Tip On Reducing Medical Costs
You need major medical surgery and you don't have insurance to cover it. What do you do? According to this Today Show video many people are opting for "Medical Tourism."
Medical tourism is having your medical condition taken care of in a foreign country where it is a lot cheaper to preform the needed medical operation than in the US. For surgeries, India and Thailand are two leading destination offering people in North America (and around the world) medical help at a steep discount. According to the report, the attraction of Medical Tourism is:
Modern Hospitals Skilled Doctors The Latest Technology High Quality Low Costs
How low? The cost of medical tourism surgery can be as low as 10% the price it would cost to have the same surgery done in the US. There are some issues including follow up care. The American Medical Association says this about the subject:
The AMA does not make statements on issues that we do not have a policy on.
That means that if you choose this route, you're basically on your own. For those who find themselves without medical care alternatives in the US due to price and lack of insurance, this may be something to look into, but you should thoroughly do your homework. I would even suggest talking to your US doctor (and get several other doctor's opinions) to get their recommendations of where overseas would be the best place to have your particular medical condition taken care of. As medical tourism becomes more popular and accepted, there will surely develop a large underground scam and unprofessional element trying to simply part you with your dollars (and in this case, possibly your life) so thorough research in this area is a must.
Comments
I am from India and currently reside in NY. In the recent past (within 2 years) I have had a close family member in India undergo major surgery (Coronary bypass, Gall bladder removal etc.) and can attest to the fact that there is high quality medical care available there.
Expectedly, the supply falls far short of the demand (domestic as well as international) so please do your due research before undertaking this route. I would suggest looking into hospitals in New Delhi (this is where my family is from), Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad. Avoid public, govt owned institutions if you can and go for private establishments.
This posting should not be construed as a promotion for medical tourism - it is intended to convey my personal observations and I would strongly urge everyone to form their own opinion after sufficient research.
Is there a web site indicating where are the facilities available in India.?
High quality care is possible, yes, but it's unfair to go overseas to save a buck on surgery and in the event of a post surgical compication, come back to seek treatment here. Perhaps it should be required to seek treatment related to the surgery in the country of its origin.
So if I get sick while on vacation in Florida, I should have to go back to Florida to get pills?
Your theory that they should go back just because they had rare complications from a surgery they didn't want to pay tens of thousands of dollars on just doesn't make sense.