How To ESCAPE the USA HEALTHCARE SCAM!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

According to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are not allowed to charge more for pre-existing conditions, but that was not my experience. As a self-employed person, I had a marketplace plan for 4 years prior to my spinal surgeries. Each year, the plans expired at the end of December and I had to re-enroll each December during open enrollment for a new plan to start in January. Each year, my monthly cost roughly doubled from one plan to the next. During the year of my spinal surgeries, I was paying around $400/month, which was a challenge to cover. At open enrollment that December, my rate jumped to $1200/month for a higher deductible plan, which I simply couldn't afford. It's hard to imagine a reason for the drastic jump if they didn't take my pre-existing condition into account. I opted to go on Amelia's company plan, which had a $12K deductible and a 40% copay after that. Then we started making plans to leave the US.

[@dougb8325]

I wonder if this was due to the pre-existing condition, or was it a result of your increasing income + age and reduced subsidy allocated by gov't.

[@dougb8325]

...I'm on ACA for first time this year, and my subsidy was totally determined once income predicted. After that, I chose a provider/plan, and nowhere along the way did pre-existing conditions come up.

[@dougb8325]

...should have said subsidy & premium instead of just subsidy.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

@@dougb8325 I was on a marketplace plan for 4 years, so they had my history even if I didn't provide it during enrolment.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

​@@dougb8325 My income actually went down that year since I wasn't able to work for several months, and Amelia took a 40% pay cut when she gave up her high paying regional sales job to take a local job so she could help during my recovery. My age went from 42 to 43 the previous October. That's not normally a significant age change. I didn't qualify for any subsidies during my 4 years on the marketplace plan.

[@enriquejaimes3368]

I am from Mexico city but currently living in the US. I have one of the best insurances for my company. It is much cheaper for me to buy a plane ticket, fly to Mexico, get all my dental procedures done, visit family, buy some presents for them, do a couple of weekend trips and come back. Even though I have this "amazing" dental insurance. It is ridiculous!! I really feel sorry for the average US people for being trapped and abused in such a way by their health care system. Needless to say, I not planning to retire in the US at all.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Wow! Thanks for sharing! Ese es loco! 🤦‍♂️

[@jrlove1815]

If I told you what my insurance costs, you wouldn't believe me.

[@carriea.7716]

My husband and I go to Mexico for all dental work too. Excellent dentists, top of the line instruments, and 1/4 the price. (All the dentists where I live drive Ferrari, Bentley and Rolls Royce...) I'll give my $ to Mexico and pray they don't build a wall to keep us out.

[@vzhgdo]

I'm a mexican in a similar situation. Get my dental work done every single year in Mexico, plus vision, dermatologist, plus I had my eye laser surgery done.. you never end up losing money paying out of pocket in Mexico including the flight and a mini vacation, even when you compare it to a very good insurance. I was unlucky enough to had an emergency procedure in the US (appendix bursted) and I realized that healthcare is not only a scam in America, but first level care is just horrible and inefficient. Never ever I will get anything done here (thats not an emergency) or retire here. I feel bad for people that dont have alternatives.. how the heck they manage to survive here?

[@vzhgdo]

Ohh and by the way.. since I still had my mexican medical insurance with international extension, that insurance was a better option to pay for the procedure than the local one. Exceptions, in-network, out of network, and all that crap you deal with here.. one doctor might be in network, but the next one that visits you might not..., just horrible...the mexican one just cared about the emergency and I only had to pay $100 (for all the bills - $145K usd) and the money I paid at the ER was refunded.

[@jclf1]

When a country enables medical healthcare being a business, things are not going well.

[@jimcazador6057]

I agree, but when you let Government run the healthcare system it adds so many levels of bureaucracy and lazy medical professionals to it, the Scandals of our NHS would shock you, we had Harold Shipman a serial killer doctor that is thought to have killed nearly 200 elderly people with lethal injections, no one questioned him until relatives found the wills of the dead were altered. We put the profession on a pedestal and never question them. Of course with privatisation you get greed, what is the balance?

[@gary9933]

It should be regulated like a utility.

[@Crosshatch1212]

Welcome to the future everywhere .

[@gilberth6697]

When a country enables medical education/college being a business, things are not going well.

[@colico14]

America is so lost. EVERYTHING is commodified to the extreme. Greed isn't just enabled, but encouraged! Corporations own this country, and it's all sold to us as "freedom!"

[@admiralcraddock464]

I'm in the UK and two months ago I woke up in the morning and found I was blind in one eye. I phoned the optician who said go straight to hospital immediately as it could be a dethatched retina. I phoned the local hospital and explained the symptoms. Five hours later i was seeing an eye specialist, and 7am next day I was being operated on the rectify it. It was a total success, but I was told a cataract might develop as a result of the surgery. I had a check up four weeks later and was told all was well except for that cataract I was told about. I`ve got another appointment in a weeks time and am awaiting a date for the cataract removal. At no time was I asked for insurance detail, deposit, credit card numbers etc. All they needed was my GP`s name so they could get my medical records. I didn`t even need to give my NI number. Our NHS isn't perfect but i`d much rather have it than have to worry about paying huge medical bills if my rip off insurance company started to weasel out of paying for it all.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That sounds like a dream for us Yanks! Thanks for sharing your experience! 👍

[@SELondonUSA]

The NHS was excellent until the politicians, working at the behest of the usual domestic and foreign privatisation forces, started to destroy it. Not long before it will be completely gone.

[@jameskonzek8892]

I claimed Bankruptcy 13 years ago because of medical bills. Luckily I've been healthy ever since.

[@EdgyNumber1]

@@AmeliaAndJP Yes. But the Conservative government of the UK is deliberately running the UK NHS down in order to push people onto an American healthcare system. THE NHS IS BROKEN AND IT WILL TAKE A GENERATION TO FIX IT.

[@lillia5333]

@Peacelily I think that India has paid for British health service for years to come with all the riches you stole there and people you killed... no offense though. You, personally is not responsible.

[@scottieontherocks]

As a Canadian, it has always seemed to me that the health care system in the U.S. is more akin to a criminal enterprise than a health care system. It's insane that people in the U.S. seem to accept this.

[@njoynature123]

We are a bunch of lemmings

[@Pipporemba]

Here's an example of the scam: My American friend had an accident while skiing in Germany. The ambulance had to come and take him to the hospital where he stayed for two nights in a private room. My friend had no insurance in Germany so he had to pay for everything out of pocket. The total cost was about 500 Euro = $500. Yes, American friends, you read that correctly.

[@jimvanbeek589]

@@GUITARTIME2024 Paying is the right thing to do.

[@danman1287]

@@GUITARTIME2024 I can't believe your post. Its all about u.

[@BeckyPoleninja]

@@GUITARTIME2024 why rip off a country that has taken great care of you ? Self Centre

[@adamrogowski2748]

An office sent my wife to the ER. Because they thought she may need emergency surgery. She was in an ER bed for several hours no procedures done. We were uninsured at the time. $2,000. I was at a hospital for 90 minutes to have an EKG done. $450. .... Also uninsured at the time ...... ........... Guess what country I love in lul

[@Pipporemba]

That’s absolutely crazy. I mean it’s really just stealing money from you. Disgusting.

[@thedarkfox9851]

As a german and after doing some research I struggle to find a better word to describe USA Healthcare other than scam

[@cindi7228]

This whole country is a scam. That’s what we are. A scam.

[@KK-vu3vo]

Bingo! I'm self-employed and will be retiring soon at age 60. We will be making the move abroad primarily due to the deplorable healthcare system in the U.S.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Welcome to the unconventional club! 🥳

[@KK-vu3vo]

@@AmeliaAndJP We're going on a reconnaissance mission to Cuenca in September!

[@angel-stories2547]

That's true, the prices in the states for healthcare are so high, and considering that once above 55-60 people start getting sick more easily and of more chronic diseases, it would be a nightmare to me

[@KK-vu3vo]

@@angel-stories2547 I'm 57, very fit and healthy (former collegiate athlete), but a big unexpected healthcare cost would jeopardize my retirement savings. Even if I continue to work until I'm eligible for Medicare I'm still at the mercy of the private insurance industry, which year after year covers less and less while continually raising the premium and the deductible.

[@geoffoakland]

A family member just retired at 60 and she pays 1200 a month for 'health' insurance in the US. I'm almost 59 and paying 1200 a month would mean I would be living in my car. So glad im living in Europe.

[@bsalvis]

The first 60 seconds of this video really speaks to me. The current state of the US health system is a real catastrophe.

[@rgadave]

It's working just fine !.....exactly as your Government wants it to be.

[@geoffoakland]

Watch the film 'Sicko' if you haven't seen it already. Good luck.

[@danielmurphy6]

Thank you Amelia & JP, for being so transparent. You're 100% correct in referring to the United States Healthcare Industry as a SCAM. It's become one of several reasons I feel the U.S. is becoming a third world player in healthcare, as it is directly responsible for destroying untold lives, from the inhumane standpoint of being profit driven. To think as a private citizen, you're forced to obtain a ridiculously expensive "middleman entity" that may or may not allow you permission for a particular treatment - is PATENTLY INSANE. God bless you both.

