Medical tourism was once something that was only done by the idle rich, looking for cheap cosmetic surgery, but now more and more Americans are taking advantage of the health care that is offered in foreign countries. Find out why, even with the cost of airfare and travel, that medical tourism has become a valuable option for Americans requiring surgery and other medical treatments!
With the costs of medical procedures and health insurance rising every year in America, the new trend of Americans seeking medical care abroad makes perfect sense. Health insurance, which was once an American's first protection against the debilitating cost of procedures like CAT scans and surgery is now turning into more and more of a liability. Rising premiums coupled with inadequate co-pays have rendered some health insurance nearly useless and the cost that you will pay out of pocket is quickly rising to astronomical levels. Moreover, if you are one of the more than 46 million Americans without health insurance of any kind (or one of the many more whose health insurance is inadequate) medical tourism might be your path to escaping a financial burden that could follow you for years.
There are many Americans who can benefit from foreign health care, but the ones who stand to benefit the most will be those who are underinsured or lack insurance entirely. Essentially, if you fall into either of those categories, you will find a system that that is compatible with small (for Americans) cash payments and where your dollar will stretch farther. The accommodations in these hospitals are usually fairly luxurious, as most of the locals will use the public hospitals and the private hospitals will find themselves caring for tourists, who can more easily afford them.
When Americans travel abroad, one thing they quickly recognize is the completely affordable, more than competent health care that is available in countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippine and India. These five countries are ranked as the best one to visit for health care and it is easy to see why. For instance, in Thailand, the costs stay low because doctors pay significantly less in malpractice insurance than do their Western counterparts. Similarly, hospitals in Thailand don't spend the enormous amount of money on processing insurance claims because most of the payments more than 75 percent) are handled via cash payments.
In light of today's American medical health crisis, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to investigate the opportunities that medical tourism provides. Find out what so many medical tourists already know; a little research now can save you a lot of trouble and money later on!
Related Articles
Step-by-step Guide to Medical Tourism
By: Healthbase | 18/12/2007 | Health
Going overseas for surgical treatment can be overwhelming for anybody. After all, it’s not like going to a hospital down the road where you have been to before and know all the doctors and nurses. To be successful in your pursuit of low-cost high quality medical treatment, there is a step by step process that you must follow to gain confidence in your decision, get the right care and save money.
Choosing a Country for Your Medical Treatment Abroad Can be Downright Scary
By: Jay Siva | 12/07/2008 | Health
How to choose the right country for your own unique situation to receive the best medical care possible when opting into the idea of medical tourism as an alternative solution to your healthcare needs.
Medical Tourism Tips: What a Medical Tourist Should Know and Do
By: Healthbase | 14/11/2007 | Health
It's easy to hop on a plane and catch the next flight to your surgical destination . But before you do so, there are a number of things you should know and do to make your medical tourism trip safe and successful. Here is a list that will assist you in planning...
Angioplasty and Medical Tourism
By: Nancy Wee | 06/10/2007 | Medicine
Thousands of people are choosing medical tourism as a fast, affordable way of dealing with both necessary and elective medical treatment. One procedure readily available to the medical tourist is angioplasty. This coronary care treatment is used in a vast selection of medical tourism destinations.
Medical Tourism Precautions
By: Radha Kishan | 21/04/2008 | Destinations
There are many medical tourism precautions which medical tourists or patients should know while traveling from their native or home country to the chosen country for medical purposes.
How to Choose a Highly Trained Doctor and Feel Safe About Your Surgery Abroad
By: Jay Siva | 15/07/2008 | Fitness
Here are specific criterias you need to follow when choosing a highly trained doctor to perform your out of country surgeries. Feel secure and confident with your choice before going under the knife.
5 Everyday Habits That Contribute to Your Risk of Developing Heart Disease
By: Healthbase | 19/06/2008 | Health
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death in many countries including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, is caused by our daily habits of what we do and what we do not do. Thus, it is very much up to us to improve our habits and our lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing heart ailments and maintain a healthy heart.
