To see a doctor in an emergency, you can go to the emergency room at the hospital and they will assess how serious your injury or illness is and admit you as time allows. In case of a true emergency, call 911 and an ambulance and paramedics will arrive as soon as possible to take care of the injured person and transport them to the nearest hospital. If your injury is serious, but does not require immediate attention, it may take a while to be admitted. If you have a doctor you see regularly you might be able to be seen on short notice. Always have you insurance card with you to help with the paperwork.
San Francisco City Hospitals:
California Pacific Medical Center
3700 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-600-6000
Chinese Hospital
845 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-982-2400
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
2425 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-202-2000
Laguna Honda Hospital
375 Laguna Honda Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94116
415-664-1580
900 Hyde St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-353-6000 St. Luke's Hospital
3555 Caesar Chavez St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-647-8600 San Francisco General Hospital
1001 Potrero Ave
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-206-8000 University Of California San Francisco
Mount Zion Medical Center
1600 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-567-6600
Pharmacy
Most pharmaceutical drugs are divided into two categories, over the counter and prescription. More drugs are offered as over the counter (like aspirin) then in Europe. One must simply pick them off the shelf and buy with no questions or consultation with either the pharmacist or a doctor. Only prescription drugs require a written note to be faxed from the doctor's office or be brought upon pick-up. A co-pay is usually required with your insurance.
For a directory of pharmacies: www.superpages.com/yellowpages.
Update 2/01/2009
Expatriate health insurance in the United States
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to San Francisco is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in the United States So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to the United States. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in the United States, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.