Many people in the United States are finding themselves from a job and also without valuable medical health insurance. When costly medical procedures are essential, they cannot afford to have them completed in the US. Therefore, many people are visiting foreign countries to have the procedures done. This is known as "health tourism".

In the past, people usually traveled away from US for non life-threatening procedures for example cosmetic surgery or dental surgery. However, the growing trend is perfect for people to seek foreign strategy to more life-threatening conditions such as heart bypass surgery, heart valve replacements and spinal surgeries. In some instances the cost can be as much as 90% under it would be in the United States. Popular destinations are Thailand, Panama and nicaragua, and India.

As many as 85,000 Americans visit foreign countries for surgical procedures every year. Companies are springing up to satisfy the needs of this new foreign traveler. In Sc, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has begun the "Companion Global Healthcare" department to help clients seeking foreign healthcare. They assist with travel arrangements, transportation between airport in hospital and coordination of care.

An international trend

People from many areas of the world, not just America are visiting other countries to receive healthcare for a number of reasons. People from Europe travel because of long waiting lists in your own home, some come from the middle east simply because they believe the medical staff is more highly trained and some people travel from Africa as they do not have access to these services in their own country.

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While traveling abroad for healthcare procedures could be beneficial, there are a few things to consider first. For instance, traveling a great distance back and forth from the other country can be hazardous, based upon your condition. Anyone considering an overseas medical care should consult with their physician first. Some conditions for example cancer are best treated with a doctor in your own country with that you have an ongoing relationship.

Investigate in advance

Thoroughly investigate the hospital or facility you are thinking about travel to. Check to make sure that they're accredited with the Joint Commission International, to make sure that they meet US standards. Also talk to the physician to find out how many procedures they've done and where they received their training.

Talk with your physician before you go and make sure they'll provide your medical records towards the overseas doctors and to make certain both sides have the other's contact details. Also arrange aftercare before leaving. Make sure you have everything in place for the care when you get home.

Should you require a costly surgery and don't have adequate health insurance, visiting a foreign country for your treatment might be an option. Contact a reputable company to help you and meet with your own physician to go over the possibility of a foreign procedure. Thoroughly investigate foreign facility and doctors oneself. Make sure that they are an accredited facility and meet basic guidelines prior to going.