[@amylee9]

We are becoming not a third world in healthcare but a third work country.

[@louiekidd251]

The US government has been working hard to drive up the cost of health care. Along with everything else.

[@louiekidd251]

@N A This is not Capitalism. This is destructionism. The government has been working to destroy our jobs for 23 years. They are putting farmers out of work. They want- to destroy businesses.

[@dthomas9230]

@N A Capitalist Democracies face no such issue as Democracies work when allowed to. America was one from 1934 to 1981. Trickledown supply side killed the middle class and democracy. But, congress was put up for sale on K Street.

[@cracker_jacked_jlu]

@@louiekidd251 they didn't under Obama, the plan was originally to be low cost or free but the Republicans made it suck so they could use it to blame and beat the Democrats with it. That is how it always works in the States.

[@biff9999]

Leukemia 5 years ago - burned through hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars of my own money on deductibles and copays, because my chemotherapy was $2000 per week. Per week. For years. Broke me financially, since I spent all my money, and also couldn't work at the time. Made too much for subsidized cheaper-cost insurance, but nowhere near enough to pay for everything. Had to stop working so I was classified as indigent, and then go on Medicaid during those years, to stay alive. I'm alive now, but all my money and possessions are gone. Just turned 65, so now I have Medicare. But, I have nothing else except Social Security income. And I still owe lots of money to three different hospital systems. Unless you're a multi-millionaire, the healthcare system in this country is savage to your finances if you suffer from some major illness or injury that takes years to resolve. It's the most brutal sort of capitalism.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That’s heartbreaking! I’m so sorry!

[@friendlyfire7861]

That's truly horrible and awful. I was lucky in many ways but was also looking at just one prescription that would cost $1000/month. This was for a drug that was able to be produced generically--and is in the reast of the world--but not in the US because "reasons." As I said, I was lucky here, too and didn't get hit with that, but it was a telling example of the kind of distortions and cronyism we have. I would like to respectfully point out that the cause if it wasn't capitalism but the drug monopolies and the crony relationship they have with government. That is to say, it's distictly un-capitalistic. System-wide, healthcare is 50% paid for by government, which means it is 50% controlled (mismanaged) by government. On top of that, government tolerates and works for monopolistic forces. So the system absolutely needs to go, and it ruins many many thousands of lives, savings, homes, etc., every year, but in my opinion we need to keep in mind that the bad actors are monopolistic and unaccountable entities that inevitably work against their "customers"--because they aren't customers. So I would suggest the real answer would be a genuine free market, which lowers cost while increasing quality. So I'm glad you have been able to find a good place in Ecudaor--so am I, and I am really appreciative of Amelia and JP's efforts to help us out.

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

Please check out Brandon Weaver.. he may be able to help you navigate those medical bills

[@gerriweits6]

My heart is breaking for you, what a horrible tragedy! Be well, and I'm sending up prayers for you, Biff!

[@karenneely6518]

Don't pay the bills

[@Pipporemba]

It's sad...no, it's actually heartbreaking how the richest country in the world...THE RICHEST COUNTRY ON THIS PLANET...does not provide universal health care for it's citizens. Even the poorest European country does it. It's just one of the basic things you'd give your citizens. A country that doesn't care about the health, safety (guns) and education of it's people is like a mother that neglects her child. It's absolutely violent.

[@jonslagter]

Virtually No country provides "free" health care. Governments do not create anything, it is paid for by the people it taxes. It is funded by multiple layers of taxes. You also pay more for what you get as government is the worst way to handle money and management. You obviously do not care about freedom or personal responsibility. A huge part of the cost of U.S. healthcare is due to an over litigious society. We have to pay a lot due to doctors and hospitals having to bear the cost of many lawsuits and insurance against lawsuits. We have to pay extra because we end up paying for numerous people who use the emergency room as their primary care service and receive it for free be cause the hospital cant not charge them for it.

[@Pipporemba]

@@jonslagter I'm well aware that those things are paid for by taxes. I'm a German who's lived in the U.S. for a while now and I'd compare the two systems first hand. The U.S. shouldn't increase the working class taxes, it'd tax the wealthy and big corporations on a much higher level because they're hoarding SO MUCH wealth. The American working class is suffering on a shocking level for the biggest economy in the world. Btw, in Europe we get a European health insurance card so we can go to the doctor/hospital in any EU member state/country free of any extra charge. Healthcare is just one of the issues. There's also free education, paid vacation for EVERY worker, paid parental leave,... Even if the taxes are a bit higher, in the end we get much more out of it but also because the taxes are higher for the wealthy ones. It's a fair give and take.

[@CheekyMonkey888]

lol, I m Canadian, we have an excellent health care plan, it s called don t get sick, the wait time for simple procedures is in YEARS edit: not saying the US health care system is ok, it s an out of control corporate monster that will swallow you whole and spit you out when your savings are depleted, but gov is not the answer, it never is

[@danielmurphy6]

Violent it IS, well said.

[@TampaVW]

@@jonslagter Freedom? I don’t feel free in the US now I have to worry where the next random shooter is going to come from.

[@edwardsharpe6234]

I agree with you. The healthcare system in the US is a big sham. That is what you get when you have a government that does not represent the people and a controlled media that is just a propaganda tool. My parents had a friend that were lawyer and another that was a doctor and they once said that the US was the greatest country in the world because where else could they charge whatever they wanted to. My brother and his family moved to Ecuador last year and God willing I am planning to move to Spain once I retire next year. Once I leave I may return to the US briefly to move my household goods but after that I probably will never return.

[@jefflim7020]

I think it sounds very similar to China CCP media propaganda

[@brucenadeau2172]

no it not

[@susanrolls2211]

Thank you so much for discussing this! I am an American nurse, that cannot afford the same care I have given to others! Ridiculous! Now that I am semi retired, considering moving to another country. Thanks for video!

[@Stephen-Montefinese]

The health insurance system in the US is deplorable and is one of the main reasons the US rates low on “places to live” in terms of happiness and satisfaction.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Healthcare and insurance was very stressful for us in the US, but not in EC. It’s not something we think about anymore because we know it’s there when we need it and we won’t go broke if we do.

[@Stephen-Montefinese]

@@AmeliaAndJP Thanks for this video. It was very informative. Someday, someday.

[@finspiration2666]

For those that can afford it, you get top technology, experimental therapies and great training hospitals that are revered around the world, yet some of the worst outcomes for the masses. A dichotomy in many ways.

[@jenniferlorence185]

Etienne Mt. Finesse: And nobody here is Counting how in the USA there is demon Constantly putting EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN in your personal Credit; as to Make Sure that everywhere you Go they Stop You on your track if you even ATTEMPT to BUILD your LIFE elsewhere in any of the 50 States and Puerto Rico. They make SURE to make Your LIFE MISERABLE for the next 25 Years of Your Life if you cannot Afford to PAY Something that they KNOW that you cannot Afford to PAY it because you don't have the finances for it; SO THEY PUNISH YOU and CONTROL the Quality of YOUR LIFE for the NEXT 25-30 Years of YOUR EXISTENCE. You never Get GOOD CREDIT NO Matter What You Do and how much YOU PAID, but ONE, just ONE medical bill that You Cannot PAY and they make SURE to Ruin Your LIFE for the next 20 - 30 Years.

[@bartleydalfonso2853]

I moved from Calif. to Cuenca, Ecuador 8 years ago. Another nice thing is that I don't need to re-visit any doctors to get prescriptions refilled. I merely give the pharmacist a cut-out of the original medicine container, with no prescription-refill note, and quickly receive the same exact medicine(s). I think the only exception is for any opioid-containing medicine. Last year I had varicose vein surgery for free, paying $75 monthly into the IESS (government) health insurance system. I love Ecuador!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@connieherman8232]

My husband is under pain meds for CRPS and takes methadone and Percocet because of that we haven’t been able to travel because we don’t know if he’s going to be able to be treated by a pain specialist in Ecuador or any other country!

[@smcbridemtl]

My daughter lives in Canada and no plans to return to the U.S. She had emergency surgery as her ulcer burst. Great care and nurses after release visited her to monitor her surgical wound. ALL FREE

[@ceceb6264]

Nothing is free, you pay for your healthcare through taxes

[@Canuckbelgo]

Nothing is "free" - especially in that shithole of a country, Canada ! I'm a Canadian expat and you could not pay me to go back to that totalitarian hole. You actually need to download an app or be fined THOUSANDS of dollars as if you were a criminal, just to get back in the country! Canada is the LAUGHING STOCK of the entire planet now, thanks to that rotten little Satan Klaus, ball-licking moronic little prick.

[@Mountainrock70]

Nothing is free. Someone paid for all of it!

[@smcbridemtl]

Of course it is not free. It is paid through taxes but my daughter doesn’t have medical bills hanging over her head.

[@Mountainrock70]

@@smcbridemtl she couldn’t paying all that high taxes!

