Healthcare on Bonaire
Unfortunately, I had to visit the emergency room here on Bonaire 2 weeks ago. It was a normal morning … I had just made breakfast, handed J his plate and was walking to my spot on the couch when I snagged my toe on the chaise lounge part of the couch.
It hurt. We’ve all done it a million times and moved on with our day but when I looked down, I was horrified to see my toe at a 90 degree angle from my foot. J asked if I was okay … and I said “I think I broke it,” I was definitely in shock.
First things first, my toe needed to be relocated. J watched a quick YouTube video and told me to take a deep breath as he swiftly yanked my toe out of the angle and tried to snap it back into place. It seemed straighter but I still had no control over any part but the bottom joint and it was swelling up fast… we had to go to the ER. There was no other choice. I’m way too active to risk anything permanent.
If you’re from the US as we are, the thought of going to the ER uninsured is unthinkable. We had to go given the circumstance so we hoped it would be reasonable and that our temp insurance would cover it.
I have temporary insurance through World Nomads which should cover the cost. I now have my temporary residency stamp and have filed with the health department so I’m covered going forward! YAY universal healthcare!
The ER … it was clean and efficient. The staff was extremely nice. They even came out to the check-in window to start evaluating my foot while I checked in. I waited maybe 5 minutes to be seen.
One hour & 3 x-rays later they determined J did successfully realign my toe but that I’d also broken the middle joint. They taped it up, showed me how to tape it, and even sent me home with supplies. Total bill: $600.
$600 was an unplanned expenditure in this move but I know damn well I couldn’t even look at an ER in the US for $600 never-mind be diagnosed and treated.
So whether my temp policy covers me or not – I’m grateful to have affordable healthcare here. And now that I have my stamp, future ER visits will be FREE – I’m hoping that’s a perk I won’t be taking advantage of but it’s nice to know it’s there if I need it.
Till next time…