Skyrocketing healthcare costs and inadequate medical insurance coverage has forced several Americans to travel to other countries for medical treatments and other medical reasons over the last few years. While many Americans are actually gushing about the low medical costs they would incur overseas, it pays to actually think about a few factors before deciding to opt for medical tourism. Here are three major pointers you should consider before seeking medical help overseas.
Cost Vs. Quality
Of course you would be able to spend only half the original amount for a specific medical treatment in a developing country than you would do in the US or UK. Not at the cost of the quality of the treatment though!
You would actually need to find out if the place you are visiting has infrastructure, technology and equipment that meets world class standards. Has the facility been accredited by an international committee like the JCI? And are the medical personnel qualified and experienced enough to handle your situation? You would need to ponder about certain questions before giving the final nod!
Financial Situation
Most individuals opt for medical tourism for the sake of lowering the costs associated with their medical treatments. And indeed, medical treatments in countries like India and Thailand would only cost a fraction of what they would cost in the US. But that does not mean traveling to a different destination for a medical treatment would benefit everybody.
You would need to sit down and do the math properly before deciding on whether to opt for medical tourism or not. Your personal financial situation would play an important role in it. Are you medically insured? If yes, would the insurance cover the entire amount? Is the treatment or procedure you are opting for covered in your insurance? If your answer is ‘yes’ to all these question, then you are probably better of getting treated in your home country rather than traveling to another destination for the same treatment.
You would also need to calculate the total cost of the medical procedure in both cases (at home and overseas). The total cost would include travel, transportation, accommodation, food and every other miscellaneous expenses before, during and after the treatment. If there is not much difference in the price (the procedure may cost more in the US, but would be equivalent to your travel, accommodation, food and medical expenses in a foreign location), it is best considered that you get treated near home itself.
Medical Urgencies
Your decision to fly overseas for a medical procedure would also depend on the medical urgency. Would you need to opt for the procedure right away? Will you be able to fly overseas in your current state of health? An immediate medical procedure would signify that you probably do it in a nearby facility rather than risk a long flight to a destination for the same.
A delay in travel and other necessary arrangements could also lead to delays in getting the treatment, which in turn could lead to long lasting risks or complications. If you cannot risk any delays in the treatment, consider opting out of medical tourism, and get treated at home.
