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American Woman Finds A Lump While In Iceland, Shares How Awesome Their Healthcare Is Compared To The US
There are plenty of horror stories about the U.S. healthcare system; for a supposedly advanced nation, the inability to provide basic, affordable care to ordinary Americans is baffling to Europeans, especially.
Sometimes U.S. citizens need to travel abroad to see exactly what they are missing; a visit to the emergency room is traumatic enough, it seems ridiculously unfair to saddle someone with years of debt too.
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Image credits: MaryRobinette
Back in 2006, Nashville, Tennessee-based author Mary Robinette Kowal was in Iceland working as a puppeteer on a children’s television show called Lazytown. One day, while doing a regular check, she found a lump. “This wasn’t the first time I’d found a lump, but there’s always a sense of dread, Mary Robinette told Bored Panda. “Even though I knew it was probably nothing, because there’s no history of breast cancer in my family, there’s still a chance that it is going to be a problem.”
“I was dreading the process of having to navigate a healthcare system in a foreign language. I assumed that it would be as complicated as it was here, with the added challenge of not speaking much Icelandic.”
So began Mary Robinette’s (amazingly short) journey through the Icelandic healthcare system. She couldn’t speak highly enough of the professional, efficient and astonishingly cheap service, as well as the country as a whole. “I love it and would move back in a heartbeat,” she told us. “The landscape is stunningly gorgeous!”
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
Image credits: MaryRobinette
The post sparked a discussion about the merits of various healthcare systems around the world, with people sharing their own eye-opening experiences.
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Image credits: MaryRobinette
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Image credits: KellyLGregory
Image credits: KellyLGregory
Image credits: MaryRobinette
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Expanding on her thoughts about the situation at home, Mary Robinette believes that more exposure to other nation’s experiences could benefit many American’s attitudes toward their own healthcare. “I think that we tend to see the environment that we’re in as normal, so most Americans have no idea that there are other ways of doing things,” she said.
“My normal experience, here, in the US, is one of frustration every time I interact with the insurance industry. I wrote that Twitter thread as I was in the midst of arguing with health insurance for a vital medication for a family member. In fact, I’m still fighting with them. It’s a medication that they covered last month and this month they aren’t. The contrast is frustrating.”
“At every turn, it’s clear that choices are being made from the accounting office, not for the patient’s best interests. I’ve told this story over the years to other Americans and they all have the same complete shock at how easy the experience was.”
What do you think? What are your experiences with healthcare in your country, and in countries around the world? Share your stories in the comments!
What do you think ?
Arietis 6 years ago
I'm just completely bewildered by the american health care industry/system. I can't fathom it and I can't understand why people aren't even angrier about it. Where I'm from people are complaining about waiting times and some extra costs that aren't covered by the insurance company. Like when you want the nicer material for your filling at the dentist's. I think if any party seriously advocated for abolishing the public health care system and took steps to ensuring this goal, there would be mayhem. Probably burning cars on the streets, may day style. And the party would very likely get wiped out in the next elections.
Alice Laughs 6 years ago
Revolutions have typically started with collectively immediate crises. We're not up in arms because our bellies are full and rooves are over our heads, pacified by the entertainment industry. We are indoctrinated via various mediums that all this is the norm, and that being willing to die for a cause is maladaptive, much less willingness to do it together. Yes, pockets of protestors exist but nowhere near on the scale needed.
Load More Replies...
comboplush 6 years ago
I feel so sorry for anyone having to seek medical treatment in the US. I just cannot comprehend how a civilized nation allows people to face financial ruin because they are sick. You are always just an accident away from losing everything, on top of your health. I often hear that what works in a smaller country wouldn't scale to the big US, but that's just bull. Just imagine the benefits in productivity when everyone could treat their issues in the early stages - instead of letting it develop until it is much worse. I truly hope there will be change one day (and while we're at it, better rights for employees would be neat, too!). Worker rights and healthcare are the two major reasons why I crossed off the US from my list of potential countries to work in, which is a shame as I really loved the people when I visited and could have imagined going there for a while.