[@viffer94]

I had a little stomach bug while in Malaysia and visited a hospital there. It was totally a modern facility with western trained doctors who spoke English. I never felt like I was getting substandard care. The cost of the consult, bloodwork, diagnosis and medication was barely worth mentioning, I just pulled a few bills out of my pocket and paid in cash. The same thing in the U.S. would have involved paying the hospital, the nurse, the primary doctor, the internist, the lab technician, the lab work fees, the pharmacy and I’m sure a half a dozen other people with their hands out. Ridiculous.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing!

[@coloradoridgerunner791]

Same thing my wife was in the emergency room in Manila for a half day all kinds of blood work, 2 IVs, and 3 different meds total cost $120 U.S dollars. I went to ER here in Colorado one tetanus shot and bandaid total cost of $800 U.S. Dollars.

[@Balangair1]

Malaysians and PR holders pay USD 25¢ to register for a visit to the doctor or dentist at any government medical facility. Costs are minimal and those in the B40 (OK, those drawing minimum pay) gets away with most things free. And you can use your credit card for all medical services. I compared that with the Australian health services and I thanked God Malaysia has facilities that beats the best they have hands down! 👍

[@jenniferlorence185]

SO TRUE.

[@orlymarq6238]

Here, you probably be burden with thousands and thousands of Dollars to get you broke for life.

[@jforester7]

Thanks for sharing. I've spent years now trying to explain to so many ignorant Americans why a universal healthcare system would be so much better than the scam we have right now, and for some reason they just can't seem to understand why they're getting scammed. It's sad really. I'm pretty much done with trying to fight for it here and trying to change anything and am ready to just leave. I'm so over this country.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We got tired of the fight for survival and left 5 years ago. Life is much better outside the toxic hamster wheel. 👍

[@Mountainrock70]

Its because a lot of us have a great company paid medical plan here if working for large companies. Then at 65 medicare takes over if you retire. I live on Mexico border and never step foot over there for anything.

[@jforester7]

@@Mountainrock70 No, you've just been convinced that you have a "great" company medical plan because Americans are ignorant to what actual great medical coverage truly is.

[@Mountainrock70]

@@jforester7 I pay 400 a month and have 2500 yearly deductible. If I was taxed like in Europe I would be way worse off believe me. I had surgery last year and many visits and gad excellent care. So the worst off I could be each year for my entire family on the plan is $7300. Even if I was taxed 28 percent like in Czech Id be screwed!

[@jforester7]

@@Mountainrock70 You would not be worse off in Europe. You clearly have no idea how health care in Europe works.

[@Diana1000Smiles]

I completely quit US Healthcare in July, 2016. No pharmaceuticals, No terrible operations, no begging Doctors to help me. Guess what? I got better. 😄 No kidding. It's been six years and I'm still alive, too.

[@proudhavenot]

30+ yrs ago as a traveler I wish I never came back to the states, as a result of this video as well as others I'm thinking of leaving again. Thank you! You two are awesome.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I’m a two time cancer survivor. My Marine Corps service caused my cancer and the VA covers everything. I never thought I would need coverage since the disease took forty years to manifest. Now I’m on the brink of completing my treatment. God bless and protect you both from a long time subscriber. I enjoy your videos and your joy.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That's great that the VA covered it!

[@mrsmith1339]

I am an Agent Orange victim. I got Prostate cancer. My local VA did not offer appropriate care, I received the care I wanted in the civilian world. I made the VA pay for it. They resisted every step of the way. I won. I am 6 years out and my Urologist now calls ne a patient with a history of cancer. I urge all veterans to use the VA medical system if they can get in. It has no affect on other coverage. i use a Medicare Advantage PPO plus the VA. The VA gives me an annual physical with 14 pages of lab work. plus RX's . I get 2 RX's from the VA at $8 and $11. 3 RX's from Medicare at $2 each. The VA is the largest supplier of Hearing Aids in the world. They offer stste of the art equiment, if you ask for it.

[@Eyeris625]

Thank you for your service

[@TampaVW]

Ser Grinch, thanks for serving.

[@amylee9]

We need to make the VA system cover everyone. That will be a blessing

[@nancytrevino9750]

Healthcare is one of the main reasons we are moving to Ecuador 🇪🇨. The weather is another one. After another 100° day in Texas, I check the weather in Cuenca and it’s 40° less! I can’t wait until next year!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! There are SO many reasons to move abroad now!

[@MermaidMoney]

I'm moving to Manta soon and lived in Cuenca and now near Montanita in Manglaralto. The hottest day here so far has been 82°!! 3 blocks to the water's edge and not much humidity! Cool, enjoyable breezy evenings too. Welcome! The people here are very sweet, both Ecuadorian people and the like minded expats here.

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

Another Texan here. We're all suffering together.

[@starstuff5958]

If I lived in Texas I would be leaving also, not the weather the politics. Good luck.

[@starstuff5958]

@@ASMRyouVEGANyet VOTE BLUE

[@JosephStJames2000]

People are literally dying in the streets in the good ole U.S.A. A lot of the homeless here are sad stories of individuals who were scammed out of house and home by mendacious healthcare companies.

[@DouradaBambina]

Disheartening

[@fulanichild3138]

I was at an infusion center when my mom was getting chemo. A "social worker" visited the couple in the booth next to us. She started grilling these elderly people about their assets---"Do you own your home? Do you have a boat? Two cars? A timeshare? Any other property?" You're only at an infusion center when you are seriously ill and in need of medical care. It was like strong-arm robbery. Horrifying.

[@ea42455]

I worked as a mental disabilities division court clerk for 13 years. I saw firsthand the vast majority of homelessness is the result of drug & alcohol abuse as well as mental illness. Granted, not enough resources are allocated for substance abuse/mental health treatment, but it was heartbreaking... and infuriating... to see those in dire need refuse treatment when available and offered.

[@fulanichild3138]

@@ea42455 I know a homeless man (a senior citizen who would certainly qualify for low income housing in our city. These are places that are safe and clean and well maintained, but he just won't go. His sister tried really hard, too, and got exasperated. The thing about my friend is that he works hard to stay out of sight and out of trouble. He lives in his truck, doesn't pitch a tent or throw trash around or steal or drink or drug or panhandle or get into fights. Pretty much flies under the radar and should be left alone. People are so against criminalizing homelessness, but if there are decent places for them to go and they refuse, _and_ they become a nuisance to others, maybe that's the only course of action.

[@sanekabc]

Yes, most bankruptcies in the USA are from this.

[@MeganZopf]

I've been to Mexico twice for dental and going back in a week. I live in the US and am disgusted with everything. I worked in medical for years then finally left drained mentally. Big corporations don't care about the well being of a person! Ecuador looks like a nice place to visit!

[@felixalbion]

As a Brit I always find this type of video shocking. If I had your back surgery here the cost would have been zero.

[@sunild1950]

Scary indeed....

[@QuinnPrice]

Ecuador's Healthcare situation has saved me so much. I pay directly for doctors when I need them, tap private health insurance for higher costs. I save nearly $1000 a month compared to what I paid in Oregon. No car saves me so much more. And it's cheaper here. Easy to make this decision.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! Thanks for sharing! 🥳🇪🇨

[@donh5794]

This is a great topic. I became aware of this several decades ago when I visited friends in Thailand, including Bangkok and they gave examples of paying cash for their healthcare needs. There was no need for insurance at that time. I could not believe how low the costs were. They did not believe the U.S. costs and the use of medical insurance in the U.S.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The more we learn, the more shocked we are.

[@jurgentreue1200]

We lived in Laos 2007-2015. Those who can afford it, cross the border into Thailand for their healthcare, as Laos has a pretty bad healthcare system. Around 2010, I ducked across the border into Thailand with a kidney infection and kidney stones. The doctor at the Australian embassy clinic had already diagnosed kidney stones a few days before. My wife and I drove to Udon Thani and I spent four days in a hospital there. I had a private room in the international ward. Everyone spoke English. The service and treatment was exceptional. The entire stay cost me a total of around 1300USD.

[@5422074]

@@jurgentreue1200 , unreal......

[@y2k4ed]

Colombia is awesome for economical healthcare. I was paying $38/month. Now I pay nothing as I am under my wife’s health plan. The medicine is free. My wife’s late mother was getting Depends for free. I had two major surgeries and used an ambulance two years ago. All was free. I owe the Colombian people so much.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@gettothepoint_already3858]

I'm in Colombia... who provides your coverage? Thanks!

[@BritCol72]

I was surprised to not see Colombia on their list as I have heard and read about the Medical Care being excellent there. Even here in Peru, if you have a private insurance (as we do), the Medical services are quite good and extremely reasonable.

[@Neosan1982]

This was my experience in Colombia also. For a hospital emergency room surgery and tetanus shot I had to pay three dollars as a co-pay (I have an EPS)

[@mannylopez15986]

And soon all be different and worse than ever in Colombia.

[@glennmcintosh4802]

Thank you both for highlighting this terrible inequity, it's simply inexcusable that this situation exists in this country.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Totally agree!

