Bom dia! Bom dia!!!! We now have a FREE Trial Offer for you to come JOIN the crew on Patreon. www.patreon.com/itllbefun -While it lasts!😀 In case you wondered. Yes, Leslie had a CT scan for 15 euros here in Portugal. We found this to be amazing. In the US the price we were quoted was 2500 dollars. Learn more about our healthcare experiences, moving, visiting and planning a scouting trip to Portugal!!!!
Great info, as usual!! My wife and I are planning to retire to Portugal in 2025. I was just debating one of my cousins yesterday. He was insistent that medical care, in the US, is infinitely better than Portugal. I couldn't convince him otherwise, so I'm sharing this video with him, while letting him know that Portugal is 12th in the world in healthcare, while the US IS 37th. Again, thanks for this valuable information! Wishing you and your family all the best!!
Public is good like you say but the waiting time it's a bit long for some health issues but if you have a bit money private is really good or even if you do the health insurance insurance it's really good.
Never been to USA but... Let's not forget also that Madeira is an ISLAND. I don't have data or something but I'm somewhat sure that Madeira's healthcare won't be as good as on the continent itself. There's some differences between Madeira and Portugal... Yes they're both Portugal but one thing is living on an island and another is living on a continent. Much more resources and ways of transportation if you get me... Quality of life on Madeira won't be as upper tier as on Lisbon let's say. I've been to Madeira once... Their infra-structures are good, they're the best in some things for sure... But on others? Not so sure. It's much more demanding on the continent. What I'm trying to say... Be careful with comparisons. Can't compare an ant to an elephant and draw some truthful conclusions. Need to collect a lotttt of data before drawing a good conclusion. But if this guy is happy... That's all that matters
@@Trip4man Public Healthcare in Portugal is one of our best and most valuable assets. It has problems but we all know it is something to keep and improve. Madeira not different from the continent that much in that regard
@@Trip4man but madeira is relatively close to continental portugal.its a shirt flight. Which isn't a huge deal on a country the size of USA. And 60€ a month for a premium health insurance, access to private clinics is a bargain.
One thing worth noticing is that although we have both public and private healthcare, the real benefits of private is an easier and faster response and in cases you need hospitalization, a more comfortable room and better service. The doctors work mostly on both public and private hospitals and they are some of the best specialists you can find. Also, if you are in a private hospital but need an hearth surgery or so, you`re most likely transfered to the public hospital where all the equipament and specialists are! For example, we noticed very earlier that our kid had something wrong with his left eye (lazy eye) so we talked to our family doctor who referred him to the eye specialist in the biggest public hospital in Porto (S. João). The waiting was about 6 months for the appointment (as it wasn`t urgent). While waiting, we learned that the doctor was the best in the country and also practiced private so we scheduled an appointment at his place. We went there after a few days, he found the issue and prescribed what was needed but he would need further treatment. We were asked if we wanted to keep taking him to the private office or continue at the public. We chose public since the appointment was only a few months away and it could wait. From that moment on, my kid has been having yearly check ups and other appointments. He had eye surgery at the age of 4 (we discovered it at the age of 3) which went better than expected. His glasses have been changed in order to adapt an improve his sight. He`s almost 12 now and I cannot say one bad thing about it. Total cost: 70€ for the first appointment (no insurance) and everything else was free (including surgery). You mentioned small co-pay and although that still exists in a few cases, recently (during covid) that was taken away and is now basically free on the public service. I, personally, have insurance paid by my company and never used it ONCE. I have a family doctor that sees me whenever I need (appointments take about 1 to 2 weeks). Even when I needed to see a psychologist they had one at the health center that I saw for free during one year. Needed two basic surgeries and those took 2 months each. Also free and they were basically cosmetic. Since I am a blood donor for over 20 years and have donated more than the required 31 times, I get free healthcare FOR LIFE on the public system so co-pays is something I honestly don`t know about xD I do own a health insurance for my wife and kid but it`s mostly for dental treatment as my wife needs regular cleanings (which are free) and would cost about 30-40€ each. The insurance is included on a broader package we own for many other things tapart from health that costs us 50€ per month but is so broad that is impossible for me to tell how much for that is the insurance (probably about 20€). Anyway, just wanted to share my experience and yes, we (portuguese) complain a lot about our health system but we should also recognize we could be a whole, lot worse than we are. Let me just add one last thing: in Portugal, NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE is left without treatment. Even if you are homeless, they`ll take care of you the same way as if you were the president of the country. I just saw a homeless guy being taken by ambulance to the hospital the other day. He was drunk and just laying on the street. The paramedics grabbed him and took him to get some care. Probably he`ll also be referred to some sort of help but unfortunately that doesn`t work so well...
Olá César, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your thoughts and experiences regarding health care. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
This hasn't been mt case and I've been nearly 1 year here. Pay my taxes as self-employed but after several tries to get an appointment... nothing. Not even a doctor assigned either.
Greetings from Estoril...Been a legal resident here since 2016...Orginally from Texas...I'll tell ya you a good story...My mom got sepsis in 2018 from a dog bite...Spent 30 days in the hospital, in Texas...The positive part of the story is she survived...I flew home to help her with recovery...Final medical bill TT@L...$ 1 Million dollars...and yes she had medical insurance, however she survives on a widows pension and to say she struggles to pay the premiums is an understatement...I always share this story with my Portuguese friends and they are shocked...Now my story...I've had dental work done in Guatemala and still have all my teeth, the cost was peanuts compared to the U.S. Had my appendix removed in Costa Rica, I'm still here...The cost compared to the states, we won't go there, it might upset folks stateside...Here in Portugal I get injections twice a month due to having Cancer in the past...I simply walk from my home to the pharmacy in 10 minutes and get it done...Cost me almost nothing...Americans are used to being told everything is better, when in reality it's not even close...Why do you think so many folks cross the border from the U.S. to Mexico daily to get everything from Dental work to prescriptions on medicine that cost a fortune stateside...I'm blessed to call Portugal home...I wake up daily and Thank the man upstairs for giving the fortitude and insight to come to Portugal...Best decision I've ever made! Blessings and Positive Energy! 🇵🇹🤘✌️👌😉🤠
Ola Dickie, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Your story is so much like our experiences in the USA. Thank you very much for sharing. Many people have no idea. We are truly happy to have found Portugal. Have a wonderful day!
You won't believe the American moms that lash out and complain about the "higher taxes" in Europe, or hate the idea that medical care, child care, college tuition is subsidized. They rather "control" what activities they use and pay for and expect other families to pay for themselves. What these shortsighted American people don't understand is that Americans are paying the highest taxes if they understood that we pay crazy after-tax dollars on medical care and after-tax dollars on private college tuition. Having to jump through hoops to pray to get school scholarships or praying that your kids don't break bones or that you don't get appendicitis is not realistic.
@@lordcommandernox9197 Le Chiffre, Dr. Julius No, Jaws and a host of other's await you stateside from Billing to Outpatient care...trust me they will be giving you the "Goldfinger" treatment...Boa Noite! 🇵🇹😉👌✌️
Hi Alan, I wouldn't have explained Portuguese healthcare as good as you did 😅 Nowadays there a lot of healthcare private insurances as the demanding is increasing everyday. Public system works well but everything goes slow. We have good doctors fortunately. Comparing to the US, we can say we are in good hands and not worried about spending all the money with health. Although, there are things that could be improved. Nothing is perfect ❤
Hello Alan, small world- I graduated from Crystal Lake South High School back in the 80's. Great channel, we're also looking to retire early and perhaps head overseas. Time to enjoy life and see the world. Safe Travels.
Taxes are public money, and as such, should be used to address issues that affect all of us, such as roads, hospitals, education, security, and more. However, the reality is that wealthy individuals often support politicians who create loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes while still benefiting from public funds. While I am not a socialist, I believe we need to consider the concept of the "tragedy of the commons." The "tragedy of the commons" refers to a situation where individuals or groups act in their own self-interest, depleting or damaging a shared resource that is ultimately in the interest of everyone to preserve. This can occur with natural resources like air, water, and land, as well as with public goods like parks and infrastructure. The tragedy arises when the pursuit of self-interest leads to the depletion or destruction of the shared resource, ultimately harming everyone who relies on it.
I’m in love all your channel and I’m so happy too for your new life in Madeira, we are planning our future with our kids there too. We hope meet you and share experiences ! Congratulations for all! God Bless you. ❤😊 Dos Santos Family.
Thank you so much for sharing your family's story regarding the healthcare, that is the exact worry that I have. I just left Madeira yesterday, although my trip was short, I really liked the island, I am exploring the mainland of Portugal now. I plan to retire in a few years, it is sad that we worked so many years for our country, but when we reach our retirement, we have t move abroad in order to survive, something is wrong with the country. They need to take care of their seniors.
Olá Amerlin phycian, Thanks for the continued support of our channel. The U.S. has so much potential to make better accommodations and access to quality, and affordable health care. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thank you for addressing an important topic as an American. I am planning to leave this country. My greatest concern among many includes medical bankruptcy concerns. Thank you for this video.
Nice video in a very beautiful island but there are some minor incorrections that I'l try clarify. But first a disclaimer: in Portugal we have 3 different health systems, a "continental" NHS (SNS in portuguese), and two autonomous health systems, one for Madeira (SESARAM) and one for Azores (I think it's DRS). I work for the SNS so my knowledge is more focused on that. The autonomous health systems might be a little different. In Portugal we have 3 levels of care but not exactly like what you said. In fact our segmantarion of care is as follows: primary care is the GP level and we have health centers with family doctors and nurses, secondary care is hospital care (everything from specialist ambulatory care to emergency and intensive care) and terceary care (continuated integrated care mostly for chronic and long term deseases). There is also home care given by some hospitals where a team of nurses goes to check the patient at his own home on a regular basis but I don't know if this exists in Madeira. We have family doctors (GP's) in primary care and you are acompaingned always by the same doctor (covers around 90% of the population due to lack of family doctors but in Madeira this coverage might be different). All SNS is "free" (it's payed by taxes) to the covered users (all citizens from the European Union, foreign workers that pay taxes and a few others), there's just some access fees like those 15 euros for a CT scan you stated.