M O'Connell 6 years ago
I have heard that "wouldn't work in the US" argument on many things over the years. It makes no sense at all. If it couldn't work on a nationwide scale, perhaps it should be handled at the state level. Norway has 5 million people, Wisconsin has 5 million people. Surely we can afford the same quality of care.
Load More Replies...
Wil Vanderheijden 6 years ago
As long as I have discussions on various forums with Americans that say healthcare isn't a human right and they're not going to pay for someone else's hospital bills, America will be stuck with a very expensive and very inefficient healtcare system that's based on greed from the pharmaceutical industry and the hospitals.
Simon Rushton 6 years ago
I'm willing to bet any money that most of these people will claim to be Christian. WWJD.
Load More Replies...
Maya Baggins 6 years ago
Spain here: my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer after an MRI. 1 week later he went under surgery. That was about 9 years ago. He is now healthier than anyone on this webpage xDDD
Josefine Andersen 6 years ago
Denmark here. when I was five I wad in the emergency room 3 times in two months(because I am the idiot who does stupid stuff) we paid nothing for that. also, my dad also was in the hospital because of aids we also paid nothing for that. because it is paid in tax
Load More Replies...
Mickey Reed 6 years ago
I am devastated because this year (because of my cancer diagnosis), I met my deductable and my insurance covers me 100% til the end of the year. But I have been told that some doctors "May Not" see me anymore until the past due bills are paid, even though future bills will be paid 100%. I have tried to consolidate and make an "affordable to me" payment plan, which they all have denied. Some bills are already on my credit report in collections and my credit score that I have worked hard to get to only 620, has now tanked once again!!! Between last year and this year, both of my deductibles and bills total over $13,000. My only recourse is finding new doctors and networks (after I have already established new ones in the last 2 months) who will take me in and actually get paid 100% by my insurance. Then the entire process will start all over again January 1. Moral of the story.... don't have any costly injuries or illnesses you cannot afford to pay for!!! SMDH
Agnes Jekyll 6 years ago
I'm so sorry. That is completely immoral. I hope you get the help you need.
Load More Replies...
Erika Drewke 6 years ago
I live in Sweden and when I got MS and tried the first medicine I learnt that without our medication-cost-system the shots would be 4 000 USD every month. With our system I paid 110 USD for ALL of my medication for A YEAR. Same with my current treatments which I get in hospital every month. I would not be able to get them in the states, and here it´s a right to get medication when you´re in need of it. When my MS gets worse and medication stops working, I will get another one and not one time do I have to worry about it being more expensive than the previous one. I have 13 treatments at hospital (3-4 hours with nurses check-up and some tests (blood,urine,bloodpreassure the normal stuff) , 2 meetings with specialist neurologist, 2 MRIs , 5 bloodtests that goes to Denmark for checkup, 2-6 ultrasounds and I take about 30 packs of medicine a year only for MS. And I pay a total of 220 USD a year (110 for medication and 110 for appointments and hospitalvisits).
Laura Rakestraw 6 years ago
And in the US, when my ex was diagnosed with MS after his first MRI (of the brain), his neurologist ordered an MRI of his spine to look for additional, potentially more debilitating, lesions. His insurance denied it because he had already had one MRI (of a different body part), and that was all they were going to allow. We fought it and eventually got it covered, but it took hours of our time talking to agent after agent over the course of days to get them to cover a test deemed necessary by his neurologist. Any system that allows insurance companies to dictate what diagnostics are necessary to diagnose and manage an illness rather than the physicians who are actually treating the patient is broken. As an additional layer of stupidity, they also tried to deny visits to that neurologist, because he was newer to the practice and wasn't considered in-network yet. We both worked for the same health care provider and had specifically requested an appt with a doctor who would be covered.
Load More Replies...
