Medical Tourism/ Medical Expenses Overseas
Do you need any medical procedure done?
During the past three days, two different people contacted me about medical costs outside the US. I’ve addressed this before on some of my blogs, but since we have new info to add, plus many new followers, I created this update.
One friend from the US asked me about getting some elective or cosmetic surgery overseas since most insurance companies in the US will not cover it. I personally have not had deep experience, but several friends we’ve met have.
Jennifer had what would be called a “tummy tuck” in Istanbul, Turkei last year. There are variations of this surgery which involves removing excess skin from various parts of our bodies, including breasts and stomachs. These are usually viewed as voluntary, as is Gastric Band Surgery (Lap-Band), which means wrapping an adjustable band around the stomach, usually for weight loss. In severe cases I have heard that insurance will cover it, but that usually involves proving that health and life may be at risk. Meanwhile, the cost of doing this in many countries is a fraction of what it would cost in the US. Typically, most people can cover their travel and lodging expenses for several days—or longer—and spend less than just the cost of surgery in America.
Another friend, currently in Malaysia, asked where we got our full body scans a few months ago, since I raved about it. Check this out.
We got a complete body scan in Kuala Lumpur, from head to toe, starting at the ankles, and covering all areas where blood clots might occur. That included areas I never thought of, including the ankles. Scans covered the femur, all organs, and all the way up to the carotid artery in the neck, the location for 10-15% of strokes. We also had complete blood test analysis, about five vials worth!, along with checking cancer markers for possible early signs of trouble. We also did a heart stress test on a bicycle, following a video screen for about 20 minutes of a biker doing a pretty intense road course, and pushing the heart rate up and down. I have seen many of these tests done on treadmills, but the stationary bike worked just fine.
Our tests were returned via email in two days and we had a 45 minute follow up visit with a doctor a few days later. She took her time, went over everything in detail, and highlighted areas to be “watchful” of, and to do ongoing follow up screenings. There was no upsell, no hype or scare tactics, and Kat and I both felt comfortable with the tests from beginning to end. The cost: just under $500 USD.
During our 5.5 years on the road we have had to use emergency services twice, once in Lisbon, Portugal, and once in Chaing Mai, Thailand.
Visit number one was a case of vertigo that hit Kat, and including a paramedic ride, several hours in the emergency room, IV drips, consultation with a doctor, and a few meds to take away, the price shocked us both: about $105 USD.
A few years later Kat got a very early bout of COVID in mid-January, 2020. No one really knew what it was, but she had all the symptoms and I had to call a Thai ambulance which took us to the hospital, which was minutes away. A few more hours in the ER, a battery of tests, and half a dozen pills cost us about $250 and they did NOT diagnose COVID, but explained it away as a “simple cold.” Later we found out that hospitals were not acknowledging the virus for quite some time.
I did a dental bridge in Mexico and scores of dental exams in different countries, and they usually cost $20-30 including cleaning. Kat had dental implants in Croatia and we have gotten any and all prescription meds we’ve needed in a dozen countries, usually without a prescription, and a fraction of the price.
After almost six years on the road and hundreds of blog postings, we get asked medical questions a lot, including, “What about insurance?”
Kat will be needing cataract surgery in the future and unless things change, that will probably be done in Malaysia. For less than $1000 per eye. Truth is, we mostly self-insure and feel pretty comfortable taking whatever risk we take. Not everyone will, and not everyone should! Life on the road is not without risks, and fortunately we are pretty healthy at ages 70, and the scans gave us a great degree of comfort. We eat well, rest well, and have really low stress, so those should all factor into more of the same. And I wish the same for you.
Questions? Just ask!
Meanwhile, don’t forget, Amazon Prime Day is almost over, so if you see anything you like, including the travel products we just recommended, let me know that, too.