Nuria Calvo (@nurycalvosn), Spanish youtuber and tiktoker, shared a testimony on TikTok about the challenges she has faced in the healthcare system of the United States since being diagnosed with breast cancer. In the video, Nuria explained that, despite having health insurance, she has been denied an essential scan twice to confirm the extent of the disease.
"Since I was diagnosed with cancer on November 27, I have received three different diagnoses, one of which even said it wasn't cancer but rather abnormal cells," he explained. The uncertainty of these results has made it crucial to undergo a contrast scan, but, as he recounts, his insurance company has not authorized the procedure. "If I want to get the scan, I have to pay 650 dollars," he noted.
Throughout the video shared on her profile @nurycalvosn, Nuria does not hide her bewilderment at the dynamics of the U.S. healthcare system. "Here, they treat you like a customer, not a patient. They're forgetting the human aspect," she stated. Her partner, Sebastián, who also appeared in the video, added, "This is a business."
Nuria's testimony quickly sparked thousands of reactions, amassing over 19.6 thousand likes and nearly 2 thousand comments. Most users highlighted the comparison with the healthcare system in Spain, where some praised the public system, while others pointed out the challenges it also faces.
"Come to Spain, here when it comes to cancer, they attend to you immediately," commented one user. Another added, "That's why we defend public healthcare; even if it has issues, it remains a treasure." On the other hand, some opinions pointed out that the Spanish system is not perfect either: "In Spain, if it's not something urgent, you can wait months for a test," someone commented.
Nuria's experience also resonated beyond Spain. From Argentina, a user shared: "Here, the public hospital resolves everything in a week and with excellent professionals." Another, from Mexico, stated: "The care in my country was much more humane than in Florida."
The video concludes with Nuria reflecting on her experience: "No one has told me this, it's happening to me." She also invited her followers to watch a more detailed video on her YouTube channel, where she explains her diagnosis and the steps she has taken.
The case of Nuria has sparked a wide debate about public and private health systems in different countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining humane and universal access to medical care.
The youtuber, who along with her partner has kept her followers updated on her new life in the United States since their arrival in 2022, shared the challenging news of her diagnosis last November after having a lump removed from her breast.
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare in the United States and Immigrants' Experiences
What was Nuria Calvo's experience with the healthcare system in the United States?
Nuria Calvo, Spanish YouTuber and TikToker, shared that despite having health insurance, she was denied an essential scan on two occasions to confirm the extent of her breast cancer. She believes that the healthcare system in the U.S. treats her more as a customer than as a patient, emphasizing the lack of humanity in medical treatment.
Why is the healthcare system in the U.S. criticized for being expensive?
The healthcare system in the U.S. is known for its high costs, even for simple procedures. Without health insurance, expenses can be exorbitant, as demonstrated by the case of a Dominican woman who received a bill of over $10,000 for anxiety treatment. The lack of adequate coverage and the commercial approach are common criticisms.
How does public healthcare in Spain compare to that of the United States according to testimonies?
Many users emphasize that, although the Spanish healthcare system has its problems, it is more accessible and humane than that of the U.S. In Spain, tests and treatments for serious illnesses such as cancer are often faster and less expensive, which contrasts with the experiences of high costs and delays in the U.S.
What options do immigrants without health insurance have in the U.S.?
Immigrants without health insurance in the U.S. can seek care at community clinics that offer low-cost or free services. It is also possible to research state medical assistance programs that may be available depending on the state of residence, although access is limited and often insufficient.
How does the high cost of healthcare affect the lives of immigrants in the U.S.?
The high cost of healthcare in the U.S. forces many immigrants to avoid seeking necessary medical attention for fear of debt. This significantly impacts their well-being and quality of life, as they must choose between receiving treatment or facing enormous medical bills.
Filed under:
