More Americans Embracing Medical Travel

Medical Travel by Credit

The number of Americans who use medical travel for cosmetic surgery is popular enough to attract the financial loan industry.  Most elective cosmetic surgery procedures, such as affordable laser hair removal, obtained during medical travel are not covered by health insurance companies.  Cosmetic surgery financing makes medical travel affordable and is available from most financial lending institutions and through some doctors’ clinics.  Loans for cosmetic treatments or procedures like affordable laser hair removal surgery are typically unsecured and can be paid in installments lasting months or years. Unsecured cosmetic surgery loans usually are obtained at interest rates higher than secured loans. Most companies offering cosmetic surgery financing charge anywhere from 5.99% to 27.99%. The process of obtaining cosmetic surgery financing usually starts at the initial consultation meeting where the patient fills out a loan application. The loan can cover not only the treatment, but also the entire trip including travel, accommodations, and attached vacations.

Financing Safe, Quality, Life-Saving Medical Travel

Affordable laser hair removal, liposuction, or face lifts are not the only treatments that attract medical tourists.  Robert Crone, president of Harvard Medical International, acknowledges that now, more Americans believe the quality of treatments abroad is safe enough for even hip replacements and cardiac surgery. Florida resident, Eileen Clemenzi, replaced her hip and vacationed in Malaysia at a total cost of 60% less than the cost of hip surgery alone in the U.S. The Joint Commission International (JCI), an independent, non-profit organization in the U.S., accredits foreign healthcare providers offering safe, high quality care, patient rights, and infection control. Accreditation by the JCI is viewed by Crone as a baseline for those seeking U.S. standard medical services.  Cosmetic surgery financing can help pave the way for continued medical travel, thus, raising the bar for hospitals and dental clinics around the world.

Source: Judy Foreman, “Bon voyage, and get well!” The Boston Globe, October 2, 2006