Socialist Medicine in The Netherlands??? Your Questions Answered.

0:00 Intro.
0:32 My Bruises.
1:11 THANKS!!
1:50 Would Have Died in the US?
5:28 NL Ambulance Drivers.
7:29 How I Would Have Gotten Out?
10:10 How US Views NL Medicine.
12:30 Socialized Medicine in NL?
13:11 What We Paid for Insurance.
19:33 How Are We Doing?
Does the Netherlands have socialized healthcare how good is it compared to US healthcare? When moving to the Netherlands you always wonder what happens in a medical emergency and how is the medicine and care going to compare? Do I need health insurance in the Netherlands? How much does it cost and is it worth it? So, take it from us, just a couple of expats that moved to the Netherlands from the US - the care you receive is top notch! If moving to the Netherlands from America has taught us anything it's don't always believe what you hear! Life in the Netherlands as a foreigner is awesome.

[@sigrunwestrus68]

I'm so happy to be a European! I have been in hospital in Norway, The Netherlands and Crete-Greece and sometimes I, or my husband have had some serious health problems in these counties. Thanks to our European insurance card, we never payed anything except the 300+ own risk. If they call this "Socialist Medicine" in the USA, I say ...long live "Socialist Medicine".

[@piminat0r]

And this is what I call freedom. Not having to worry about nature messing with you, and if nature picks you, not going bankrupt.

[@IesKorpershoek]

Hi, Eric and Tammy as a retired police officer I totally agree, the Dutch EMS personnel is highly skilled as you have experienced. If the 112 operators think the situation could worsen, they always dispatch a 'Lifeliner' helicopter from Airport Rotterdam/Den Haag with a special trauma medical team. This is always done when children are involved, cardiac arrest, stroke, etc. Don't get upset by negative reactions. enjoy every day; YOLO ❤❤

[@dikkiedik53]

Here a reaction of another retired police officer ;-) About the skills of the EMS personnel. I met during my 38 police working years lots of ambulance paramedics (trauma specialist nurse and medical trained driver) , a lot were former IC-nurse specialists who have an academical background. There are quite a few who have even higher specialties, like handling brain injuries. Some times those were called by the ambulance paramedics at the scene of the accident and came to there. It's most important to get a patient stabilized before moving to the hospital. And yes the 4 "Lifeliners" (each with trauma surgeon, trauma nurse and helicopter pilot with medical extra) are amazing. I call them "My friends for life".

[@Alex-gv2nx]

In Romania, too, the presence of helicopters with children is mandatory. 🚁 👼

[@joffryvangrondelle]

@@dikkiedik53 the Netherlands doesnt have a paramedic system but instead since the 1980 its a nurse based Emergency Medical system with registered Ambulance Nurses and skilled emergency care assistants who are the drivers . Nurses work in pre hospital care and community care since the early 1890 its in cities and rural areas via the municipal health dept. We don't have EMT's. its not America here.

[@frontliner2]

My cousin is a cop and he actually got PTSD from performing medical care on a kid that almost died in his arms. He's doing better now. I guess I'm trying to say that even our cops can keep you alive until the paramedics come.

[@jingle1161]

@@Alex-gv2nx "In Romania, too, the presence of helicopters with children is mandatory." That is so cool. I didn't even know we had this protocol here in NL.

[@ervie60]

Eric you are entitled to several things; -Cardio gym, costs all covered by your insurance. Can be done at SFG hospital or organization called Capri at several locations -Sessions with a psychologist, many heart patients find they have trouble accepting and living with the heart problems. Also up to a certain number of sessions covered by your insurance. Same goes for Tammy, it is good if she joins some or all sessions. Talk to your specialist about it, be pro active!

[@mayaweirauch1739]

This is also what I wanted to write.

[@leovanmontfoort7114]

Please do this! This is helping you to adjust to this health scare

[@henrimessinghausen5185]

@@mayaweirauch1739 Heel goed commentaar Evie...samen staan we sterk.

[@stanleymaximillian8403]

Does this also available for basisvezekering (without aanvullende verzekering)?

[@ervie60]

@@stanleymaximillian8403 I wrote "covered by your insurance" so yes also by basic (basis) insurance. I know from experience with cardiac issues.

[@MAG-bp6hj]

You forgot to mention that you will get money (zorgtoeslag) to pay for insurance if you make less than a certain amount in a year. Also children till 18 are FULLY covered.

