The healthcare system in San Francisco enjoys a good reputation and is defined by high-quality medical centres and good access to treatment.

Most businesses in the area hiring expats will provide health insurance. It's extremely important to have full medical insurance in the US as hospitals are extremely expensive and non-emergency care can be refused without it.

Pharmacies in San Francisco are widely available in the form of chain pharmacies, in-store pharmacies that are part of a grocery or department store, and independent chemists.

Hospitals in San Francisco

California Pacific Medical Center

Website: www.sutterhealth.org/cpmc
Address: 3700 California Street, San Francisco

John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

Website: www.johnmuirhealth.com
Address: 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek

University of California San Francisco Medical Center

Website: www.ucsfhealth.org
Address: 505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco

Washington Hospital

Website: www.whhs.com
Address: 2000 Mowry Avenue, Fremont

Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center

Website: www.zuckerbergsanfranciscogeneral.org
Address: 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco

Further reading

►For a general overview of the country's healthcare system, see Healthcare in the USA.

Expat Experiences

"There are good and bad sides to San Francisco's healthcare system. If the business you work for offers good packages that allow you to choose your own physicians then I'd definitely go with that. I (stupidly) chose a package where you can only see your insurer's doctors, physiotherapists etc. So when I was not impressed with the physiotherapist I saw I didn't really have the option to visit someone better without paying straight out of my own pocket. The other thing you need to know is that medical insurance doesn't cover dental or optical, you have to buy that separately." Read more about Aussie expat Katherine's experiences in San Francisco.

Are you an expat living in San Francisco?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to San Francisco. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.