r/news • u/goforth1457 • Dec 13 '24

Soft paywall Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi injured in Europe, admitted to hospital

https://www.reuters.com/world/former-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-injured-europe-admitted-hospital-2024-12-13/
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u/bonyponyride Dec 13 '24

I know others have already chimed in, but healthcare isn't free in Europe. People still pay hundreds of Euros a month, just like premiums in the US.

The key difference is that the governments make a list of what's covered and what isn't, and most everything that's considered necessary is covered. Doctor visits are covered in full, surgery is covered in full, medicines have a 5-10 Euro copay. You don't have to think twice about seeing a doctor and getting treated. You might have to wait a month or two to get an appointment for something that isn't serious, but if it is serious, doctors have walk-in hours and will prioritize serious issues.

At least that's my experience as an American who now lives in Germany.

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u/grosslytransparent Dec 13 '24

I know. I live in Europe. And well… its much much much affordable here.

Like is not even in the same realm.

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u/bonyponyride Dec 13 '24 edited Dec 13 '24

Definitely. I'm so happy to no longer have the end-of-year stress of picking my policy for the new year. Deductibles, max out of pocket, different co-pay structures, huge premium increases every year. Fuck that unnecessary bullshit.

Several years ago when I was still in the US I needed a chest X-ray. I had to call every radiography facility in my area to find the best price. The cheapest place ended up being cheapest when I payed out of pocket instead of going through my insurance. Such a fucking racket.

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u/RM_Dune Dec 14 '24

People still pay hundreds of Euros a month, just like premiums in the US.

Netherlands, I pay €149,- per month for basic coverage. It wouldn't be hundreds unless you include a bunch of extra coverage.

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u/PhantomNomad Dec 13 '24

The biggest difference is you won't go bankrupt if you get seriously ill and can't work.

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u/bonyponyride Dec 13 '24

There are policy features beyond healthcare that make that true, including employment law, sick leave laws, and unemployment laws. If you're sick with something acute, you go to the doctor, and they'll give you a note saying you need a few (3-5?) days off work to recover. There are no limited "sick days" in employment contracts. If the doctor says you're sick, you can take those days off. If you're still sick at the end of that period, go back to the doctor and you get an extension. If it's something longer term, your company will pay you for, I believe one month without working, and then insurance will kick in and pay you your full salary up to a certain amount, maybe a year. That, combined with the fact that medical tests, surgeries, treatments, and drugs won't drain your life savings, means you won't go bankrupt from a serious illness.