The healthcare system in San Francisco enjoys a good reputation and is defined by high-quality medical centres and good access to treatment.

Most businesses in the area hiring expats will provide health insurance. It's extremely important to have full medical insurance in the US, as hospitals are extremely expensive and non-emergency care can be refused without it.

Pharmacies in San Francisco are widely available in the form of chain pharmacies, in-store pharmacies that are part of a grocery or department store, and independent chemists.

Hospitals in San Francisco

Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center

Website: www.healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
Address: 2425 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115

St Francis Memorial Hospital

Website: www.dignityhealth.org
Address: 900 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

St Mary's Medical Center

Website: www.dignityhealth.org
Address: 450 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

Website: www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org
Address: 1975 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158

What do expats say about San Francisco healthcare?

"There are good and bad sides to San Francisco's healthcare system. If the business you work for offers good packages that allow you to choose your own physicians then I'd definitely go with that. I (stupidly) chose a package where you can only see your insurer's doctors, physiotherapists etc. So when I was not impressed with the physiotherapist I saw I didn't really have the option to visit someone better without paying straight out of my own pocket. The other thing you need to know is that medical insurance doesn't cover dental or optical, you have to buy that separately." Read more about Aussie expat Katherine's experiences in San Francisco

Further reading

►For a general overview of the country's healthcare system, see Healthcare in the USA.

Are you an expat living in San Francisco, CA?

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