[@brian5154]

I live in the Netherlands and I have had 5 heart by-passes, a stroke, COPD, a new knee and more . Cost to me over and above very reasonable monthly premiums......NOTHING. That includes huge amounts of medication on a daily basis.........Great to see you being so open, honest etc...PS The US is the only first world country not to have universal health care. Which is double cruel as the US is a leader in medical innovation....pity it's own citizens can't afford it.....

[@hanspijpers2100]

Maybe people in the USA should be a little better educated before they vote, And try to find a politician that is not corrupt, I think that is the hardest part, All those so called politicians have second interests, be it extra income from lobbyists or Coal and Mine industries, they are allowed to own stock which to me sounds really dubious to make laws against a company that you own stocks from . Socialism is not a filthy thing, there are dictators who gave it a bad name, like Venezuela . I still think it is a shame that Bernie never won the presidency. Katie Porter would make a great president Kind regards Hans

[@fragwitz8898]

@@hanspijpers2100 first teach americans that socialism (democratic socialism like here in western europe) doesnt equal communism...

[@Illithien]

@@fragwitz8898 It's not democratic socialism, but social democracy. _It has nothing to to with socialism, but everything to do with being social._

[@ms-jl6dl]

​@@Illithien You seem to be the only one that can read.

[@metalvideos1961]

@@hanspijpers2100 its simple the Healthcare lobby lobbies a great deal in the Federal Government of the USA. they decide what happens and what not. The single payer system in the US works exactly as they intended to. thats the worse part. there is even a Medical company in the US who sued the government because the government wanted to make some medication cheaper. the company that provide those medicines was not happy about it. so the US changed the laws and the Medical Company won basically. Lobbyists are the key factor in alot of things in the US. Medical NRA (Gun Lobby) FDA (Food Lobby). you name it. the Federal government and State governments loves money more then caring for their own citizens.

[@Single-Pringle]

Hi Tammy and Eric! So nice to see you again 👍 Great to hear you're well! And I'm utterly charmed to hear you say you're happy your part of the Netherlands now. I'm happy you are here too 😁 You answered one of my nagging questions I've had for years. In general, I like Americans I meet on the internet. But every time, EVERY time there comes that statement of "America is the best country in the world". And I'm thinking: "Why do you think that? Why are you so sure? You have so many problems that we don't have here." Anyways, the two of you are curious enough and respectful enough to look outside the US. That makes you more than friendly people in my book. ❤

[@smijas]

NL: EVERY emergency is admissable in EVERY hospital ! ALWAYS

[@dikkiedik53]

not completely true... sometimes the ambulance needs to go to another hospital because of the ER of the closest hospital was full. But the closest possible hospital is true or the ambulance moves directly to a specialized hospital for that kind of injury.

[@jwenting]

@@dikkiedik53 or the ambulance just dumps you in the nearest hospital and lets them worry about finding a room for you somewhere else. Which happened to my father, he spent 7 hours on a gurney in the hallway of the SEH in Apeldoorn, in winter, with the doors open and no heating, without anyone looking at him, after he had a heart attack, before he was moved to Zutphen for treatment.

[@Renzsu]

You guys are so positive, thanks for making our country your home and hope for all the best for you guys.

[@MichelBaek]

So good to see you haven’t lost your energetic personality. Still having fun. We are blessed to have you living here. And the joy we have because of your videos is showing in the large group of subscribers. 9,1K!🎉 I am sure you will have 10K by the end of april. Stay great! ❤❤❤

[@michaelvanlohuizen]

Hi Eric & Tammy, I assume you will be visiting your grandchild again in the US. In that case, check your dutch healthcare insurer for coverage in the US. The dutch basisverzekering covers costs worldwide (at 1x dutch rates). Because in the US rates can be much higher, you might have to get a dutch travel insurance with world coverage and healthcare coverage and then you should be fully covered for any emergency medical costs while in the US. So no fear for bankruptcy as long as you have dutch insurance. This kind of travel insurance costs around 6-10 euros a month, so I would recommend getting it.

[@jwenting]

Correct, basically if you travel outside of the EU, get travel insurance with worldwide coverage. Not just for the healthcare coverage, but other things like luggage insurance as well.

[@aislingbooks]

I was going to comment about the Dutch travel insurance, but the above comment says it all. Yes, this is accurate and well-stated. I too have family in the States and have travelled there a lot. Not only do my husband and I have good Dutch healthcare, but we also have travel insurance through our bank: reisverzekering. I would suggest having this through experience when travelling to the States, as I believe that America is the only country not covered by your regular Dutch insurance package. I would only add to Michael v Lohuizen's comment that you'll pay the medical costs in the States but will be reimbursed by your travel insurance upon return and filing in the NL. Just, of course, keep all your bills/invoices.

