Why would a person living in the United States of America consider traveling abroad for medical treatment? For a very long time, the only people who traveled abroad were those in affluent circles. The trend has changed over the past 10-20 years, and the millions of uninsured Americans are being targeted as potential medical tourists.

It is only logical to say that at some point in the not too distant future, either you or someone you know will find himself in need of a medical procedure. Just the word "procedure" used by a doctor, results in a bill! Immediately, the mind computes that the cost will be tens of thousands of dollars.

In one instance, a man needed surgery on a herniated disk in his neck. He was in the U.S. hospital for less than 24 hours and received a bill for nearly $200,000! The same surgery could have been done overseas for under $20,000, airfare and accommodations included.

Case after case is being compiled of those who have no medical insurance and are in need of surgery ranging from laser treatment to dental work to hip replacements. Estimates range from several thousand to nearly 100,000! With no means to pay such a bill, patients are enduring the results of not having surgery.

There is hope for those who are in need! There are low cost alternatives, available in a plethora of countries across the world, many of which are in Asia. Countries like Mexico, India, Thailand, Costa Rica, Poland and others are offering world class services at third world prices!

Although major media broadcasters such as CBS have aired segments on medical tourism, there remains a vast amount of skeptics amongst the general population of Westerns. Some common concerns are surrounding the conditions of the facility, the training that doctors have, and the safety within the country itself.

Rest assured that the medical facilities are state of the art, with cutting edge technology and equipment. Some of the poorest countries in the world have come to realize that there is a niche market for medical tourism and are making it their goal to provide the services. By investing the money to build the resort type facilities, send doctors for international training, and massive marketing campaigns; many of these countries have a vision for building their way out of poverty.

Just as is true in developed countries, some doctors and facilities are better than others. Information is available as to which countries offer the best medical services, which facilities are accredited by the International Organization for Standardization and/or the Joint Commission International.

We are living in the 21st Century, in a global medical community that has no borders. International travel is readily available, with the skies filled with jet planes going to and fro. It is possible to travel anywhere in the world, with relative speed and comfort. Many medical facilities are offering to make travel arrangements for their patients, and have negotiated discount travel tickets with major airlines. The internet and electronic medical systems make it possible for medical documents to be sent anywhere in the world within minutes, and for teams of doctors in various countries to consult with each other if there are questions regarding the documents.

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