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"Medical tourism" refers to traveling to obtain less expensive medical care, primarily for people who are uninsured or who have a high deductible. (People with a high deductible save money, and can also use tax-free dollars from a health savings account to pay for care and some of the travel so long as the procedure if one which meets IRS criteria for qualified medical expense.

Historically, medical tourism has been about leaving the United States. These days, it is also possible to travel within the United States lower cost medical care. For example, AARP reported a story of a man who found a hospital in Kansas that did a triple bypass surgery for $13,200 instead of the $80,000 it would have cost in his home area.

When considering traveling for medical care, look for a well-trained, experienced with your situation, doctor or other health care provider, who works in or with a high quality facility which has back-up in case a problem occurs and other medical disciplines need to be involved.

Experts say that medical tourism works best if the need is for a procedure that:

• Involves low risk, and
• Has quick recovery with little follow-up care.

If you are interested in Medical Tourism, consider the following steps:

Step 1. Define your need.

Step 2. Research the alternatives (including other states in the U.S. which may be substantially less expensive than where you live).

Step 3. Check references when you narrow your search.

Step 4. Interview the doctor.

Step 5. Contact your local doctor and/or hospital.

Step 6. Budget your treatment and trip. Compare to costs at home.

Step 7. Get the agreement in writing.

Step 8. Consider travel insurance. (For information, see Travel Insurance Post Diagnosis

Step 9. Before you travel, learn how to travel safely.

Before you come home, get a copy of your complete medical record.

NOTE:

• Keep receipts for ALL expenses. All expenses for the trip, starting from the moment you leave home until you return, may be considered part of medical expense for tax purposes. Of course, if you take a side vacation while you're gone, that part of the trip is not a medical expense. To find out what expenses the IRS permits, see www.irs.gov/publications/p502
• Consider www.PatientsBeyondBorders.com. 
  • The organization publishes a comprehensive guide called Patients Beyond Borders by Josef Woodman. It includes information about the best hospitals and clinics. The company also publishes country-specific and hospital specific guides.
  • PatientsBeyondBorders offers one-on-one advice in free 15 minute consultations. It also provides more in depth individualized information for a fee.

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