Health care in the United States is in general known to be very expensive. The reason for this is simply that health care is privatized and hospitals are run as for-profit businesses. If you are ever hospitalized in the U.S. you can expect very good service, however, delivering a baby for example without a medical insurance can easily cost more than $ 15,000. There are a few national health care plans available for low income employees for those who qualify. While your home country may provide medical care at little or no direct cost to you, it is absolutely critical to understand how healthcare is administered and delivered in the United States. Doctors and hospitals will charge you directly for medical care, unless you have an insurance plan pays them directly. Not only for routine medical checks, but especially for illnesses, accidents, and serious diseases, it is critical to have the right health insurance.

In general, there are only two options:

1. You can purchase your own health care plan
2. Your employer my pay for your insurance and health care plan (some states in the U.S. are required to provide basic health care if you work more than 20 hours per week)

The health care market offers many different types of plans, and it is important to pick the right one for you that does not cost too much, yet provides the coverage you need. Even if you cannot pay for your health insurance, there are many ways that the government will help - but you must take the initiative and get the process going.

We recommend you to learn about the different health care plans that are available in the United States, whether you are insured through your employer, are paying for your own plan, or have a combination of employment and private plans. It is vital that you know what you are actually covered for, and not overpaying for an insurance you may never need.