canadians come to the US for urgent or needed care?
Wow, Kaila this is devastating. Thank you for sharing. As I have been thinking about living abroad, insurance is just one of the things on the list. I don't know how to find it...yet. But it's something that I won't let slide. I'm just past middle age, but your final admonition is prescient..."later" comes far too soon. Thanks again for using such a horrific experience as a warning to others.
I'm so sorry your parents died in those circumstances. It must have been horrific to witness. I've lived abroad for 20years and I'd say always get the right health insurance. Don't get the most expensive that covers every little trip to the doctor. Just cover the big stuff. Airlifts, hospitalisation, operations and expensive treatment.
Hi Kaila, thank you so much for sharing this and WOW, my heart breaks for you and your family!!!!!
I have to add, that as an American, we have only $$$$$$$ for-profit healthcare options. I know of at least a dozen people, aged 20-53 who died in the US because they couldn't afford health insurance there. One couldn't afford an inhaler and died in her 30's from an asthma attack.
I think it's a huge (sometimes worldwide) issue and it's horrific!!
But in Spain, France and Portugal (other places as well) we have socialized healthcare that's amazing. In Spain for example, a foreigner without a visa or citizenship can receive full (and very good) healthcare without health insurance.
Personally I have private health insurance but I have many friends here in Portugal who don't and they receive very good care.
So I would tell people to do their due diligence and find out what the healthcare system is like in, not only the country they're moving to but also in the town they're moving to. For example, Porto has much better hospitals than the Algarve but I had no idea of this fact until after I moved here...
Yes this is an excellent point, Kimberly! I suppose I was writing this from a very Canadian-to-developing-country-with-developing-medical-system perspective. That's so good to know about Spain's healthcare, I keep hearing great things about it which is so reassuring!
And how incredible that they'll even provide full medical care to foreigners without a visa or coverage!? Wow — they really don't have to pay anything?
While I sympathize with your loss , it had zero to due with the Mexican healthcare system.
I lived there for 20 plus years. Have had heart work , emergency appendicitis surgery. 2 other less serious hernia surgeries -. All required overnight stays for multiple days.
The heart work was a 3 night stay. Stints. Total bill was $7500 usd. All costs.
A blue ribbon heart center. State of the art hospital. The allowed my friend to spend the 3 night in hospital with me.
All the stays and surgeries were far far better than anything I have ever experienced in usa.
Your parents , God rest their souls made decisions that led to the outcomes…
The social medical system sucks. Its horrible. Same or worse than Canada.
The private health care system in Mexico’ s major cities is outstanding. The fact that your mom was quoted $22 k was her reason to go to the social system. Her better option was to seek other opinions and pricing.
Sounds like the were lost in spanish speaking country. Tragic for sure but far from routine.
Many insurance companies in usa are paying to send patients into 5 major heart centers in Mexico to have heart work done.
I can't express how sorry I am that you experienced this. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable side of it all. After becoming a parent, it’s become so apparent that we’re all just human, and the vision we have of our parents is often skewed simply because of what we call them. We can’t help or guide them any more than we can regular people if they don’t want it. Personally, I’ve learned to accept it as it is, but it’s tough as hell. Sending you love throughout all of this!
Yes it took me a long time to understand that, Cassandra! Thank you 🙏 I'd so appreciate if you'd share it with your community too if you feel moved to ❤️
I’m sorry that you had to experience this and I’m sorry for your loss. It is hard to prepare for the unimaginable. I moved abroad with my husband, and we did prioritize health insurance. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer we had insurance which covered 70% of expenses, which were lower than they would have been in the US. It did not cover hospice, which was necessary, and expensive, however we could never have afforded the care he received had we been in the US. One thing that we did not think of planning for (that we absolutely should have) was what happens when you die in a foreign country? I found out that cremation was the ONLY option as a foreign national. If one wants to be buried, you have 72 hours to transport them home. This cost thousands of dollars. It is important to plan for all the things that could happen, if you can, when planning to leave your home country.
Yes repatriation of remains is a shocking phrase but it's on most health insurance policies I've had. Sorry to hear you found out the hard way, B. 😔 My condolences for your husband, too. ❤️
What a heartwrenching story of loss and love. I'm so sorry you had to go through this with both of your beloved parents. I applaud your courage to share this personal story; I know it will help others. Nothing changes unless we talk about it.
I'm so sorry you and your family had to go through all of this but it's kind of you to share your story with others as it will certainly make people think ❤️
Iam very sorry for your loss. However, It doesn't matter whether you are abroad or in the US. There are many here who die under the same circumstances because health care insurance is not affordable. I agree with the not moving abroad if you can't afford health insurance for those that have it. If you don't have it here, it's no different to not have it there.
