Expat Life: Healthcare Part One
The ACA continues to be under threat by our Felon-in-Chief and the GOP, although at the moment they seem to be content with creating chaos against our allies. In any case, healthcare was the issue that pushed me to investigate living abroad. (Nevermind the racism, misogyny, tax breaks for billionaires, etc.)
So how to start analyzing healthcare in the countries under consideration? I decided that the first thing I wanted to know is how effective the healthcare system is in each country. Lifespan ought to be a good indicator. If people are living a long life, then it seems logical that their healthcare system must be doing a good job.
Fortunately, the Worldometer has already compiled that data for us. Hong Kong sits at number one with an average lifespan of 85.63 years. Nigeria sits at the bottom in 200th place with an average lifespan of 54.64 years. So what about the USA? 48th place with an average 79.46 years.
And what about the countries on our list of possible destinations?
Italy - 7th with an average lifespan of 83.87
Spain - 9th with an average lifespan of 83.80 years
Portugal - 22nd with an average lifespan of 82,55 years.
Costa Rica - 41st with an average lifespan of 81.00
Albania - 46th with an average lifespan of 79.78
Panama - 47th with an average lifespan of 79.78 (actually, it looks like Albania and Panama are tied.)
Belize - 109th with an average lifespan of 73.74
Interestingly enough, all of these countries - except Belize - rank above the United States in terms of longevity, although Albania and Panama only very slightly. So six out of the seven healthcare systems of the above nations are on par - or perhaps, better - than the United States.
All of these countries have national healthcare, so that all citizens have access to doctors. Albania, Belize, and Panama’s national healthcare systems remain underfunded, which is an issue, but at least everyone can get access to the basic care. Also, in Albania, Belize, and Panama there are private healthcare systems for people who can afford it.
Conclusion
The life expectancy in Belize gives me pause. Obviously, their healthcare system is inadequate. If I were younger and in better health, I might feel differently. But I’m not. (In reading a couple of brief articles about expat life in Belize, it appears that many seek healthcare in Mexico.)
So, Belize is falling off the list.