[@jeroenkevenaar2933]

Good to see that you are doing well! my experience from 2 years ago! I got a cardiac arrest at 8 in the morning and my wife niticed this. she immediatly called 112. They tell her how to start the reanimation and in the meantime the activate an alarm for the neigbourhood for people who are trained to reanimate to go to help and take over. in 2 minutes 2people where on the door to assist my wife untill the ambulance arrived and they took over. This quick respons saved my live!!!!!!!!!! (And I celebrate the day they saved my live with them) When something like this is happening the seconds are counting! Take care.

[@johnkochen7264]

It’s often not a question of not wanting to get out of the way of an ambulance but not being able. Narrow streets and heavy traffic often make it impossible.

[@Razielim1]

Another thing to note, in the Netherlands, the basic package and the price for that package has to be the same for all insurance companies, by law. Additionally, they MUST accept you if you apply. They are not allowed to decline your application based on pre-existing conditions and such.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Expanding a little on the previous conversation: on cardiac emergencies, the ‘meldkamer’ = the 112 callcenter, in your case in Rotterdam, decides to which hospital you go. They know where there’s a ‘bed’ available, with all the staff and equipment required.

[@jwenting]

correct. Of course depending on where in the country you are they may not have any available hospital that can take you and just send you to the nearest one, hoping they can keep you alive until a room is found somewhere, anywhere. That happened to my father, who spent 7 hours on a gurney in the hallway of the ER without anyone caring for him) after he had a heart attack. He survived, more through luck and the initial care by the ambulance crew than anything the hospital staff did, until finally an ambulance arrived from a hospital over an hour away to pick him up (the ambulance that'd brought him to the hospital was sitting there all the time, he could see it through the open doors, but it wasn't allowed to take people FROM the hospital he was at, only TO that hospital, by some insane rule intended to ensure ambulances are available for emergencies, as if bringing someone with an ongoing heart attack to a hospital where there is space for them is not an emergency). That was medical error number whatever (we lost track long ago) by that hospital affecting our family (my mother was in that very same hospital at the time, having survived several very serious medical errors that cost her a leg and nearly killed her).

[@jwenting]

@@fvefve12 guess what, I never had either until it happened to my dad. That was years before covid, so no, my dad didn't have a heart attack because of the covid vaccines. Yeah, 7 hours in the ER after a heart attack without getting any care. Welcome to Apeldoorn.

[@bararobberbaron859]

@@jwenting That's awful and I'm glad he survived despite their negligence. I've only had good experiences so far but as I like to say, people don't worry about things going great. I'm sorry that happened, and it's a good reminder there's always going to be room for improvement and human error. That said, if it was my loved one I'd probably be less objective about it.

[@jwenting]

@@bararobberbaron859 I'm sure it's not everywhere, and that hopefully Apeldoorn is an outlier to the extreme. Certainly where I live now things are a lot better and the biggest problem is chronic underfunding leading to needlessly long waiting lists because of staffing shortages.

[@joffryvangrondelle]

the ambulance nurse is in charge and accountable for choosing the right hospital or other destination for the patient, that's not the emergency dispatch centre. Dispatch center or a hospital overview app with all the closed and open ER, wards, like ICU CCU ER NICU etc is available.

[@ingridwatsup9671]

Yeh, sort of knew that we 🇳🇱 are considered left..ish, but we take care of our people. In the meantime 60% of US citizens are overweight and likely don’t have the money for care. I’m glad that you are here and glad with Eric’s haircut: we get more face!

[@rolfvanas2397]

Great to see you doing well ❤

[@temetnosce2329]

Great to see you two doing well ❤

[@ikke5212]

good to see you and hope you feel a lot better 😉😊

[@charlyvanbuuren2947]

So nice to have you two here. Positive minds...

[@Maya9396]

Glad you’re doing fine! It’s always uplifting to watch you two. 👍👋

[@kellyvandijk3269]

You two make my day better, you’re so funny at times😊 have a great weekend.

[@MagereHein]

I'm glad to see you're doing well in the circumstances - such a health scare is terrible. Thanks for the update and all the best! ❤

[@martijn260571]

So happy to hear you are doing alright 🙂👍🏻

[@jack5665]

Glad to see you alive and kicking! And you make me very proud of my country

[@deheermailmum5036]

Great video. Thanks to help us appreciate things we take for granted. Stay healthy and happy

[@gnagtegaal]

Good to see youre doing well. Love your videos. It makes me appreciate more to live in the Netherlands.

