I had a scary ER experience that made me stress for months. I now fly to Portugal once a year for routine check-ups.

I'm from Portugal, but after I finished my Ph.D. and was looking for jobs in scientific writing, the US seemed more promising for my career. In 2023 I moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to start my new job.

I missed the laid-back pace and work-life balance back home but enjoyed the energetic vibes of Memphis and the hustle culture, where I felt like I was growing in my career.

There was one unfortunate experience I'll never forget that changed how I see the US medical system and the way I seek medical care.

My medical bills in the US were outrageous compared to Portugal

I was feeling intense and worsening abdominal pain for about two weeks, so I went to my US doctor who advised me to go to the ER. I'd never been to an ER in the US before and didn't know what to expect.

I entered the ER on a Tuesday and underwent a series of initial tests, which showed a 3.5-inch mass on my abdomen. To check that it wasn't cancerous, I was admitted to the oncology unit for further exams, a biopsy, and a consultation. I left five days later.

In total, the medical bill cost me over $1,600. After my biopsy results came back showing the mass wasn't cancerous, I decided to go to Portugal for a second opinion.

In Portugal, I spoke with three separate oncologists and two general surgeons. After several follow-up exams, the oncologists confirmed that the mass in my abdomen was benign. I'd need surgery to remove it, but after that, I should be fine.

I was treated at a private hospital in Portugal. All my exams plus treatment cost me about $380 — less than a quarter of what I was charged at the US ER just for exams.

Overall, the experience in the US ER left a bad taste in my mouth, partly because when I asked the oncologist if they thought I had cancer, they said it was likely. This was before I'd even had my biopsy.

The experience caused me extreme stress for months. I received my biopsy results six days after leaving the hospital indicating the mass was not cancerous, but I was already so afraid of the possibility of it being cancer that I wasn't able to calm down until months later after I'd consulted multiple doctors in Portugal who confirmed the diagnosis.

This is why I've decided to fly back to Portugal once a year to complete all of my medical needs including regular and specialized check-ups. The flight costs about $800 round trip, but to me, it's worth it.

I plan to keep living in the US but seek medical care in Portugal only

Sara Resende sitting outside a hospital in Portugal where she got a second opinion. Courtesy of Sara Resende

I continue routine check-ups with my family doctor in Portugal, which are free. Specialized check-ups are also free as long as my family doctor recommends them.

Despite my unfortunate healthcare experience, I believe the overall quality of life in the US is superior to Portugal's and I intend to continue living here.

My work makes me happy, and there are endless opportunities for career advancement that simply aren't available in Portugal.

Plus, with higher salaries and the freedom to explore different cities without major language or cultural barriers, I can always pivot and try something new.

I've also come to love living in Memphis. The people here are open-minded and kind, and I feel embraced by the culture.