[@stanspb763]

No, it is not by accident, but the system working as intended. If the public would invest $100 each, into a pool that would outbid the corrupt congress, all this would go away. The wealthy corporations spend millions each to get Billions back from the government. If Americans stopped hating each other over pronouns or shut down the dozens of wars it is pursuing, and invest $100 each they would have the best congress money could buy. If a Billionaire bribes with $` 1 million he expects $20 million in direct payments and a billion in indirect wealth transfer. No one can name a more corrupt country, or one law in the last 40 years that did not primarily benefit the very wealthy regardless of which country they are from. Why has the US created 173 wars against countries thatr did nothing to the US? Simple vast sums of money disappear and reappear in the accounts of MIC. Trace the history of the Ukraine events and you will see that is nothing like what you are told. same with Iraq, Syria, and Libya. The 46 current regime change operations are all traced back to those who benefit which has nothing to do with the claims broadcast hourly in the US and EU. How come poor countries with low taxes have universal health care and you do not? Despite common US belief, many poor countries have a better quality of life and far lower cost of living. Why does the working class of China has collectively $49,000,000,000,000 on deposit in interest-bearing accounts and the US working class has a negative net worth and is broke. 30% of all cars bought in the world are to Chinese, and they pay cash from savings most often. The savings rate of the working class is 56% of their income go into interest-bearing savings accounts and why do China has 800,000,000 people in the middle class when the US used to own 67% of national wealth in 1970 and 6% now and is smaller in number? Here in Russia most people over 20yo own their homes free of debt, do not need a car, have no college debt despite having 3 times as high perfect of graduates as the US, and no medical debt. Imagine if you started adult life with a degree, no debt at all, secure housing as an appreciating asset, and if they want to get married they end up with a spare home to rent out, plus all cost of having a baby are not only free but grants are given to buy a larger home, and zero cost involved with all aspects of the pregnancy and 3 years paid family leaves. That can be paid to any caregiver in the family such as the grandmother if the mother wants to return to work. If a second child is born, a grant equal to 3-4 years of total cost of living is given to the family. In the US the median cost of delivery without an overnight stay in the hospital is $40,000. If "poor: countries" can create so many benefits for the people, why is it impossible in a country claimed to be the richest? Simple: corruption in the US. One difference, why the Russian health care system is free because the natural resources are considered to belong to the people. Oil and gas revenue minus production costs goes to pay for services. Natural Gas produced by Gazprom pays for the universal health care system, The US has a lot of resources like gold, oil, gas, timber, and other minerals but the profits go to the biggest bribery givers. If oil and gas were owned by the people there would be no need for expensive hospitals and $100,000 a year in university debt, Most countries treat resources as a commons held in trust for the people. Why are there homeless in the US but almost none in other countries? Corruption. I know that was eliminated in many countries that have publically funded elections where there is a national pool of campaign funding, free equal access to media as part of the license, Free equal budget for ads, each access to TV and debates. Why does it cost $20,000,000 to run for a seat in Congress that pays $120,000, and why is every office holder a millionaire and never had a real job before? Corruption. What other government in the world allows corporations to write laws and legislation that benefits only them? That is corruption and does not exist in most of the world.

[@jaimetorres950]

I lived in the US for ~12 years. I had to go to the doctor only once, for mild abdominal pain. He ordered some routine exams (ultrasound, blood, urine). A few days later an invoice arrived for ~ 5,000. I almost fainted. Fortunately the insurance paid, but it was an unforgettable experience. It was like playing who can charge the most outrageous amount for each test...creatinine $500, BUN $600, etc

[@cheryl8280]

jaime torres I just had creatinine and BUN tests and was charged absolutely nothing. I'm a Canadian citizen living in Manitoba. I just tried to google what the cost of these tests from the Mayo Clinic would be to a non resident. The answer kept coming back as "unable to provide an answer". What are these sheisters hiding? Thanks, but I'll go to Mexico from now on. Especially if my kidneys are failing. At least the Mexicans with make me comfortable. USA would kick me out.

[@jaimetorres950]

@@cheryl8280 Canadians are lucky. Much better health system, for sure (unless you are rich)

[@samoramachel55]

Whats sad is that the American citizens won't stand up and fight for what's right for them and their families...

[@SK-ql3yf]

They do but the corporations control the federal government now....we will see in the future

[@ld8483]

But they keep saying they need guns to keep government in check 🙄 er yea okaaaay.

[@protonneutron9046]

wtf are you blathering on about Samora? Who is responsible for YOUR living expenses?

[@richard6440]

@@protonneutron9046 You pay taxes, yes? you pay for schools , the military , police local infrastructure out of those taxes? you dont USE the military , but you still have to pay for it.

[@richard6440]

@@mp2753 By voting . No one is suggesting the use of force. You ' all ' get involved in politics. Start at local level , then city, then county, then state, then federal. Even if its not you , get your relatives and friends to do it. Pass the baton on to your children, and their children. No one ever said it would be fast. It might take a generation or two and it will be an uphill fight , but you'll get there. There has to be a groundswell of opinion , if the usa wants to fix itself. That groundswell has to start somewhere. Your children have access to all the knowledge in the world. You tube is a prime example of it. Learn from it, teach your kids , see how it is in other countries, travel, if you can. if you cant , invite someone from another country to your house , students love travelling. Do you have any idea what we're up against? yes .The System . A group of people , families , organisations who are getting obscene amounts of money from ordinary hard working Americans. And they want to keep ON doing that. And they bribe politicians. Sound about right ? But they are only 1% of the population of the country. So , get the other 99% off their ar5e and change it .

[@omarqasirov8754]

I went to Brazil and got sick and then got free-at-the-point-of-service healthcare as a *foreigner*. I started to imagine what it must be like for anyone without insurance, let alone a non-US citizen, visiting the US and having to go to the hospital

[@SageOliveira]

I was surprised they didn't have Brazil in their ludt!

[@mbserel12]

JP said the magic words "we've allowed the system to get to this point". And it is now working its magic down to us here in SA too. Time to push back. Aways good to see you both. Cheers.

[@RC94332]

I have a “great” healthcare plan, but it’s absolutely ridiculous, cheaper to go to Mexico and pay cash. The USA is extremely corrupt in healthcare and many other things

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That’s crazy!

[@RC94332]

@@MAT-244 that would be the downside for me, but if it’s not a strenuous or serious operation probably worth it. Plus I’m sure it would be like a 2-6 week vacation anyways so doable

[@archuk6058]

its the most corrupt country in history, especially the American medical system and the people working in it.

[@chrislaurenson]

I'm from the UK, and really appreciate how lucky we are to have the NHS.

[@steveburke7675]

@@gumby2241 Moronic comment.

[@chrislaurenson]

@@steveburke7675 Said comment seems to have vanished. 🙂

[@tancreddehauteville764]

I'm also from the UK and I can tell you: the NHS is NOT working well. It's hugely underfunded, and this is because users do not pay ANYTHING towards it, which is wrong and just plain stupid. Not that the American system is great because it is not, but the NHS not as good as national health services in continental Europe.

[@chrislaurenson]

@@tancreddehauteville764 The NHS is struggling because it is being deliberately starved of funds in order to encourage us all to support privatisation. That would be a disaster, judging by the situation in the USA, the only country in the world where the health care system forces people into bankruptcy. Europe and Scandinavia have very good systems. and many of them were modelled on the same founding principles as our NHS. The solution in the UK is to fund health services properly and work towards recruiting and retaining more staff, so that wards don't lie empty, and patients don't wait too long for necessary treatments. However, regardless of its shortcomings, I would never trade the NHS for a US-style healthcare system! So, I remain grateful for what we have.

[@chrislaurenson]

@@tancreddehauteville764 And btw, we DO pay for our healthcare system, through taxation and N.I. contributions, so stating that we don't pay anything is entirely wrong!

[@darroncharlesworth6980]

A few years ago while working in Thailand I got a chest infection. I could have used my insurance and go to a gov hospital however I chose to use a convenient local clinic. I had a consultation, injection and given a weeks course of 3 medications - total cost $10. My wife is a gov teacher so she has free healthcare. When we had our son she had a C-section - 5 days stay, we opted for a private room and I stayed there with her. We only had to pay for the private room as the rest was covered. Our bill for the 5 days was a whopping $35.

[@franklinnorth7708]

I was born in California, worked in Health Care in the US 1972, to 1982 saw the ins and outs of Health Care billing. Moved to Canada in 1983, best move I ever made. Retired now, now Health Insurance worries.

[@GentlRebel]

It IS a scam! In my experience, it has been almost impossible to find a doctor who actually cares and spends more than 5 minutes with me unless I am paying cash for a naturopath or integrative medicine doc (and they are expensive!) And it is terrifying to know that you are always one illness, accident or major surgery away from losing your entire life's savings. This was one of the major considerations for our move to Mexico.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Congrats on your escape! 🥳

[@grahvis]

@@gumby2241 . So if insurance is too expensive or you are refused cover, what do you do.

