Surgery in Portugal? - An American's Experience With Healthcare in Portugal (Cost, Care, & Rehab)

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Our Rich Journey: Surgery in Portugal? - An American's Experience With Healthcare in Portugal (Cost, Care, & Rehab): We had a medical emergency in Portugal! We've been living here in Portugal for three years now. We've used the public hospital and the private hospital. And with this medical emergency, we ended up using both the private and public healthcare systems in Portugal. We saw multiple surgeons with various opinions on what to do. Check out our video to find out what happened, the healthcare option we ultimately decided on, the cost of healthcare, and the rehab process. Thanks for watching!
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[@orlandomontfort5101]

I'm Portuguese and lived in America for six months over 20 years ago. To cut a long story short, I encountered the American medical system for minor surgery, I had insurance and yet I was so awfully treated I felt robbed! In fact despite the ensurance covering the procedure I found myself back home and being charged for extras that i had no idea about. We have an excellent health care all over Europe! The US is just broken, a disgusting business. Profile over care.

[@linaandrade3442]

Portugal is one off the Best Count in Europe Low crime rate good food, amazing quality of life, Amazing ❤️ 🇵🇹

[@tiagopessoa3288]

Just don't use national health sistem or ya'll die before getting treated.

[@Meow-cq6vp]

@@linaandrade3442 low crime rate in paper*

[@panchovilla5940]

​@@Meow-cq6vp Not just in paper, pall.. See the world numbers and statistics, and tell me something about Portugal.. 😂😜

[@dmolgaming]

@@Meow-cq6vp u high or smth??? portugal is one of the top 10 safest countries in the world

[@antoniomarques5651]

As a Portuguese MD that was trained in Portugal, the US and the UK.... I very much appreciate your testimony regarding the Portuguese health system. It’s true, contrary to the US you don’t have to be rich to get well treated. A socialized healthcare system is not a radical left wing idea as some in the US would say. Rather, it’s a basic right of a human being !.... and your country should look out for you as a tax payer when you need a public service.

[@zedaadega7420]

Senhor Doutor António Marques, Obrigado pelo seu comentário, embora o SNS seja uma porcaria que leva os portugueses de Elvas a irem regularmente ao Hospital Reina Sofia de Badajoz, como é de direito recorrer ao estrangeiro a um cidadão da UE, nós europeus ao menos, reconhecemos o direito à saúde nas nossas constituições. Já os coitados dos americanos sofreram lavagem ao cérebro nos anos 1950, e acham que o direito à saúde é um esquema sinistro comunista e soviético, a tentar derrubar o "American Way of Life", com base nos gajos mortos Lenine e Estaline. Os políticos americanos estão apenas a serem bons malandros a chular o seu próprio povo, que vive na merda, mas que é ensinado que o deus ou deusa deles o seleccionou como povo eleito divino, que segundo a doutrina "Manifest Destiny", tem o direito dado por deus de invadir os outros países (à semelhança do nosso próprio Tratado de Tordesilhas).

[@onyiandubuisindubuisi1951]

Hi bro pls do u no of any good hospital one can go for knock knees surgery in portugal

[@Bethinhaz]

Bem vindos a Portugal. Gostaria de vos dizer que a minha filha esteve internada durante quase dois meses aos 5 meses de idade. Foi operada ao coração e ainda ficou mais 10 dias internada depois da cirurgia na altura soubemos que custava cerca de 4000 euros por dia um doente cardíaco operado. Nunca pagamos nada. Ela tem todas as consultas no hospital Santa Maria grátis. Fez fisioterapia todas as semanas durante 4 anos, nunca pagamos nada. Tem consultas semestrais de neurologia, desenvolvimento cognitivo, e médico da tiroide, fisiatria e dentista. Faz muitos exames regularmente. Ela hoje tem 9 anos e continua a ser acompanhada por médicos especialistas e terapeutas, nunca pagamos NADA. Ela tem necessidades especiais. Somos muito abençoados . Gratidão

[@paulamaira]

Em Portugal crianças até aos 18 anos não pagam rigorosamente nada em hospitais, centros de saude, clinicas, etc. Nenhuma criança paga por serviços de saude aqui em Portugal.

[@guleiro]

Muita saúde para a sua filha. A minha também nasceu no Santa Maria e só tenho boas coisas a dizer...

