IN THIS EPISODE
Need surgery but your $7,000 deductible is in the way? How about major dental care that your insurance doesn’t even begin to adequately cover? The skyrocketing cost of treatment and rising insurance premiums are driving some Americans to seek affordable health care abroad. While the COVID pandemic slowed international travel, in 2019 nearly 2 million Americans sought health care abroad, a number that is projected to grow.
Many medical tourists get high quality, affordable health care abroad. However, some have problems. It’s essential to thoroughly research the risks and benefits before pursuing medical care in another country.
That being said, how much could you save? And what’s the experience like? To find out, we spoke to Michael Djavahery, a Los Angeles-based life coach, trainer, speaker, author, and master hypnotist. In this episode Michael shares his experiences, including how much money he saved, traveling to the Philippines and Malaysia, to be treated by highly-qualified, internationally accredited doctors and dentists. If the U.S. had Improved Medicare for All, would that have influenced Michael’s decisions?
SHOW NOTES
WE DISCUSS
When did you first seek medical care abroad and where did you go?
“…it was in 2018. It was in (the) Philippines on a small island, for dental work. And I was really pleasantly surprised. Very nice modern office, all computerized, everything, and I remember here at that time – 2018 – it would’ve cost me close to $2,000, something like that to do some basic work at that. And over there, I think it was done for about $300. That was the first time. So really good job. – Michael Djavahery
Why would a person choose to go abroad for care?
“The medical system here is broken, the healthcare system is broken here and they charge and overcharge so much. I mean, why would you charge $1,200 for a crown? It doesn’t make sense when you go to a different country and you do a couple of crowns for under $300…” – Michael Djavahery
So you’re saying that even with all the hotel and travel, it was still cheaper. . .
“Yes. You go sightseeing. You spend a month abroad. You’re having fun and you do the procedure … I was thinking at the time I was gonna do it and spend a month – just in case there’s complications – so I can come back to see the same doctor … “ – Michael Djavahery
Helpful Links
Medical Tourism: Travel to Another Country for Medical Care, Centers for Disease Control
Medical Tourism Statistics and Facts, Healthtourism.com
U.S. Medical Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Inbound, Outbound), Competitive Landscape, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 – 2026, Grandview Research
To Save Money, American Patients And Surgeons Meet In Cancun, Kaiser Health News
Americans Are Flocking To Other Countries For Medical Procedures, Forbes
U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective, 2019: Higher Spending, Worse Outcomes?, Commonwealth Fund
Episode Transcript
Read the full episode transcript.
Michael Djavahery Biography
Michael Djavahery is a life coach, trainer, speaker, and a master hypnotist.
He is an in-demand instructor and presenter of workshops and seminars, as well as an author of both self-help and children’s books.
Michael loves traveling. He believes that traveling improves your mental and physical health and helps you in becoming more tolerant in life. You appreciate your life more, and little things don’t bother you as much as they used to. Your dreams become more joyful. You look forward to your next trip and all the places you will be visiting.
In essence, you begin to look at life differently…
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