[@vanderquast]

So great to have you here now as fellow citicens of The Netherlands😊. Please stay well you both after this health shock of Eric💪

[@bertdejong3]

You're so nice people and you make me realise how lucky we are to live in the Netherlands ore like me in Belgium.👍🤠

[@MartijnFrazer]

So glad to see you doing well! Man, that last video was a real schocker. I mean, obviously to you, but to us (the audience) as well!

[@only1dutchgirl]

Just glad that you're still around.

[@yvonnebirch6026]

Glad to see you both dealing with this new life so well. Thank you for keeping us up to date. I love to hear how you experience living in my little country. Much love ! 🇳🇱💕🌷

[@gertstuve3933]

Good to see that you appreciate our little country so much. It is also nice to see how you get along with each other! Heartwarming!

[@ReggieCuriel]

Good to see you guys are still very much alive and kicking and that you have not lost your sense of humor! Have a great weekend and enjoy your life!

[@sim-one]

Hey guys! I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better and doing so well. What a rollercoaster it must have been, right?! I think most people have been asking themselves those questions after learning how it went in your case. Very interesting you gave us this info! Thank you. And so funny that Tammy had a giggle after how the US presents itself to the people. Ah well every country has it pro’s and con’s BUT glad to be born here 😁🌷

[@CatharinaKoenheim]

I love your banter so much. Happy you feel at home in the Netherlands.

[@gerbenmoljr]

for some reason i missed your previous video, i just watched it... sorry to hear what happened, and glad you are ok Eric... a big virtual hug to both of you. Greetings from Maastricht

[@MarionBrandsen6204]

glad you're ok! I lived in Rotterdam for many years, my whole family comes from Rotterdam and I am happy you like it there. I live in a very small town near Breda now and you are so welcome if you ever want to see the area here.

[@sabaidoodkorte820]

Because you normally put up a video on Tuesday, I was worried you had a fall back. So happy to see you (both) back again with the same old energy. Take care, we are rooting for you ❤

[@hannienierop1387]

Hi Eric and Tammy, good to see you both smiling and happy. Be sure to follow up your treatment with the suggestions of other comments to go to Cardio fysio etc. It will help you get your trust back in your body. Take care and stay healthy.

[@hellmuthschreefel9392]

A few years ago both my wife and I were self-employed and unfortunately had to pay for health care on our own. My wife had a pre-existing condition and our health care premiums totalled $18,000 per year. One year, I had a hernia surgery, our daughter, who was still living at home, had a heart surgery (non life threatening fortunately) and my wife had some kind of medical proceedure that I can't recall. What I do recall was that added up our out of pocket costs for that year was $80,000 ... even with the insurance it cost us so much to have! And my wife who is a breast cancer survivor has to take a chemo pill for the next 2-5 years that would have cost us $50,000 a year if it wasn't for some extraordinary work by local charities we were put in contact with finding grants to help pay for the medications. It's no wonder that almost half of all bankruptcies in this country and one third of all Go Fund me accounts are for medical expenses. It really is disgraceful.

[@joyceschouten8727]

Last year, when I called 112, they figured out what was wrong with me (heart problems, ruptured aorta( from my symptoms and the drove me straight to the nearest hispital that specializes in heart surgeries. That was awesome.

[@petervandenburg9046]

I'm glad you're OK again Eric, for the rest, just rely on the good care Tammy will provide. You're such a lovely couple 😊. Thanks for sharing your experiences, i keep learning things (sometimes from an other perspective) about my own country😮😊

[@bikinginboston]

Love the channel! Glad you're feeling better. This channel gives great insight into moving abroad, especially the info regarding hiring an attorney for navigating DAFT. US healthcare system needs to be completely revamped. For-profit health care should be a crime.

[@theooppie9615]

Ik ben blij dat het met jullie goed gaat, fijn weekend, doei doei 🙂

[@MarjoleinNoyceBellingaMobiel]

Had Covid, so missed the news of the last video's. But I'm very very glad your experience was not as horrible as it could have been and that you guys are doing so well. The spouse had some emergency medical issues here and I think one of the advantages of the Netherlands is that you are allocated priority based on your needs, not your position in line or your insurance or your amount of money.

[@Volkers1966]

love your stories!