[@joemartino6976]

Just a few statistics on American healthcare: 1) If you measure entire economies in terms of their GNP, the US healthcare industry would be the fifth largest economy in the world. 2)The US spends more on healthcare than the entire GNP of countries like India, France and the UK. 3)About 18% of the total US GNP is spent on healthcare. Almost one out of every five dollars. Most of the major democracies spend about half that percentage and still get better outcomes than the US. 4)Prescription drugs are far more expensive in the US.....not by a little....but by a lot. Why? All of the major democracies have price controls which limit drug costs in their respective countries.....except one.....you guessed it, the good ole USA. The result? Drug companies raise prices in the US to compensate for profits they can't get elsewhere. That why we not only have the highest drug prices in the world.....we, in effect, SUBSIDIZE prescription prices for the rest of the world. At the base of all this is how US culture treats healthcare...not as a right....but as another opportunity to make a profit.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It’s despicable. Thankfully there are better, cheaper options. We’re constantly surprised by the quality and affordability of healthcare and medication in Ecuador. We’ve been so brainwashed to think the US is superior in everything that it’s hard to accept that it’s not.

[@emersonblake7]

I've managed to navigate the U.S. Healthcare system with little trouble. The key is to pay providers directly for care. Also , on meds, I only buy cheap generic ones and when a doc prescribes something really expensive- I refuse it and ask for something else. I don't have insurance-instead I have health care sharing which is a little known carve out which still has many old fashioned buyer/seller economic principles.

[@millerforester6237]

All in all, you're another brick in the wall.

[@millerforester6237]

@Irving Shekelstein I love it when Daffy Duck says "despicable"!

[@MAR7LO]

Thanks for educating me. Younger folks beware!!!

[@goosevillage]

Canadian here. My mom had QUADRUPPLE BYPASS HEART SURGERY IN OTTAWA , ONTARIO. No...FEE !!! Our Canadian taxes pay for this. God bless Canadian Healthcare. I'm not moving !!!!

[@Kevin_Carlson]

Everytime I start thinking about returning to the States, I'm reminded of the cost of healthcare. I'm grateful for what we have in Ecuador.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

So are we!

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

Can’t imagine anybody would like to move to the US.

[@Mountainrock70]

@@phoenix-xu9xj yeah, no one crosses the border!

[@bmyra]

​@@Mountainrock70 That's for income not health insurance dear.

[@paulm2467]

It’s worse than anyone believes, I have an American friend who’s a multimillionaire, he looked into moving back to the States from the UK but as a 70+ year old who’d fully recovered from prostate cancer, (cured by the NHS in the UK), it was financial suicide.

[@Claire200603]

I got charged $165 out of pocket for a 10 minute virtual visit with my doctor and I have insurance through my job. It is ridiculous.

[@PLHogan]

Absolutely on topic. I am retired and Live in Albania. I cancelled my Medicare, Plan D and Plan C. I take all $260 a month and use it as needed. I might spend $ 50 dollars a month for all types of medical and dental work. The USA healthcare system is a scam.

[@fulanichild3138]

CEO World magazine is informing CEOs about where to get more affordable healthcare than in the United States? I can't get over the irony.

[@peterz53]

Thank you !!! Extremely informative. US medical is skewed toward excess profit. No harm in making a decent living, but $4,000 for an emergency hosptial visit, less than 10 hours without a room or major procedures, just examination and maybe a script, is insane. As is $25,000 to $30,000 per chem treatment at an oncology center. Anyone who is not wealthy or not on Medicare in the states should followup on this information and make a backup plan for when your health goes off the rails. Because it will....

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Exactly.

[@danielmurphy6]

I think millions of Americans feel the healthcare system, has left the rails a long time ago.

[@juliebyard9266]

Had a great time taking my dog for a walk. He got out his harness due to being groomed recently and escaped (he was a lot thinner) . He ran for the main road so I ran after him. I hit a patch of wet grass and my ankle went over resulting in 3 broken bones and a dislocation. I had ambulances, and operation with titanium plates and screws. There was many drugs over the time spent in two hospitals I attended. After getting home Ive had lots of physiotherapy and im about 99% back to full mobility. All of it was quick and the staff were great despite the pandemic. OK cost me nothing, im in the UK and the dog is fine (he came to find me when I was injured)

[@mikearchibald744]

I'm in New Brunswick Canada, right next door to Maine. I did a little research project a few years ago, and basically what I found was that Maine, and the US in general, does have lower taxes than Canada. But in Maine what I found was that what people pay in health insurance, is pretty much the equavalant of what they'd pay in taxes. So in the end its coming to the same out of pocket cost- and thats BEFORE you actually need ANY health care. Once you need actual health care, then that scenario is out the window. Sadly our canadian health care system in many places is on the ropes, we have an even shittier political system in canada, and in our province it could not be more obvious that the goverment is trying to destroy the health care system and privatize it. It was reported that thousands of health industry lobbyists meet with politicians every single day, and its not like our politicians are much different than those in the states. Ironically apart from major surgeries the 'basics' of health care in many individual states is better than many canadian provinces. Dental care is not included AT ALL in our health care, unless you are about to die from it. Canada's dental care costs are less subsidized than even many US states. But considering that the federal government in america plays almsot NO part in paying for health care, very little part in paying for education, its always been something of a mystery to me as to why americans are so jingoistic about "USAUSAUSA!", when that level of government seems to do little more than take tax money and engage in foreign wars which makes the country even more unpopular. Well, I guess there's the constitution, so fair enough, thats a biggie.

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

I have a friend in Australia who got severely sick a few years ago. He had 6 emergency stays and almost died. All in one year. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with him and flew in specialists. He paid NOTHING. The USA is not the best country in the world. Such a damn joke 😂😂

[@danielmurphy6]

It's a "SICK joke."

[@admiralcraddock464]

yet on nearly every house and building you see the Stars and Stripes as if its a country to be so proud of

[@jurgentreue1200]

I'm Australian. Our healthcare system is not perfect but pretty good. Last year I was admitted into a public hospital feeling very unwell. An infected gall bladder which burst while in hospital plus sepsis. I spent two weeks in hospital, including four days in ICU and four days in the cardio ward because atrial fibrillation kicked in, which I have episodes of. Numerous tests, ultra sounds, an MRI and a echocardiogram. Because I was public patient, going in under our single payer healthcare system. It all cost me nothing.

[@waza987]

Australia is great for emergency medicine free for all permanent residents (be careful though as Ambulance is not covered and can be expensive) But if you have a chronic non life threatening condition you will often need to wait a long time unless you have private supplemental insurance. Also dental isn’t covered other than a very limited amount for children.

[@glenmale1748]

@@waza987 Ambulance is zero charge in Qld and Tasmania. If your principal place of residence is Qld you are also covered when interstate. Thank-you Qld government.

[@desertrose0027]

Honestly this has been the story of my life. I was born with a genetic lung disease and was sick often as a kid. So from a very young age it was impressed upon me the importance of getting and maintaining health insurance (this was especially true pre Obamacare). My mom worked a job she hated for years because it provided good health insurance. It also limited my options for employment when I was younger. I had to stay a full time student so that I could stay on my parents health insurance. That meant no gap year, whether I wanted one or not. I also had to get a job right out of college at a place that offered insurance. This meant no part time or gig jobs and a company large enough that they were required to offer it. Fast forward to today and I'm married with kids. However one of them got diagnosed with leukemia last year. I took paid family leave in the beginning, but ultimately ended up working from home and using intermittent paid family leave + vacation days to cover appointments. Yet this diagnosis caused me to lose all my motivation at work. My heart is no longer in it and all the little bureaucratic things that are present in every job now annoy me. If I had my way I would have quit when he was diagnosed, as the idea of working this job for another 20 years until I retire is depressing to me. But we need the insurance. My husband's job offers insurance but it's really bad and the plans on the Obamacare marketplace would cost us a lot more and give us less benefits than what we currently have. So I keep my head down and do my job, but the situation really sucks. I know that I'm not alone in thinking that we really need competitive universal care uncoupled from employment. But there are too many people here who have never had to make the kinds of decisions that I've had to make my whole life and don't seem to understand how bad the system is. They are scared of change and spooked by horror stories from people who tell them lies about how it works in other countries.

[@jachmd]

Great video, thank you very much! I am a physician trapped in this profit driven health system. We are planning to leave the US asap. Please keep it up.

[@roncernokus9861]

Great to hear Alex..........be human. Love and best wishes to you.

[@Geoplanetjane]

Good. You deserve far better treatment.

[@Mountainrock70]

So you are doing the exact opposite. Most leave Canada and other countries for medical field jobs. You obviously have made enough money here to move abroad.

[@mozar5175]

Born and raised in Canada. I semi-retired at 52 and now retired at 58. I could never have done that in the US. I know, it can get cold during the winter months so we just fly south for some sunshine. My wife need surgery earlier this year to remove a non-cancerous brain tumour. The surgery lasted more than 8 hours. We have no clue how much it cost. I also realize that we pay more taxes but it’s worth it!

[@sveinkikals7876]

I left the USA decades ago for Canada, I'm now a senior and have never ever had a doctor or hospital bill because in Canada we have Universal Healthcare. Now I'm looking to move to a warmer country without a snowy cold winter.

