While there could be an argument that there are well over 60 million good reasons NOT to go to America (mainly Trump’s loony MAGATS), there’s one that would take the option off the table if I ever did have the thought cross my mind.
VET BILLS!
I’m always wandering through a website where cat owners share their vet bills, often appealing for cash to help pay them.
It’s not unusual to see them with detailed bills totalling anything from $3 k to £5 k and upwards, just after rushing a stricken pet which has collapsed to the nearest emergency vet.
The lucky ones get away with an hour plus charges, but those who need overnight stays, or observation come away with frightening bills – or just have to bring their pet home, undiagnosed and untreated, and hope for the best.
The lucky ones may be near a charity, subsidised, or similar practice, but they seem to be in the minority.
Of course, some do have insurance, but how many, and given horror tales of American insurers and ‘Get Out’ clauses, does it always work?
It certainly makes me appreciate our local vet, where I made more visits than I might have wanted to, but, over the years, never had to spend a total which came anywhere near this single American vet bill – and some of those visits DID include anaesthesia and overnight stays!
American Vet Bill
Secret Scotland 