American couple who used healthcare system in Spain shocked by $43 bill | SWNS

An American couple who had to go to the doctor while on holiday in Spain were shocked when they came out with a $43 bill.
Todd and Melanie Maddex, 40 and 45, were holidaying in Valencia when Melanie fell ill.
After a week feeling under the weather with flu-like symptoms, Melanie decided to call a doctor.
Within two hours, Melanie had an appointment and picked up medication from the local pharmacy for the total sum of £34 ($43).
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[@12345678919251]

This is what a civilized country looks like

[@fatimateresa19]

God forbid a Spanish citizen has to step foot in a American hospital. They would be thousands of dollars in debt. It should be a two way street.

[@neiss2]

It’s nice to see that our taxes are used to take care of sick tourists. At some point someone will have to say basta.

[@gattetta]

They did pay for the visit (which we don't); the medicine wasn't subsidized the same way as ours (my treatment is expensive AF, reported >3500€/trimester paid by the state, and i never had to pay more than 10€ for a montly supply of aptiom, vimpat and rivotril); if it wasn't enough, it isn't "our taxes" it was also their taxes, they had paid VAT on everything they bought. And also, they didn't came here to benefit from our healthcare system, they were here and her partner got sick and went to the doctor, that's what everyone should do if they get sick on vacation, they will get treatment and could help to prevent the spread of foreign strains of virus.

[@mathewvanostin7118]

The reason for that:
its harder for a mean future governement to privatize healthcare if it has a true human right status
And if gov attempt a privatization move. They will probably just exclude tourist/expats from the almost free healthcare
(politician always do a small step by step action for their plans)
Citizen will keep their benefits and will have time to roll back those policies
Its the same tactic as Norway/Germany with free university. They afraid one day a future governement will privatize universty
So they make it almost free even to foreigners. To make it true human right. And also use them as a shield (first to be sacrificed in case of privatization. Instead of citizens)

[@gomb4rt]

If you are a Spaniard you should know that tourism is by far our first industry. Taking care of tourists is just good business, here in Spain and in Madagascar too. There is no indication in this video that a single Euro from tax payers has been spent here, though.

[@neiss2]

@@gomb4rt If you are not an ignorant you should know that tourism adds for Spain‘s 12% of GDP, way behind manufacturing and services. All this said (yes, go and google it), I’m clearly not against tourism, just against healthcare tourism.