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SHOW NOTES:

* Why I left the US part 1 podcast and article (high cost of living)

* Why I left the US part 2 article (healthcare)

* Why I left the US part 3 article (safety)

* Trauma care article and podcast

* Serenity concierge health service in Portugal

* DD Cardinal’s Links re: Healthcare in Portugal: TikTok (watch the TT one, she breaks it down beautifully) Her YouTube video about her low medical costs and experience.

Scroll down for a short list of pharmaceutical increases and health coverage in other European countries

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* Consulting Information: what I can help you with.

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—If you’re interested in learning another language before you embark (or after) on your new adventure, I highly recommend the platform Preply! It’s what I use to learn Portuguese and it’s also the platform I teach on. Please use my referral code for $17 off your first lesson!

—I use Wise to transfer money internationally between bank accounts and they also offer a free ATM card that can be used worldwide without fees. Please use my referral code for a free transfer of up to $600.

—I’ve started using Kindred Home Exchange in order to secure affordable accommodations! If you’re interested and want to sign up, you will get five nights with my referral code!

—I use Safety Wing for my travel medical insurance abroad. You can check them out here.

—For travel hacking I use my Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. I earn enough points by using the card regularly (with no foreign transaction fees) to get a “free” RT ticket from Europe to the US at least once a year.

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The How to Live Abroad Publication is here.

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—Living Abroad on a Budget - Expat on a Budget - My Unknown Adventure - Kimberly Anne

Pharmaceutical Increases

* Epinephrine (EpiPens) increased from about $100 in 2007 to over $600 by 2016. Why? Mylan (the manufacturer) raised prices without any significant changes to the product.

* Daraprim: A decades-old medication used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection. In 2015, the price of Daraprim increased overnight from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill (a 5,000% increase). Why? Turing Pharmaceuticals, led by Martin Shkreli, acquired the drug and exploited its monopoly status, as no generic alternatives were available in the U.S.

* Albuterol Inhalers for asthma used to cost about $15–$20, but prices have risen to $50–$100 or more per inhaler.

* Doxycycline the antibiotic: The price for a bottle of 500 tablets rose from $20 in 2013 to over $1,800 in 2014.

1. Countries in Europe with Fully Socialized Healthcare Systems

In these countries, healthcare is predominantly provided and funded by the government, often referred to as the Beveridge Model:

* United Kingdom (UK):

* The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare that is free at the point of use, funded through taxation.

* Most healthcare providers work for the government, though some private options exist.

* Norway:

* The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and covers nearly all medical expenses.

* Hospitals and healthcare providers are predominantly owned and operated by the government.

* Sweden:

* Healthcare is tax-funded and administered by regional authorities, with minimal out-of-pocket costs for patients.

* Most healthcare services are provided by public institutions.

* Denmark:

* Healthcare is funded through taxes and provided by publicly-owned hospitals and clinics.

* Primary care doctors act as gatekeepers for specialized treatment.

* Finland:

* Healthcare is tax-funded, with services provided by municipalities.

* Public hospitals dominate the system, and healthcare is free or very low-cost for residents.

* Iceland:

* Healthcare is funded through taxation, with most services provided by the government.

* Patients pay minimal fees for prescriptions and some outpatient services.

2. Countries with Universal Healthcare Funded by Insurance

These countries have universal healthcare systems funded through compulsory health insurance (a Bismarck Model), heavily regulated by the government to ensure affordability and access:

* Germany:

* Healthca