If you’ve just arrived in the United States, you’ve probably already heard a phrase that immigrants repeat all the time: “Here, getting sick is a luxury.”
And unfortunately, it’s not an exaggeration. The healthcare system in the U.S. is one of the most advanced in the world, but also one of the most expensive and confusing—especially if you come from a country where public healthcare is accessible.
Here, a single day in the hospital can cost between 3,000 and 10,000 dollars, and a simple surgery can exceed 20,000 dollars.
That’s why having health insurance is not a luxury—it’s a financial necessity.
But there’s a problem: no one really explains how the system works, and you end up paying a lot for something you don’t even understand.
Why is the U.S. healthcare system so different?
The real cost of medical care without insurance
In the United States, hospitals and doctors are not public—they’re private businesses. Each service has a price, and if you don’t have insurance, you pay the full amount.
For example, childbirth can cost between 15,000 and 30,000 dollars without insurance.
So when you hear stories of people going into debt because of a hospital visit, it’s not a myth… it’s reality.
How private insurers and deductibles work
Health insurance works as an “intermediary”: you pay a monthly premium, and when you need care, the insurance pays part of the cost.
But before that happens, you have to meet the famous deductible—the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering expenses.
Example:
If your deductible is 5,000 dollars, you pay the first 5,000 of your medical bills before your policy kicks in.
And here’s what no one tells you:
Many “cheap” plans have extremely high deductibles, which means you’re paying for a plan that doesn’t truly protect you.
Types of health insurance available in the U.S.
Private insurance (individual or family)
You can buy it directly from an insurance company or through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov).
Ideal if you’re self-employed or your employer doesn’t offer coverage.
Employer-sponsored insurance
Many jobs offer partial or full coverage. These plans can be more affordable, but they don’t always cover everything. For example, they may exclude certain medications or limit specialist visits.
Government programs: Medicaid, Medicare and Obamacare
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Medicaid: for individuals with low income
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Medicare: for people 65 and older or with disabilities
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Obamacare (ACA): helps reduce the cost of private insurance with subsidies
Supplemental insurance and its key role
These policies don’t replace your health insurance—they pay cash directly to you if you get sick, are hospitalized or have an accident. They act as a second layer of protection so you don’t drain your savings or go into debt.
The secrets no one explains when you arrive
Not all insurance plans cover the same things
Some cover emergencies only. Others include hospitalization, medications or preventive care. Always review the coverage details.
“Low cost” doesn’t always mean “good coverage”
A cheap plan may leave you exposed if it has a very high deductible or a limited provider network.
Deductibles can ruin your finances if you don’t understand them
Many newcomers think their insurance “covers everything.”
But when the bill arrives, they find out they owe thousands before the insurance even starts to pay.
The difference between co-pay, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum
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Co-pay: what you pay for each visit or medication
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Coinsurance: the percentage you pay after meeting your deductible
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Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you’ll pay in a year before the insurance covers 100 percent
The most common mistake: believing your work insurance covers everything
Many employees assume their employer’s plan gives them full protection.
But in reality, these plans usually cover only the basics, and you are responsible for additional expenses like hospitalization, surgeries, transportation or critical illnesses.
How to protect yourself with supplemental insurance
Supplemental insurance pays cash directly to you, not to the hospital.
You can use that money to cover deductibles, rent or even personal expenses while you recover.
How to choose the best health insurance for your family
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Evaluate your budget and personal risks
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If you have children or are self-employed, you need broader coverage
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Compare coverage, not just prices—cheap becomes expensive in an emergency
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Review deductibles and additional benefits
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A good plan doesn’t just cover hospital stays—it gives you cash access when you need it most
Frequently asked questions about health insurance in the U.S.
1. Do I need health insurance if I’m young and healthy?
Yes. An accident or emergency can cost thousands, even if you rarely go to the doctor.
2. Can I have more than one insurance plan?
Yes. You can combine a medical plan with supplemental or life insurance with living benefits.
3. What if I don’t understand the terms of my plan?
Talk to a certified advisor.
4. Do insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions?
It depends on the policy. Marketplace plans do, but private plans may have waiting periods.
5. What happens if I lose my job?
You can keep your plan through COBRA or switch to an individual plan.
Understanding your insurance is the first step toward financial freedom
In the U.S., the healthcare system can feel overwhelming—but not understanding it ends up costing you more.
The right insurance doesn’t just protect your health—it protects your wallet, your family and your peace of mind.
Because at the end of the day, a good insurance plan isn’t about spending money… it’s about sleeping peacefully knowing you’re protected.
If you have questions, book a FREE appointment with me today—click here.
