Healthcare and health insurance for expats in New York City

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Healthcare in New York City features numerous hospitals – some much better than others – although the sheer number of facilities ensures new arrivals can find top-notch care at leading medical centres. In general, large teaching hospitals can be counted on to provide some of the best healthcare in New York City.

New York State hospitals in general have received poor federal quality ratings, but NYC is home to several nationally ranked medical centres that consistently deliver excellent care.

Due to the presence of so many facilities, some hospitals and clinics have become heavily specialised, with their areas of expertise ranging from paediatrics to joint disorders. Healthcare institutions are also quite competitive, which has created a standard that ensures patients benefit from modern facilities and the latest techniques.

Pharmacies are widely available in New York. They can easily be found in any mall, supermarket or main shopping street. Many pharmacies in New York are open 24/7.

Private health insurance is necessary for the best healthcare in New York City’s hospitals, and although hospitals will never legally deny emergency services if patients do not have health insurance, hefty fees often accompany treatment. That said, they can refuse long-term healthcare to patients without adequate health insurance. Some new arrivals may be fortunate enough to have employer-provided health insurance.

Otherwise, we’d recommend that new arrivals moving to New York City get an adequate health insurance policy, allowing them access to the proper treatment if and when needed. Equally important is selecting well-rated hospitals, as quality varies considerably across the city’s medical facilities.

Hospitals in New York City

Lenox Hill Hospital

Website: www.northwell.edu
Address: 100 East 77th Street, New York

New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Website: www.nyp.org
Address: 622 West 168th Street, New York

NYU Langone Health Tisch Hospital

Website: www.nyulangone.org
Address: 550 First Avenue, New York

The Mount Sinai Hospital

Website: www.mountsinai.org
Address: 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York

Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone

Website: www.nyulangone.org
Address: 430 East 34th Street, New York

NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn

Website: www.nyulangone.org
Address: 150 55th Street, Brooklyn

What do expats say about healthcare in New York City?
"Healthcare in the US is so confusing. I will never understand why we don’t know how much we are going to pay for a service before actually using it and why we are so overcharged. And I know I’m not alone in this opinion..."
Read more about Brazilian expat Laura's experience with healthcare in our expat interview about New York City.
"While I can’t speak personally to the quality of doctors and hospitals, coming from Australia to the US has been a shock to my wallet with regards to healthcare. Going from a public healthcare system to one based on insurance takes some adjustment and the costs are much higher. Be sure to read properly into what you might need before you move here because it’s going to come as a shock to most."
Check out our expat interview about moving to New York City with Australian expat Josh to find out more.

Are you an expat living in New York City, NY?

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