Going Overseas For Quality Medical Care: Bargain Surgery
MEDICAL TOURISM
Savings Can by HUGE
Heart Bypass - $50,000 less than U.S.
Hip Repair - $30,000 less than U.S.
Spinal Surgery - $40,000 less than U.S.
A half million Americans per year are going overseas for quality medical care, being driven by outrageous medical care costs here in the U.S. and insurance that covers less and less. Patients report very attentive care. Time is as big a factor as money for overseas medical care. Patients frequently wait for weeks or months for a needed medical visit in the U.S. (especially if the insurer is medicaire or medicaid so that the facilities are not paid as much) where patients are generally seen right away in foreign facilities. You can even enjoy a short vacation in your post-procedure recovery period!
Quick References while this page is being built:
Joint Commission International - evaluates and accredits healthcare facilities
Joint Commission International Center for Patient Safety
Bumrungrad International Medical Center, Bangkok Thailand
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
Rates for Operative Procedures at AIIMS
India Medical Tourism
Singapore
Hungary
South Africa
Dubai
Dubai - Dubai Surgery is specialized in Plastic surgery, Cosmetic surgery, Laser surgery, Orthopedics surgery, Pediatric general surgery, Obesity Surgery, Migraine surgery, Cosmetic dentistry, Eyes Surgery and reconstructive surgery in Dubai.
Costa Rica
Brazil
Cuba
Companion Global Healthcare - gateway to International Medical Care
Health Travel Agencies:
Med Journeys
Med Retreat
Medical Nomad
Planet Hospital
International Medical Care
"Patients Beyond Borders: Everybody's Guide to Affordable, World-Class Medical Tourism" - by Josef Woodman, available from Healthy Travel Media, 2007
Newsweek International - Article on International Medical Care, Oct 2006
AMEDEX Global Group - emergency travel help & international medical insurance.
Info below from Bumrungrad International compared to Southeastern US Average:
Prostate Surgery
Bangkok $5-7K U.S. $35-40K
Root Canal
Bangkok $320 . U.S. $900-1K
Hip Replacement
Bangkok $9K U.S. $40-$50K
Spinal Surgery
Bangkok $6-8K U.S. $50-70K
Comprehensive Checkup
Bangkok $400 U.S. $2K
Open-Heart Bypass
Bangkok $10K U.S. $60-80K
Airfares: Under $1K to more than $3K round trip from U.S. to Bangkok, economy. Private Hospital Room: $150 Bangkok vs. up to $1000 U.S.
*Note - Information provided in large part by the American Association of Retired Persons - see http://www.aarp.org/bulletin