Suluhu 6 years ago
I was in the US on holiday once. Had an accident, went to the ER with blood everywhere from a wound in my thigh. Large enough to need stitches, but nothing life threatening. Had to sit there bleeding until they spoke to my Dutch insurance. Then I got stitches, cleaned up, everything. They asked me if I needed a private room to recuperate or did I need a therapist to work through the trauma? I figured they got a carte blanche from my insurance. Needless to say I didn't need any extra care, I just wanted stitches. Crazy system.
Ilaria Della Casa 6 years ago
Same in Italy. My sister had a lump in her breast and she got her diagnosis (cyst) in a couple of days time. If no place is available at the hospital you can visit a private doctor which might be a little more expensive (for example my dermatologist was 100€) but you don't face financial ruin because you're sick.
Jace 6 years ago
Murrka, number one!!!!!!11!!!!!1!!! [very disgusted and defeated sigh] I hate my country for this reason (our corporatocracy/plutocratic oligarchy), and also because, when people like me attempt to make patriotic constructive criticisms, a*****e libertarians and republicans come pouring out of their holes to call us “communist” and “unamerican”. Nationalism is the number one tool to ensure that the majority of the USA never learns a single f*****g lesson.
Bored Moogle 6 years ago
I have a feeling if AlphaPuck had lived before the American Revolution, they would have been telling people "If you don't like British rule then leave".
Load More Replies...
Arietis 6 years ago
I'm just completely bewildered by the american health care industry/system. I can't fathom it and I can't understand why people aren't even angrier about it. Where I'm from people are complaining about waiting times and some extra costs that aren't covered by the insurance company. Like when you want the nicer material for your filling at the dentist's. I think if any party seriously advocated for abolishing the public health care system and took steps to ensuring this goal, there would be mayhem. Probably burning cars on the streets, may day style. And the party would very likely get wiped out in the next elections.
Alice Laughs 6 years ago
Revolutions have typically started with collectively immediate crises. We're not up in arms because our bellies are full and rooves are over our heads, pacified by the entertainment industry. We are indoctrinated via various mediums that all this is the norm, and that being willing to die for a cause is maladaptive, much less willingness to do it together. Yes, pockets of protestors exist but nowhere near on the scale needed.
Load More Replies... comboplush 6 years ago
I feel so sorry for anyone having to seek medical treatment in the US. I just cannot comprehend how a civilized nation allows people to face financial ruin because they are sick. You are always just an accident away from losing everything, on top of your health. I often hear that what works in a smaller country wouldn't scale to the big US, but that's just bull. Just imagine the benefits in productivity when everyone could treat their issues in the early stages - instead of letting it develop until it is much worse. I truly hope there will be change one day (and while we're at it, better rights for employees would be neat, too!). Worker rights and healthcare are the two major reasons why I crossed off the US from my list of potential countries to work in, which is a shame as I really loved the people when I visited and could have imagined going there for a while.
M O'Connell 6 years ago
I have heard that "wouldn't work in the US" argument on many things over the years. It makes no sense at all. If it couldn't work on a nationwide scale, perhaps it should be handled at the state level. Norway has 5 million people, Wisconsin has 5 million people. Surely we can afford the same quality of care.
Load More Replies... Wil Vanderheijden 6 years ago
As long as I have discussions on various forums with Americans that say healthcare isn't a human right and they're not going to pay for someone else's hospital bills, America will be stuck with a very expensive and very inefficient healtcare system that's based on greed from the pharmaceutical industry and the hospitals.
Simon Rushton 6 years ago
I'm willing to bet any money that most of these people will claim to be Christian. WWJD.
