Medical tourism: Americans traveling for cheaper health care

The rising cost of health care is causing some Americans to find cheaper options abroad. CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg reports on one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry - medical tourism.

[yafahealthcare]

This is correct. India is also one of the most popular destination for medical treatment.

[Brizzyfo]

This is nice.
The problem is the fear USA citizens are taught when it comes to going out of country for medical things.
These fears exist for a reason but as long as the hospitals that allow this are keeping themselves up to code and date with the rest of the world, I’m glad people are finding ways to get the medical help they need.

[Michelle_Schu-blacka]

I like how they didn't mention the NHS.

The government actually had to clamp down on health tourists who were coming here 'on holiday' and then getting 'unexpectedly sick' or 'suddenly realising' they were nine months pregnant.

[anupamsingh]

Prominent Private hospitals in india ate considered too costly in india...but still they cost way lesser than similar procedures in USA

[JohnnyM]

I laugh when I hear those who get rich of the US's two tier health system say universal healthcare is bad and cite this as one of the reasons its bad,  American's get to choose their doctor. As if your bother what doctor fixes a broken leg or gives you a anti biotic prescription. All you are worried about is are they competent and regulated to do this work, if your in a car crash you just want treatment your not lying there asking for the first doctor to turn up what his CV is lol. American's have been conned for years, universal healthcare is just a better version of Medicare, everyone gets treatment, no insurance to fill out so there's none of the bureaucracy for the patient and far less for the medical profession and also because medical equipment and medication is bought in bulk it gives the buyer room to negotiate deals with the different pharmaceutical company's who fight and compete for these big orders hence why its so far, far cheaper everywhere else in the western world to America and remember everyone is treated. The cost is anywhere between half to a third of what an American pays and not one person ever ends up bankrupt like they do in America. The largest amount of home re-possessions and bankruptcies in America are down to medical bills. This is crazy people stop being conned by politicians paid by those ripping you off and those gullible enough to believe these politicians because they support that party. Lastly universal healthcare is not perfect, you can wait for a few treatments but they are always of the non emergency variety were you are in no real danger.

[delavalmilker]

Why don't our insurance companies here in the U.S. offer this as an option. Especially for elective surgeries?

[SHAHRUKHKHAN-soop]

we are facilitating patient in India. We believe in providing delightful services. we take care out patient as our family.

[mariobartoliarosemena]

El creciente costo de la atención de salud está causando algunos estadounidenses a encontrar opciones más baratas en el extranjero. CBS News editor viajes Peter Greenberg informa sobre uno de los sectores de más rápido crecimiento en la industria de viajes - turismo médico en panama

[lukekjson]

Yes this is the main reasons why PlacidWay been created to help people cut the cost of their surgeries and other medical needs. You can see that they are the recommended medical tourism portal.

[SefirothTourMedica]

Medical tourism is a game changer—great healthcare at a lower cost. Just make sure to research hospitals, doctors, and recovery plans. Saving money is important, but quality care comes first!

[msp]

Come to India . It's free in govt hospital

[crypticzomb]

I am in need of back surgery in the near future where would be the best place to go for that?

[medicaltourismbusiness]

Great story! He vetted the dentist the best he could with the limited resources he had at the time. However, we advise using medical tourism facilitators to minimize the risk. Research and due diligence play a big part in planning a successful health tourism trip.

[SukhjinderSingh-ylsl]

A large number of dental patients from usa come to india wher they get like quality medical treatment at affordable prices

[markbrown]

Most insurance doesn't cover dental implants.

[MySmallWorld.]

Well. The USA is gold-plated copper, mostly gold-plated scrapped iron. But never gold.

[davidhutchinson]

Cuba....which has a top flight system.

[tenzackyogi]

Chose best of the best Doctors around the world. Make sure there's a referral from friends and families members around the world. all the best.

[KayleighDoyle]

Medical tourism is the most obvious symptom of the faults in US healthcare. Over time, the US has placed the onus of healthcare costs on the patient, and it is having negative effects on patient outcomes and deterring people from seeking care that they know they will not be able to afford. Although the US spends more overall, it has worse access to have and poorer health outcomes, which are only worsening over time (Lo, Resolving Ethical Dilemmas). While medical tourism may seem like a convenient solution to the individual, it is unethical to burden other countries with providing relatively inexpensive medical attention to those people the US has denied care. Especially when the US is more than capable of financially supporting this change, and leaders simply choose not to make changes. If the US were to implement measures to reorder their financial priorities and implement a universal healthcare system, surely, we would see better health outcomes and more people willing to follow up with primary care physicians before their health escalates to emergency-room level crises. A change which has ultimately been shown to save money in the long term. Priority in the US seems to be given to the idea of “choice”: having the right to choose your physician or your insurance plan. However, in a market where insurance costs continue to increase across the board, with little discrepancy between reputable companies, this “choice” is simply a façade. Additionally, there is often a tendency to place the blame on physicians for ordering unnecessary tests, but when we consider the stringent insurance policies in place which, for example, preclude doctors from jumping to more specialized tests or performing two procedures at once under anesthesia without reimbursement, this line of thinking becomes unreasonable. If anything, physicians need to be more vocal about supporting measures that create systems to insure the uninsured or underinsured. At the same time, we need to support plans that create more equity in preventative health, not just in insuring patients so that they may be followed by primary care, but also in promoting programs that support or incentivize healthy living, particularly in low-income or underserved areas.

[usamatahir]

In pakistan we pay around 1000 USD For a hair transplant
Likewise dental treatment is dirt cheap too