Ola Luis, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Thanks for the fantastic information you hav e provided. It is very helpful. Have a great day
I'm enjoying your videos. I came out for a Madeira scouting trip a couple week ago. I got stuck at Lisbon with a 3 day Easyjet strike. So I didn't make it to Madeira. I drove up to Nazare, Porto, Coimbre, and down to Albufeira. Then I went up to explore central Portugal before heading to the coast at Peniche; spending my last couple days in Ericeira. Overall my desire to move to Madeira has increased. I'm wondering what the %of fees to expect buying a home (cash)? Thank you, Peter from Pacific Northwest, USA
Olá Peter, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The closing costs - legal fees,transfer tax, duty stamp,notary and deed fees should not exceed 8 percent. Contact a Claudia our Real estate agent for exact figures for your purchase. claudia.ribeiro@imocabrera.com Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Congrats on explaining this complicated subject in such an easy-to-understand video. It's amazing to me that many more Americans don't expatriate for this reason alone. Thank you.
Hi Alan. Nicely explained. At the time of this video, here in the UK, depending on the private plan you have, the private appointment with the doctor can be 15 min or 20 min. On the public it’s 10 min. I believe.
Hey Alan , great information and yes the USA healthcare is good if you have bags of money 😂 haha.. I was in Madeira for a month on my WW tour of exploration..Super beautiful place and great climate.. Couldn't believe how cheap the wine was and excellent 👍 👍 👍 Portugal is still scoring well in comparison with the many countries I have been to. Glad your family is doing great there ..
As a Portuguese I want to thank you for reminding me of how privileged I am for living here... on the last crisis when our PM advised the youngster to leave the country, I refuse the idea because I felt in my heart that despite the low salaries etc. Portugal is an amazing country because we have good weather, great food, almost free and good education, helpful people - I wanted to work to help improve a place where in a way people's rights are taken cared of. Days ago I was considering moving to Switzerland due to the rising of criminal rate... and low salaries. Thank you.
Olá Marta, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. While Switzerland has a slightly lower crime rate, the cost of living is 150% Higher than Portugal! Your home cou tru to Portugal is truly a wonderful place. Alan
Sra. Marta Soares, vamos lá ser sérios! Quem forçou as pessoas a imigrarem foram os seus, possívelmente amigos, do ps, e o ex presidiário, conhecido por "44" e o seu numero 2 o Costa. O primeiro ministro a quem se refére, que mandou os jovens emigrar, mais não disse que a verdade, diante do estado indigente em que o ps e a sua pandilha (ps) deixaram este país, cada coisa a seu dono!!
2 Remarks. *Portugal is in 6th place, Switzerland in 11th place* in the world ranking of the safest countries. Former PM Passos Coelho never advised young people to emigrate. At a time when there was an excess of unemployed teachers, he recalled on 12.18.2011 that there was a great demand for Portuguese teachers abroad. Interestingly, *the current PM António Costa made the same statement on 13.06.2016.* I gave you the dates so you could confirm with a simple search.
@@ruiddd956 I don't need the dates, I was watching the news at the time he said (whilst on my last year in college). That said, my comment stands, in no way or shape I've said anything negative about the country but one cannot ignore the reality in order to portray a neet image for those who do not or never lived in the country - hence why I thanked Alan for reminding me how amazing my country is. To be frank, I cannot care less about what right or left wingers say, what I'd like t see is them doing the work necessary to improve the life of those who do not want to be forced to leave the country because salaries are too low, the cost of living is too high, etc. Thank you for your thoughtfulness though. :)
Hi Alan, Love your site and very informative. My wife and I are a few years away from retirement( Canada), but we have been researching Portugal. Your knowledge and guidance is very much appreciated. Continued success and health! Todd & Wanda
Portugal has been chosen as "the best country to retire" and (I know I`m biased) but it is the best country in the world :D Sure we have our flaws but you won`t find a better balance between nature, history, people, food, climate, peace, health and on, and on....
The problem is not private health care, the problem is corporate greed. Switzerlands has a fully privatized health system as well, and you dont see the horror stories that you see in the USA.
@@ItllBeFun You are all welcome :) I honestly do not know if it can change. The reason it works in other places and not in the USA is that (and using Switzerland as an example here) there are very well-defined limits and laws regarding how the insurance companies can operate AKA government interference, and considering not only American politics but also American culture, wouldn't go down very well there. Also, medical insurance is mandatory for every Swiss citizen and for everyone staying over 3 months in the country... again, something that wouldn't go down very well with a large portion of the American population
Can you imagine that an Ambulance is free in Portugal? Regardless if the 112 service (our 911) decides you shall be transported by road or by air. Some treatments are not available in Madeira. The local sub-system assists you in the travel, stay, and treatments while abroad in Continental Portugal. This is why our taxes are so high, and we have a high VAT. In America you also have high taxes, but take a look what are the major US Government expenses. Canada has a quite good Health Service, among other Public services.
Olá Michelle, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. You should contact Claudia. +351 967 440 896 is her whatsapp # Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Alan and family, glad to see another cool video. Now, there are (expensive) not covered medical expenses, like some vaccines for adults, and knee shots mainly for the "new kind" of pain numbing solution, like hyluronic shots; cortisone is excepted. I just shelled out €150 for a injection solution named Cingal, and not covered by SNS Private is covered but I hv a pre existing knee issue so I have to wait for 1 year since new policy date, (with MGEN) and that will happen in August 2023, unfortunately, I need the shot now., however, just the solution alone is about $300 in the US, plus MD fee and injection application. Here with MDd visit and shot charge €33. Huge difference. Also in SNS coverage vaccines like Hepatitis €20, free to apply, malaria tabs €33 (expensive) Antibug spray with DEET €6 online... really great.
Olá M Silva, Thanks for the continued support of our channel. And for sharing your experiences with health care. Yes, there's a big difference in costs. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
My wife Nella and I enjoyed the video, would be nice to see this walk with you narrating your journey about the walk .Information regarding when and where to do this next year. The flowers where beautiful and so was the landscaping and places you stopped. If it’s possible to do some videos just about the walk , as a follower of your channel we would like to see and hear more about the island.,It was nice to meet Lesley parents. Life is shortI should have done this sooner. ( Love It ) God Bless Nella
Hope you watched long enough to learn about the Portuguese health care system. We have an upcoming video about visiting Madeira that you may like more. Healthcare information is requested by people quite often. So we did this one as an update for them. Have a wonderful day Leslie
Please continue doing your information videos as they are very informative. We have watched all of them and learned so much. We’re in the process of waiting for our D7 visa approval. Our destination is Funchal , hope to meet you all once we get settled. Thank you, for it was your videos that my love for Madeira grew.
You might remember that my CT angiography, which I had to research as no doctor even knew about it, cost over $9000, which my insurance paid $92 on; and the insurance was the cause of it after denying 2 different doctors who wanted an angiogram (which ran $60000). USA! LOL!
Olá ron h, Thanks for the continued support of our channel. Those costs are so wrong. In USA, you just can't afford to be sick. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I live here on Madeira also. The health system could be even better imo. The wait times are due to the doctors doing two job, most of the specialists work public and private and have an obvious bias towards private. Because they have secure jobs in the public service and are basically are self governed the result is that they put in a few hours, for a full salary, then go off to the private sector to make a financial killing. Because they are a powerful lobby they get away with this. If this were reigned in, if they were slightly better paid in the public sector but had incompatibility enforced with the private sector, we would have reduced wait times and better service. But this will take political courage. Don't kid yourself, portuguese doctors dream of american salaries. Insurance is a scam, everything is paid for with the public taxes. Once things get complicated healthwise people get sent to the public hospitals, because the doctors that run the clinics let the public sector invest in the really expensive stuff. And what offends me the most is that these doctors get their courses, which are the most expensive in the university system, mostly paid for by the government too. Basically they are guilty of treason against their own people. Yes, it's better than the USA, but it's slowly rolling downhill.
Don't blame it on the doctors. Blame it on the salaries. There's almost to carreer progression in SNS, the specialty is hard to get and even if you can get a well-paid specialty you won't have time to actually spend that money. Public hospitals have the best equipment because they also have more money to invest in it. And honestly, that's where the best equipment should be anyway. I don't wanna live in a country where private hopitals and clinics have better top of the line equipment than public hospitals.
Are there retirement communities in Portugal or Spain which include independent living for now, assisted living if needed later,, and nursing home care if needed later?
Ola D Cole, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Yes they do. We will do a video in the near future for that. Obrigado, Alan, Leslie and Wolf
@@leslieplantlady I just don’t want to rush to get one here in the US. I’d like to be in Portugal to choose one that’s best for us. We have health insurance here (BCBS) but they only cover emergencies (reimbursement) outside the US.
Ola Mr. S, You will only need your Travel insurance to apply for your VISA and can wait to purchase your private insurance once your Travel insurance expires. Hope that helps. Leslie
@@ItllBeFun Thanks. It makes sense. But I keep “hearing” that for the SEF interview I MUST have other than travel, private. I had never heard about that before. I will be a tourist until I pass the SEF interview and receive my residency permit for 2 years. My travel insurance will cover emergencies as it is intended to do.
You will need at least 4 months of the travel insurance with 30k in coverage and full reparation. So if you die your body can be shipped back. It will need to be approved by VFS or the console.