[@bertschalk1798]

Happy to see that you folks are "back on track" so to speak, but.......with all the stress and attention around the medical situation, we're almost losing sight on the number of subscribers !!!! Almost hitting 10k now....just a few more ! Who would have thought when you started huhh ???? 😂👍👍

[@elsotto3314]

Glad to hear you are doing well . We Dutch are always complaining about almost everything but listening to you made me realize we are pretty well off. Enjoy your live in our/your country ❤🇾🇪🇾🇪❤

[@maya-parisan]

Great video, I'm happy to see you are doing well! I work at a private insurance company and I just wanted to add that contracts with hospitals only apply to care that can be planned in advance. For emergency care, you can always go to the nearest hospital, whether they are contracted or not, even on the cheapest insurance. This is precisely to avoid the scenario that you would have to skip the nearest hospital just to reach one that is contracted.

[@vcobra7369]

Just happy you are doing great.

[@riablaakman8795]

I was shocked by what you were going through. I hope you will take care of all aspects of your emergency, not just the physical part. It really is important to realize this was a life changing experience and adjust to it, even if you don't deem it necessary while still euphoric about feeling better again. And now I have a question that may be to personal, but I'm so curious how your US family have reacted to what happened to you. Best wishes!

[@helenehuydecooper3534]

We are also very happy that you are here!

[@miran4471]

Glad you are doing well!🙂 My mother ( 92) had cancer in het face ( her nose) .She has had 3 surgeries and recently 20 radiation treatments . And she only pays her " eigen risico " for this year . She is ok ,maar het is zwaar .🙏🌷

[@jwenting]

good to hear she's pulling through. My mother died from lymphoma that was diagnosed too late despite weekly blood tests by the hospital in Apeldoorn as part of her dialysis routine. The oncologist, when she did get to him after a breast cancer scan showed a suspicious blob, told her that had those idiots (his words) done their work properly they would have sent her to him a year earlier and he could have saved her life.

[@miran4471]

@@jwenting wat erg 😭🙏

[@-_YouMayFind_-]

You two are so awesome!.

[@Taco048]

Hi folks, nice to see you again and nice to see you doing well. Also, nice dutch haircut 😉 When are you trying a show in Dutch? That would be fun! 😏🤪🫣 Greetings and take care 🙋🏽‍♂️🇳🇱🌮

[@ilonkagootjes858]

You're so lovely both. Glad to see you alive and kicking. Most comments i read are very positive, and some good advice too. Forget the rest. ❤

[@marcozwaan5743]

hey Eric and Tammy of corse. good to see you are doing oke. Very nice to hear you tolk so positive about our(the dutch) medical care. We take it some times for granted and complain about the cost. You the dutch by now. We sometimes forget it is very good orgenised and affordeble. Stay good, stay save and keep making those fun video's.😊

[@spilln01]

Glad you’re doing fine guys ! 👌

[@margreetanceaux3906]

I live in a much newer district of Rotterdam (Zevenkamp), and here too the fire brigade shows up, f.i. if you’re in your bedroom upstairs, and the stairs are too narrow to carry a stretcher (brancard) with you on it, down the stairs. Must admit though I was amazed when it unfolded before my eyes. So was my german shepherd dog (we were on our evening walk), when all these cars with lights and sirens arrived - and she merrily joined the choir 😁

[@Aelsenaer]

Eric. Our best wishes to your recovery.

[@ivoschenk2230]

Good to hear that all is well with your health! Maybe a nice idea for your next video. King's Day will be celebrated in Rotterdam this year. The king also holds a tour in Rotterdam. So can meet him😊 Greetings from a fellow Rotterdammer 😀

[@norajazzypoppy9043]

So happy that Eric is feeling better 😊🌹 Hii Tammy😊🌹

[@zwart592]

Hey, great video again. And glad you are doing well. When you compared the health insurrance costs, you maybe should also mention that an income dependent percentage is deducted from the gross salery. It’s called ZVW on the payslip, probably around 5.5%. Plus the employer also pays around 6.7% on the total payroll he has. So the insurrance alone is just one of 4 components ome paus for healthcare. Nevertheless you probably still get better acces to the cure and care system compared to the usa.

[@sherifadorder8178]

You're such great people 🤗❤

[@Maguramishi]

What a scare! Glad you’re still with us!

[@Roggen45]

Hi it was kinda funny the story you told about the pharmacy, but yet sad too that you're so use to paying for everything, not to mention to so much! Glad to hear you two are doing better, and hopefully will do better everyday, wouldnt want to miss your videos🥰, stay safe! Groetjes uit Groningen! ❤

[@edwinvermeulen8187]

To the bruises, that is a common side effect due to the blood thinners / blood pressure reducing medicine, another side effect is going to be sensitive to cold / heat. You will be taking them for a year minimum so take care!

