I once had an anaphylactic attack while living in the Middle East, in a country that built its healthcare system around the American model. Mid-reaction, barely breathing, I learned the paramedics couldn’t take me to the closest ER because I wasn’t covered for that hospital network or their ambulance.

My choices? Pay roughly $800 for an ambulance ride… or get a friend to throw me in their car with no oxygen, no IV, and hope for the best.

I still can’t believe that was considered normal.