| Many people in the United States are finding | | | | to these services in their own country. |
| themselves out of a job and also without valuable | | | | What to consider |
| health insurance. When costly medical procedures | | | | While traveling abroad for healthcare procedures can |
| are needed, they cannot afford to have them done in | | | | be beneficial, there are a few things to consider first. |
| the US. Therefore, many people are traveling to | | | | For example, traveling a great distance to and from |
| foreign countries to have the procedures done. This is | | | | the other country can be hazardous, depending upon |
| called “health tourism”. | | | | your condition. Anyone considering a foreign medical |
| In the past, people usually traveled outside the US for | | | | care should consult with their physician first. Some |
| non life-threatening procedures such as cosmetic | | | | conditions such as cancer are best treated by a |
| surgery or dental surgery. However, the growing | | | | doctor in your own country with whom you have an |
| trend is for people to seek foreign treatment for more | | | | ongoing relationship. |
| life-threatening conditions such as heart bypass | | | | Investigate ahead of time |
| surgery, heart valve replacements and spinal | | | | Thoroughly investigate the hospital or facility you are |
| surgeries. In some cases the cost can be as much | | | | considering travel to. Check to make sure that they |
| as 90% less than it would be in the United States. | | | | are accredited with the Joint Commission International, |
| Popular destinations are Thailand, Costa Rica and India. | | | | to ensure that they meet US standards. Also talk |
| | | | | with the physician to find out how many procedures |
| As many as 85,000 Americans travel to foreign | | | | they have done and where they received their training. |
| countries for medical procedures every year. | | | | Meet with your physician before you go and make |
| Companies are springing up to meet the needs of this | | | | sure they will provide your medical records to the |
| new foreign traveler. In South Carolina, Blue Cross | | | | overseas doctors and to make sure both sides have |
| and Blue Shield has started the “Companion Global | | | | the other's contact information. Also arrange |
| Healthcare” department to assist clients seeking | | | | aftercare before you leave. Make sure you have |
| foreign healthcare. They help with travel | | | | everything in place for your care when you get home. |
| arrangements, transportation between airport in | | | | If you require a costly surgery and do not have |
| hospital and coordination of care. | | | | adequate health insurance, traveling to a foreign |
| A worldwide trend | | | | country for your treatment may be an option. |
| People from many parts of the world, not just | | | | Contact a reputable company to assist you and meet |
| America are traveling to other countries to receive | | | | with your own physician to discuss the possibility of a |
| healthcare for various reasons. People from Europe | | | | foreign procedure. Thoroughly investigate the foreign |
| travel due to long waiting lists at home, some come | | | | facility and doctors your self. Make sure that they |
| from the middle east because they believe the medical | | | | are an accredited facility and meet basic guidelines |
| personnel are more highly trained and some people | | | | before you go. |
| travel from Africa because they do not have access | | | | |