That is expensive and the employee still has to pay for their part. Leslie's last company paid 24k a year for hers. Then of course we paid our part, along with deductibles and co-pays. We know how hard it is for small companies to compete. Thanks for watching and supporting our channel, Jim. We appreciate it. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Hi Alan! Thanks for the detailed video. You mentioned that many insurances drop you once you are 65. So.... If my plan is to retire to Madeira at 65, what happens if I cannot get an insurance? Or I get one but in a couple years they drop me?
Ola Ninel R Thanks for watching! We appreciate it. I mentioned this so you would remember to clarify with your insurance broker when you purchase your insurance. There are insurance companies that do offer good pla s for people at 65 and up. Thanks again! Have a wonderful day!
Great video thank you. I would be interested to hear and see more about the quality of medical care there in Madiera. It is hard to find this info or examples online. Quality of ER for emergencies, do they have limitations on the island? Do they transport to Lisbon for major emergencies. And some stories or examples of they quality of doctors and hospital there. Love the videos as always, you have created a very valuable resource here.
Ola Erik, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Here's a link to our health care video th-cam.com/video/mBOGBDNU5oo/w-d-xo.html Most major health care issues are handled at the public hospital. There may be the rare time you would be transported to Lisbon. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Madeira Island has a real good Hospital, but, in an extreme cases, you win a FREE ride in an airforce plane with a full medical team in to main land Portugal, to be assisted in one of the capital's hospitals . From Funchal , Madeira Island, those flights are rare, but Madeira is part of an Archipelago, with another habitated island called Porto Santo. Porto Santo is really small and does not have a big hospital, just a Medical Center, and the air force is always on standby to bring patients to Fuchal hospital (always for free!) , in the big island of Madeira. Don't worry: you will be safe in both islands.
Well as insurance seller myself. Your heath care insurance will increase annualy bc of the age. Most of them if you subscribe after 55 it will only stay up to 75 years. Ofc we have senior offers but not that good.
Olá Sérgio, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Unfortunately you are correct. But it's good now while it lasts. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
There are things that should be set straight here: Healthcare in the US is not even significantly more private than healthcare in europe. It's much like taxis here: it exists in the private market, but it's nearly completely controlled by government, and that's why it's overly expensive. US gov spending in healthcare is quite comparable to european spendings, and that should be your first hint that your healthcare is as neck deep in government control as european healthcare is. But the reason why it's so expensive is because your gov is making it so. And because you pay it in taxes on top of the bills, plus the insurance. Healthcare in portugal isn't that rosy or cheap either. You'll pay over ~900€ a year for it in taxes, regardless of whether you're ill or not. For a poor person on minimum wage, that's two months of salary a year. And it's not just through IVA (equivalent to VAT), it's also through income tax, social security tax, vehicle taxes, etc, etc. In some other countries people pay even more for their healthcare. And the bills you have to pay aren't always cheap. I grew up hearing my grandparents complaining over and over that their retirement money (or pension, or whatever it was) was never enough for all the medicine they were taking as well as to live off of. And there's more than just a catch; there's many catches: - sometimes there's lack of stock - sometimes staff goes on strike (which only ever happens in public services) - hospitals are always packed and rushing people home ASAP - once in a while you see it in the news that someone died waiting, because lengthy waiting times is a thing... Not at dentists or veterinarians, or any kind of private clinics, only in public services. A close friend of mine went 7 months with broken ribs waiting for surgery, only to then be told it was already too late to operate, and it had to heal the rest on its own. Lousy facilities also are a thing. Or at least were for many years, but they probably still are in many places. My area has had a nice hospital for the last ~10-15 years, but before that, decades went by and the local hospital was decrepit, smelly, and dirty (even with unattended trash bins/ashtrays). I grew up feeling horrified by the idea of being hospitalized there. The local health center in my area has always been and still is a complete inefficient mess, where people have to wait entire days to get attended. Most of them old people, of course. I heard this applies to some other health centers, but I wouldn't be surprised if it applied to all of them, because inefficiency is a hallmark of public services in general. The problem with US healthcare isn't that it's not socialist healthcare. It practically is, in fact. But it always irks me that people always go into this false dichotomy, as if you can only either have unaffordable private healthcare or good public healthcare, which is terribly untrue. The problem with US healthcare is that the US gov strangles it all the way to hell, through regulations and tariffs, and all sorts of policies that increase costs and prices. Public healthcare is actually not that great, especially if a country's economy isn't great, and this whole discussion is being severely mislead by people who have a political agenda to profit from and aren't interested in identifying the actual reasons why US healthcare is a mess. *US healthcare is a government fuck up,* not a private healthcare fuck up. It makes absolutely no sense that private companies would want to jack up the prices of insulin, for example, because no one ever got higher profits from higher prices. I can't remember what goes on with health insurance in US healthcare, apart from that they're also in bed with government. The problem is government as well, that's all I can tell you. It's been too many years since I've looked into all this.
Olá Alan, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. You should shop around. Depending on your medical history, age and what type of condition. We have MGEN because it cover pre-existing conditions. Not all companies will offer it which can be an issue. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I don't know how accurate it is, but I read a commentary about American elections some years ago, that younger voters tended to vote for policies that supported where they imagined they would be when they were older. A disproportionate number had unrealistically high expectations of becoming extremely wealthy, so they voted for policies that (and politicians who) favoured the rich. After all, USA is the land of opportunity. If this is true, then it helps explain why American health care policy penalizes the poor and middle income segments of its population. In Norway, my entire medical expenditures in 2022 were about USD 300, of which USD 200 were for dental work, USD 80 for prescriptions, and USD 20 for an annual check up.
" you're gonna tell me what doctor to go!!" In the US you also have to wait a few days before you get a meeting with a doctor... And what you're saying about Portugal is the same story pretty much in all the industrial-rich world In one rich Western country that I know well (that I won't disclose) its pretty similar - Anything essential is 100% FREE and covered, including prescriptions, emergencies, diseases etc etc But you can also have secondary extended insurance Which includes things that are nonemergency - Including things that are completely non-health like psychological treatment - and that you pay about 40$ a month That Country also has private insurance companies - But that is really not necessary, and really includes stuff that if you're really wealthy, maybe you should do. Things like medications that weren't Breakthrough medications that weren't mainstream yet, fancy preventive care, Extremely rare diseases, 7 star hospitals Fears of Health are just a nonissue and the rest Of the industrial world
De momento estou a fazer tratamento no privado mas pago pelo público. Quando o público não tem capacidade para dar tratamento, dão-nos uma requisição para fazer no privado. Sem pagar.
Olá Silvio, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your experiences. The system in Portugal is amazing. Hope the best for you. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I’m chocking over the €250 copayment. Is that for any medical visit? Or is that for physiotherapy, chiropractic and so on care? This little Canadian hasn’t paid a copayment for anything other than physiotherapy. I need to look into this further.
@@ItllBeFun Oi, deductible and copay are obviously terms I’m not familiar with. So i am corrected, thank you. I’ll rephrase, I am gagging over the thought of paying €250. deductible. Where I come from there are no medical company’s copay or deductibles and medical insurance is free. I had a CT scan for a sinus infection last month, it cost $0. The consultation with the specialist also cost $0, and I waited only 4 weeks to see her, the best, by far, in her field of lung health. At any rate I think I would just go with Canadian travel insurance to cover me for the first 6 to 12 months until I was in the Portuguese public universal medical. The travel insurance is very comprehensive, fully covers all and any emergencies, it’s about $26. per month and should satisfy the medical insurance requirement. These is no deductible or copay, zero costs to the travel insurance., other than the $26. I just don’t see the point in paying for private medical insurance, maybe I’m missing something?
Ola M K It is lovely to not understand. I am not blessed with this option in life. Thank you for supporting our channel. Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan
You have the right to a family doctor 😅😅 always available for you . All emergency all taken care of immediately. With 50 euros a month insurance you can go to private health care
Ola Liliac Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We don't use Serenity. But we did review the program when we were shopping for a our private insurance. We have very good service with our insurance company. And have not had any issues navigating the systems. However in the future it may worth working with them. Their program offering looks very good. Have a wonderful day!
The health system in Portugal is quite good, dispute the fact that we, the portuguese are always saing otherwise. I use public and private systems. I use the public healthcare for my daily medication. I take 2 pills everyday for blood pressure and spend every 6 months less than 10 euros. I use private for emergencies, for routine exams or for medical specialities, like cardiologist or eye doctor. But don't be mistaken, if you choose to go to a private hospital and your case is very serious, you will be transfered to a public facility because the best doctors are in the public service.
Olá Pedro, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your experience with health care. We appreciate your comments. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Yeah. Meanwhile here in portugal 37% of my paycheck is taxes. Most expensive energy and water prices. I pay almost 500 euros a year to the government on tax just to own a house. And after working for 22 years in law enforcement i make 1300 euros a month. My 12 year old 1000cc car pays 150 euros a year in tax. Yeah Portugal is awsome. As for health care. Well my wife developed a cancer in her uterus. I had to pay for surgery in private hospital because the next set of exams in public hospital was six months away and as for the surgery itself who knows hiw long it would take.
ADSE will reimburse for most of the amount paid on the private. You just need to send the receipts with a comprehensive report made by your doctor. ADSE is a special health insurance for public workers (função pública), funded by the state and the public workers taxes.
Usually, parents have to take their kids to school. When they're old enough, they take the bus or another public transportation. As for guns, it's not common to own them, unless you hunt for sports, in which case they are more specific. And in any case, licensing is pretty strict. Guns are usually for the police and the military. Btw, you have GNR outside larger cities. In Lisbon, it's the PSP
Healthcare in the US is free if you qualify. It is against the law in every state to deny care to anyone. It is expensive for most but, not those who can't afford care. For them, it's free!