[@jwenting]

yup, trombosis medication is notorious for that. Big reason why people who take it need regular blood tests to ensure their platelet levels are still within good boundaries.

[@georgedrubbel2445]

Keep up the good life, spring is coming!

[@MyTubeSVp]

16:18 In Belgium our health insurance is some 100 euros per person per year. Some percentage of our taxes go to healthcare too. Today I received the bill for the MRI of my knee I had a few weeks ago : 52 euros.

[@user-ue7vd1cw6w]

Thank you for your commentary on The Netherlands; the nice compliments and off course the well meant feedback. I want to point out that the Dutch are not flawless. We have our lesser sides. And furthermore I think you are very nice people and i am looking forward to future 'you-tubes'.

[@Braun30]

Snapped a tendon after Malden on the Via Gladiola at the 4daagse in 1998. Was taken by the police to the Hospital in Nijmegen and there was visited by the first aid station doctor, the chief ortopaedic doctor and the head of orthopaedic surgery in less than one hour. As I returned to Switzerland to the surgeon who did in the end do the operation to reconstruct the tendon, the whole paperwork was on his desk. The snap happened on the friday, I was at the hospital in Switzerland on the Tuesday. I had to cover the costs in Holland out of my pocket, in all it was about 145 Swiss Francs.

[@marcvanMaanen]

'Your love is like a bad medicine' 🙂 Good to see you have not lost your sense of humor and are recovering well.

[@pede5656]

Hi Sweeties! ❤❤It is so very nice seeing you back and recovered from that awful event🙆‍♀️! I will send your video again to my cousin who is doing her studies for medical assistance on the ambulance🚑. She will be thrilled hearing your good experience🌟🌺. Is it perhaps an idea to buy a defillibrator? They cost around 1600 euro and you can follow a course (perhaps included, otherwise not expensive) for the instructions👐🏻. How to handle when someone gets a heart attack.The course EHBO means First Aid By Accidents. Perhaps something for Tammy; to complete your medical care🤷🏻‍♀️? By the way, your new haircut 🧑‍🦲goes very well with you, Eric!🎉

[@marjaoosterveld8412]

Dear Eric and Tammy, good to see Eric making his funny jokes with you Tammy. I'm sure it was a scare. Good to see you both doing your 'old'self again. It's very interesting to see how you adjust to living in the Netherlands. I lived a year in the States (DC) and was glad I could go back to this lovely country😊

[@georgedrubbel2445]

Your so right, years ago we had an issue with my wife. Bladder infection, peniciline alergic reaction. She went to rest and I checked if she was ok. Well no reaction anymore and a very low heard beat. Alled 112 for help. They where there in no time, they take over the situation completely, first treatment on the bed and before I knew my wife was in the ambulance and up to the hospital. The ambulance staff told me, don't try to follow us at the same pase, drive up to the hospital at normal space. Arriving there all was taking care off and at the end all went well. All insured no bills, yes for sure the insurance is expensive, but it covers what you need! Get well, so happy you got treated and recover well :)

[@captainchaos3667]

I think my travel insurance did cover medical costs in the US, but only at approved facilities.

[@katariinakeisari8178]

I am happy you are doing well! It must have been a scare. I truly hope enough people watch your videos, maybe something will change in the US as well. It is hard for us Europeans to grasp that fear for universal healthcare, but it all comes down to making the rich richer, I guess. I am not the most patriottic person in the world, but lately I have been very thankful not to have been born in the US. We have our own issues here, as does every country, but still. It does not feel as bad. Looking forward to the next video!

[@EricvanDorp007]

Nice watching this! :)

[@mayaweirauch1739]

You can pay travel ensurance when you go to the USA. That might cover health costs.

[@Nkana1953]

I live in the UK & we have free health cover. Obviously we pay for it in our National Insurance taxes but treatment costs us zero. Prescriptions cost £9.00 per prescription item. I have had 2 heart stent surgeries, a heart flush, I have COPD, sleep apnoea & type 2 diabetes. Doctor consultations, specialist consultant check ups at the hospital cost me zero. I am over 60 and prescriptions/medications now cost me nil. I have 13 different types of medications. Thank you NHS.

[@CrownRider]

I had a stent surgery mid February and a bypass surgery a week later. Still waiting for invoices, however, I expect the bills to go straight to the Dutch health insurance company.

[@mdeleeuw6272]

It will. Maybe you have to pay your own risk of 385 euro, but that's all.

