Just came across your substack today. Your footnote about not being given information is so true. It seems to be a cultural quirk here. No one will ever proactively offer up information in any context. Which can be a problem if you don’t know the right questions to ask.
I'm sad to read this and glad that you are both on the mend!
Our experience has been quite positive here (granted, we're on a tiny island) and I've had some major health things going on. One doc had a bit of a gruff bedside manner, but Brady knowing his cousin from a different venue seems to have disarmed him a bit. My fisios, with advanced degrees, make less than the US minimum wage (which is a crime in itself!!!!). The system here is understaffed (no wonder!) and WAY underpaid, and overwhelmed with so many of us coming here, contributing next to nothing and bringing not only our health problems, but our indignation that they aren't as "efficient" or as "good" as the US healthcare system, which I remember being quite as horrific as the press and politicians describe it! It's not perfect, in either place.
But, if we recognize that the government of Portugal does not make us contribute to this system as people are forced to contribute (through greedy insurance companies) in the US, the Portuguese will probably do the best they can under the circumstances.
Point taken from the earlier comment about keeping insurance to go back to the US. We won't go, but get it if you feel you have to. We have developed personal and positive relationships with our providers here - even if they're not perfect, they're doing their best for us. And we are grateful.
I did use the public system for my asthma, merely to learn how the public system worked. Since then the only public system we use is the reduced price on the prescriptions. I figure we don't contribute, we shouldn't use.
Geez. I'm headed back to the US to visit my Dad for a few days in January. Looks like I'd better get health insurance. I wonder if MGEN would cover me?
I had to use the public system when I tripped on a broken sidewalk and broke all my front teeth and the ambulance took me to the public hospital. They were great. But I went to my own dentist. Still a tiny fraction of the US costs!!!
And a PS from Brady, if the government would divert funds from their "pet" airport project (which will enrich them) into healthcare (which would benefit the people they represent), they could solve a lot of problems. Ditto!
We usually go to CUF emergency in urgent situations. The waiting time could be couple of hours. But at least xrays, tests all done there instantly. Stay well.
We have a similar experience at HPA Saude near Faro. Also a private hospital. My wife developed diarrhea and was hospitalized for 4 weeks. they pumped her with Antibiotics which developed into C diff. Fortunately, we had travel insurance thru Allianz who funded the hospital bill and the flight back to USA with a nurse. Make sure you have travel insurance as their health system is not very effective for major health issues.
I don't like the sound of all that. I'm thankful you're both ok for now, but please do go to the ER if that's your best option.
Will do! And getting better every day!
Yikes! I am so glad you are both better, and hopefully it will be a long, long time before you have to follow that "go to the ER first" plan!
Just came across your substack today. Your footnote about not being given information is so true. It seems to be a cultural quirk here. No one will ever proactively offer up information in any context. Which can be a problem if you don’t know the right questions to ask.
Maybe I need to learn to ask people, "What questions should I be asking you right now?" That might make some heads explode ...
Wishing continued healing! Thanks for sharing.
I'm sad to read this and glad that you are both on the mend!
Our experience has been quite positive here (granted, we're on a tiny island) and I've had some major health things going on. One doc had a bit of a gruff bedside manner, but Brady knowing his cousin from a different venue seems to have disarmed him a bit. My fisios, with advanced degrees, make less than the US minimum wage (which is a crime in itself!!!!). The system here is understaffed (no wonder!) and WAY underpaid, and overwhelmed with so many of us coming here, contributing next to nothing and bringing not only our health problems, but our indignation that they aren't as "efficient" or as "good" as the US healthcare system, which I remember being quite as horrific as the press and politicians describe it! It's not perfect, in either place.
But, if we recognize that the government of Portugal does not make us contribute to this system as people are forced to contribute (through greedy insurance companies) in the US, the Portuguese will probably do the best they can under the circumstances.
Point taken from the earlier comment about keeping insurance to go back to the US. We won't go, but get it if you feel you have to. We have developed personal and positive relationships with our providers here - even if they're not perfect, they're doing their best for us. And we are grateful.
I did use the public system for my asthma, merely to learn how the public system worked. Since then the only public system we use is the reduced price on the prescriptions. I figure we don't contribute, we shouldn't use.
Geez. I'm headed back to the US to visit my Dad for a few days in January. Looks like I'd better get health insurance. I wonder if MGEN would cover me?
I had to use the public system when I tripped on a broken sidewalk and broke all my front teeth and the ambulance took me to the public hospital. They were great. But I went to my own dentist. Still a tiny fraction of the US costs!!!
My MGEN doesn’t. Have to get travel insurance.
Our health insurance agent said MGEN covers it as out of network, and with limits to procedures that are the same as those in Portugal. Hmm.
And a PS from Brady, if the government would divert funds from their "pet" airport project (which will enrich them) into healthcare (which would benefit the people they represent), they could solve a lot of problems. Ditto!
We usually go to CUF emergency in urgent situations. The waiting time could be couple of hours. But at least xrays, tests all done there instantly. Stay well.
We have a similar experience at HPA Saude near Faro. Also a private hospital. My wife developed diarrhea and was hospitalized for 4 weeks. they pumped her with Antibiotics which developed into C diff. Fortunately, we had travel insurance thru Allianz who funded the hospital bill and the flight back to USA with a nurse. Make sure you have travel insurance as their health system is not very effective for major health issues.
Peter, Olhao, Portugal
Health care in Portugal leaves a lot to be desired. I am unsure why it is espoused as being so great everywhere online...
Interesting. The best doctors I've ever had are all here.
Lucky you 😉