Health Care in Washington DC

Summary: Learn about the health system in Washington DC: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Washington DC.

Washington DC is home to a variety of healthcare systems, both public and private. The public healthcare system in the United States is called Medicare, and it is available to all citizens and permanent residents. It is not available to foreigners, however. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Washington DC for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals. The public hospitals in Washington DC are generally clean and well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful. However, they can be quite busy and wait times can be long. Foreigners are not allowed to use the public healthcare system in the United States, so they must rely on private hospitals for their medical care. Private hospitals in Washington DC are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals. They are also typically more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer a higher level of care and shorter wait times. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Washington DC

There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Washington DC for expats. The George Washington University Hospital is a private hospital located in Foggy Bottom. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals, and specializes in a variety of medical services. The MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is another private hospital located in Georgetown. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals, and specializes in a variety of medical services. The Washington Hospital Center is a public hospital located in Northwest Washington. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals, and specializes in a variety of medical services. In an emergency, expats in Washington DC may go to the closest hospital, which may be located outside of the city.

Emergency Services in Washington DC

Washington DC has a variety of emergency services available. To call for an ambulance, dial 911. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays due to traffic or other factors.

Health Insurance Companies in Washington DC

The most popular private health insurers in Washington DC are Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.