[@Francisco-j1e]

Temos que defender o SNS com unhas e dentes.

[@therauto]

@@Francisco-j1e defender sim mas para melhorar e não para ser politiquisado e estragado, por lado o interesse político por outro outros interesses, maus exemplos são mantidos por ideologia política e bons foram estragados por essa mesma ideologia política… queremos um SNS funcional e acessível e quando for necessário complementado pelo privado, no fim interessa é o serviço de qualidade

[@canaltuga1]

A maior despesa no hospital é mesmo o estacionamento e a comida das máquinas.

[@manuelamoura4515]

My daughter had a baby on July,1 and although she has a very good health insurance she chose a public hospital in Lisbon for the delivery. Can't talk well enough of the treatment there. She is a PhD in Pharmacy so she is very clued up on the latest medical news, especially pregnancy related topics. She had a Birth Plan and they studied and followed it meticulously. Due to complications they had to deviate from it twice but explained thoroughly why and apologized profusely beforehand. The midwives were very professional and sweet always calling her - my darling, my princess. I was her birth partner and had a 5 star experience. I am extremely proud of and confident in our Health System. By the way - SHE PAID 0 euros.

[@Angela-ne9cy]

I imagine it's easier to keep your spirits up when you aren't facing a financially crippling medical bill. My best friend avoided hospital care because she knew it would crush her financially and ended up nearly dying because of it. The US healthcare system is so broken.

[@antonio.mineiro]

That is so sad :(

[@celsiusmillo7915]

it is capitalism for you, profit is more important than life

[@randar1969]

I would rather emigrate abroad then to go bankrupt on medical bills.

[@jaimedelgado7529]

I'm Portuguese, currently living in Portugal. I did live in the US for a total of 7 years. I do not have fancy private health I insurance and rely only on the free public healthcare provided by the government. Although not perfect because I have had to wait longer than I would have liked for certain treatment I am so greatful for the healthcare provided here. I has gotten me out if serious problems more than a few times. It is no exaggeration when I say that if I lived in the USA i would have died at least twice already and would have accumulated debt to last me 4 lifetimes. I'm truly grateful to the SNS !

[@ghassanjneinaty4421]

Hope you totally recovered. Love Portugal from Lebanon

[@TwelfieSpecial]

I think one of the most important thing to point out in this example vs the US fee-for-service model is how the financial incentives dictate medical decisions. In the US they would push you hard towards the surgery option, because that’s the expensive procedure to charge and how the entire medical industrial complex makes money.

[@stevewise1656]

Agreed! I had a doctor push me to have a brutal bone surgery in my leg and it never properly healed.

[@czarfmm]

As a PM&R (Physiatry) Portuguese doctor I'm glad everything went well :) great recovery 💪

[@ghassanjneinaty4421]

Please Doctor I salute your amazing role for keeping the health care system in Portugal in a good shape.

[@RichD2024]

Thank you for sharing your story. It’s amazing how much better and affordable healthcare is in Europe. My girlfriend has to go to the emergency room when we were in Spain. She spent the day there, they ran a bunch of tests on her, fed her, sever doctor’s looked at her and the total we had to pay without insurance (it was a private hospital that didn’t accept our travel insurance) was $180. That’s it. I asked about getting bills later for services rendered, as is typical in the US, and they looked at me like I was crazy. A few months later she had another episode in the US, and had to go to the hospital again. Just to get in the door her co-pay was $750, that’s with insurance. The service was horrible by comparison. A week later we started to get the bills. The first one for $1300, with several others to follow because her deductible is $3000. It’s absurd.

[@romeufrancisco7041]

It's insane! I had no idea it was that devastating overthere. I go to the hospital, both private and public here in Portugal. I usually seek the following specialities: orthopedics (I have problems with my joints and achille's tendon), pneumology, dermatology (I have an incipient psoryasis). You will not believe me, but at the public hospital, I pay less than 10 €, at the private hospital 15 or less (I have mutualistic public insurance), and if it's not directly covered it is 70€ but I get about half back afterwards from the insurance. A surgery in dermatology is 350€ but my insurance covers more than 90% of it. Senior citizens (not my case) pay nothing in the public system, although sometimes you will prefer to go to the private if you want to spead up your treatment and not have to wait.