Smart Global Healthcare Choices
By: rimi jaiswal | 30/01/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Superlative and affordable medical care is drawing more and more people from around the world to seek medical treatments abroad. Medical tourism is the wave of the future, and may compel changes within American medical practices. Until then, take advantage of the best the world has to offer in the way of skills, treatments, procedures and healthcare.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Affordable dental care in east tn
By: sandi | 06-07-2008
Where can I find a affordable dentist in Knoxville area or Athens Tn area. I live in Madisonville by Sweetwater so any in these areas. I have insurance but I still cant afford 300 or 400 out of pocket for a root canal. And I probally need several front teeth done.
Knee tear
By: rashes | 06-07-2008
I have a menescis tear in my right knee. i understand this is an injury hockey players got. i got it after a car accident and overuse of the right leg all the while the left was in a cast. sometimes my right leg buckles.i would like to start running again. but i'm scared. it's been three years. i do other exercises -- elliptical, treadmill, stairmaster, weights -- but i really miss running.do i need to have surgery on this? can it strenghten on its own?do you think i can go running again???
Emphysema
By: Clare | 06-07-2008
I have severe Emphysema, will breathing in Apple Cider Vinegar help my breathing?
I have itching in the rectum not really the rectum ...
By: granny | 06-07-2008
I have itching in the rectum not really the rectum but up above italong the crack from the top down to the rectum. it is driving me crazy. It is mainly at night but now starting during the day. I hope some one can help or just understand what I am trying to say.
One kidney
By: Katie | 06-07-2008
Why cant you drink pop while only having one kidney?
Is my MRSA healed.
By: Sharon | 06-07-2008
How do I know, other than testing, if my MRSA is healed?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Travel Articles
How Much Do Luggage Repair Parts Cost?
By: Sal Farzin | 19/07/2008
Oftentimes, being prudent with money has many advantages. As far as luggage repairs parts and luggage repairs are concerned, the best question to answer is whether or not sending the bag for repair proves to be a better deal rather than purchasing a new luggage altogether.
No Time To Be Lazy In Manchester
By: Catherine Harvey | 18/07/2008
A look at all the sporting possibilites in and around Manchester and how this city is like a second capital to the UK.
Car Hire without Credit Card
By: Rudi Van Der Zalm | 18/07/2008
Nowadays it is standard practice for most car hire agencies companies to require a credit card at the time of collecting the vehicle or booking online and many car rental companies will not accept debit cards or cash payments at the moment you sign the rental agreement.
Massive Savings With All Inclusive Vacation Packages To Jamaica
By: DOLA RAHEEM | 18/07/2008
The islands of the Caribbean are renowned for many things including the number of all inclusive vacation packages to Jamaica you can find there.
5 Helpful Tips To Prevent Luggage Repair
By: Sal Farzin | 18/07/2008
Frequent travelers should get their hands on a high quality and durable luggage. Shell out a small fortune if you must. It would do you well in the long run because you can use the luggage for a long time. It is next to impossible to avoid luggage damages.
4 Simple Ways To Avoid Buying Luggage Repair Parts
By: Sal Farzin | 18/07/2008
Do you simply love traveling? If you do, then it is but common for you to attach some sweet memories to your luggage. Probably you still remember where you bought it. Are all of your first trips fresh in your mind?
La Manga del Mar Menor Restaurants Delight
By: Michael Lee | 18/07/2008
Any Spanish holiday to the Murcian region will lead you to La Manga del Mar Menor restaurants that delight the senses. A great variety of culinary destinations awaits you to enhance your vacation on the Mediterranean.
Ibiza Car Hire
By: Fiona Hiliard | 18/07/2008
Think you knew Ibiza? Book a car in Ibiza and think again. Ibiza car hire allows you to see a whole new side of the island. From scenic drives to tranquil escapes and secluded beaches, renting a car in Ibiza is a true voyage of discovery.
Ibiza Airport Mini Guide: Ibiza...
More from Nancy Wee
Angioplasty and Medical Tourism
By: Nancy Wee | 06/10/2007 | Medicine
Thousands of people are choosing medical tourism as a fast, affordable way of dealing with both necessary and elective medical treatment. One procedure readily available to the medical tourist is angioplasty. This coronary care treatment is used in a vast selection of medical tourism destinations.
Travel 
