Open Your Eyes to Hungary

Imagine Sight-seeing In Hungary, without Your Glasses

You might occasionally wonder "who in their right mind would travel several thousands of miles to literally put their lives in a stranger’s hands?"  I often ask myself the converse; "who in their right mind would pay 200% more than they need to by receiving health care at home?  The debate continues, but regardless of your stance, medical tourism speaks for itself.  Between 2007 and 2008, more than 2.25 million Americans traveled abroad to Hungary and other medical tourism destination countries for their health care needs.  Some cited the affordable service that medical tourism offers.  Others enjoy the idea of combining their savings with a vacation package to a unique location.  Regardless of the reason, it is clear that even with this global recession, medical tourism is on the rise.

Can I Afford It:  How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost?

Sadly, health care seems to fit that upscale pricing mantra:  If I have to ask how much LASIK surgery costs, I probably can’t afford it.  Places like Hungary have helped address this issue through its incredibly competitive pricing.  On average, LASIK can cost between $1,700 and $2,300 in the United States, whereas in Hungary you can have the procedure closer to $732.  This price isn’t likely to include the airfare and hotel accommodations, but between what you’ll save and cheap airline and hotel deals, you can turn the difference into a vacation.  As the United States considers leaning toward a universal health care system, prices may come down in the future, but patients need something in the interim to afford their medical care.

Plan Your Medical Vacation Right, Seek Advice

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”  Although he wasn’t referring to medical vacations, Gandhi’s advice has direct application to the exploding trend, particularly about learning.  When it comes to traveling abroad for medical treatment, your life could very well depend on what you learn (or don’t). 

Until universal health care—or whatever the solution is—comes to fruition, US patients will continue looking to alternatives like medical tourism for affordable health care.  As the medical tourism industry grows, so will the scams and quacks wanting their piece of the billion-dollar pie.  Watch out for yourself.  Seek the right medical vacation advice and learn all that you can about your procedure, the hospital, and the country you’re planning to visit.