[@krastycz1810]

That was one of the major reasons why I left the US to move to the Czech Republic. It was an easy move because my wife is Czech so getting a residence permit was easy to get and eventually I was able to become a naturalized Czech citizen. Here the work life balance is much better, education is free and the food has less chemicals.

[@Sidera17]

I’m so glad I found your channel! I was diagnosed and disabled by a rare immunodeficiency about 10 years ago. The healthcare system here in the US was already so broken. When COVID hit, another issue became not only rising prices of all services, but the medical system became so stressed that many doctors are burned out and you have to wait months for an appointment. Combine that with the incredible hostility from people who opposed the COVID protocols and turned them political, and for someone like me, it has become an expensive, dangerous country to live in. I see the writing on the wall as my maintenance meds skyrocket to thousands of dollars per month. It’s always been a dream to live elsewhere and it is time to begin planning. Your videos have been so helpful as I do research. Many countries have a policy against allowing disabled people access, so that has been difficult. Finding countries with the extremely specialized medical protocols for my conditions has also been harder but I am not giving up! I’m so glad you’re making these videos and love the info and energy! ❤ Subscribed and sharing with my other friends looking to make a move as well!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

You may find a much better life and affordable healthcare elsewhere. Healthcare in the US is designed to keep you alive until you run out of money or leave. We’re happy we left.

[@brok328]

I feel for you folks. Fortunately, I have been in good health most of my adult life. When I was 5 years old, I spent 18 months in hospital. Financial cost £0. Since then, had a couple of broken bones due to bike accidents, cost £0. My wife and I had (and have) 2 children, cost £0. People close to me had cancer, or heart operations. Cost £0. I was in a car crash, no cost even for the ambulance. We do pay for National Insurance, a % tax based on your earnings, but it is nothing compared to US Health Insurance costs. I am not boasting, I just think the price of society should be equality, and no one should be disadvantaged through the lottery of health luck. I live in Scotland, part of UK. God bless the NHS. Enjoyed your video, keep it up.

[@jenniferlorence185]

WOW, incredible. Here in the USA, the Cost of healthcare is a Sin, and Getting Sick is a Crime.

[@missakialexandria]

Yup! My husband works for a hospital as a cook. He would not be working there but for our son's medical condition- we need that insurance.

[@allforoneoneforall662]

i have enjoyed your videos so much and thank you for your generosity. As an American in my 70's, I applaud your courage to create a wonderfully unconventional life in Ecuador. Speaking of medical scams, I'm beginning to explore American "independent living" facilities as my final address and feel discouraged by their high cost. "Buy-in" facilities might require an entry fee of $200K+ (I know one that costs $400K), in addition to typical monthly fees around $3500/month or higher. This buy-in approach is sold as a type of insurance-policy used to pay for medical care throughout one's remaining days. But not all those residents require abundant medical care even though they paid for it up front. Thankfully, some facilities are rentals with annual contracts, but I imagine that senior "care homes" outside the USA might be wonderful and cost a lot less so that a senior citizen can still enjoy life's joys even as an old person living in a home for the elderly. I've always dreamed of living abroad, but waited too long to make the needed adjustments. Please keep up your important work.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

In Ecuador and other countries, it's common to hire a full time nurse or 24x7 in-home care so you can stay at home and don't need to go to a facility. We know a former in-home nurse and she said they generally charge less than $500/month for 8 hours per day. So you can hire 3 in-home nurses for around $1500/month. One of our viewers lives in Nicaragua. She's 72 and has a nurse come 8 hours a day, 6 days a week and the nurse charges $350/month. She helps with cooking, cleaning and medical care. There are other options and a better life outside the border. Buena suerte!

[@MAR7LO]

@@AmeliaAndJP love this

[@stanspb763]

In most counties of the world that in-care is the job of the family and aided by universal health care. Many countries pay family members to care of the elderly family members so they do not have to work to support a stranger coming to the home.,

[@geoffoakland]

Been living in Europe for 7 years and what largely keeps me from returning is the health care system. My sister in the US recently retired pays 1200 a month for health insurance, which for me would be 3/4 of my monthly social security check! So, with mixed emotions I'm staying put.

[@Jetmab04]

Yeah 💕💖💕 Ecuador - númber 1!! I was so positively surprised when I compared Ireland and Ecuador and found Ecuador health care to be "only" 10 times better than rich European country Ireland... and, Irish health care is certainly not bad. Thumbs up for Ecuador - my retirement country in a few years... Counting down by now and,, can't wait 💕💖💕 And yes... International health insurance always comes with the exception of the US.... For all of us.. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! 🥳🇪🇨

[@noeminoemi1350]

It's out of control, even if you have good insurance the out of pocket cost is crazy.

[@leor8519]

Big business controlling US politicians to improve their bottom line. Province of BC in Canada pays for medical here so there are no cost although going to the hospital can be a 3-4 hour event. Cost of living here is crazy especially for housing. I am definitely taking a trip to Ecuador to investigate living their fulltime.

[@user-vp4qq4it7i]

Yeah... try being a US citizen who had a heart attack in Quebec. I was billed 10,000 CDN per day...

[@MrJx4000]

_"... heart attack in Quebec."_ Moral of the story: stay out of Quebec.

[@leor8519]

Travel Insurance!!

[@trashratt]

cheers from Abbotsford

[@user-vp4qq4it7i]

@@leor8519 at the time, I didn't know such a thing existed

[@de_minimis]

Thanks!

[@KK-vu3vo]

Ever wonder why other western industrialized countries (and even non-western countries) got healthcare figured out and right and the U.S. didn't? That's a rhetorical question by the way.

[@user-vp4qq4it7i]

greed. pure and simple greed.

[@vsoraya]

Politicians are sold out to the Big Pharma, that's why.

[@KK-vu3vo]

@@vsoraya and the private for-profit health insurance industry.

[@Balangair1]

Agreed. It's the US preoccupation with the 'business angle' and profit-making.

[@thiaco6203]

Anytime you mention world healthcare to certain Americans, they call “Fascism”. Or “socialism”. We are def closer to socialism than most people realize by its very definition. However, GREED and beyond the love of money takes precedence over everything. Incredibly sad our once beautiful constitution and democracy have been so overshadowed by narcissistic individuals in leadership positions. This once great nation has been slowly falling to her knees…lack of the citizenry questioning their leaders, paying attention to leaders behaviors n actions and making wise political choices. Sadly, the USA is #1 ONLY in the incarceration of its citizens. I am able to retire in 2024 from my 1st career as a younger retiree, then gonna build my books of business and am seeking to move out of my beloved country in 2026 or 2027. Any suggestions as to which countries a single active senior petite lady would be safest? Any English speaking countries as my foreign language auditory retention of sounds is very horrible..my siblings have all the skills.

[@brianbell3417]

Outstanding! Good for you guys! This video could, obviously, be pivotal in a lot of folks lives. Good on you for sharing!

[@KyleG0211]

Great video! I've literally been yelling about this topic like a madman to any poor soul who would listen since 2008! LOL Spot on when you exclude the USA. I had full comprehensive medical coverage through Integra Global years ago, valid anywhere in the world except the USA, paid just under $500 USD per quarter for the coverage with a $1,000 deductible, and up to 1.5 million USD in coverage. The US healthcare system is a CRIME! So I had to settle for the ability to simply fly to France or Germany in the event I needed major care! Never had to, but would have still been much cheaper than in the US.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It is a CRIME! It's still hard for me to believe that it's like this and that some people still defend it!

[@roxannem6557]

I too have been yelling like a madman about this since 2008, when I heard the biggest lie ever: “If you like your insurance plan, you can keep it.” I did like my insurance plan, but when the monthly premium jumped from $300 to $1000, keeping it was impossible. BIG FAT LIE!

[@carter98nc]

@@AmeliaAndJP Here's the thing: many Americans are happy to vote against his/her own self interests. We cannot have nice things in the U.S. because one political party thinks EVERYTHING should be for profit, including health care. Education and healthcare really shouldn't be for profit as these are essentials to living. I know that things will only get worse in the U.S. as the country is now headed down a dark path but it didn't have to be this way. I intend to leave as there doesn't seem to be a way forward as politics and religion have become extremely toxic in this country not to mention the daily mass shootings! Sigh!

[@heidimckenzie3192]

@@roxannem6557 exactly! I liked my plan too. That plan magically QUINTUPLED as soon as the "affordable" care act was enacted. As a self-employed person, I've been stuck on a crappy ACA plan ever since and it costs more than my monthy mortgage. Every time I hear a politician talk about the "affordable" health care plans, I want to throw something at my TV.

[@mike_skinner]

Dominican Republic here: I nearly died of the Covid. My wife dragged me to the nearest ER. I had 2 syringes of blood taken out of my left arm. I had a huge syringe full of painkiller in my right arm. I was wheeled to the X-ray dept for a chest x-ray. I had to pay for Ivermectin on top of my bill of 60 USD. My insurance paid 90% so my cost was 6USD plus the Ivermectin which cost about 5USD for 6mg.

[@donyboy73]

wow this is very good info for us future expats!

