Healthcare and health insurance for expats in Houston

The healthcare in Houston is excellent, and foreigners and citizens from across the USA often travel to Houston for medical treatment. The city is home to some of the foremost medical professionals in America.

Healthcare in Houston is usually associated with the Texas Medical Center (TMC). This facility is the largest medical complex in the world and comprises more than 60 institutions that include hospitals, medical schools, nursing programmes, and research facilities. Those moving to Houston will have access to the TMC's highly ranked medical services. They'll also benefit from living in a city where healthcare standards are generally high.

Urgent care centres, walk-in clinics, assisted living facilities, comprehensive women's care hospitals, and even a healthcare programme that caters to people without homes are all part of Houston's push to provide residents with the best healthcare possible.

Health insurance is a must-have in Houston. There's no universal coverage in the US, and as a result, those without insurance who need treatment often have to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket fees. The onus falls on individuals to negotiate coverage with their employers or to organise it independently.

Most employers in Houston do provide healthcare in association with employment packages. It's also commonplace for dependants and spouses to be covered by these packages. Most employer-sponsored coverage is limited to a specific type of plan, so newcomers with complex medical conditions may still need to organise health insurance independently.

Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the United States, in part because the state has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Most health insurance plans in Houston use provider networks. Visiting an in-network doctor or hospital will cost you significantly less than going out of network, so it is worth confirming a provider's network status before booking any appointment.

Healthcare in the USA
Understanding Health Insurance in the USA

Hospitals in Houston

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

Website: www.houstonmethodist.org
Address: 18220 State Highway 249

Houston Methodist Hospital

Website: www.houstonmethodist.org
Address: 6565 Fannin St

St Joseph Medical Center

Website: www.sjmctx.org
Address: 1401 St Joseph Parkway

Texas Children's Hospital

Website: www.texaschildrens.org
Address: 6621 Fannin St

MD Anderson Center

Website: www.mdanderson.org
Address: 1515 Holcombe Blvd

What do expats say about healthcare in Houston?
"Healthcare in Houston is expensive but second to none. My son was born in Methodist in Sugar Land and my PCP was based in Memorial Hermann. Houston is one of the biggest medical hubs around. If you’re sick – it’s the place you want to be."
Read more in Irish expat Las’s expat interview about Houston.
"My experience has been very positive, with Houston considered one of the best places in the world for medical care, thanks to the Texas Medical Center. It’s important to do your research to make sure you’re seeing the right kind of doctor, which you can do by asking colleagues, expat forums and your neighbours. One thing you will need to be mindful of when selecting doctors and hospitals is ensuring they are in-network, in other words, covered by your insurance provider."
Read more of British expats Vicky's thoughts in her interview about expat life in Houston.

Are you an expat living in Houston, TX?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Houston, TX. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.