Ola Rosalind, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. If you bring them with you then it would be helpful to your new doctors just like in the USA. Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan
Hey, Wolf, Woof woof! Ola Alan, What will happen to you, health insurance-wise, when you get "old"? I'm 70 and may not make it there until my 80s (taking insulin for type 1 diabetes), so I don't know whether to just keep this as a fantasy or get cracking on learning Portuguese. :) Obrigado, Hal from Seattle
Olá Hal, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. I eventually will lose health insurance coverage and rely solely on the public system. Obrigado Alan
Olá Show Boat, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Walking backwards downhill is easier on the knees and lower legs. Not sure where I picked it up. But it helps. Obrigado Alan
Hello Alan, Leslie, Wolf and "crew", Thank you very much for your amazing videos and wealth of information. Would it be possible in one of your future videos to share information about LTC ( long term care) options in Portugal.
No healthcare system is ever going to be perfect, heck, it's us humans running it, what do we expect? Nonetheless, Portugal's healthcare system does have some distinct advantages over those here in the U.S., mainly extraordinary value for the same care.
Amazing! The health care here in America is so so bad. 😢 I feel so bad for those who are being robbed by the Healthcare industry. In portugal do they make everyone get the jab?
Ola Jeanne I hate to tell you this but people get their shots to protect each other as much as themselves. They don't fight about it. That is an American thing.
@@ItllBeFun I believe this was and still is a big concern in other countries. When you find out the facts and you actually want to protect yourselves from what they concocted...and to tell others about it. Fear was the big motivation. We will see what happens with the next plandemic...
Sad story. This is a wake-up call. Honestly, I love this country in spite of its problems. I have medical insurance through my employer, which is pretty low, and Kaiser is absolutely amazing. I couldn't ask for better health care. I wish every American could experience the health care that I receive. I lived in Portugal. I didn't like it. I would hate to live in a place I don't like, only to take advantage of health care. I get you, though. I'm happy that you guys made the best decision for your lives. Boa sorte!
Ola Teddy, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. The story is not meant to be sad as much illistrate a point. Tim and Jan were very happy people not allowing these difficulties to reduce their lives. As for us we truly love the land of our birth and always will. We have had fantastic insurance and horrible insurance through the years and totally agree. Our advantage today is that we do love Portugal and find that it also offers something we could no longer afford or get in the USA. So it is a bonus. Enjoy your journey! Life is a gift.
No country can be the greatest in the world when it can't even look after its own population. Every other developed country looks at America with bemusement at how they can extort so much money out of people when they need help the most.
In the public system the waiting times for specialty appointments can be exasperating (we're talking in the 'years' ball park) but here in Portugal even a good private healthcare insurance is dirt-cheap for e.g. an American. There is simply no comparison with the US system, you won't be broke here because of health issues, that's for sure.
Ola Dantres Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. You are so right. It can take awhile but it is even affordable to get private insurance. Have a wonderful day!
Where most of my retirement goes healthcare insurance I can't afford to use homeowners insurance which went way up definitely couldn't go to the dentist and I have private and Medicare nothing left once you get done paying all the insurance companies and other bills
Taxes are much higher in countries like Portugal. So while it seems cheaper if you have over half your earnings go towards it and other things it’s not that cheap. The American system allows you to have more options. The shambolic Obama Care program needs to be canceled. Charging healthy individuals a fine if they don’t have insurance is ridiculous.
The U.S. DOES have the BEST healthcare in the world! That indisputable. That's why world leaders and wealthy foreigners come here to deal with serious health issues. Unfortunately we have a health insurance problem. I've travelled much of the world and in most countries you can get quality healthcare. Many doctors and nurses having been educated in the U.S.
I think you’ll find that France usually is #1 for healthcare. The US, Alan said, is in the low 30’s. I don’t know why the US misleads it’s people by falsely saying the medical care in the US is best. Americans have shorter life spans than their Canadian neighbours.Canadians have better medical care.
Ola M K, We are all taught many things by our governments and people we trust that may need tobe taken with a grain of salt. It is sad. Thanks for supporting our channel. Have a wonderful day
@@MK-cc5ve It's a balance between healthcare and the logistics. I live in Bellingham, WA. So I am familiar with Canadian healthcare. I've had Canadian girlfriends. One complaint up there, you wait FOREVER to see you doctor. The BEST doctors and surgeons live in and practice in the U.S!!!! Not disputable. Can everyone afford that? No!!
@@michaelmiddleton3311 well, I wait 3 days to see my family doctor (he only works Monday and Wednesday), and 6 weeks to see top rated lung specialist, so maybe things have improved, or maybe some specialists take longer? The best healthcare in the world, I hate to burst your bubble, is not the US. You can research this yourself. I wish it were true for you, but it’s just not the case. A US news channel said recently that maternal healthcare is better in Rwanda than Louisiana, that’s quite a statement from a leading news channel (can’t remember which one, CNN?). I’ve used the US healthcare system myself, the nurse was utterly shocked after calling my insurance carrier. She had no concept for no deductible, no copay, no charge for an ER visit. She literally held up my card and said “what is this?”, this was in Hawaii. The US lifespan is shorter than the Canadian one. Good luck arguing with that. EDIT: I missed the main point, the poster was happy that his fellow citizens couldn’t access health care. Couldn’t afford it. Nasty.
The public healthcare system has been under threath in this country and for a number of years. Having said that, it is still one of the few good aspects of the social welfare system that we have. I will leave you with some suggestions: - Anything to do with Paediatrics is usually excellent in the Public Healthcare system. - In the National Health System, areas such as Cardiology (some places of true excellence such as Santa Cruz in Lisbon) and Oncology, are usually quite good, but be aware that waiting lists can be an issue (obviously a huge problem in those areas). - Anything related to ER is usually better in public hospitals, certainly in the bigger cities such as Lisbon and Porto. - In my opinion, the primary healthcare centers (Centros de Saúde) have been improving a lot, but can be very dependent on your area of residence. In any case, make sure you register and build a relationship with your assigned General Practitioner. You may be lucky and get a really good one (no complaints from my part). - Urology in the public system was a true nightmare for me, but that was in Lisbon. Can be different elsewhere. - Avoid Orthopaedic care in public Hospitals. The best Orthos are making their careers in private Hospitals. So yes, keep your private insurance even if you got your residence. Anyway, it costs a fraction of whatever you pay in the USA. Most people in Portugal can't afford private insurance, but it is whatever, life is a lost cause anyway.
Bom dia! Bom dia!!!! We now have a FREE Trial Offer for you to come JOIN the crew on Patreon. www.patreon.com/itllbefun -While it lasts!😀
In case you wondered. Yes, Leslie had a CT scan for 15 euros here in Portugal. We found this to be amazing. In the US the price we were quoted was 2500 dollars. Learn more about our healthcare experiences, moving, visiting and planning a scouting trip to Portugal!!!!
Great info, as usual!! My wife and I are planning to retire to Portugal in 2025. I was just debating one of my cousins yesterday. He was insistent that medical care, in the US, is infinitely better than Portugal. I couldn't convince him otherwise, so I'm sharing this video with him, while letting him know that Portugal is 12th in the world in healthcare, while the US IS 37th. Again, thanks for this valuable information! Wishing you and your family all the best!!
Ola Dan,
Just for fun. The Us is the best in the world for healthcare. If you have unlimited money!!!!
Public is good like you say but the waiting time it's a bit long for some health issues but if you have a bit money private is really good or even if you do the health insurance insurance it's really good.
Never been to USA but... Let's not forget also that Madeira is an ISLAND. I don't have data or something but I'm somewhat sure that Madeira's healthcare won't be as good as on the continent itself. There's some differences between Madeira and Portugal... Yes they're both Portugal but one thing is living on an island and another is living on a continent. Much more resources and ways of transportation if you get me... Quality of life on Madeira won't be as upper tier as on Lisbon let's say. I've been to Madeira once... Their infra-structures are good, they're the best in some things for sure... But on others? Not so sure. It's much more demanding on the continent. What I'm trying to say... Be careful with comparisons. Can't compare an ant to an elephant and draw some truthful conclusions. Need to collect a lotttt of data before drawing a good conclusion. But if this guy is happy... That's all that matters
@@Trip4man Public Healthcare in Portugal is one of our best and most valuable assets. It has problems but we all know it is something to keep and improve. Madeira not different from the continent that much in that regard
@@Trip4man but madeira is relatively close to continental portugal.its a shirt flight. Which isn't a huge deal on a country the size of USA.
And 60€ a month for a premium health insurance, access to private clinics is a bargain.
One thing worth noticing is that although we have both public and private healthcare, the real benefits of private is an easier and faster response and in cases you need hospitalization, a more comfortable room and better service. The doctors work mostly on both public and private hospitals and they are some of the best specialists you can find. Also, if you are in a private hospital but need an hearth surgery or so, you`re most likely transfered to the public hospital where all the equipament and specialists are!
For example, we noticed very earlier that our kid had something wrong with his left eye (lazy eye) so we talked to our family doctor who referred him to the eye specialist in the biggest public hospital in Porto (S. João). The waiting was about 6 months for the appointment (as it wasn`t urgent). While waiting, we learned that the doctor was the best in the country and also practiced private so we scheduled an appointment at his place. We went there after a few days, he found the issue and prescribed what was needed but he would need further treatment.
We were asked if we wanted to keep taking him to the private office or continue at the public. We chose public since the appointment was only a few months away and it could wait. From that moment on, my kid has been having yearly check ups and other appointments. He had eye surgery at the age of 4 (we discovered it at the age of 3) which went better than expected. His glasses have been changed in order to adapt an improve his sight. He`s almost 12 now and I cannot say one bad thing about it.
