| An estimated 58 million US residents are without | | | | Also ask for transparency and full disclosure - is |
| healthcare insurance. Of those who do have | | | | he receiving income from or does he have any |
| coverage, many are choosing medical tourism - | | | | personal interest in the options he's providing you? |
| combining travel with a medical purpose - to | | | | The existence of income from any other sources |
| reduce out of pocket expenses. With rising | | | | is not necessarily a red flag - but you should be |
| healthcare costs in the western world and quality | | | | made aware of it. Being professionals, they're not |
| facilities and staff in other countries, it's not | | | | likely to balk or take offense. As a consumer, you |
| surprising that the trend is increasing among both | | | | have a right to know. |
| insured and uninsured Americans. A great many | | | | Who are the local doctors who will review your |
| state of the art facilities overseas, with staff | | | | case and what are their qualifications? Can you |
| trained to current western standards are ready | | | | use your own doctor? In addition, ask if there |
| to serve at a fraction of the cost for similar | | | | have been any problems. Is he insured? Does he |
| procedures in the US. | | | | have any testimonials or former clients who have |
| A New Industry - A New Profession | | | | agreed to be available so you can contact them |
| A new field of professionals is emerging. Medical | | | | directly? Check with the Better Business Bureau |
| Tourism Facilitators can help arrange travel, | | | | and your Secretary of State to see if there have |
| accommodations, transportation and medical | | | | been any unresolved issues. Problems can arise |
| procedures. They also provide information so the | | | | anywhere in the world - even here in the US we |
| patient can choose destinations, facilities and | | | | are not immune to medical accidents or claims of |
| sometimes specific health care professionals. | | | | malpractice, so ask your facilitator what your |
| Facilitators can also provide options for travel and | | | | recourses may be if you experience a problem. |
| medical complications insurance to alleviate financial | | | | Ask about alternatives and make your own |
| concerns that may accompany a decision to | | | | choices. Your selections should be based on your |
| accept the option of medical tourism. It's | | | | own needs and what's important to you. And |
| important to note that if they are not licensed | | | | your facilitator can be instrumental in providing |
| insurance agents they may refer you to a | | | | further, critical information. By being an informed |
| licensed insurance agent for questions. This should | | | | consumer, you will possess the knowledge to |
| not cast them in a negative light - they are acting | | | | make wiser choices and therefore stack the odds |
| correctly by doing so. | | | | in your favor to achieve good results. Bon |
| When selecting a facilitator, it's important to know | | | | voyage! |
| his qualifications, experience and fees up front. | | | | |