[@ghassanjneinaty4421]

Hope your girlfriend is in better conditions now. Speedy recovery

[@singleparentfire2363]

The US health system is so broken. I took my daughter to the emergency room in the US and all they did was “monitor” her and I got a $1,900 bill 🤦🏾

[@OurRichJourney]

Wow! And the cost of a simple aspirin is outrageous!

[@ONSLAWTT]

@@OurRichJourney An Albuterol inhaler for my 3 year olds asthma is $200 🤦🏽🤦🏽🤦🏽 I'm Portuguese and my grandparents are from there- Vu is from Madeira and Vo was born in Rio because my great grandparents moved there from Portugal..... Anyhow, I have never visited yet :( We have friends living there now. My wife and I talk about vacationing there sometime-maybe move there.... Possibly we'll stay at your Airbnb 😜

[@VoltaireMM]

What....? Impossible in Portugal! Article 64 (CONSTITUTION OF THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC) (Health) 1. Everyone has the right to the protection of health and the duty to defend and promote health. 2. The right to the protection of health shall be fulfilled: a) By means of a universal and general national health service which, with particular regard to the economic and social conditions of the citizens who use it, shall tend to be free of charge; b) By creating economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions that particularly guarantee the protection of childhood, youth and old age; by systematically improving living and working conditions, and promoting physical fitness and sport at school and among the people; and also by developing the people’s health and hygiene education and healthy living practices. 3. In order to ensure the right to the protection of health, the state is charged, as a priority, with: a) Guaranteeing access by every citizen, regardless of his economic situation, to preventive, curative and rehabilitative medical care; b) Guaranteeing a rational and efficient nationwide coverage in terms of human resources and healthcare units; c) Working towards the socialisation of the costs of medical care and medicines; d) Disciplining and inspecting entrepreneurial and private forms of medicine and articulating them with the national health service, in such a way as to ensure adequate standards of efficiency and quality in both public and private healthcare institutions; e) Disciplining and controlling the production, distribution, marketing, sale and use of chemical, biological and pharmaceutical products and other means of treatment and diagnosis; f) Establishing policies for the prevention and treatment of drug abuse. 4. Management of the national health service shall be decentralised and participatory.

[@megalodon1726]

The US health care system isn't a health care system. It's a profit-making regime where health care is a side effect.

[@summerbirds8075]

$1600 bill last month for just saw the doctor in ER. no blood work and no test. Just saw doctor!!! I am SO ready to get out of US!!!

[@Athandatu]

I’m a US citizen attending medical school in Spain. I actually grew up here in Spain, where I was a Navy brat. Nonetheless, I’ve experienced both forms of healthcare and Spanish healthcare functions the same way as the Portuguese one. I am so glad you were able to have your injury well taken care of without the fear of being financially burdened for years to come as it is in the US.

[@RafaelPereira-dc9ir]

I’m Portuguese just wanna say my grandma was about to die due to blood lose on the stomach and if it weren’t from my aunt and friends noticing she could’ve die since they called an ambulance right away and at the hospital they had a good team of surgeons that could saved her felt happier to hear it ❤️ however she had another prob due to her veins that lead to the heart which they were small and she needed an surgery quickly which was more risk than the stomach one but the team done a good job saving her ( and prob other patients ) anyways so lucky my grandma survived all that with an well qualified surgeons team 😭❤️

[@NileSings]

My goodness! As if I needed another push to move to Portugal! I'm very glad your recovery is going so well!

[@claremorley9845]

I'm so happy you are recovering! The US health care system is crazy ... I'm a recently retired physical therapist, and I was so saddened by the decline I witnessed during my 30+ years in the US system 😪 I'm very interested in moving to Portugal 🇵🇹

[@guleiro]

In my opinion, Portugal is if not the best, one of the best countries of Europe to live in... Top 3 of Europe in quality of life probably...

[@bklyntraveler9705]

For me, the takeaway is that Portugal, at least in orthopedics, seems to be up to date in terms of newer medical procedures, which is promising!

[@noreenn6976]

Sounds like you found a fabulous doctor. An ER visit in the USA can cost thousands. Portugal sure is sounding like a wonderful place to live.

[@journeytothemosthigh5021]

As a therapist myself over 25 years, I am impressed with your recovery!! Love the approach that you went with and love how you found a doctor who listened and actually was exactly what you needed!! So glad that healing is with you!! Enjoy your travels and thank you always inspiring!