[@SheilaR.08]

Yep. I had a thyroidectomy due to cancer. Insurance will only cover generic levothyroxine, which, after multiple trials to prove my adverse reactions, I simply cannot take. So I spend days finding the best Goodrx price for each, transfer prescriptions to the pharmacies with the lowest coupon prices, then drive around to get all three, plus two other meds I take, paying cash out of pocket for all but one. Rinse and repeat every single time. Insurance companies pay discounted rates for medications, but because they sent mine, I pay full price unless I can find a good coupon. Madness.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That’s crazy! So sorry!

[@roxannem6557]

As an example, my spouse has numbness and tingling in left arm and leg. 11 doctors and 30 appointments later, no answers. Of course, the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine had to be checked by 3 different back doctors, who won’t communicate with each other. And they won’t talk to the hip doctor. And after 2 months of PT on the cervical area not working, the doctor needed to “see her again” to order an MRI, and “see her again” to review the MRI results. Big scam. No results. Poor care. We are applying for Mexico residency in August. Outta here!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Wow! What a scam! Good luck with your escape to Mexico!

[@darinmckee2320]

I live in Lawrence KS. I sure can relate! I had a discectomy in my neck. And since my insurance has tripled... I too am self employed. So the thought of moving out of the states sure comes to mind a lot! I appreciate all your content an honesty.

[@bisratezra8247]

So sad. The great people of America deserve so much better. I live in Sweden and am very grateful.

[@TonySonny717]

Thanks for the video. I've experienced the worst healthcare system in Canada. And in the province of Quebec gets so bad that it's humiliating.

[@friendlyfire7861]

Thank you for mentioning this because single payer/universal/socialized healthcare ( whatever you want to call it) is too often seen a a magic spell that will solve everything. The US system has gotten out of control, but people are too eager sometimes to think everybody else has everything all figured out except the US. Many places do it better but aren't exactly the ideal, and if we can all think flexibly and we'd be all be able to find better solutuons.

[@mnob1122]

@@friendlyfire7861 The countries who believe in healthcare as a right, not a privilege, HAVE figured it out. People on this channel are responding with positive examples of their stories living abroad. I have 3 friends who moved to Portugal and rave about their healthcare system. So what in the bloody hell are you talking about?! American healthcare system sucks, and because it is a “for profit” system will NEVER get any better!

[@lawrencegleason4666]

I've experienced outstanding health care in Canada. All for free. Sorry your experience was negative.

[@TonySonny717]

@@lawrencegleason4666 I've lived in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Terrible healthcare in those three provinces (public and private). Quebec of course has the worst waiting times and doesn't even have a platform where you can track your cases. Everything is by phone, and if you miss a phone call, good luck waiting another 3-12 months until you get another appointment. Ontario's healthcare has been a bit better than BC/QC, but still poor.

[@mnob1122]

@@lawrencegleason4666 While on vacation in Canada, I ate at a restaurant Kingston, Ontario and got food poisoning. I spent the night and most of the next day in the ER…never had to wait! I received outstanding care from the Canadian healthcare staff, better than anything I ever experienced in an American hospital. If I were a Canadian citizen, the visit would have been free. As an American, I had to pay a whopping $32.00. This happened in the early 2000’s. The American healthcare system is expensive and inefficient. Pathetic. Unless you’re from a third world country, you have to be out of your mind to move here.

[@richardjones4466]

Nottingham UK here. Bit late to the party but here goes with a couple of experiences with UK and US healthcare. Some years ago I had my left leg amputated and was in and out of hospital several times. All treatment, physio, hospital transport, homecare, wheelchair and maintainence, meds delivered etc all free. I was in San Diego four years ago and ended up in hospital for one night. I have to say the treatment was fine. After, a member of staff asked if I was paying then. I didn't so they billed me over here, it came to about 1500 USD. I was lucky enough to be able to pay it because I thought that If I wanted to visit the US again I wouldn't get in with an unpaid medical bill! When I told my mate in SD the price he reckoned by US standards it could've a lot more and I got off lightly! Unbelievable. I love visiting the States but I wouldn't want to live there. If I did I'd probably be dead!

[@colibri1]

I have a US friend who had a major injury while hiking in the Philippines and had to have major surgery there. It was so affordable and of such high quality that, even though he still lives in the US, he flies back there for follow-up work and it still costs him much less than it would in the US, even including the cost of the plane tickets.

[@izzyrov5814]

The health care cost in the Philippines is too much for Filipinos though. It's affordable only for foreigners.

[@rickhiggins]

Great information ... and sad as well. We too are heading south to find more sane medical and health related life options. In our case it will be either Panama or Costa Rica. I appreciate how you take a difficult subject (essentially bashing the USA without bashing the USA). I've tried it a few times on my channel and it always comes across as "I Hate America", which is not the message. Great job on getting your real message through.

[@friscoeddie3223]

11 years ago I had prostrate cancer here in Cuenca. Biopsy results on Friday afternoon, surgery on Monday morning. Recouped for three weeks, started 37 trips for radiation treatment. After all that, did hormone therapy for 3 years. Had a bad case back then, and now after 11 years, still clean. This was before the medical insurance mandate for immigrants, so I charged it on the Visa card. The doctor is considered the top dog in urology, especially with cancer. He saved my life. Surgery and 3 nights in his clinic...$4,000. Radiation treatment...$3,500. Once a month hormone Rx for 3 years.....$4,500. $12,000 total. I’m imagining what the cost of this whole thing in the US would be. My insurance rate up there would probably be close to a 1,000 a month, or $12,000 per year. Add everything else - copay, deductibles, rate hikes, etc. and it’s absolutely ludicrous. And for piss poor medicine and service. BTW, having my second cataract surgery on eye #2 by one of the top 3 eye surgeons here in Ecuador, $850 per eye. That includes all the follow ups post surgery. Better than a stick in the eye.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Wow! Thanks for sharing! 👍🇪🇨

[@allswildmmi6228]

I had a tumor removed back in 2015, the insurance did cover all of the procedure however the cat scans after cost me 1200$ each The bill for the surgery 90,000.00 Cat scans were 12000-14000 each I had a high deductible policy along with an HSA. The HAA covered my deductible and at the time I was very well compensated for my employment. Today in SS, I would be in serious $$$$ money trouble

[@scottjohnson921]

$12,000. That would have been two nights stay in a hospital room in the USA.

[@charliebarker1719]

I’m going through the same thing and am going through 2nd year of hormone Rx right now. So far my bill is right around 300K. I have insurance through my work but if I didn’t it would have bankrupt my family. Unfortunately America is broken right now.

[@calvinluongvan9245]

Last year my wife’s cataract surgery was $16k.

[@Chin-dian]

I live in Canada. I had mild internal stomach bleeding the other day and my walk-in clinic doctor (free visit) suggested i go to the ER / Hospital for a precautionary checkup. I was in the ER section for about 3 hours. Total out of pocket costs was zero. No credit card needed, no insurance needed. Taxes are high in Canada, but at least you won’t go bankrupt if you need to go to a hospital to get yourself fixed up.

[@hectorgarcia1407]

Amelia and JP as always another great video. However, I will be quite frank, Health Insurance here in the US is not just a scam but highway robbery. These charge these ridiculous premiums so they can keep the drug companies and hospital systems in business. There is absolutely no concern for the patient. Waiting to retire in Ecuador.

[@danspencer4235]

A friend of mine brought his mother from the US to Colombia for heart surgery. At first, it seemed iffy to me. Everybody was very happy with the care and the results. I have gone for diagnostic work, and I almost thought they were over-testing, but they are just very thorough. Our insurance is about $50/mo. (for one person or 5 it's the same). I have to say that so far it has been just as good as anything I experienced in the US. I know Amelia and JP didn't really consider Colombia for residence, but I think everything about it is better than Ecuador. It's your life, decide for yourself.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing your experience, but no need to bash Ecuador. Colombia has great healthcare, but Ecuador is ranked higher. We’ve heard great things about Colombia and plan to visit there soon.

[@danspencer4235]

@@Eddie-ud4bb I'm not intending to bash Ecuador. I'm just suggesting that choosing one without sampling the other may not be in everyone's best interest. Healthcare is more reasonable both places than in the US.

[@joeycan6801]

Boy !! Am I happy I live in Canada !! We have free universal public health care system, we pay through our taxes, we also have private health care for people who can afford it. Great video ! Thank you.

[@brianh9358]

My wife is Japanese and if I actually have a major illness I can go back to Japan and register for the national insurance there and get most medical services at little to no cost. The essential difference between the U.S. and a nationalized health system like Japan is that nationalized systems are operated at cost, while the U.S. system is designed to turn people into commodities to generate profit. So you are seen as a cash cow in the U.S. that will be sucked dry whenever you get a major illness. Oh, and your eventual long term stay in a hospital and death is something hospitals thrive on because you can make huge amounts of money for the hospital at that point.

[@kurtpetersen9946]

Interesting... Yes I had open heart surgery triple bypass in Medellin Colombia. I would not trade my doctor there for anyone.. Good video..

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing!

