Medical tourism: have illness, will travel
Bumrumgrad International Hospital. Photo: Saeed Khan / Agence France-Presse
Among expats in Asia, having access to high-quality, affordable health care is one of the biggest advantages of living overseas. For retirees, it’s often the first consideration in choosing where to relocate to. Travelers are now looking outside their own borders when they need treatment. The main reason is because it’s so expensive to go to the hospital in America, according to this info graphic: U.S. health care spending vs. the globe.
CNN had a more in-depth report on this topic — Medical tourism: have illness, will travel
The prices can be jaw-dropping. The article states that you can get open-heart surgery in India for a mere US$8,500, compared to US$100,000 in the United States. Even when the cost of flights, accommodation, and food are factored in, you’d save a bundle.
That being said, safety is the number-one criterion. Narrow your choices to hospitals that have been accredited by independent organizations like Joint Commission International. Search through local expat discussion forums for leads on good hospitals and even specific doctors.
Be sure to check your health insurance policy before you go. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that your policy covers treatment done abroad. Some companies are even helping their employees to go overseas to save on costs. More likely, you’ll find that the policy doesn’t cover it. Many insurance companies will also not pay for subsequent operations to fix a botched surgery received in a foreign country.
You also have to take local practices into account. Asian doctors sometimes don’t prescribe the necessary painkillers and may not be familiar with sophisticated pain management techniques. It’s crucial that you check into how the hospital manages post-operative care and recovery. Nurses may not change bedpans and do other chores, because in Asian culture it’s the relatives who are supposed to take care of the patient.
Have you gotten medical care in a foreign country? Please share your stories and advice in the comments.
June 4th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Getting medical care in a foreign country is no different than the U.S., except for the cost. Make sure the doctors know what they’re doing (just like U.S.) and you can save a ton of money.
I worked with a woman who loves Bolivia (she’s a teacher) and plans on going back there. She paid $3.00 U.S. to have her teeth cleaned. And, she’s had root canal! I can’t remember the cost of the root canal, but I know it wasn’t what a dentist in the U.S. charges. Her daughter has had dental work done in Bolivia and Ecuador and didn’t pay what she’d pay in the U.S.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:00 am
Have been going to Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok for physical/dental check-ups for several years – including last week. Generally good experience and will keep doing so. Great when combined with regular tourism.