[@OurRichJourney]

Aww, thank you! We really didn't want to go with the surgery route. We're really happy that our second opinion supported our decision!

[@TheEGA4421]

You recovered quickly because you did your research before hand, asked questions and got more than one option. Most people go with what they are told and never ask questions. Glad you are on the road to recovery!

[@KarenDGobsmacked]

And, that's the truth no matter where you live! We all need to do our own research and seek out additional opinions!

[@kappa2ou3]

I had the same problem and they gave me the same 2 options and on top of that they said “ you are not a professional athlete, so you don’t need surgery “ and I said “ ok, let’s do the other way “. 14 years passed and no problems.

[@christinabaek4624]

Glad you have recovered well from this terrible injury! My husband also ruptured achilles tendon playing basketball (1 month before our wedding) and went with no-op conservative route as well. We definitely didn't get access to physical therapy everyday and I think that probably made a huge difference in your rapid recovery.

[@OurRichJourney]

Wow! One month before you wedding?! That's tough!!!

[@ghassanjneinaty4421]

I know that no country in the world is perfect. Every country has its own weakness and strength. I hope Portugal which I love from my heart will be blessed with a better health care system. Regards to dear Portuguese from Lebanon

[@themadness01]

Welcome to the torn Achilles club. I had a similar situation playing bball and thought someone kicked me in my leg. I took the surgery route. After insurance I paid 2-3k to surgeon, facility, anesthesiologist, and other random folks with there hands out. I did a few weeks of therapy but going 3 times a week was too costly, and the insurance covered maybe less than half of the visits. So, I had the therapist give me a plan to get back on my feet, on my own. The pool is where I lived to get back to 100%. Glad you’re getting back to normal.

[@sanjivraj9160]

Does swimming help in recovery,as part of rehab.Please advice.Thanks!

[@fran2688]

Awesome! I see you make your health decision the same as your investments. With caution and knowledge! Smart man!

[@OurRichJourney]

Yes Francine! That's right! :)

[@cathychilton5236]

Wishing you a speedy recovery. You two have been such a blessing to my life so I now send blessings back to you.

[@darktime188bass]

This channel is amazing. I'm from Mozambique (Africa) and I'm planning on moving to portugal this year. I've been watching this channel for quite a while but it's the first time writing a comment. I'm glad to hear all these great things about the country. I'm from a country in the 3rd world and this is like heaven to me hehe.. Hope you keep inspiring us!. How's your portuguese skills as we speak? I hope you and your family got the hang of it already. I'm lucky that my native language is Portuguese but I can imagine the struggle I'd have moving to a country where I'd need to learn a foreigner language. (plot twist: I've been learning english for 22 years and I still can't speak properly lmao). Wish you all the best! I'm going to porto :)

[@pedromeneses1643]

Moçambique, a brother country.

[@rodrigodomingues5201]

Espero que seja muito bem recebido aqui em Portugal, william!

[@trailoffiends]

Tens um inglês de um bom nível, e sê bem-vindo a Portugal. ;)

[@CGPT76]

All doctors in Portugal speak English! They study with books written in English. This is very common in Portugal. My stepson studied engineering and 50% of the books wore in English. The vast majority of nurses also speak English. It's the primary foreign language taught in Portugal since 2nd grade.

[@mashanti_worldwide]

We are blessed to have access to our respective health care systems - you in Portugal and us in Spain. Nice testimonial. May you continue to recover.

[@royking7298]

Lucky you! I'm 66, just moved to portugal as a retiree. I pay 3,100/yr for the best possible health insurance. It still doesn't cover everything, but yes, my part to pay is low. 53.00EU for a CAT Scan. Actually I need to check with them to be sure the insurance doesn't cover it. But I'm lazy. I don't have to worry about money, but still.... LOL! Love your videos! AND, FIRE is awesome! Wish I had you in my life back in the 70's and 80's, I did it all from age 41 to 65. I've never been happier! My motto is, "Dare to live an exceptional life!"

[@ghassanjneinaty4421]

How much you pay for your insurance per month if I can ask please

[@peterchirico2153]

As a Physical Therapist in the USA since 1976 I am completely floored about the care that you received. My wife and I have been planning on moving there for a while. This information just confirms that we will be doing the right thing. Thank you for sharing your experience. We would love to meet you guys maybe at one of your events. I will look thru your web site to see if there are any events that would be of interest to us. I would love to become licensed there but am not sure of the process.

