"That means I can literally fly to Spain, live in Madrid for 2 years, learn Spanish, run with the bulls, get trampled, get my hip replaced again, and fly home for less than the cost of a hip replacement in the US." - Big Joe Silenced

How much does the average American pay out of pocket, though? From what I understand, costs for healthcare services in this country are pretty difficult to ferret out. - Scoble, Alex Scoble

define "average", tho? - Big Joe Silenced

A person making $45k a year with insurance. - Scoble, Alex Scoble

depends on the insurance. REALLY. some insurance is utter crap. often has nothing to do with how much money you're earning, too. - Big Joe Silenced

Yeah, that's pretty much the entire mess that is the U.S. health care system. Charges != cost != actual reimbursements. - Victor Ganata

about 13 years ago, i was pulling a mere $37k a year but had FANTASTIC insurance that covered nearly everything. the premium was paid for me by my employer and the deductible was $500/yr. now? the ppl i used to work with make damned near six figures but the insurance they get is practically worthless; high premium, high deductible and many things not covered. - Big Joe Silenced