It’s no secret that American healthcare is notorious for continually shocking the rest of the world who are well used to being more or less covered in case of health emergencies. And while American hospitals and medical facilities are undisputedly something you’d call ‘world class,’ they are also unaffordable for many.

The numbers speak for themselves: total health care spending in America went over $4 trillion in 2020 and more than 30% of that—or about $1.24 trillion—was spent on hospital services. Hospital costs per day averaged $2,607 with California being the most expensive at $3,726 per day. And if you want to stay overnight, the coast soars up Everest, $11,700, to be exact, and that’s for the ones with insurance.

There’s only one thing that speaks even louder than figures. It’s people who have experienced what it’s like to have their health in jeopardy just because they couldn’t afford the costs. Below are some of the most upsetting cases shared by Americans who, while living in the ‘greatest country in the world,’ would probably not dare to call it that.

#1

Image credits: Throwawaylism

#2

Image credits: Dan_inKuwait

#3

Image credits: MeccIt

#4

Image credits: whippedcreamcheese

#5

Image credits: Sumit316

#6

Image credits: DaFunkJunkie

#7

Image credits: RyhanButler

#8

Image credits: zeca1486

#9

Image credits: gldivittorio

#10

Image credits: maxonsdad

#11

Image credits: bocxtop

#12

Image credits: dev_decker

#13

Image credits: danpriceseattle

#14

Image credits: letsassume

#15

Image credits: aniacopian

#16

Image credits: Sh3dinja

#17

Image credits: justinahorwitz

#18

Image credits: benyahr

#19

Image credits: DisasterDom96

#20

Image credits: kashanacauley

#21

Image credits: danadonnelly

#22

Image credits: annalindwasser

#23

Image credits: drcarroll

#24

Image credits: waterfly9604

#25

Image credits: livfenty

#26

Image credits: __Wall_

#27

Image credits: kevinowdziej

#28

Image credits: jayypill

#29

Image credits: kevinowdziej

#30

Image credits: Bmchris44

#31

Image credits: roxiqt

#32

Image credits: emily_murnane

#33

Image credits: polterg3ist

#34

Image credits: MisterT12

#35

Image credits: neatlysanta

#36

Image credits: Serenlicht

#37

Image credits: regian24

#38

Image credits: ExpertAccident

#39

Image credits: kevinmrr

#40

Image credits: stranger_joot

#41

Image credits: xestrand

#42

Image credits: arthurrules

#43

Image credits: IntelligentMusings

#44

Image credits: gilbertjasono

#45

Image credits: namowrer

#46

Image credits: EveBlackwood69

#47

Image credits: bloodrdsky

#48

Image credits: Welcome_Designer

#49

Image credits: King_Saline_IV

#50

Image credits: blorgasporgler

#51

Image credits: Darth_Ronin

#52

Image credits: 775AC

#53

Image credits: yikesimnervous

#54

Image credits: benolitomichaud

#55

Image credits: reddit.com

#56

Image credits: tcountie

#57

Image credits: Oblargag