[@amerlinphycian8132]

Congratulations to your speedy recovery. I had ankle features, 3+ months ago, still getting physical therapy. The therapy costs over $400 a session, therapist spends 5 minutes with gental massage 😗, the rest is exercise on your own. The insurance allows 30 sessions per year( a relatively good insurance) I had to use it carefully, maximum twice a week because I needed many weeks, the copay is $15 each session. The prices are incomparable, the quality sounds better too. Can't wait...

[@tonyvaldez8708]

We are really happy for you! I am a occupational therapist and I understand what you have to deal with. Praying for you and your family 🙏🏼

[@pauladosch7062]

I noticed you wearing a boot at your 365 meet-up, but didn’t get a chance to ask you about it. Thanks for the good news story about PT healthcare!

[@OurRichJourney]

Hi there Paula! Yes, I ruptured my Achilles shortly before the meet-ups! :( But, I'm healing quickly (thankfully)!!!

[@vtheb1299]

Oh my!!! Sorry to hear about this injury but thanks goodness you have been recovering so well - and so cheap!!! Can we just pause to appreciate for a minute the fact that going to physiotherapy daily is so much easier when one doesn't have to go to work!!! One more benefit of FIRE - you can fully focus on your recovery, doing the exercises, going to the gym and all that movement. Imagine having to sit at the computer for 8 h + the car for another 2 instead. I'm pretty sure that sped up your recovery as well! Keep it up and have fun in the travels!! All the best 💖

[@napturallyyours70]

Ammon you're not hurting! I'm hurting just hearing about this incredible health experience! I have a dental appointment for cleaning and I'm fretting already and I have"insurance"! I am so glad you're recovering splendidly.

[@cocomonroe777]

I tore my Achilles in late March and also went the non-surgery route! I am so glad I did, and it’s been about 5 months and am walking everywhere now. I can’t run yet and approach and take stairs/steps VERY carefully but I am back to a normal quality of life. You will be absolutely fine and remember to take your rehab very seriously! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@topoftheclass5335]

I’m sold!!! I’m leaving the US!!!

[@paulamaira]

What a lot of Americans do not know is that Barak Obama visited Portugal in November 2010 and met up with Portuguese president and prime minister to learn about the health care system we have here in Portugal. Barak Obama wanted to set up a similar system in USA that would provide the US citizens with the best health care for free or almost free. Unfortunately the ignorance of the US Citizens is such that Obama Care went out the window at the first opportunity. Your president tried hard back then, today you all could be having this same kind of healthcare. Your loss. The sad thing is that Americans never learn and still think that the US is the best country in the world. I guess the saying "ignorance is bliss" doesn't help them much in this case, as for me, I'm quite content that Americans stay in the USA, it's a much better place for them.

[@lighow]

That’s amazing! 🤯 I went to urgent care for a severe nosebleed in the United States and all they did was give me one of those $.35 clamps-handed to me by a physicians assistant and I got a bill for $650.

[@cann9155]

OH NOOOO! I'm sorry that happened to you. 😮😢❤So impressed with the level of care. Had heard similar stories of European Healthcare in general. Praying for your 🙏 speedy 💯recovery❤❤❤BTW you guys are 1000%analytical ❤Love how u researched instead of panicking. ❤#FAMILY

[@macnet83]

Our healthcare system is good if you buy a private insurance. Most people can't do it and have to resort to the public healthcare system which is a chaos

[@ghassanjneinaty4421]

How much the private insurance cost and what exactly do you recommend?

[@Hello_Pri]

I'm so glad your recovery has been smooth. I'm so impressed with the care you described and the affordability...what a gift. It should be this way for everyone. Wishing you a continued speedy recovery! Thanks for a great video!

[@IAMElsLife]

So glad your recovery was awesome. A great supportive family is priceless. Can't wait to see y'all enjoying Dubai. Thanks so much for sharing the details.❤🙏🏽

[@eriksanders153]

Hi Iman, Thanks for your story. A few years ago, I tore my Achilles tendon while playing tennis. I had surgery (hole drilled through my heel and the tendon was kept in place by a string). We chose not to use a cast but kinesiologic tape. Additionally, activating my stem cells through photobiomodulation. And after 4 weeks I walked (taped in) and even played a little bit of golf in Silves (I admit, I used a buggy where else I would walk). Thanks to stem cell activation, there is also no scar visible without a looking glass. The stem cell activation was an idea of mine because I'm a retired pharmacologist. That was my only out-of-pocket cost (about $100 for 3 months). I love Portugal and I hope to live here until 120 years. All the best to you and your family. Thanks for the videos. I like them although I'm 100% in on Tesla since 2015 :-) and I don't believe in ETF and not going long-term with your ‘highest conviction’ stock. But that's a personal opinion.