Total cost: 70€ for the first appointment (no insurance) and everything else was free (including surgery).
You mentioned small co-pay and although that still exists in a few cases, recently (during covid) that was taken away and is now basically free on the public service. I, personally, have insurance paid by my company and never used it ONCE. I have a family doctor that sees me whenever I need (appointments take about 1 to 2 weeks). Even when I needed to see a psychologist they had one at the health center that I saw for free during one year. Needed two basic surgeries and those took 2 months each. Also free and they were basically cosmetic.
Since I am a blood donor for over 20 years and have donated more than the required 31 times, I get free healthcare FOR LIFE on the public system so co-pays is something I honestly don`t know about xD
I do own a health insurance for my wife and kid but it`s mostly for dental treatment as my wife needs regular cleanings (which are free) and would cost about 30-40€ each. The insurance is included on a broader package we own for many other things tapart from health that costs us 50€ per month but is so broad that is impossible for me to tell how much for that is the insurance (probably about 20€).
Anyway, just wanted to share my experience and yes, we (portuguese) complain a lot about our health system but we should also recognize we could be a whole, lot worse than we are.
Let me just add one last thing: in Portugal, NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE is left without treatment. Even if you are homeless, they`ll take care of you the same way as if you were the president of the country. I just saw a homeless guy being taken by ambulance to the hospital the other day. He was drunk and just laying on the street. The paramedics grabbed him and took him to get some care. Probably he`ll also be referred to some sort of help but unfortunately that doesn`t work so well...
Olá César,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your thoughts and experiences regarding health care.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
This hasn't been mt case and I've been nearly 1 year here. Pay my taxes as self-employed but after several tries to get an appointment... nothing. Not even a doctor assigned either.
Greetings from Estoril...Been a legal resident here since 2016...Orginally from Texas...I'll tell ya you a good story...My mom got sepsis in 2018 from a dog bite...Spent 30 days in the hospital, in Texas...The positive part of the story is she survived...I flew home to help her with recovery...Final medical bill TT@L...$ 1 Million dollars...and yes she had medical insurance, however she survives on a widows pension and to say she struggles to pay the premiums is an understatement...I always share this story with my Portuguese friends and they are shocked...Now my story...I've had dental work done in Guatemala and still have all my teeth, the cost was peanuts compared to the U.S. Had my appendix removed in Costa Rica, I'm still here...The cost compared to the states, we won't go there, it might upset folks stateside...Here in Portugal I get injections twice a month due to having Cancer in the past...I simply walk from my home to the pharmacy in 10 minutes and get it done...Cost me almost nothing...Americans are used to being told everything is better, when in reality it's not even close...Why do you think so many folks cross the border from the U.S. to Mexico daily to get everything from Dental work to prescriptions on medicine that cost a fortune stateside...I'm blessed to call Portugal home...I wake up daily and Thank the man upstairs for giving the fortitude and insight to come to Portugal...Best decision I've ever made! Blessings and Positive Energy! 🇵🇹🤘✌️👌😉🤠
Ola Dickie,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Your story is so much like our experiences in the USA. Thank you very much for sharing. Many people have no idea. We are truly happy to have found Portugal.
Have a wonderful day!
Welcome neighbor.
You won't believe the American moms that lash out and complain about the "higher taxes" in Europe, or hate the idea that medical care, child care, college tuition is subsidized. They rather "control" what activities they use and pay for and expect other families to pay for themselves. What these shortsighted American people don't understand is that Americans are paying the highest taxes if they understood that we pay crazy after-tax dollars on medical care and after-tax dollars on private college tuition. Having to jump through hoops to pray to get school scholarships or praying that your kids don't break bones or that you don't get appendicitis is not realistic.
1 million dollars? I know we need to adjust for inflation but hospitals in the US be soundin' like Bond villains.
@@lordcommandernox9197 Le Chiffre, Dr. Julius No, Jaws and a host of other's await you stateside from Billing to Outpatient care...trust me they will be giving you the "Goldfinger" treatment...Boa Noite! 🇵🇹😉👌✌️
So I am watching this on my TV and writing this comment at the same time. They are now connected! Cool!
Thanks for watching.
Hi Alan, I wouldn't have explained Portuguese healthcare as good as you did 😅 Nowadays there a lot of healthcare private insurances as the demanding is increasing everyday. Public system works well but everything goes slow. We have good doctors fortunately. Comparing to the US, we can say we are in good hands and not worried about spending all the money with health. Although, there are things that could be improved. Nothing is perfect ❤
Olá Isabel,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your thoughts.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Hello Alan, small world- I graduated from Crystal Lake South High School back in the 80's. Great channel, we're also looking to retire early and perhaps head overseas. Time to enjoy life and see the world. Safe Travels.
Olá SWTexan,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Crystal Lake is a great town. Good luck on your journey.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Taxes are public money, and as such, should be used to address issues that affect all of us, such as roads, hospitals, education, security, and more. However, the reality is that wealthy individuals often support politicians who create loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes while still benefiting from public funds. While I am not a socialist, I believe we need to consider the concept of the "tragedy of the commons."
The "tragedy of the commons" refers to a situation where individuals or groups act in their own self-interest, depleting or damaging a shared resource that is ultimately in the interest of everyone to preserve. This can occur with natural resources like air, water, and land, as well as with public goods like parks and infrastructure. The tragedy arises when the pursuit of self-interest leads to the depletion or destruction of the shared resource, ultimately harming everyone who relies on it.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing!
I’m in love all your channel and I’m so happy too for your new life in Madeira, we are planning our future with our kids there too. We hope meet you and share experiences ! Congratulations for all! God Bless you. ❤😊 Dos Santos Family.
Olá Dos Santos Family,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Maybe we'll meet up sometime.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thank you so much for sharing your family's story regarding the healthcare, that is the exact worry that I have. I just left Madeira yesterday, although my trip was short, I really liked the island, I am exploring the mainland of Portugal now. I plan to retire in a few years, it is sad that we worked so many years for our country, but when we reach our retirement, we have t move abroad in order to survive, something is wrong with the country. They need to take care of their seniors.
Olá Amerlin phycian,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel. The U.S. has so much potential to make better accommodations and access to quality, and affordable health care.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thank you for addressing an important topic as an American. I am planning to leave this country. My greatest concern among many includes medical bankruptcy concerns. Thank you for this video.
Olá LYN Will,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Good luck on your journey.
Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Nice video in a very beautiful island but there are some minor incorrections that I'l try clarify.
But first a disclaimer: in Portugal we have 3 different health systems, a "continental" NHS (SNS in portuguese), and two autonomous health systems, one for Madeira (SESARAM) and one for Azores (I think it's DRS). I work for the SNS so my knowledge is more focused on that. The autonomous health systems might be a little different.
In Portugal we have 3 levels of care but not exactly like what you said. In fact our segmantarion of care is as follows: primary care is the GP level and we have health centers with family doctors and nurses, secondary care is hospital care (everything from specialist ambulatory care to emergency and intensive care) and terceary care (continuated integrated care mostly for chronic and long term deseases). There is also home care given by some hospitals where a team of nurses goes to check the patient at his own home on a regular basis but I don't know if this exists in Madeira.
We have family doctors (GP's) in primary care and you are acompaingned always by the same doctor (covers around 90% of the population due to lack of family doctors but in Madeira this coverage might be different).
All SNS is "free" (it's payed by taxes) to the covered users (all citizens from the European Union, foreign workers that pay taxes and a few others), there's just some access fees like those 15 euros for a CT scan you stated.
Ola Luis,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Thanks for the fantastic information you hav e provided. It is very helpful.
Have a great day
I'm enjoying your videos. I came out for a Madeira scouting trip a couple week ago. I got stuck at Lisbon with a 3 day Easyjet strike. So I didn't make it to Madeira. I drove up to Nazare, Porto, Coimbre, and down to Albufeira. Then I went up to explore central Portugal before heading to the coast at Peniche; spending my last couple days in Ericeira. Overall my desire to move to Madeira has increased. I'm wondering what the %of fees to expect buying a home (cash)? Thank you, Peter from Pacific Northwest, USA
Olá Peter,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
The closing costs - legal fees,transfer tax, duty stamp,notary and deed fees should not exceed 8 percent. Contact a Claudia our Real estate agent for exact figures for your purchase. claudia.ribeiro@imocabrera.com
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Congrats on explaining this complicated subject in such an easy-to-understand video. It's amazing to me that many more Americans don't expatriate for this reason alone. Thank you.
Ola Nancy,
Thanks! We hope all is going well!!!
Hi Alan. Nicely explained. At the time of this video, here in the UK, depending on the private plan you have, the private appointment with the doctor can be 15 min or 20 min. On the public it’s 10 min. I believe.
Olá Rui,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel. And for sharing your experience.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
@@ItllBeFun My pleasure.
Hey Alan , great information and yes the USA healthcare is good if you have bags of money 😂 haha.. I was in Madeira for a month on my WW tour of exploration..Super beautiful place and great climate.. Couldn't believe how cheap the wine was and excellent 👍 👍 👍 Portugal is still scoring well in comparison with the many countries I have been to. Glad your family is doing great there ..
Olá Wild Bill,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We love it here!
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
very well explained ,thank you
Olá Catherine,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We appreciate it.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thank you!
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thanks for humoring me, Alan!
All kidding aside, I do enjoy your show.
We're glad you liked it!
Stick around to see what we do next, whatever that might be.
Obrigado
Alan
Thanks for the Super Thanks. We truly appreciate your support!
Have a wonderful day!
