Seeking Medical Treatments Abroad for Alternative, Effective, and Affordable Options

Whether it’s a break, tear, or life-threatening disease, there’s more than one way to treat these sicknesses or injuries.

In fact, there’s more than one place to treat these diseases and injuries. Yes, the US and the UK (for instance) possesses some of the best doctors in the world. Still, these two mainstream western countries aren’t the only homes to fantastic medical professionals and effective treatments across the globe.

Some diseases and injuries necessitate an alternative path to being adequately remedied. As such, it may require a trip abroad for patients to receive the treatment that’ll neutralize the issue.

However, there’s a matter of research, money, plus other logistical aspects such as travel and insurance that must be considered.

Below, we’ll delve deeper into the process of seeking medical treatment abroad:

How to Receive Medical Treatments Abroad

First and foremost, before getting into the kinds of treatments available around the world, it’s necessary to know how to obtain those treatments.

Here is the due diligence required to avoid any stumbling blocks:

Travel Insurance is a Must

• When booking a trip abroad for medical treatments, purchasing travel insurance and declaring any pre-existing medical conditions is a must
• Travel insurance can potentially cover the cost of medical treatments received abroad
• If circumstances become dire and urgent medical treatment abroad is required, travel insurers of 24/7 emergency assistance

Does the Country in Question Offer the Correct Medication?

• Ensure the country possesses the necessary medication for any pre-existing conditions
• Some legal medicines in a patient’s home country might be illegal in other countries
• Patients must note the actual name of the drug instead of just the brand in case they’ve lost their medication abroad and require a new prescription
  • It’s wise to learn the name of medicines in the requisite local language

Making Insurance Claims for Treatment Abroad

• When receiving medical treatment abroad, patients must contact travel insurers to make claims
• Reading the policy wording in great detail is necessary because insurance details vary by the company
• Patients should store away treatment receipts in a safe place after receiving medical treatment abroad, as well as doctors notes to send to insurers

Cancer Treatments Abroad

Considering the gravity of a cancer diagnosis, and the life-threatening nature of the disease, it’s common for patients to ponder what is genuinely the most optimal treatment.

Furthermore, with 200-plus strains of the condition, it’s become increasingly likely for patients and their families to seek out treatments abroad.

During the research process, most individuals with cancer will put finances aside in the search for the most effective treatments.

Generally, most doctors suggest medical providers in Europe, Germany, Spain, France, and Eastern Europe. These countries specialize in cancer treatments. Conditions such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, bowel cancer, throat cancer, mouth cancer, and lip cancer are commonly treated abroad.

Let’s take a closer look at the countries that are regularly associated with cancer treatments abroad:

Germany

• Germany has been well-known for a long time for its cancer clinics
  • Other countries’ treatments are commonly cited for having stemmed from Germany
• One of Germany’s trademarks as a cancer treatment hub is its cost-efficiency combined with highly effective treatments
• Germany boasts revolutionary procedures, alternative therapies, as well as robust resources and has been highly regarded for this
• Some incredibly adept specialists provide treatments which aren’t permitted in other countries

France

• Compared to the UK, for instance, France possesses superior survival rates for cancer
  • This statistic is due to the country’s new medicine made available to cancer patients
• Generally, France allocates far more funds into healthcare than other western countries, and it doesn’t place limits on comprehensive, costly treatments
• France possesses an influx of radiotherapy machines and linear accelerators while providing prompter access to doctors
• France doesn’t offer a wealth of alternative treatments—but it can claim the highest cancer treatment success rate in Europe

Spain

• There’s an alternative cancer treatment that’s unique to Spain known for healing the cells in the body
  • The country offers a multitude of other cancer treatments as well
• In Spain, healthcare professionals guide patients carefully through their procedure for a wealth of different forms of cancer
• Even when the treatment is finished, doctors in Spain keep supporting their patients

Visiting Mexico for Alternative Treatments

Patients don’t necessarily need to be encountering life-threatening circumstances to travel outside their given home country to seek treatments.

For instance, in the US, something like undergoing stomach surgery for weight-loss can cost upwards of $12,000. Now, if a patient is morbidly obese while suffering from diabetes (and also has insurance), it’ll be covered by their insurance. However, combining those dangerous health factors together is a rarity.

If a patient is concerned about their weight, but their condition isn’t dire, the chances are that they won’t receive coverage. Plus, having health insurance isn’t a luxury that all Americans have.

So, many individuals will visit a country like Mexico, where it’s possible to obtain the very same stomach surgery for $4,000.

Many other people from the US will also visit Mexico to tread cardiovascular symptoms, as well.

Obtaining Dental Treatments Abroad

Dental treatments – even ones as basic as cleanings – in both the US and Canada can be extremely expensive. Especially in the absence of insurance.

Whereas a visit to Panama offers a highly comprehensive cleaning, only costing $50 US. Sure, the forms are in Spanish, but that’s nothing Google Translate app can’t handle. Of course, it’s unlikely to visit Panama for dental cleanings. Still, during a vacation, it’s good to know that it’s possible to leverage these services.

Also, some travelers have experienced further benefits from dental treatments abroad. There have been travelers who received a night guard night splint for TMJ for only $75 during a trip to Medellin, Colombia. That’s decidedly less expensive then a similar service would be in North America.

Conclusion: If You’re Struggling with Recurring Medical Issues, Consider Treatments Abroad

Really, this article is only scratching the surface. It’s meant to illustrate that the options for nagging conditions and injuries aren’t limited to local healthcare. No matter the ailment, the necessary amount of research could turn up a treatment that’d be otherwise unavailable or unaffordable.

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