Medical Travel...where to get "procedures" abroad?

[Carol C]

I seem to recall a TUG thread awhile back about getting cosmetic surgery or something, and I think it was about Costa Rica, but maybe it was Mexico. I'd like to find that thread but have difficulty with the new TUG forums system. Anyone have experience combining travel, especially timeshare travel, with getting an elective procedure? TIA for any hot tips!

 

[Passepartout]

I know of some people who have had great success- and saved a lot of money- on dentistry in Mexico. The border (and 'tourist') towns are full of dentists. who cater to Americans/Canadians.

If it were me, I'd put ('type of surgery' abroad) in my favorite search engine and follow the leads as to country, location, and then BE SURE to follow up on testimonials, and try to determine the veracity of any recommendations. In the end it's kind of a 'buyer beware' sort of deal. You need to be comfortable with the competence of the doctor/clinic. You might even talk to a doc locally who does whatever procedure you're interested in. S/he may well have recommendations of peers- maybe members of (his specialty) association or training, or perhaps your local doc has handled follow-up on work done abroad.

Much as I love TUG, I don't think access to timeshares is the first criterion to base such a decision on. BTW- my 'quick 'n' dirty' research showed several of these overseas clinics (I searched 'cosmetic surgery') offered package deals with surgery and accommodations.

Jim

 

[PamMo]

You have a good memory, Carol! It's an old thread: http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/anyone-had-out-of-the-us-plastic-surgery.74206/

Medical tourism has grown a lot since then. Some U.S. insurers will even pay to have work done overseas. Here's a recent NY Times article about getting dental work done abroad - https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/08/travel/five-ways-to-be-a-medical-dental-tourist-vacation.html She notes that Dental Departures (https://www.dentaldepartures.com/article/top-10-dental-tourism-destinations/) is a company that matches customers with overseas clinics. I bet there is a similar service for medical procedures.

 

[isisdave]

Lots of folks in the southwest US have dental work done by dentists in Los Algodones, just across from Yuma. It's practically a city of dentists and pharmacies. Lots of dentists in Tijuana, too.

Thailand and Malaysia are big centers for 'medical tourism' another term you should Google.

Also 'medical tourism facilitator" ... there are businesses that help match up patients with providers. Be careful on this one, and be sure to get references.