[@peacetranquility2658]

Grateful reading you and your family have been able to triumph over this challenge as you all have many others. Keep the faith and blessings always! 🙏🏿

[@vickimuhammad4762]

So glad you are healing so quickly and are able to enjoy the summer with your family.

[@mavs4life248]

I tore my tendon in January of last year while playing basketball too. Opted for surgery and am now basically back to 100%. That said, very fortunate to have pretty good health insurance as the all-in cost (including rehab) would have cost me $50K.

[@nygardenguru]

Wow

[@mavs4life248]

@@nygardenguru Yup. Pretty ridiculous but I personally paid $3 - $4K.

[@bobyonker8642]

Glad to see you doing so well and it is helpful to know that we will be taken care of here in Portugal whenever we might be in need. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@shakenbacon-vm4eu]

I’m so sorry that happened to you. That’s definitely what makes me most depressed if I can’t play ball or work out. I’m happy your family was there to get you through it, FIRE probably helped with that to allow more family time! I hope you can get out on the court soon, man.

[@nygardenguru]

You gotta be careful

[@jeffcarr7279]

I tore my Achilles last year playing basketball too. I ended up doing surgery. Good luck on your recovery.

[@5Bazile5]

So glad to hear you had good healing team. I always tell my husband to warm up bc the Achilles is no joke and a long recovery. Speedy healing!

[@PeeGeeThirteen]

I wish you a complete recovery! Being positive throughout the healing process also prevents you from giving up

[@briant3404]

my achilles injury took basketball away from me. the post op doctor made a simple big mistake in our american system. im happy for you .

[@mjmoore777]

I’m so happy about your recovery and the excellence of the Medical care there in Portugal. God Bless

[@aquarianage3953]

I'm new to your channel. So happy you've recovered! Have a good time in London.😊👍

[@OurRichJourney]

✈Want to move to Portugal? Enroll in our Moving to Portugal Course: www.ourrichjourney.com/movingtoportugal 🔥Learn more about financial independence and retiring early: Enroll in our F.I.R.E. Master Class: www.ourrichjourney.com/firemasterclass 📈Looking to learn how to invest? Enroll in our Stock Market Investing Course: www.ourrichjourney.com/investingforfire

[@lauran9001]

Wow. You continue to amaze us with your positive attitude. You recovery journey is right on target. I send, claps, smiles & hugs to your & your family!

[@MAD118Heavy]

Portugal 🇵🇹 is a beautiful place. Glad the doctor recommendation worked! Força para ti!

[@shayonsmith]

Thanks for posting this recovery incident. You really gave us some helpful insight into the costs. Your family is awesome, the support is clearly evident. Keep up the great work!!!! Keep inspiring

[@kappa2ou3]

I chose that route 14 years ago and I’m still standing and well.

[@adrianlee7000]

So glad you’re doing better. You and you’re family are inspirational and I look forward to signing up for your programs as I get closer to retirement

[@MrTURFMOBMUSIC]

I glad you bounced back like champ. Many blessings to you always! Peace and thanks for sharing.

[@gabriellehollis9081]

Ouch!! Sorry you got hurt, but so glad you had the best medical treatment and your spirits are up.

[@kcsnew]

Great, recently a bike fell on my left leg ankle got similar injury, luckily I went thru rehab as well and feeling better. I was devastated few days as well like you but now I am feeling 90 % better. Initially I could only do baby steps , then hardly able to walk 100 yards as I had that pain. Cool beans you got better, for me also it took about 6 to 7 weeks. Very impressed with the healthcare system of Portugal. I usually shell down a minimum of $60 for each rehab session by a physical therapist.

[@ebberheguedusch1935]

Oh Man Good Luck on your rehab; Boa Sorte! May God Bless your next couple of Weeks & Months Sir.

[@morgan97475]

Glad you are recovering so quickly & so well. Very informative video. Thanks.