[@love2travel981]

Wow! You guys have given me a lot to think about.

[@nhong18]

Three things do not want to touch in USA: Hospital, Dental, Law- way expensive. I do not know why we need a lot of Doctors but it is extremely for the students to get into the medical schools. There are many Drs who are not better than the basic nurses.

[@friendlyfire7861]

This is exactly one of those problems. Too many things "have" to be done by a doctor when someone with less training could easily do the job. Certifications, for example, should not always have a requirement for an MD to check you.

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

I recently had a fall and broke two ribs behind my collarbone and had severe bruising to liver and lungs. I was in the hospital for 5 days, had CT and MRI scans, medicine, respiratory therapy, ambulance ride, and it all cost (including a bag full of medicine on dismissal) was under $3000 USD. I'm in Thailand and their medical is very good. Medical tourism is common here.

[@NobodyCares6996]

I hate being stuck in the US.

[@JAXlee6970]

Thank you for introducing me to the possibility of Ecuador 🙏🏻 I’m not going to lie to you~ everyone talks about Mexico! I had no idea that I could retire there. I can’t wait to learn more.

[@dl1130]

You are correct. The U.S. health care system doesn't work for the independent average person. The only way the health system works is if you are extremely wealthy or poor and give up your independence to the government to take care of you! If you are unfortunate and have pre-existing conditions, you may be able to get health care but you will pay through the roof with your premium and deductible. Sad part is, you get to start all over each calendar year until you reach that deductible once again. The government (not getting political) has failed to solve the issue for the average American. Seems like they almost want everyone to become dependent on the government to feed, house and health care. In fact they seem to want to take away your independence with just about everything!

[@friendlyfire7861]

I think you are right. It is a monopolistic system, and the government is controlled by them. In my opinion, a genuine free market would create better quality at lower cost as usual, but it is being smothered by these monopolistic forces. In the US, a socialized system in my opinion would only cement that kind of power with a moral mandate and the bottomless pockets of the government; it might be free at point of sale, but if the actual problems aren't dealt with, it will only be a worse situation because you have to pay somehow.

[@kev8839]

You’re right on all accounts.

[@MikeBenko]

I live in Spain, my 94 year old grandmother fell and broke her hip in the middle of the night on her first ever trip to Europe when she came to visit me a few years ago. She got a partial hip replacement, 3 week hospital stay, 2 months of physical therapy here in Spain. The whole thing cost us less than 13 thousand dollars. Half those costs were the physical therapy. The actual surgery+hospital stay cost about 6k. I've been living here for 13 years now, on the path to become a citizen, and I'm above and beyond satisfied with public healthcare system. I have a private insurance too through my employer (offered as bonus), I rarely use it and when I do it's mostly for elective procedures, and for my weekly physical therapy that helps me manage my sciatica.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing your grandmother’s experience 👍

[@Neosan1982]

I have had major surgery done in Colombia. Great health care! Many of the doctors received some education in the states and are bilingual. Also have had minor surgery like sewing up a deep cut in a rural hospital, getting a tetanus shot... all for a USD $3 co-pay. Three dollars! Excellent rural hospital emergency room attention. The USA cannot compete. Three dollars gets you nothing in a hospital emergency room in the USA, except maybe an aspirin tablet.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@sinnombre3855]

Remember many of the people serving you are making $300 a month. A $3 copay for the average Colombian is a big chunk of change.

[@Neosan1982]

@@sinnombre3855 I was being attended in the rural hospital by health professionals who are educated and compensated far in excess of the minimum wage you cite. The 2022 salary of a nurse in Colombia is more than 25 million pesos colombianos per year on average. I imagine the doctors earn even more than nurses. Nobody attending me was making $300 a month.

[@sinnombre3855]

@@Neosan1982 I stand corrected, 25000000 pesos per year equals about $450 USD a month. I'm not sure if you are disagreeing with me or trying to make my point while writing in prose. 🤣 Oh, buy the way, there are a lot more people involved in running a hospital than the doctors and nurses and that is what I meant by people "making $300 a month." *I* er, no YOU stand corrected!!

[@Neosan1982]

@@sinnombre3855 I was just expressing appreciation for the prompt and professional health care I received. It's not all about money.

[@lisas44]

Liking your vids! You’re not shy about tackling difficult issues but in a positive way.

[@55charcar]

It is a moral shame how healthcare is viewed in the USA, like a privilege instead of a human right.

[@roymaddocks3184]

and among leading western democratic countries it's the only one like that!

[@thecafezil]

Well stated! I have traveled to many of the countries you mentioned, experiencing contact with the medical system in Spain. During a 5-day visit to Madrid, I required treatment for bronchitis. My doctor there was from Guatemala, spoke perfect English and charged $70 for an uninsured visit. I found the facilities and professionalism there to be on a par with the U.S. and at a very reasonable cost. I have also resided in the Philippines for several years and have had extensive contact with their medical system. A doctor visit costs anywhere from $7 to $10! My wife and children also had cause to be admitted for hospitalization relating to amoebic dysentery. A 4-day hospital stay cost between $300-400! And the level of care was very good. Thank you both for raising this important issue about U.S. healthcare.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Wow! Thanks for sharing!

[@marblox9300]

But wait, Americans are constantly being told the U.S. is the best country to live in.

[@englishadventureswithteach8134]

Greetings from Cambodia and thank you for the information. I've been to two rural area hospitals in Thailand during my 9 years in Southeast Asia. Once was for dengue fever. No hot water, one doctor was the only staff who spoke English and wards were about 30 children and adults in all stages of life on gurney type beds with no pillow the first few days since I didn't bring one. The hospital staff took great care of me and a woman who heard I didn't have any family member to take care of me as is expected in Asia (I was abandoned by the organization I'd paid to volunteer with) gave me amazing care. The cold shower holding onto my IV pole was challenging. I think the bill for the week was about $60. I was in a "charity" hospital due to a low heart rate in California for a week and got a bill of $50,000 and sent home with a prescription for baby aspirin. I went to an amazingly modern hospital in a larger town in a rural area of Thailand for rabies shots after a huge dog attack while I was teaching at a University. FANTASTIC care. An English speaking advocate came immediately to the counter when I showed them my hospital card and told me exactly where to go, what was going to happen, what to do and was there for goodbyes when I was finished after each of the several visits. I've been to a public hospital in Luang Prabang, Laos and was concerned about the skill level of the staff. Found a doctor with a private office close to the hospital. Fabulous experience. All the latest technology, personal contact with the English speaking doctor who explains everything. I trust him for all the care he is able to provide. A tooth beautifully reconstructed in Chiang Mai, Thailand a few years prior fell apart and I figured the remnants needed to be pulled in Laos. I found a very skilled dentist in Luang Prabang with a very clean office and an English speaking physician husband standing by who reconstructed the tooth to be even better than my original and deep cleaned my teeth. The cleaning was quoted to me at $1,000 in California. She did both procedures for $26. I'm Medicare age now. It pisses me off every month knowing I'm paying the required approximately 16% of my SS for cost of the Medicare premium for insurance I've paid into all my life and can't use it since I'm not in the US. Now, THERE'S a scam on top of the US healthcare scam! I can't afford to live in the US and hope Laos or another country will be possible.

[@Dahrenhorst]

Your could shorten your list by just mentioning Europe as one entry. With very few exceptions (mostly in the south-east part of Europe) you can get very good to top class medical care for a fraction of the cost of the USA practically everywhere.

[@michaelgec3344]

I am US citizen leaving in mainland China for 12 years, it's has the best healthcare I personally been exposed to. State of the art hospitals. I don't have health insurance here, not really a need, I am kinda like self insured. A major surgery, many weeks in the hospital at most would be $10,000 - $15,000 USD. I have been to the emergency room here a few times, have had number of test run, all types of scans, seen by many specialist, I walk out with medication to fix the issue for around, total bill $60.00 USD. I agree with you fine folks, I just turned 60. I feel much better living in a country that I know I am going to get great healthcare and not put me in the poor house.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@guillermoaquino2955]

I have left the US for the political climate and high cost of living

[@AmeliaAndJP]

A lot of people are leaving 😞

[@Ahuntsicspotter]

Lot's of extreme weather in the USA 🇺🇸.

[@Ahuntsicspotter]

@@gumby2241 Tornadoes 🌪, hurricanes 🌀 and forest fires 🔥.

[@AhJodie]

This is the first time I have been on your site, you are both great together, and very informative, plus give off a safe, intelligent vibe that will keep people coming back to your site. I would so like to go, but, it would be almost impossible for me to get younger family members there when they don't have jobs there or enough pay to give them spending to afford vacations in any of these places. It is like slavery in USA, our healthcare is horrible for so many.... I am a nurse... and see heartbroken people everyday!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Welcome! Glad you found us! 😊👍

[@Lavabug]

You would be amazed how cheap an airplane ticket, 1 month of rent and food, and the actual cost for the procedure is versus what you have to pay in the US out of pocket even with a decent deductible plan. I can literally fly to Norway for a month, get Lasik done and still have money left over vs. what I'd pay in the US.