[@GewoonFrieda]

Glad you're doing so well. I'm glad I am born in the Netherlands. And still there are lots of people complaining about our government.

[@uchihajm]

Dutch people compl;ain for the sake of complaining(Dutch myself too)

[@jacobushubertuskirchner9948]

Complaining has proven to be one of the best ways to get things done in The Netherlands. Because people tend to quickly complain we all work our butts off to prevent complaining. It works fine.

[@falcovg2]

Just because things are going pretty well relative to the rest of the world doesn't mean our current government is doing great.

[@GewoonFrieda]

@@falcovg2 Perfection doesn't exist. There will always be something. But compered to other countries...I don't complain.

[@saskiapanter]

Exactly, the complainers should look beyond the borders of our country, then realize we got it pretty good here. Sure it can always be better, but I tend to count my blessings, I'm VERY happy and lucky to have been born here. Have a roof over my head, have a good job, have a lovely family and wonderful friends and live in a overall pretty well organized country. And if others see this as socialism, then long live socialism 😂😊

[@connievanlewe7762]

I'am glad that you both are doing good. Love your humor.😂 It's so sad that the medical care us is so bad...due to insurence. 😒

[@Roel_Scoot]

Good to see you so well, but I can imagine that there is still some insecurity about what can happen in the future. After hart surgery I myself was offered, by the hospital, a hart revalidation programm with different aspects like how to cope with my condition (together with my wife if we wanted it), what to eat (like less salt, more vegetables) and how to move (and not be afraid) by doing gymnastics and ball games with other hart patients and doing excercises on a home trainer while you are monitored by a doctor. I can recommend it full heartedly (pun intended).

[@luk5464]

I’m glad you’re doing better! Once again the best of wishes in your further recovery Eric & Tammy! Regarding the costs it might be worth mentioning that if you have a low income you’re actually eligible for “zorgtoeslag” or health care insurance benefits which will cover all or part of your premiums depending on your income. So in that sense, socialised health care is quite an apt term. It just means that the government will assist those who just cannot afford that €1500 per person per year (with kids being free btw). And yes, obviously that tax money comes disproportionately from wealthier people and corporations but that’s fine, in my opinion that’s just how a civilised society should work when it comes to an essential “service” such as health care. Take care of each other and get well soon Eric!

[@arturobianco848]

Happy to see you doing so well keep him on his meds Tammy. I'm just a bit shocked about what you said about health care in the states. It sounds like a thirth world country except in most of them they would bring you to the nearest emergency room if needed and you wouldn't be bankrupt after you left.

[@sammie_nl]

A little late but wanted to post this: in NL the ambulance verpleegkundige (nurse) has to have at least 2 years experience in a hospital emergency room or ICU on top of that the regular nurse education (4 years). The ambulance driver does not, but has experience and training in assiting the nurse. this makes a HUGE diffrence. these nurses are trained and have experience in the worst emergency medical situatons like hard attacks and traffic accidents with severe trauma. On top of that NL has 4 helicopters with emergency doctors on board, they will be called upon to assist ambulances in severe life threatening cases (in case of children or baby's they are always called but mostly return to base after ambulance arrives and assess the situation and deems it not neccesary). 112 personnel will alwayc call the heli though, just in case it's needed. anyway, sorry for the rant, just wanted to give some extra context about how much human life is valued over here. all the best!

[@remconoordermeer7015]

Hi and thanks for the kind words.! You are correct, Dutch ambulance personnel is extensively trained. After having attained their bachelor-level nursing diploma, they need to spend a few years in a high-end ward of the hospital, like surgery. They need an additional few years of training and experience in higher specialized units like the ER or Intensive care. I'm not sure, but I believe only then they can apply for an ambulance position. Special people indeed... as of course are all people in healthcare. Anyway, take care, and thanks for the video!

[@willemdubbeldam9285]

@4:12 In case of an emergency, it does not matter which hospital you go to or are taken to. Even if the insurer does not have a contract, care will be reimbursed.Last year, I was involved in an accident and was taken to a hospital by anbulance. My insurer had no contract with the hospital, but since it was an emergency, everything was reimbursed directly to the hospital. In other cases, you have to pay for it yourself first and can submit the bills to the insurer later.

[@H1SCOTTY]

The stairchair is in most big buildings part of the escape route and can be used to evacuate for medical emergency. But most times they want to transport sick people horizontal.

[@vintagelover2099]

so good to see you laughing and joking, I was shocked to hear how it goes in the States. I shouldn't be that way. Tammy takes good care of you Eric, so sweet to see that, I hope you will enjoy the good weather and I am happy that you are still around, and ......today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. enjoy the life you have together in this "gezellige landje". Happy Easter, love Henny

[@littletof4304]

I lived in the States in 1989-1991. I was pregnant at the time and got a prescription for ,I think ,extra vitamines. I was used that the bill got straight to the ensurance so I walkend out of the drugsstore without paying. It took me months before I realised I should have paid them in the store.

[@rinynewton8297]

So so happy you are doing so well Eric. I know Tammy is a nice lady and will look after you. From now on you will have to take your medication but lucky you can in this country so you will be fine. But keep us posted we all want you to do fine and be as healthy as you can. Take care. Btw don't listen to stupid comments they can't help themselves!

[@rhmdutchman1550]

als je naar amerika ga kan je je bij verzekeren bij de ziekenkosten verzekering, kost wat maar je bent gedekt. (weet niet of dat nu nog zo is)

[@gerbentvandeveen]

We're glad you're still here. And Tammy takes good care of you. Greetings from Spakenburg, the Netherlands. PS Tuesday, April 4. Is Spakenburg-PSV. If we win here??? Can it become Feyenoord-Spakenburg in the final of the Cup.

[@globalonemusic2381]

Eric and Tammy: VERY informative film today. :) I have a question. You said that your insurance covers you in a lot of countries. Does this mean that the Netherlands has reciprocal agreements with all the E.U. nations to honour each other's insurance ? For example, if you traveled to France, would your Netherlands insurance provide all the coverage you have in the Netherlands ? Likewise, would France have coverage that covers their citizens when they travel to the Netherlands ? I can here in your "voice pressure" that the normal speaking tone evidences full recovery. I am so glad you have fully recovered. Excellent, as always. :). Antoine

[@mayaweirauch1739]

Yes, when I as Dutch person visit a doctor or hospital then our Dutch health insurance covers it as if it where in NL. In the rules of the insurance it says which countries are covered.

[@globalonemusic2381]

@@mayaweirauch1739 Thank you for the information. What I would like to know is if, for example, someone from France were visiting the Netherlands, would their French Health Insurance cover them while in the Netherlands ? Would a German be covered by their German insurance, etc ? Thank you again for your help. :)

[@almanoor-bakker5964]

Dutch healthcare insurance covers emergencies nearly througout the world, except for extreme expensive places like the US. When we traveled there we always had extra travel insurance for medical costs. And i am quite sure that this is about the same for all eu countries.

[@dikkiedik53]

May I answer your question... In 2012 I had the same what Eric had, during vacation near Fréjus in France. I was lucky the administrator of the hospital was originally Dutch, but her parents started a camping in France. I speak some French, but it was comfortable at that stress moment. The only thing she needed was my name and insurance company. The rest she could look up. I was covered like in The Netherlands she told me. The cardiologist made me 20 years younger in 10 minutes ;-) I was 3 days in hospital and cardio treatment... etc. never saw a bill. For the pharmacy I had to pay a little but I could send the bill to my insurance. A couple of years ago I had 2 broken teeth in France..I went to a very nice dr. dentist. I had to pay what the French pay. I only had to open the app of my insurance and make a picture of the invoice. It was on my bank account while I still was on vacation in France.

[@henkvandervossen6616]

Afaik, within the EU all citizens have local rights. When I am in France, once i present my insurance card with EU logo, i am insured to the French level.

[@wortelsorbet]

There is one additional cost that you may see, called "eigen bijdrage" (for medications). There is a limit of 250 Euro per year for that one. In Belgium and the UK I paid less, in Switzerland I paid more for healthcare. The best healthcare in the US is better than what is offered in the Netherlands, as you say, but there are not many that can afford it.

[@philsarkol6443]

Hello Eric and Tammy I just cannot Imagine anyone saying anything negative about you. Your allways so positive and thankfull for being here and living a wonderfull life in our beautifull country. To be honest, a lot of Dutch people may not realize how lucky they/we are with everything so well organised, everybodies living standard being way way better then 90% in the rest of the world. So it is so good of you to point that out. Reminding us by keeping up a mirror..so much thanks. And also again Eric...you are right by praising Tammy for the wonderfull wife she is to you!! She's beautyfull!! Have a good easter...Love both of you!! Grtjes Phil..

[@eddyblommaert5676]

Indeed, take care , of each other, thats the human, social way to go.Glad you, both are doing well, greetz, groeten van een nederlander