A young Spanish man, known on TikTok as @david31glez, has sparked debate online after revealing the bill he received from a hospital in the United States following a bone fracture.
"This is what it costs to break a bone in the United States. Today I woke up to the anticipated but not very exciting hospital bill," he recounted in the video, which has garnered thousands of views.
According to his explanation, the medical examination with a specialist and an X-ray cost $125, while the radiology service amounted to $1,550. The emergency room stay, lasting just three hours, was the most expensive part at $1,858. Additionally, there were $23 for pharmacy medications.
In total, the creator received a bill of $3,431, which he summarized ironically: “That gives us a total of $3,431 for three hours, almost $1,000 an hour; it seems like I went to play in Saudi Arabia. (…) The good thing is that I don’t need surgery, so I don’t have to mortgage my house to be able to pay.”
In the comments of the video, @david31glez -who days earlier had reflected on his three years in Miami, highlighting the weather, cultural diversity, and business opportunities, but also the high rental costs, traffic, and deficiencies in public transportation- clarified that he has health insurance, so the actual expense he needs to cover is much lower than the total shown on the bill.
The testimony sparked dozens of comments on TikTok with mixed opinions. Many criticized the healthcare system in the United States: “The U.S., the land of freedom, the freedom to die if you can't afford health insurance,” wrote one user. Another claimed, “It’s more cost-effective to return to Spain and get treated here.”
There were also many comparisons with Spain and calls to defend public healthcare: “Less complaining and more going out to fight for our quality public healthcare,” stated a user. Others linked it directly to the political debate: “I hope this message reaches all those PPEROs, Voxers, and fascists who advocate for dismantling public healthcare,” commented an internet user, while another wrote: “Keep voting for the right, keep it up.”
There were no shortages of references to the difference between having insurance or not: “Why don’t you have insurance, buddy?” asked one user. “Get yourself private insurance, and that's it,” advised another. There were even those who joked about the medications: “Well, the medications are very Spanish... I don’t know, Rick.”
Among the most critical comments, a user wrote: “What a fake, I caught you with the ice cream cart,” questioning the authenticity of the receipt. Others expressed surprise at the expense: “If that happened to me, I would cry and have to sell an organ to pay the bill. What a terrible healthcare system they have there.”
The case of @david31glez adds to a series of shared experiences on TikTok that have sparked the debate about healthcare in the United States.
In August 2024, a Mexican woman revealed that she racked up bills exceeding $3,600 after visiting the emergency room. Months later, a Dominican woman shared that an anxiety attack resulted in a debt of over $10,000. And in September of that same year, a Colombian in Miami detailed that the birth of her daughter cost $29,000, although her health insurance allowed her to pay just over $2,000.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Healthcare in the United States
Why is the healthcare system so expensive in the United States?
The healthcare system in the United States is one of the most expensive in the world due to various factors such as the lack of price regulation, high administrative costs, and reliance on private insurance to cover medical expenses. Unlike countries with public healthcare, patients in the U.S. often face high costs for treatments, consultations, and hospitalization.
How does having health insurance affect costs in the United States?
Having health insurance can significantly reduce medical care costs in the United States, as insurance covers a portion of medical expenses, thereby minimizing the direct financial impact on the patient. However, copayments, deductibles, and premiums can still be high, depending on the type of policy and coverage.
What are the alternatives to the traditional healthcare system in the United States?
In the United States, there are low-income clinics that offer medical services at reduced prices, tailored to the patients' ability to pay. These clinics are an alternative for those who cannot afford the high costs of conventional medical services. Additionally, some states have medical assistance programs for low-income individuals or those without insurance.
How does the healthcare system in the United States compare to that of Spain?
Healthcare in Spain is public and generally free at the point of use, funded through taxes, which contrasts with the predominantly private system in the United States. Many users emphasize the accessibility and quality of the Spanish system in comparison to the high costs and complexity of the American system.
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