9 Comments
User's avatar
John J. McCabe's avatar

The key is that Healthcare is regarded as a human right, not a commodity available only to those who can afford it.

Expand full comment
casey's avatar

I had a mammogram in Belfast last week. In and out in less than 10 minutes. No forms to fill out, no bills, no pink wrap-around top that goes straight into the laundry. I talked to two women -- the receptionist and the radiographer. Couldn't be easier. I took the bus into town, which is free because I'm over 60. British people don't understand a) how good they have it or b) how hard life is for so many Americans.

Expand full comment
Jeff Pankin's avatar

$6.48 might cover parking at the doctor’s office. A human right you say. We’ll see if we have any of those left in 4 years.

Expand full comment
Anne Gormely's avatar

This is so encouraging! My husband and I are planning to apply for our visas later this year. We need to sell our house in a suburb of Philly. I won’t miss the pretzels!

Expand full comment
Nancy's avatar

The eyes do have it-- I have heard good things all around about healthcare in France from various French friends I have. The drops and initial eye patch and so forth are, of course, universal and standard procedure in the US, too, even if our healthcare is not.

Expand full comment
Mary Wilby's avatar

Given the. Ute t situation I might start my Duolingo French lesson again!

Expand full comment
Jean Doute's avatar

As the longtime spouse of a French woman and off-and-on resident of France, I can say that accessibility to care is becoming more difficult. It usually takes months to schedule appointments, although if you have an urgent problem and _are already known to the doctor_, they usually find a way to slot you in. As of recently we are in the fortunate situation of also having a Medicare Advantage plan in the US, and this compares favorably with French healthcare so far. I had a very comprehensive annual physical at one of the best hospitals/medical centers in the US several months ago, including a last-minute, unscheduled colonoscopy, which cost a grand total of: _zero_ (the results were all good).

Have you passed your French drivers license yet? :-D

Expand full comment
Don Russell's avatar

Agreed, there can be some wait for appointments if you don't already have a family physician. Colonoscopies are free in France, too, but as with those in America, you end up paying in the end.

Expand full comment
Theresa Conroy's avatar

We moved to France from Pennsylvania, which is one of the states where you can exchange your driver's license. We do use it infrequently, however: We have no car.

Expand full comment