Health Insurance

There is no NHS-style national system. Almost everyone is covered through an employer, buys a plan on the government Marketplace, or qualifies for a public programme like Medicaid or Medicare.

You usually can't buy Marketplace cover whenever you like — there's an annual Open Enrolment window, plus Special Enrolment if your life changes (new job, moving, a baby).

Having insurance does not mean care is free. The vocabulary here is what catches people out — and it's the difference between a $30 visit and a $3,000 bill.