As a Portuguese I want to thank you for reminding me of how privileged I am for living here... on the last crisis when our PM advised the youngster to leave the country, I refuse the idea because I felt in my heart that despite the low salaries etc. Portugal is an amazing country because we have good weather, great food, almost free and good education, helpful people - I wanted to work to help improve a place where in a way people's rights are taken cared of. Days ago I was considering moving to Switzerland due to the rising of criminal rate... and low salaries. Thank you.
Olá Marta,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. While Switzerland has a slightly lower crime rate, the cost of living is 150%
Higher than Portugal! Your home cou tru to Portugal is truly a wonderful place.
Alan
Sra. Marta Soares, vamos lá ser sérios! Quem forçou as pessoas a imigrarem foram os seus, possívelmente amigos, do ps, e o ex presidiário, conhecido por "44" e o seu numero 2 o Costa. O primeiro ministro a quem se refére, que mandou os jovens emigrar, mais não disse que a verdade, diante do estado indigente em que o ps e a sua pandilha (ps) deixaram este país, cada coisa a seu dono!!
2 Remarks. *Portugal is in 6th place, Switzerland in 11th place* in the world ranking of the safest countries. Former PM Passos Coelho never advised young people to emigrate. At a time when there was an excess of unemployed teachers, he recalled on 12.18.2011 that there was a great demand for Portuguese teachers abroad. Interestingly, *the current PM António Costa made the same statement on 13.06.2016.* I gave you the dates so you could confirm with a simple search.
@@ruiddd956 I don't need the dates, I was watching the news at the time he said (whilst on my last year in college). That said, my comment stands, in no way or shape I've said anything negative about the country but one cannot ignore the reality in order to portray a neet image for those who do not or never lived in the country - hence why I thanked Alan for reminding me how amazing my country is. To be frank, I cannot care less about what right or left wingers say, what I'd like t see is them doing the work necessary to improve the life of those who do not want to be forced to leave the country because salaries are too low, the cost of living is too high, etc. Thank you for your thoughtfulness though. :)
@@ItllBeFun It is indeed. Thank you Alan. :)
Hi Alan,
Love your site and very informative. My wife and I are a few years away from retirement( Canada), but we have been researching Portugal. Your knowledge and guidance is very much appreciated. Continued success and health!
Todd & Wanda
Portugal has been chosen as "the best country to retire" and (I know I`m biased) but it is the best country in the world :D Sure we have our flaws but you won`t find a better balance between nature, history, people, food, climate, peace, health and on, and on....
Olá Todd and Wanda,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for the kind words of encouragement.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I havexseen a few of your videos. I love your vocabulary and ability to create a turn of phrase.
Olá Carlos,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
And thanks for the kind words.
Obrigado
Alan,Leslie and Wolf
Abraço da Madeira! Santa-Cruz
Olá Rism,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
The problem is not private health care, the problem is corporate greed.
Switzerlands has a fully privatized health system as well, and you dont see the horror stories that you see in the USA.
Maybe someday things will change.
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
@@ItllBeFun You are all welcome :)
I honestly do not know if it can change. The reason it works in other places and not in the USA is that (and using Switzerland as an example here) there are very well-defined limits and laws regarding how the insurance companies can operate AKA government interference, and considering not only American politics but also American culture, wouldn't go down very well there. Also, medical insurance is mandatory for every Swiss citizen and for everyone staying over 3 months in the country... again, something that wouldn't go down very well with a large portion of the American population
I know. We remember back when Clinton ran for president the platform was healthcare all the way back then. It is just an issue.
Can you imagine that an Ambulance is free in Portugal?
Regardless if the 112 service (our 911) decides you shall be transported by road or by air.
Some treatments are not available in Madeira.
The local sub-system assists you in the travel, stay, and treatments while abroad in Continental Portugal.
This is why our taxes are so high, and we have a high VAT.
In America you also have high taxes, but take a look what are the major US Government expenses.
Canada has a quite good Health Service, among other Public services.
Olá hitardo,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your thoughts.
Obrigado,
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Great summary of the Healthcare situation. I need to contact Claudia.
Olá Michelle,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. You should contact Claudia. +351 967 440 896 is her whatsapp #
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Another amazing video and explanation on healthcare,well done.
Olá Rogerio,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel . And for the kind words.
Obrigado
Alan ,Leslie and Wolf
Alan and family, glad to see another cool video. Now, there are (expensive) not covered medical expenses, like some vaccines for adults, and knee shots mainly for the "new kind" of pain numbing solution, like hyluronic shots; cortisone is excepted. I just shelled out €150 for a injection solution named Cingal, and not covered by SNS
Private is covered but I hv a pre existing knee issue so I have to wait for 1 year since new policy date, (with MGEN) and that will happen in August 2023, unfortunately, I need the shot now., however, just the solution alone is about $300 in the US, plus MD fee and injection application. Here with MDd visit and shot charge €33. Huge difference. Also in SNS coverage vaccines like Hepatitis €20, free to apply, malaria tabs €33 (expensive) Antibug spray with DEET €6 online... really great.
Olá M Silva,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel. And for sharing your experiences with health care. Yes, there's a big difference in costs.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
My wife Nella and I enjoyed the video, would be nice to see this walk with you narrating your journey about the walk .Information regarding when and where to do this next year. The flowers where beautiful and so was the landscaping and places you stopped. If it’s possible to do some videos just about the walk , as a follower of your channel we would like to see and hear more about the island.,It was nice to meet Lesley parents.
Life is shortI should have done this sooner. ( Love It ) God Bless Nella
Olá Jairo,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Maybe in the future we will.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Hope you watched long enough to learn about the Portuguese health care system. We have an upcoming video about visiting Madeira that you may like more.
Healthcare information is requested by people quite often. So we did this one as an update for them.
Have a wonderful day Leslie
Please continue doing your information videos as they are very informative. We have watched all of them and learned so much. We’re in the process of waiting for our D7 visa approval. Our destination is Funchal , hope to meet you all once we get settled.
Thank you, for it was your videos that my love for Madeira grew.
Thank you for your support. We truly appreciate it. Let us know when you get here!!!
You might remember that my CT angiography, which I had to research as no doctor even knew about it, cost over $9000, which my insurance paid $92 on; and the insurance was the cause of it after denying 2 different doctors who wanted an angiogram (which ran $60000). USA! LOL!
Olá ron h,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel. Those costs are so wrong. In USA, you just can't afford to be sick.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I live here on Madeira also. The health system could be even better imo. The wait times are due to the doctors doing two job, most of the specialists work public and private and have an obvious bias towards private. Because they have secure jobs in the public service and are basically are self governed the result is that they put in a few hours, for a full salary, then go off to the private sector to make a financial killing. Because they are a powerful lobby they get away with this. If this were reigned in, if they were slightly better paid in the public sector but had incompatibility enforced with the private sector, we would have reduced wait times and better service. But this will take political courage. Don't kid yourself, portuguese doctors dream of american salaries.
Insurance is a scam, everything is paid for with the public taxes. Once things get complicated healthwise people get sent to the public hospitals, because the doctors that run the clinics let the public sector invest in the really expensive stuff. And what offends me the most is that these doctors get their courses, which are the most expensive in the university system, mostly paid for by the government too. Basically they are guilty of treason against their own people. Yes, it's better than the USA, but it's slowly rolling downhill.
Ola Zepherian
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Thank yiu for sharing your story. We appreciate it.
Have a great day
Don't blame it on the doctors. Blame it on the salaries. There's almost to carreer progression in SNS, the specialty is hard to get and even if you can get a well-paid specialty you won't have time to actually spend that money.
Public hospitals have the best equipment because they also have more money to invest in it. And honestly, that's where the best equipment should be anyway. I don't wanna live in a country where private hopitals and clinics have better top of the line equipment than public hospitals.
Madeira is a paradise !!
Olá Cristina,
Yes it is!
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Alan,Leslie and Wolf
its not and you know it
Are there retirement communities in Portugal or Spain which include independent living for now, assisted living if needed later,, and nursing home care if needed later?
Ola D Cole,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Yes they do. We will do a video in the near future for that.
Obrigado,
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thanks!
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
We truly appreciate the super thanks. Your support makes a big difference. Thank you again. Have a wonderful day!
The area of the walk was very nice.
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Did you have to show private health insurance for the SEF interview besides the travel insurance you used for the D7?
No but since we had both we took them with us just in case.
@@leslieplantlady I just don’t want to rush to get one here in the US. I’d like to be in Portugal to choose one that’s best for us. We have health insurance here (BCBS) but they only cover emergencies (reimbursement) outside the US.
Ola Mr. S,
You will only need your Travel insurance to apply for your VISA and can wait to purchase your private insurance once your Travel insurance expires.
Hope that helps.
Leslie
@@ItllBeFun Thanks. It makes sense. But I keep “hearing” that for the SEF interview I MUST have other than travel, private. I had never heard about that before. I will be a tourist until I pass the SEF interview and receive my residency permit for 2 years. My travel insurance will cover emergencies as it is intended to do.
You will need at least 4 months of the travel insurance with 30k in coverage and full reparation. So if you die your body can be shipped back. It will need to be approved by VFS or the console.
Managing a health plan for a small organization with about 40 covered employees. The cost per employee per year is USD $17,400.
That is expensive and the employee still has to pay for their part. Leslie's last company paid 24k a year for hers. Then of course we paid our part, along with deductibles and co-pays. We know how hard it is for small companies to compete.
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel, Jim.
We appreciate it.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Life is fantastic!
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Hi Alan! Thanks for the detailed video. You mentioned that many insurances drop you once you are 65. So.... If my plan is to retire to Madeira at 65, what happens if I cannot get an insurance? Or I get one but in a couple years they drop me?
