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contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

One of Budget Travel's latest magazine articles:

http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/6-things-you-need-to-know-about-getting-medical-care-abroad,8135/?page=1

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Why post something like this? It just doesn't seem to apply to people who move abroad to live (and get their medical insurance there).

Prof.Gringo

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

uh huh · Joined: 14 Oct 2011 Posts: 110 Location: United States

Contented,

I think this is super information, and I for one am glad you posted it. In my experience, far too many people in the US assume that care abroad is substandard. I have an excellent health insurance plan in the US (which luckily provides coverage wherever I am), and I try to get all medical and dental care in other countries.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:38 pm Post subject:

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

Nice article, thanks. My co-worker went with his wife to Israel, to get medical treatment, as it is so reasonably-priced, and of a high standard. Even factoring in flights and hotel costs, it can be so much cheaper than having these things done at home.

Christian St.Bacon · Joined: 26 Oct 2011 Posts: 54

nbhddc sd

tttompatz · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 1:33 pm Post subject:

Actually, I agree with him.

Medical tourism may make sense for Americans who are still in the States or Brits looking for cosmetic surgery in Spain or Thailand (those things not covered by the NHS) but how many expats are interested in traveling (further) abroad for a nose job or boob lift? I would assume not too many since we already live in those places.

As nice as medical tourism is for those who live in countries where healthcare is usually too expensive and the access to credit or savings is large enough for your average Joe to make some use of it, it is not likely going to be on the list of your average EFL teacher any time soon.

.

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

Thanks to everyone for their comments, yes, including yours Glenski and tttompatz.

Someone may see the value in something while others may not. But, I'd just like to relate a true story.

Tefler Dan is working abroad and has met the girl of his dreams. He's getting married, but the wedding is going to be in his host country. Tefler Dan's father is a dialysis patient and medicaid won't pay for it outside of the US or US territories. Tefler Dan can't imagine his father not being there for one of the most important events in his life. Tefler Cheryl tells Tefler Dan about a holiday/dialysis company and so he contacts them. He finds out that he doesn't have to pay any fee for the agency to arrange dialysis for his father. His father pays an inexpensive fee for each session of dialysis (good quality care) and he's able to attend his son's wedding.

A happy ending. Very Happy

SahanRiddhi · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 267

EFLeducator · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 4:34 pm Post subject:

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 4:41 pm Post subject:

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

When estimating the cost overseas for any kind of surgery, don't forget you cannot travel by air for 6 weeks after an operation. That means a hefty hotel bill.