Three Medical Travel Myths

Medical Tourism Breaks Barriers

While some may equate patriotism with ignoring all other options for help, I believe that the concept of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” was intended to provide the freedom to choose the best option for your needs.  Sometimes this takes people across the border into lands rich in history, friendly faces, and local charm, breaking cultural barriers in search of something the US currently does not provide—affordable healthcare.   

Myth 1: Medical Travel is Expensive

Many Americans resign themselves to the fact that the rising cost of healthcare is simply unavoidable, rather like the rising cost of gas.  There’s a wealth of information on the World Wide Web to knock that myth right out of the water.  Hospital costs and overhead in developing countries are usually quite a deal lower than in the US, even after international standards of hygiene, quality of care, and service are applied.  This allows reputable hospitals with highly qualified doctors to provide world class care at much lower rates than you could ever expect from a hospital in the US.  For example, the cost of hip replacement surgery in the US would set you back somewhere between $18,300 and $25,800.  On the flip side, the cost of a hip replacement surgery in India is much lower at $6,500 to $8,600.   

Myth 2: Doctors in Countries like India and Thailand are Unreliable

It should be noted that many of the doctors and surgeons studying and/or practicing in the US are, in fact, of foreign nationality.  Those who return to India or Thailand or the Philippines take with them the skills and experience gained in US universities and hospitals.  While it is always of paramount importance, that you check the credentials of all doctors and hospital beforehand, you can be sure that the most reputable hospitals use medical personnel with exceptional qualifications and several years of practical experience in their field.  In fact, these hospitals are often accredited by US and international medical associations.   

Myth 3: Insurance Will Not Cover the Expenses of Medical Tourism

Contrary to this myth, there are actually many procedures that can be done outside the US that are covered by insurance providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield.  The procedures that are covered will obviously vary according to the provider.  Be sure to read the fine print for any restrictions or limitations.