Ola Ninel R
Thanks for watching! We appreciate it. I mentioned this so you would remember to clarify with your insurance broker when you purchase your insurance. There are insurance companies that do offer good pla s for people at 65 and up.
Thanks again!
Have a wonderful day!
Great video thank you. I would be interested to hear and see more about the quality of medical care there in Madiera. It is hard to find this info or examples online. Quality of ER for emergencies, do they have limitations on the island? Do they transport to Lisbon for major emergencies. And some stories or examples of they quality of doctors and hospital there.
Love the videos as always, you have created a very valuable resource here.
Ola Erik,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Here's a link to our health care video th-cam.com/video/mBOGBDNU5oo/w-d-xo.html
Most major health care issues are handled at the public hospital. There may be the rare time you would be transported to Lisbon.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Madeira Island has a real good Hospital, but, in an extreme cases, you win a FREE ride in an airforce plane with a full medical team in to main land Portugal, to be assisted in one of the capital's hospitals .
From Funchal , Madeira Island, those flights are rare, but Madeira is part of an Archipelago, with another habitated island called Porto Santo. Porto Santo is really small and does not have a big hospital, just a Medical Center, and the air force is always on standby to bring patients to Fuchal hospital (always for free!) , in the big island of Madeira. Don't worry: you will be safe in both islands.
What were the CT Scan details? Didn’t hear it in the video? Thanks JP
Olá J P,
It was 15 euros is cost.
Obrigado
Alan
@@ItllBeFun For you or wife or Wolf? Hope everyone’s alright .
We are in the watching mode.
Thanks
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Thank you again for the Super thanks. Your support is greatly appreciated. Have a wonderful day!
Well as insurance seller myself. Your heath care insurance will increase annualy bc of the age. Most of them if you subscribe after 55 it will only stay up to 75 years. Ofc we have senior offers but not that good.
Olá Sérgio,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Unfortunately you are correct.
But it's good now while it lasts.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
@@ItllBeFun even though Portugal private heathcare is one of better of europe
There are things that should be set straight here:
Healthcare in the US is not even significantly more private than healthcare in europe. It's much like taxis here: it exists in the private market, but it's nearly completely controlled by government, and that's why it's overly expensive. US gov spending in healthcare is quite comparable to european spendings, and that should be your first hint that your healthcare is as neck deep in government control as european healthcare is. But the reason why it's so expensive is because your gov is making it so. And because you pay it in taxes on top of the bills, plus the insurance.
Healthcare in portugal isn't that rosy or cheap either. You'll pay over ~900€ a year for it in taxes, regardless of whether you're ill or not. For a poor person on minimum wage, that's two months of salary a year. And it's not just through IVA (equivalent to VAT), it's also through income tax, social security tax, vehicle taxes, etc, etc. In some other countries people pay even more for their healthcare.
And the bills you have to pay aren't always cheap. I grew up hearing my grandparents complaining over and over that their retirement money (or pension, or whatever it was) was never enough for all the medicine they were taking as well as to live off of.
And there's more than just a catch; there's many catches:
- sometimes there's lack of stock
- sometimes staff goes on strike (which only ever happens in public services)
- hospitals are always packed and rushing people home ASAP
- once in a while you see it in the news that someone died waiting, because lengthy waiting times is a thing... Not at dentists or veterinarians, or any kind of private clinics, only in public services.
A close friend of mine went 7 months with broken ribs waiting for surgery, only to then be told it was already too late to operate, and it had to heal the rest on its own.
Lousy facilities also are a thing. Or at least were for many years, but they probably still are in many places. My area has had a nice hospital for the last ~10-15 years, but before that, decades went by and the local hospital was decrepit, smelly, and dirty (even with unattended trash bins/ashtrays). I grew up feeling horrified by the idea of being hospitalized there.
The local health center in my area has always been and still is a complete inefficient mess, where people have to wait entire days to get attended. Most of them old people, of course. I heard this applies to some other health centers, but I wouldn't be surprised if it applied to all of them, because inefficiency is a hallmark of public services in general.
The problem with US healthcare isn't that it's not socialist healthcare. It practically is, in fact. But it always irks me that people always go into this false dichotomy, as if you can only either have unaffordable private healthcare or good public healthcare, which is terribly untrue. The problem with US healthcare is that the US gov strangles it all the way to hell, through regulations and tariffs, and all sorts of policies that increase costs and prices. Public healthcare is actually not that great, especially if a country's economy isn't great, and this whole discussion is being severely mislead by people who have a political agenda to profit from and aren't interested in identifying the actual reasons why US healthcare is a mess. *US healthcare is a government fuck up,* not a private healthcare fuck up. It makes absolutely no sense that private companies would want to jack up the prices of insulin, for example, because no one ever got higher profits from higher prices.
I can't remember what goes on with health insurance in US healthcare, apart from that they're also in bed with government. The problem is government as well, that's all I can tell you. It's been too many years since I've looked into all this.
Olá,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. And for sharing your thoughts regarding this matter.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
How hard is it to get insure with pre-existing conditions?
Love the channel.
Olá Alan,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. You should shop around.
Depending on your medical history, age and what type of condition. We have MGEN because it cover pre-existing conditions. Not all companies will offer it which can be an issue.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I don't know how accurate it is, but I read a commentary about American elections some years ago, that younger voters tended to vote for policies that supported where they imagined they would be when they were older. A disproportionate number had unrealistically high expectations of becoming extremely wealthy, so they voted for policies that (and politicians who) favoured the rich. After all, USA is the land of opportunity. If this is true, then it helps explain why American health care policy penalizes the poor and middle income segments of its population.
In Norway, my entire medical expenditures in 2022 were about USD 300, of which USD 200 were for dental work, USD 80 for prescriptions, and USD 20 for an annual check up.
Olá Brock,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel. And for sharing your thoughts.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I live in the Midwest and had to wait three months to see a cardiologist, our system is broken
Ola Bigdog,
Yes. It can be hard to get specialist appointments matter where you live in the world. We hope you are doing well.
Have a wonderful day
Thanks very much for the video. I am a Portuguese national living abroad and I have a dream to go back. Have a nice day 👍🍀
Ola Candida Prout
We are glad you enjoyed. Your home country is lovely. Have a wonderful day.
@@ItllBeFun thanks very much for your very interesting videos. Have a nice weekend 👍🍀
" you're gonna tell me what doctor to go!!"
In the US you also have to wait a few days before you get a meeting with a doctor...
And what you're saying about Portugal is the same story pretty much in all the industrial-rich world
In one rich Western country that I know well (that I won't disclose) its pretty similar - Anything essential is 100% FREE and covered, including prescriptions, emergencies, diseases etc etc
But you can also have secondary extended insurance Which includes things that are nonemergency - Including things that are completely non-health like psychological treatment - and that you pay about 40$ a month
That Country also has private insurance companies - But that is really not necessary, and really includes stuff that if you're really wealthy, maybe you should do. Things like medications that weren't Breakthrough medications that weren't mainstream yet, fancy preventive care, Extremely rare diseases, 7 star hospitals
Fears of Health are just a nonissue and the rest Of the industrial world
Olá lowead,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Portugal has excellent quality health care.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
How does your health care work if you travel back to the states and need services.
You would have to purchase travel insurance for the trip to USA.
Obrigado
Alan
@@ItllBeFun thanks
De momento estou a fazer tratamento no privado mas pago pelo público. Quando o público não tem capacidade para dar tratamento, dão-nos uma requisição para fazer no privado. Sem pagar.
Olá Silvio,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your experiences. The system in Portugal is amazing. Hope the best for you.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I’m chocking over the €250 copayment. Is that for any medical visit? Or is that for physiotherapy, chiropractic and so on care? This little Canadian hasn’t paid a copayment for anything other than physiotherapy. I need to look into this further.
Ola,
How funny! 250 is the deductable!!! Not the copay.
@@ItllBeFun Oi, deductible and copay are obviously terms I’m not familiar with. So i am corrected, thank you. I’ll rephrase, I am gagging over the thought of paying €250. deductible. Where I come from there are no medical company’s copay or deductibles and medical insurance is free. I had a CT scan for a sinus infection last month, it cost $0. The consultation with the specialist also cost $0, and I waited only 4 weeks to see her, the best, by far, in her field of lung health. At any rate I think I would just go with Canadian travel insurance to cover me for the first 6 to 12 months until I was in the Portuguese public universal medical. The travel insurance is very comprehensive, fully covers all and any emergencies, it’s about $26. per month and should satisfy the medical insurance requirement. These is no deductible or copay, zero costs to the travel insurance., other than the $26. I just don’t see the point in paying for private medical insurance, maybe I’m missing something?
Ola M K
It is lovely to not understand. I am not blessed with this option in life.
Thank you for supporting our channel.
Have a wonderful day
Leslie and Alan
You have the right to a family doctor 😅😅 always available for you . All emergency all taken care of immediately. With 50 euros a month insurance you can go to private health care
Olá Micael,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Would you recommend the services of Serenity?
Ola Liliac
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We don't use Serenity. But we did review the program when we were shopping for a our private insurance. We have very good service with our insurance company. And have not had any issues navigating the systems. However in the future it may worth working with them. Their program offering looks very good.
Have a wonderful day!
The health system in Portugal is quite good, dispute the fact that we, the portuguese are always saing otherwise. I use public and private systems. I use the public healthcare for my daily medication. I take 2 pills everyday for blood pressure and spend every 6 months less than 10 euros. I use private for emergencies, for routine exams or for medical specialities, like cardiologist or eye doctor. But don't be mistaken, if you choose to go to a private hospital and your case is very serious, you will be transfered to a public facility because the best doctors are in the public service.
