An American currently traveling through Australia said the country was “wonderful” because of one key detail missing from his country.
Coleman Geiger is an American currently traveling in Australia. He recently declared Australia “brilliant” after he was able to secure a telehealth appointment and get antibiotics for two months without insurance.
“The American gang will know that you won’t go to the doctor unless you really have to — especially if you don’t have insurance,” he said in the viral clip.
But the whole thing took him less than 30 minutes and he paid just $30.11 (AUD$48) for both the medication and the appointment.
Geiger told news.com.au that even as a child, his family had insurance, but they “never” went to the doctor unless they met the deductible. He recalled one time when he had a suspected broken hand but had to “suck it up” for a month.
Geiger is currently on a visitor visa in Australia. He was previously on another visa that required him to have insurance, which was approved before he landed Down Under.
This too was a shock to him, saying that this would never happen in the United States. He said he was paying just $43.92 (AUD70) a month, but covered more than $219.58 (AUD350) a month in US insurance.
But, currently without insurance for the first time ever, he had no idea what to expect.
The video got a big reaction from Australians, who were stunned by Geiger’s surprise.
“Welcome to our ‘socialist’ country as some Americans see us,” one commented.
Another commented: “Welcome to Australia! Healthcare here is not perfect, but definitely better than the US!”
“I am always amazed that the American citizens who could benefit most from a universal health care system are the ones who shout the loudest in opposition,” said one.
One added: “I’m glad you appreciate the Australian healthcare system. A lot of people take it for granted.”
Geiger shared his biggest tip from the comments section.
“Almost every country is better than the US [when it comes to health care]”, he said.
“A lot of people were just saying, even in Australia, how they take it for granted how easy it is.”
Geiger said the whole point of the video was to show that he couldn’t even get coverage in the United States — let alone as a visitor to the US. He told news.com.au that there is only a small window for Americans to apply for health insurance.
“It’s really annoying and confusing. You turn 26 and opt out of your parent’s health insurance. They give you a little grace period to get health insurance,” he said.
“But if you miss that window, you have to wait until the end of the year to get into it for the next year. It’s really weird.”
Geiger is not the first American to be surprised by the Australian health care system. Noel Mulkey was in the middle of training for the Ironman World Championships, but his daily 32km runs left him needing an MRI in Australia.
“Total price $300 AUD,” he said, amazed. It roughly equates to $188.21.
“My last US was $1066.51 (AUD$1700).”
MRIs in Australia can cost different depending on which part of the body needs to be looked at. Some may be covered by Medicare, especially if a general practitioner or specialist refers you for an MRI. Typically, it can cost anywhere from $62.74 (AUD$100) to $188.21 (AUD$300) for the scan. In some cases, it can be as high as $941.04 (AUD$1,500).
Mulkey, who was eventually diagnosed with a femoral neck stress reaction and must walk on crutches for the next two months, had to pay out of pocket as he is not an Australian citizen.
While he was on the moon at low cost compared to his experience in the United States, some Austrians were not impressed.
“$188.21 (AUD$300) for an MRI? This is crazy,” commented one social media user.
#price #routine #health #care #Australia #amazes #American #traveler
Image Source : nypost.com