[@jsoxendine]

So glad to hear you are on the mend quickly…

[@watcbd]

It's difficult not to get depressed watching this knowing what a countries health care system can be like and wondering if my countries healthcare system will ever follow suit.

[@sandrasgotvoice]

Both doctors would have pushed for surgery, and thousands for rehab. I’m so glad you’re almost 💯 better! Enjoy your well deserved vacations!!

[@germelljohnson]

Yep I heard the pop as well a few years ago when I was playing flag football. I opted for the non surgery route as well and was in a boot for 10 weeks. During that time I moved my entire house lifting furniture and putting weight on it as well. What’s funny now, but wasn’t at the time, the sideline ref stood there casually and said “I heard that.” It was that loud. During my recovery I ended up having a blood clot in my leg as well and had to be on blood thinners for 6 months. It’s been 7 years now and I’m back to all my normal activities but every now and then I’ll tweak it. Glad you doing ok and hope a speedy recovery.

[@nikkid6395]

So happy to hear your recovery is going great! Thank you for the information! Food for thought!

[@RhondaOnline72]

Hi, and safe travels. Glad your ankle is mostly healed :)

[@OurRichJourney]

Thank you! Going to back to normal shortly!!! :)

[@terryballard2350]

Glad you are on the mend! Terry & Jennifer from Caldas de Rainha.

[@luisundercoverptcat.]

A very lucky man.....for some portuguese they don t have insurance.waiting for appointment is very long time,on normal health system.still,if you go to private is very fast.have a good rehabilitation!luis

[@madwez]

I´m portuguese and i can confirm it. to all americans please come to portugal if you need any assistance with your health we welcoming you guys and you can even enjoying the food and the views. cheap plane ticket to the other side of the atlantic and it will be worth.

[@chulita097]

So happy to hear you’re on the road to recovery.

[@STONE69_]

Private health Insurance in the USA $950 per month, thats I repeat, per month. for good private health Insurance.

[@jokedog]

Tore my Achilles too, but doc in US mis-diag it despite me telling them it was my Achilles. Didn’t get surgery until 4 weeks later. Cost me $2000 a MONTH to cover my family AND $50 each PT visit for the deep tissue massage. what a rip. Thanks for sharing.

[@GutsAndGall]

Where did you get care? The quality care varies a LOT!

[@KO-wu2og]

That was an awesome story! Thanks 🙏🏿

[@bethfreschi]

I am so happy for you - yay!! 🤗 I think it's wonderful that Portugal has such a stellar healthcare system. I wish Daddy could receive enough physical therapy right now - he really needs it, but Medicare won't cover more sessions this year. 😧 I will figure out some plan for Daddy, but I wish I we could live in Portugal right now! Maybe someday I can make it happen. 😊💞

[@TheFelicia82]

I’m glad your recovery went well! I need to think more about moving

[@ivearies4187]

Expedited recovery! Well done and thanks for sharing your story ❤️

[@emilycat1765]

Glad to hear that you are getting better:)

[@nikkininedoor1480]

Wow, I am amazed. I'm glad you addressed it immediately.

[@christobar]

I'm so glad your recovery went well! Sprained my ankle seriously earlier this year, it cost about 1500 just to have xrays in urgent care in the US :-/

[@KaduZoneChannel]

Imma be honest, I'm portuguese and I'm first to say that Portugal is a wonderful place to retire. But the US and Portugal are not so different when talking about the math of the healthcare. In Portugal we pay 23% tax in comparison to US's 6%. We do so we can have healthcare and some other benefits. After doing the math, if both countries were to claim 6% taxes, for the normal citizen of each country, the insurance bill would represent a similar percentage on the salary of each country. The thing is being a millionaire is not so difficult in the US but in Portugal that's something else.

[@eugeniagainous3177]

$1.10 a day for REHAB?!!! “Whatchu talkin’bout Willis?-I know u lyin’”!!!😂😂😂 WHAT? WOW!!!❤️

[@blacksideg]

yeah its all fun and games until you need an hearth surgery or something, and since its not an emergency, you're put on a wait list for years. Don't be fooled our healthcare system is broken and without staff if you don't have insurance (almost 70% of population) to go to a private hospital you wont be given much much assistance. Just a couple of weeks ago a women lost her baby because the hospitals she went to for an emergency didn't have any doctors or ambulances... I'm glad you recovered and had a good experience, but most of the time it doesn't go that way. Edit: I'm not saying that our health care system is the worst, since we do have a lot of positives like, children don't pay for anything up until they turn 18, but it needs a lot of rework and better orientation.