Load More Replies... Maya Baggins 6 years ago
Spain here: my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer after an MRI. 1 week later he went under surgery. That was about 9 years ago. He is now healthier than anyone on this webpage xDDD
Josefine Andersen 6 years ago
Denmark here. when I was five I wad in the emergency room 3 times in two months(because I am the idiot who does stupid stuff) we paid nothing for that. also, my dad also was in the hospital because of aids we also paid nothing for that. because it is paid in tax
Load More Replies... Mickey Reed 6 years ago
I am devastated because this year (because of my cancer diagnosis), I met my deductable and my insurance covers me 100% til the end of the year. But I have been told that some doctors "May Not" see me anymore until the past due bills are paid, even though future bills will be paid 100%. I have tried to consolidate and make an "affordable to me" payment plan, which they all have denied. Some bills are already on my credit report in collections and my credit score that I have worked hard to get to only 620, has now tanked once again!!! Between last year and this year, both of my deductibles and bills total over $13,000. My only recourse is finding new doctors and networks (after I have already established new ones in the last 2 months) who will take me in and actually get paid 100% by my insurance. Then the entire process will start all over again January 1. Moral of the story.... don't have any costly injuries or illnesses you cannot afford to pay for!!! SMDH
Agnes Jekyll 6 years ago
I'm so sorry. That is completely immoral. I hope you get the help you need.
Load More Replies... Erika Drewke 6 years ago
I live in Sweden and when I got MS and tried the first medicine I learnt that without our medication-cost-system the shots would be 4 000 USD every month. With our system I paid 110 USD for ALL of my medication for A YEAR. Same with my current treatments which I get in hospital every month. I would not be able to get them in the states, and here it´s a right to get medication when you´re in need of it. When my MS gets worse and medication stops working, I will get another one and not one time do I have to worry about it being more expensive than the previous one. I have 13 treatments at hospital (3-4 hours with nurses check-up and some tests (blood,urine,bloodpreassure the normal stuff) , 2 meetings with specialist neurologist, 2 MRIs , 5 bloodtests that goes to Denmark for checkup, 2-6 ultrasounds and I take about 30 packs of medicine a year only for MS. And I pay a total of 220 USD a year (110 for medication and 110 for appointments and hospitalvisits).
Laura Rakestraw 6 years ago
And in the US, when my ex was diagnosed with MS after his first MRI (of the brain), his neurologist ordered an MRI of his spine to look for additional, potentially more debilitating, lesions. His insurance denied it because he had already had one MRI (of a different body part), and that was all they were going to allow. We fought it and eventually got it covered, but it took hours of our time talking to agent after agent over the course of days to get them to cover a test deemed necessary by his neurologist. Any system that allows insurance companies to dictate what diagnostics are necessary to diagnose and manage an illness rather than the physicians who are actually treating the patient is broken. As an additional layer of stupidity, they also tried to deny visits to that neurologist, because he was newer to the practice and wasn't considered in-network yet. We both worked for the same health care provider and had specifically requested an appt with a doctor who would be covered.
Load More Replies... Suluhu 6 years ago
I was in the US on holiday once. Had an accident, went to the ER with blood everywhere from a wound in my thigh. Large enough to need stitches, but nothing life threatening. Had to sit there bleeding until they spoke to my Dutch insurance. Then I got stitches, cleaned up, everything. They asked me if I needed a private room to recuperate or did I need a therapist to work through the trauma? I figured they got a carte blanche from my insurance. Needless to say I didn't need any extra care, I just wanted stitches. Crazy system.
Ilaria Della Casa 6 years ago
Same in Italy. My sister had a lump in her breast and she got her diagnosis (cyst) in a couple of days time. If no place is available at the hospital you can visit a private doctor which might be a little more expensive (for example my dermatologist was 100€) but you don't face financial ruin because you're sick.
Jace 6 years ago
Murrka, number one!!!!!!11!!!!!1!!! [very disgusted and defeated sigh] I hate my country for this reason (our corporatocracy/plutocratic oligarchy), and also because, when people like me attempt to make patriotic constructive criticisms, a*****e libertarians and republicans come pouring out of their holes to call us “communist” and “unamerican”. Nationalism is the number one tool to ensure that the majority of the USA never learns a single f*****g lesson.
Bored Moogle 6 years ago
I have a feeling if AlphaPuck had lived before the American Revolution, they would have been telling people "If you don't like British rule then leave".
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