Olá Pedro,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your experience with health care. We appreciate your comments.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Yeah. Meanwhile here in portugal 37% of my paycheck is taxes. Most expensive energy and water prices. I pay almost 500 euros a year to the government on tax just to own a house. And after working for 22 years in law enforcement i make 1300 euros a month. My 12 year old 1000cc car pays 150 euros a year in tax. Yeah Portugal is awsome. As for health care. Well my wife developed a cancer in her uterus. I had to pay for surgery in private hospital because the next set of exams in public hospital was six months away and as for the surgery itself who knows hiw long it would take.
Ola Paulo,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We thank you for sharing your first hand experiences.
Have a great day
ADSE will reimburse for most of the amount paid on the private. You just need to send the receipts with a comprehensive report made by your doctor.
ADSE is a special health insurance for public workers (função pública), funded by the state and the public workers taxes.
@@Feiticeira013 yeah. But first u have to pay. And if u do not have money you die
Usually, parents have to take their kids to school. When they're old enough, they take the bus or another public transportation. As for guns, it's not common to own them, unless you hunt for sports, in which case they are more specific. And in any case, licensing is pretty strict. Guns are usually for the police and the military. Btw, you have GNR outside larger cities. In Lisbon, it's the PSP
Olá caramil2007,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. And for sharing your experiences.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Healthcare in the US is free if you qualify. It is against the law in every state to deny care to anyone. It is expensive for most but, not those who can't afford care. For them, it's free!
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Obrigado, Alan, Leslie and
Do you carry your American medical records to your Portuguese doctors?
Ola Rosalind,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. If you bring them with you then it would be helpful to your new doctors just like in the USA.
Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan
Hey, Wolf,
Woof woof!
Ola Alan,
What will happen to you, health insurance-wise, when you get "old"? I'm 70 and may not make it there until my 80s (taking insulin for type 1 diabetes), so I don't know whether to just keep this as a fantasy or get cracking on learning Portuguese. :)
Obrigado,
Hal from Seattle
Olá Hal,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. I eventually will lose health insurance coverage and rely solely on the public system.
Obrigado
Alan
Alan where did you realise that walking backwards uphill was a great knee healing exercise ? Dr Berg maybe :)
Olá Show Boat,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Walking backwards downhill is easier on the knees and lower legs. Not sure where I picked it up. But it helps.
Obrigado
Alan
@@ItllBeFun~ FYI, it's also really good for the brain!
Hello Alan, Leslie, Wolf and "crew", Thank you very much for your amazing videos and wealth of information. Would it be possible in one of your future videos to share information about LTC ( long term care) options in Portugal.
Olá Simeon,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
It's in the works.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
300$ a month for a private insurance is way too much.
It's for 3 people, and one of them is 68 years old. Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
No healthcare system is ever going to be perfect, heck, it's us humans running it, what do we expect? Nonetheless, Portugal's healthcare system does have some distinct advantages over those here in the U.S., mainly extraordinary value for the same care.
Could not have said it any better, Chris.
Thanks again for your continued support of our channel. It means a lot.
Obrigado,
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Amazing! The health care here in America is so so bad. 😢 I feel so bad for those who are being robbed by the Healthcare industry. In portugal do they make everyone get the jab?
Ola Jeanne
I hate to tell you this but people get their shots to protect each other as much as themselves. They don't fight about it. That is an American thing.
@@ItllBeFun I believe this was and still is a big concern in other countries. When you find out the facts and you actually want to protect yourselves from what they concocted...and to tell others about it. Fear was the big motivation. We will see what happens with the next plandemic...
What about Dental
We pay about 50 euros for cleaning and exam.
It's a mess often and unfair. I hate insurance companies...
Ola Super walking
It can hard to deal with them and we always found it safer to just not go to the doctor. Which not actually a good solution.
@@ItllBeFun true... Snakes and vultures praying on working people... can't stand them
Knowing, as an American, that you can return to the good old USA if something happens has got to be a relief, no?
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Sad story. This is a wake-up call. Honestly, I love this country in spite of its problems. I have medical insurance through my employer, which is pretty low, and Kaiser is absolutely amazing. I couldn't ask for better health care. I wish every American could experience the health care that I receive.
I lived in Portugal. I didn't like it. I would hate to live in a place I don't like, only to take advantage of health care.
I get you, though. I'm happy that you guys made the best decision for your lives.
Boa sorte!
Ola Teddy,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. The story is not meant to be sad as much illistrate a point. Tim and Jan were very happy people not allowing these difficulties to reduce their lives.
As for us we truly love the land of our birth and always will. We have had fantastic insurance and horrible insurance through the years and totally agree. Our advantage today is that we do love Portugal and find that it also offers something we could no longer afford or get in the USA. So it is a bonus. Enjoy your journey! Life is a gift.
SSSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Thanks for watching
No country can be the greatest in the world when it can't even look after its own population. Every other developed country looks at America with bemusement at how they can extort so much money out of people when they need help the most.
Ola Alun
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your support.
Have a wonderful day.
Sad begining!!!
Don't worry they were always happy, loving and fun. They just did it with a whole lot less.
In the public system the waiting times for specialty appointments can be exasperating (we're talking in the 'years' ball park) but here in Portugal even a good private healthcare insurance is dirt-cheap for e.g. an American. There is simply no comparison with the US system, you won't be broke here because of health issues, that's for sure.
Ola Dantres
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
You are so right. It can take awhile but it is even affordable to get private insurance.
Have a wonderful day!
People in the US tend to prioritize Marijuana, phones, booze, cigarettes, vacations and eating in expensive restaurants before their health!
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Where most of my retirement goes healthcare insurance I can't afford to use homeowners insurance which went way up definitely couldn't go to the dentist and I have private and Medicare nothing left once you get done paying all the insurance companies and other bills
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Like Canada thinks it has the best healthcare
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
And yes, if people fly into the US to get treatment, that means the US has the best care in the world!
People fly all over the world for health care.
Obrigado,
Alan
I guess Bernie Sanders was right!
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Taxes are much higher in countries like Portugal. So while it seems cheaper if you have over half your earnings go towards it and other things it’s not that cheap. The American system allows you to have more options. The shambolic Obama Care program needs to be canceled. Charging healthy individuals a fine if they don’t have insurance is ridiculous.
OlaDavidP
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We appreciate your thoughts.
Have a wonderful day
Leslie, Alan and Wolf
Everything you just said is false.
@@jforester7 unfortunately you’re incorrect.
@@davep4240 No, I'm not, you are. You've consumed WAY too much Fox "News" and other right wing propaganda.
"half your earnings"... What nonsense! Not even liberal workers!
The U.S. DOES have the BEST healthcare in the world! That indisputable. That's why world leaders and wealthy foreigners come here to deal with serious health issues.
Unfortunately we have a health insurance problem. I've travelled much of the world and in most countries you can get quality healthcare. Many doctors and nurses having been educated in the U.S.
True as long as you have money. Life is good.
I think you’ll find that France usually is #1 for healthcare. The US, Alan said, is in the low 30’s. I don’t know why the US misleads it’s people by falsely saying the medical care in the US is best. Americans have shorter life spans than their Canadian neighbours.Canadians have better medical care.
Ola M K,
We are all taught many things by our governments and people we trust that may need tobe taken with a grain of salt. It is sad.
Thanks for supporting our channel.
Have a wonderful day
@@MK-cc5ve It's a balance between healthcare and the logistics. I live in Bellingham, WA. So I am familiar with Canadian healthcare. I've had Canadian girlfriends. One complaint up there, you wait FOREVER to see you doctor. The BEST doctors and surgeons live in and practice in the U.S!!!! Not disputable. Can everyone afford that? No!!
@@michaelmiddleton3311 well, I wait 3 days to see my family doctor (he only works Monday and Wednesday), and 6 weeks to see top rated lung specialist, so maybe things have improved, or maybe some specialists take longer? The best healthcare in the world, I hate to burst your bubble, is not the US. You can research this yourself. I wish it were true for you, but it’s just not the case. A US news channel said recently that maternal healthcare is better in Rwanda than Louisiana, that’s quite a statement from a leading news channel (can’t remember which one, CNN?). I’ve used the US healthcare system myself, the nurse was utterly shocked after calling my insurance carrier. She had no concept for no deductible, no copay, no charge for an ER visit. She literally held up my card and said “what is this?”, this was in Hawaii. The US lifespan is shorter than the Canadian one. Good luck arguing with that. EDIT: I missed the main point, the poster was happy that his fellow citizens couldn’t access health care. Couldn’t afford it. Nasty.
The public healthcare system has been under threath in this country and for a number of years. Having said that, it is still one of the few good aspects of the social welfare system that we have.
I will leave you with some suggestions:
- Anything to do with Paediatrics is usually excellent in the Public Healthcare system.
- In the National Health System, areas such as Cardiology (some places of true excellence such as Santa Cruz in Lisbon) and Oncology, are usually quite good, but be aware that waiting lists can be an issue (obviously a huge problem in those areas).
- Anything related to ER is usually better in public hospitals, certainly in the bigger cities such as Lisbon and Porto.
- In my opinion, the primary healthcare centers (Centros de Saúde) have been improving a lot, but can be very dependent on your area of residence. In any case, make sure you register and build a relationship with your assigned General Practitioner. You may be lucky and get a really good one (no complaints from my part).
- Urology in the public system was a true nightmare for me, but that was in Lisbon. Can be different elsewhere.
- Avoid Orthopaedic care in public Hospitals. The best Orthos are making their careers in private Hospitals. So yes, keep your private insurance even if you got your residence. Anyway, it costs a fraction of whatever you pay in the USA.
Most people in Portugal can't afford private insurance, but it is whatever, life is a lost cause anyway.
Olá Dinis,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel 😀. And for sharing your thoughts and knowledge.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf