But for many Americans, such an arrangement is certainly feel Whereas American health care is notoriously expensive, unreliable, and complicated, health insurance in France is free, or at least much more convenient. For example, “basic preventive care like the ones Ariana describes, especially dental care and eye exams, are part of health insurance in France,” Williams says. “But in the U.S., dental care and eye care are often separate.”
2021 study A study of 11 high-income countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Canada, and the UK, concluded that the United States, the only country surveyed without a universal health insurance system, ranks last overall in providing accessible, affordable, and quality health care. In fact, 38% of American adults say they did not seek recommended medical care in the past year because it was too expensive, more than four times the rate among people in Norway or the Netherlands. Compared to other high-income countries, the United States has the lowest life expectancy at birth, the highest maternal and infant mortality rates, and the highest proportion of people with multiple chronic conditions.
Unfortunately, you can’t just fly to France or some other country with a universal health care system and get your cavities fixed for next to nothing. According to Williams, medical care abroad isn’t covered by health insurance, but it’s still generally cheaper than in the U.S. Instead, Travel Health Insurance If you prefer, you can get it through your insurance company (if you have one) or through a separate short-term insurance policy.
The U.S. health care system has a lot of room for improvement, but Paralympic sitting volleyball players Nicky Nieves She told SELF that her stay in the Olympic Village during the 2016 Rio Games made her realize how blessed she was to have access to medical care in the United States.
“The village has a clinic, a dentist and a prosthetics company. [athletes in] “In other countries, this would be the only access they have,” says Nieves, who was born without a left hand. “There would be long lines for a prosthetist to repair or fit something. Some people may have had a foot that didn’t fit for years, but have continued to compete with it because they have no other option. Going to the Olympics solves that problem.”
The eye-opening experience gave her a unique perspective she wouldn’t have had without the Paralympics, she added. “Seeing stuff like that is really soothing.”
SELF is your one-click source for all things Summer Olympics. Check out our latest coverage from the Paris Games here.
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