This was our first major medical emergency (other than Tammy falling off her bike) since we left the US and moved to the Netherlands. This was something we didn't see coming and if someone asks how important health insurance is when moving abroad...MAKE IT A PRIORITY!!! Yes when living in the Netherlands you do have to advocate for yourself when it comes to medical issues but I can honestly say the paramedics, the doctors and the hospitals were top notch! Buying medication in the Netherlands is a lot less expensive than in the states and much easier to deal with the pharmacy. As an expat living in Europe I can tell you that health insurance is a must!