Most of the time, fortunately, everything ends well, your example is the exception. By the way, any private hospital here is way cheaper than in the US (but you're always free to go there in case you need any healthcare).

[@chantalmarieee]

I paid $800 in the US for ibuprofen and chest x-rays and that’s after my insurance paid their portion. I wasn’t even in the hospital for more than 2 hours. Smh

[@paulathomas2762]

Good to hear all having good things to say.....I for one have a different opinion.....was told by emergency doctor that I would either take my mother home or he would discharge her and put her outside the front entrance....she was discharged dehidrated, with bronchitis and unable to swallow (how I picked her up from the private home where I placed on a temporary basis for 2 months to do rehab to a broken hip) .....let me then just attribute this to bad luck....may her soul RIP.....

[@yazzy1979]

Rip Kobe 🙌🏾👑 we share a birthday 8/23. We miss seeing him around OC

[@cleaningtime8156]

Amazing Video with very important information, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@abarksda7185]

Thanks for the informative and positive message. Have fun in Dubai!!

[@OurRichJourney]

Thank you! Can't wait for Dubai! It will be our first time there!

[@TheDSquad]

i partially tore my quad tendon last year and my ortho requested PT for 4 days per week but insurance only allowed one time per week. you got that right about the only people to get what they need in healthcare you need money because insurance in usa is not here to get you healthy when an injury occurs.

[@tatini7591]

it's interesting to see the differences, I grew up in Brazil and what you say is the basics we have there, free in the public or pay for using health insurance, living in Portugal, London, Paris I go to Brazil every year to go to the doctor and do everything I need, even having private health insurance in London, in Europe the system works for those who have something diagnosed but not for prevention, and for more serious diseases it is very limited in treatment options compared to what I see in Brazil

[@aderitodealmeida5644]

I completely disagree (and that's why brazilian public healthcare system is classified 40 places below the portuguese public healthcare system); several specific and complex health issues would be a real problem in... about 90% of the brazilian territory. In Brazil, if you don't live in the South, Southeast or in the major state capitals at least... you are screwed if you have a really serious health issue and don't have a private healthcare insurance . And I know that for sure: 15 years of Brazil on my back (I'm Portuguese); Preventive medicine? Every Six months, via my General practitioner / Family doctor from my "Centro de Saúde" (Healthcare Center), I'll get a complete general check-up with a complete set of blood tests, urine tests, an ECG, an ecocardiogram, an abdominal ultrassound, a prostatic ultrasound (because I am over 45). Every six months? How much that costs me?! Nothing, ZERO! And even if I had a much higher income, the top cost I would pay for all of that would be like 20 euros/20 dollars....

[@ballerinafarmer]

So glad you're recovering well and in good spirits! Question: If you had only public health insurance, do you know whether the physical therapy would have been covered, or how much you would have had to pay? Thanks for all the great information, as always!

[@milomhoek]

The public health service is always free except for non referenced emergency visits

[@spurpt92]

its free, you dont pay anything on public hospitals. the sessions are free aswell in public hospital or private clinic with some kind of a deal with public system :)

[@rugbywindow]

I saw you in your cast in Porto, while I was on holiday. Was too shy to say hello. Hope you're doing well!

[@ruialmeida818]

FYI - pretty much anybody under the age of 45 tends to be fluent in English. By definition, we all take 7 years of English in Prep School and in High School, so chances are you'll find someone that's fluent in English, pretty much everywhere. Even if the person you are trying to communicate with (take a store clerk or something), chances are someone close by is fluent in English and eager to help :D.

[@GeeLight]

I'm so pleased that you're making a speedy recovery! I wonder have you also looked into the benefits of using an infrared sauna? There are a lot of health benefits, including to help with recovery from certain injuries. I have a Saunaspace, but I'm sure in Europe they're some comparable brands. Be well.

[@silviapinho4277]

You only need a health insurance in Portugal if you like things to move faster, otherwise you may get treatment practically free. Both my parents had cancer. Neither one paid a cent for treatment and hospitalisation. Knowing that you have an insurance, private hospitals generally recommend surgery in order to cash in some more. Public hospitals only recommend it when you really need it. Hope you are fully well now!