Chicago has a comprehensive healthcare system that includes both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system in the United States is called Medicare and is available to all citizens and permanent residents. It is not available to foreigners, however, expats and digital nomads can use private health insurance to access the same healthcare services.
United States’s Healthcare System
The United States has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called Medicare and is available to all citizens and permanent residents. It is not available to foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Chicago for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Chicago are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. However, wait times can be long and the quality of care may not be as high as in private hospitals. Foreigners are not allowed to use the public healthcare system in the United States, so expats typically use private hospitals. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they tend to have shorter wait times and higher quality care. Private hospitals in Chicago are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Chicago
- Rush University Medical Center: Private hospital located in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago.
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital: Private hospital located in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago.
- University of Chicago Medical Center: Private hospital located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center: Private hospital located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago.
- John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County: Public hospital located in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago.
Emergency Services in Chicago
Chicago has a comprehensive emergency services system. Ambulance services are available and can be called by dialing 911. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, however, there can be delays due to high call volumes.
Health Insurance Companies in Chicago
The most popular private health insurers in Chicago are Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
