Health insurance in California
No universal coverage, but a maze of plans. This is the shortest route to decent coverage without going broke over a broken wrist.
How the system works
You pay a monthly premium, then a deductible (often $1,500–6,000), then a copay per visit ($20–60) or coinsurance (10–30%), up to an annual out-of-pocket max ($5,000–9,000). Above that everything is covered. Providers are in-network (covered) or out-of-network (partly or not). PPO plans give choice, HMO plans (like Kaiser) are cheaper but you go through a primary doctor.
Through your employer
Most employers offer a plan and pay 50–90% of the premium. You choose during onboarding and afterwards only in November (open enrollment) or after a life event. Ask about an HSA (Health Savings Account): tax-free savings for medical costs with a high-deductible plan.
No employer plan? Covered California
Covered California is the official marketplace. Moving to California is a qualifying life event: you have 60 days to enroll. Plans are Bronze (cheap, high deductible), Silver, Gold and Platinum. Lower incomes get subsidies. Expect $300–600 per person per month without subsidy. Medi-Cal is the free option for low incomes.
Bridging the gap
Between arrival and your plan's start (often the 1st of the next month) you're uninsured. Take an international expat policy (GeoBlue, Cigna Global) or a Dutch one like OOM for the first 1–3 months. Your Dutch basic insurance ends once you deregister from your municipality.
Never go uninsured. One night in hospital costs $10,000+.
Doctor, dentist, pharmacy
Find a primary care physician in your network via your insurer's app and book an intro appointment: without an existing relationship, getting seen when sick is hard. Dental and vision are separate policies. Prescriptions at CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid; use GoodRx for discount codes, even with insurance.