That's a good point, Heather. ❤️🩹
This ❤️😢
I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. But, thank you for sharing and educating others.
Thanks Megan. It felt like the right thing to do.
‘If you can’t afford health insurance, you can’t afford to live abroad. Simple.’ 🤌🏻
Tried 18 months in the US as a type 1 diabetic without health insurance and without insulin. No amount of goat yoga will save you. Nearly died. Health is wealth. 💪🏻
Oh wow. So sorry to hear. Glad you survived. ❤️🩹
First and foremost, I am so sorry for your losses. My mum is facing serious health problems right now, and, although we're on the edge of the abyss, I thank the universe every day we're in France where we don't have to worry about health insurance and the costs of things. I lived in the US for years and know oh too well how much stress and hardship these material conditions bring to an already emotionally draining situation. I always had health insurance but knew most of my fellow freelancer friends didn't.
I'm so glad to hear that you're in France and Are happy with the medical system there. Definitely remember to get yourself well covered should you travel! And I'm so sorry to hear about your mum's health problems. I will keep her in my prayers.
Hey Steven, many thanks for your thoughtful comment. The point of my post was to show what your experience can be like living abroad if you don't have health insurance, not necessarily to point out the weaknesses in the Mexican medical system.
That said, I would disagree with you that their deaths had zero to do with the Mexican medical system. But again, not the point of my post, and I don't know if I feel like going anymore into it then that right now.
Certainly, the private healthcare system is better, but also, like Thailand, one risks being treated like a walking ATM and being misdiagnosed in order to receive more expensive treatments that one does not need. I have personally experienced this, as have many of my friends and family.
Anyways, not planning to get into a debate about this, but just wanted to set the record straight from my experience. I'm glad that you have had nothing but good experiences down here in Mexico.
That's right Steve, glad to hear you're planning to prioritise it!
You have dealt with a lot. The grief, but also what I thought about a lot while reading this is that you were parenting your parents to a certain degree, which is extremely difficult (at least in my experience). I’m sorry. ❤️
I admire your fathers bravery and decision to end it when his quality of life was ultimately declining. That must’ve been hard to witness though.
Reading this makes me appreciate living in a place where health insurance is affordable, even for me as a freelancer. I pay less than €150 per month here in Amsterdam with very few co-pays. Important to mention I’m healthy overall (knock on wood). In New York, if I bought my own insurance, I’m sure it would be AT LEAST $500 per month and then I’d still have to pay all sorts of co-pays. This is a great lesson.
Thank you Alexis. And yes you are certainly right about parenting my parents. I had to do a lot of that.
I'm glad to hear you have affordable health coverage, that's so reassuring.
I wonder if this is because you are young? Is healthcare more expensive for older people in Amsterdam?
Good question! And tbh, I wasn't sure. So I googled it and on a government site, I found this info: Healthcare insurers are obliged to accept anyone who applies for the standard insurance package and must charge all policyholders the same premium, regardless of their age or state of health.
So I conclude that it is the same for everyone, regardless of age and health. ;)
Yes it's so important, so glad it had an impact on you, Aisha. Thank you for sitting in the mud with me while I get this message out there ❤️
Yeah it’s fucking bonkers (in nyc).
Such a sad but I think common story. As an American, AND I AM IN HEALTHCARE!, I would assume that in many places I’d be better off abroad without insurance than in the US without insurance. Overall it’s just depressing sad and terrible. I’m sorry for your losses.
True yes, the message that you ought to stay home if you don't have health insurance doesn't apply to most Americans.
Thats so insane.. so if you're an american without health insurance you'd be better off going to another country?
From what I hear from Americans these days — in person and in the comments here — yes. (I agree, that's so unbelievable.)
Depends on income. If you're in lower income bracket you get state insurance that's basically free.
Depends on which state. In the US. Many states in the south and midwest have rejected taking federal medicaid money for their residents because the state would have to match the funds with some kind of state income tax or medical surcharge. Others put impossible work standards or limitations just to apply. Even if you have health insurance if you can’t work because of cancer, you may lose your insurance if you can’t afford the monthly premiums payments. Annd now the federal government is determined to slash the number of people on medicaid. But other countries where people retire to “save” money can be traps as well.
*case in point.
Yes
Nonsense. In America if you can't afford insurance you are eligible for highly subsidized Obamacare or Medicaid. If you arrive at an emergency room, they are required to treat you regardless of your ability to pay. If the system in Canada is so great why do so many Canadians come to the US for urgent or needed care?
