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 world-renowned facility is the largest of its kind and is made up of dozens of institutions that include hospitals, medical schools, nursing colleges and research facilities. Those moving to Houston will have access to the TMC’s high-ranking medical services. They’ll also have the benefit of living in a city where the standard of healthcare is high in general.

Urgent-care centres, walk-in clinics, assisted living facilities for the elderly, 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. Furthermore, with no system of compulsory coverage, the onus falls on individuals to negotiate with their employers for health insurance 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 certain type of plan, so newcomers with complicated medical issues may still need to organise health insurance independently.

See the page on Healthcare in the USA for a more detailed overview of the national healthcare system.

Hospitals in Houston

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

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

Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Centre

Website: www.kindredhospitals.com
Address: 6441 Main Street

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

Meridian Hospital

Website: www.meridianhospitaltx.com
Address: 9430 Katy Freeway

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 about Las's expat experiences in 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 Vicky's thoughts on living in Houston.

Further reading

►See Healthcare in the USA for an overview of the national system.

Are you an expat living in Houston, TX?

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