Affordable medical care overseas

In 2006 alone, approximately. 150,000 Americans traveled abroad for medical care, a number that is expected to double by 2008. Nearly half of those, about 70,000 people, had medically necessary surgeries such as hip replacements or spinal work, heart surgeries including bypass or valve replacements, and even cancer treatments.

However, plastic surgery and dental procedures should not be ignored either. An estimated 40,000 Americans traveled to Mexico last year to get dental treatment, saving patients money. Depending on the type of procedure and which country you go to, you can expect to save between 20% and 80%. A hip replacement, for example, one of the most common surgeries sought abroad, would typically cost $60,000 to $70,000 in the U.S. but only about $15,000 in India. And this includes all expenses inclusive airline travel and hotel stay.

Even state officials and insurance companies are beginning to take notice of the possible savings. This year, bills have been introduced in two states, Colorado and West Virginia, that would require the insurance companies for state employees to cover medical procedures in overseas locations, including their travel expenses and hotel stays for the patient and a travel companion. While this is not exactly a vacation, a hotel stay for recuperation is usually advisable.

Meanwhile in the US, business is booming for medical travel agencies. They typically act as middlemen between patients and hospitals and assist from helping you choose the best hospital and making travel arrangements. They usually also assist in gathering and sending your health records overseas and acting as a health concierge, picking you up at an airport, visiting you in the hospital and so forth.