Wow, Kaila this is devastating. Thank you for sharing. As I have been thinking about living abroad, insurance is just one of the things on the list. I don't know how to find it...yet. But it's something that I won't let slide. I'm just past middle age, but your final admonition is prescient..."later" comes far too soon. Thanks again for using such a horrific experience as a warning to others.
Hey Steve, yes I'm glad to hear that you're going to make it a priority. It's so critical!
I'm so sorry your parents died in those circumstances. It must have been horrific to witness. I've lived abroad for 20years and I'd say always get the right health insurance. Don't get the most expensive that covers every little trip to the doctor. Just cover the big stuff. Airlifts, hospitalisation, operations and expensive treatment.
Exactly right Lisa! That way it remains affordable so you can always keep it going.
Hi Kaila, thank you so much for sharing this and WOW, my heart breaks for you and your family!!!!!
I have to add, that as an American, we have only $$$$$$$ for-profit healthcare options. I know of at least a dozen people, aged 20-53 who died in the US because they couldn't afford health insurance there. One couldn't afford an inhaler and died in her 30's from an asthma attack.
I think it's a huge (sometimes worldwide) issue and it's horrific!!
But in Spain, France and Portugal (other places as well) we have socialized healthcare that's amazing. In Spain for example, a foreigner without a visa or citizenship can receive full (and very good) healthcare without health insurance.
Personally I have private health insurance but I have many friends here in Portugal who don't and they receive very good care.
So I would tell people to do their due diligence and find out what the healthcare system is like in, not only the country they're moving to but also in the town they're moving to. For example, Porto has much better hospitals than the Algarve but I had no idea of this fact until after I moved here...
Yes this is an excellent point, Kimberly! I suppose I was writing this from a very Canadian-to-developing-country-with-developing-medical-system perspective. That's so good to know about Spain's healthcare, I keep hearing great things about it which is so reassuring!
And how incredible that they'll even provide full medical care to foreigners without a visa or coverage!? Wow — they really don't have to pay anything?
While I sympathize with your loss , it had zero to due with the Mexican healthcare system.
I lived there for 20 plus years. Have had heart work , emergency appendicitis surgery. 2 other less serious hernia surgeries -. All required overnight stays for multiple days.
The heart work was a 3 night stay. Stints. Total bill was $7500 usd. All costs.
A blue ribbon heart center. State of the art hospital. The allowed my friend to spend the 3 night in hospital with me.
All the stays and surgeries were far far better than anything I have ever experienced in usa.
Your parents , God rest their souls made decisions that led to the outcomes…
The social medical system sucks. Its horrible. Same or worse than Canada.
The private health care system in Mexico’ s major cities is outstanding. The fact that your mom was quoted $22 k was her reason to go to the social system. Her better option was to seek other opinions and pricing.
Sounds like the were lost in spanish speaking country. Tragic for sure but far from routine.
Many insurance companies in usa are paying to send patients into 5 major heart centers in Mexico to have heart work done.
The public social system is not a option.
Sorry I meant to 'reply' to this comment Steven, but it just posted as a comment down below. Just a heads up!
I can't express how sorry I am that you experienced this. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable side of it all. After becoming a parent, it’s become so apparent that we’re all just human, and the vision we have of our parents is often skewed simply because of what we call them. We can’t help or guide them any more than we can regular people if they don’t want it. Personally, I’ve learned to accept it as it is, but it’s tough as hell. Sending you love throughout all of this!
Yes it took me a long time to understand that, Cassandra! Thank you 🙏 I'd so appreciate if you'd share it with your community too if you feel moved to ❤️
I’m sorry that you had to experience this and I’m sorry for your loss. It is hard to prepare for the unimaginable. I moved abroad with my husband, and we did prioritize health insurance. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer we had insurance which covered 70% of expenses, which were lower than they would have been in the US. It did not cover hospice, which was necessary, and expensive, however we could never have afforded the care he received had we been in the US. One thing that we did not think of planning for (that we absolutely should have) was what happens when you die in a foreign country? I found out that cremation was the ONLY option as a foreign national. If one wants to be buried, you have 72 hours to transport them home. This cost thousands of dollars. It is important to plan for all the things that could happen, if you can, when planning to leave your home country.
Yes repatriation of remains is a shocking phrase but it's on most health insurance policies I've had. Sorry to hear you found out the hard way, B. 😔 My condolences for your husband, too. ❤️
What a heartwrenching story of loss and love. I'm so sorry you had to go through this with both of your beloved parents. I applaud your courage to share this personal story; I know it will help others. Nothing changes unless we talk about it.
So true Elizabeth. Thank you.❤️
I'm so sorry you and your family had to go through all of this but it's kind of you to share your story with others as it will certainly make people think ❤️
Thank you, I hope so 😌