Why Some Europeans Desire to Move to the US and the Costs of American Healthcare

Feeling the need to move from one nation to another is a deeply personal and often complex decision. This article explores the conditions that might drive someone to desire moving from Europe to the United States and the shortcomings of the American healthcare system.

For many residing in Europe, the idea of moving to the US might seem farfetched. However, in certain circumstances, such as for some Ukrainians who currently find themselves in a dire situation, the prospect of moving to the US may indeed be a more favorable option. The threats of bombardment, shooting, and drowning are very real concerns, especially in some regions. For the rest of Europe, this desire is less common as the benefits do not outweigh the drawbacks.

I, personally, never felt a strong desire to leave for the US despite my extensive ties with the country. Working for American multinationals for three decades, I have witnessed the country from both professional and personal perspectives. However, the comfort of not having to live there speaks volumes. The stress, cost, and inefficiencies of the American healthcare system are stark realities that many like myself are constantly aware of.

The Driving Force Behind My Decision

A significant turning point in my life was the Presidential election on November 9, 2016. The clear decision to leave for Spain then and there was a no-look-back moment. Since then, I have always kept an eye on the ongoing political and social developments in the US, consistently reaffirming my decision to leave.

The American healthcare system is a hotbed of issues that significantly impact the quality of life. Americans pay approximately twice the amount of what Europeans pay per capita yearly for healthcare, including both tax contributions and out-of-pocket costs. The for-profit insurance companies have made the healthcare experience deeply stressful for both patients and healthcare professionals. This has led to severe harm to the outcomes and patient satisfaction.

America’s Declining Lifespan

Another critical aspect of the American healthcare system that is worth examining is its impact on public health. The declining American lifespan can be attributed, in part, to the inefficiencies and high costs of the healthcare system. While some states have introduced bills to create single-payer healthcare, the powerful health insurance lobby has managed to stifle these initiatives, making significant systemic changes difficult to implement.

Trust and Distrust in Healthcare

The disruption in trust within the healthcare system is perhaps one of the most alarming trends. Politically driven propaganda has led many Americans to distrust medical care and health guidelines in general. This distrust is so profound that it has even impacted the decision-making around vaccinations. Doctors are now facing an increase in death threats, which is eerily linked to conservative rhetoric questioning the motives and practices of medical professionals.

This article serves as both a reflection on personal experiences and a broader analysis of the challenges posed by the American healthcare system. While moving to another country is a significant decision, it is clear that the discontents experienced in the US highlight the need for systemic changes in healthcare policies and public health initiatives.