How to Do Medical Tourism

There's a point where people realize that they are simply paying too much for healthcare. For example, one might look at a bill for an MRI and think, "I could have taken a two-week vacation for that price!"

With medical tourism, that is exactly what people have decided to do. Medical tourism refers to people finding a medical procedure that is done significant cheaper overseas, and going to that country to have it done in order to save money.

Medical tourism is the most popular in the case of cosmetic surgery. Since most insurance in the United States doesn't cover cosmetic procedures, many people jump on a plane and go to Mexico or India. And while they're their, they might have a good time enjoying the sights, hence the name "medical tourism."

But how do you actually pull this off? Well, it takes some planning to be a successful medical tourist! Read on for some steps to take to save money on your next medical procedure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. First of all, check the cost of the medical procedure that you need to have done in the United States.

2. Using a search engine, locate hospitals overseas that perform that same procedure. Many of them specialize in medical tourism and are very accustomed to dealing with Americans, including speaking English.

3. Once you've found a hospital that performs the procedure in a location that you are comfortable with, find out the price of the procedure. Don't just depend on the price listed on the website. Talk to someone at the hospital first.

4. Evaluate whether or not the price difference makes it worth the trip. If you are contemplating a nose job in the US that is $10,000 and the price in India is $800, it probably is. Check the price of accommodations and plane tickets and add those to the cost. Be sure to factor in any recovery time.

5. Set up your appointment, and get your plane tickets and accommodations worked out. Find out what paperwork you will need to bring from your doctor at home. You will have to ensure that you have a passport, etc., just as you would for any other trip.

6. For a good medical tourism experience, consider staying a few days in the country you will be visiting before having the procedure. This way you can have fun without worrying about bandages on your face or whatever.

7. Make sure that your accommodations are comfortable if you will be having time that you need to recuperate. This is not the time to stay in a dormitory-style hostel!

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting a hospital that specializes in medical tourism, also make sure that they are very familiar with the procedure that you need to have done.
• Get recommendations from other people if at all possible.
• If you are very ill, it is best to have your procedure done close to home, since traveling can be risky.

Resources

• How to Get Good Cosmetic Surgery Prices