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Before leaving the US, I was unsure what to expect from the European health-insurance system. Now, I’m fully convinced it’s the best part of living here.
As a student in Belgium, I pay $8.90 monthly for a full health-insurance policy, which includes dental care. Typically, 75% of my medical expenses are fully reimbursable.
The costs I do pay are much lower than what I’m used to in the US. A recent hospital visit cost me only about $86 (which, according to some locals I’ve spoken with, is surprisingly pricey).
Refreshingly, I’ve never had a medical claim denied, unlike in California, where prior authorizations, administrative red tape, and denials became the norm for me.
Medical care has felt pretty accessible in my part of Belgium as well. Most specialists I’ve had to see so far have been in a nearby hospital just a three-minute walk away from my home.
I’m grateful for my time in the US, but continuing my education in Europe has been excellent
As a student without a full-time salary to afford the American standard of living, studying internationally has been a no-brainer.
By getting my master’s degree at a European institution, I avoided taking out tens of thousands of dollars of loans in the US. While learning, I also had the privilege of gaining a rich understanding of a new culture and country.
Still, despite the financial stress I felt living in the United States, the country has a soft spot in my heart for numerous reasons, and I wouldn’t rule out living there again in the future.