THIS TIME ON CODE WACK!
In honor of more than 200 podcast episodes and the New Year, we’re running one of our oldies but goodies about the medical tourism phenomenon –
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?
Could you save money by going to another country for treatment?
The skyrocketing cost of care and rising insurance premiums are driving some Americans to seek affordable health care abroad.
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
Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs, Kaiser Family Foundation
The 4 kidnapped Americans are part of a large wave of U.S. medical tourism in Mexico, NPR
Medical tourism to Mexico is on the rise, but it can come with risks, CNN
Why Medical Tourism Is Becoming One of the Hottest Trends of 2023, Dr. Adam Tabriz (LinkedIn)
Despite the pandemic and inflation, the medical tourism industry is booming. Here’s why, CNBC
Medical tourism: Traveling outside US for care is common, AP News
Medical Tourism: Travel to Another Country for Medical Care, Centers for Disease Control
Episode Transcript
Read the full episode transcript.
Biography: Michael Djavahery
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…
Get Involved / Take Action
Subscribe to Code WACK! to catch all our weekly podcast episodes.
Subscribe to HEAL California for health policy news with a California focus
Join Healthy California Now – a coalition working toward a California single-payer system. Individual and organizational memberships available.
Join the CalCare Campaign to win single-payer in California, sponsored by National Nurses United/California Nurses Association.
Subscribe
Apple Google Amazon Spotify Subscribe
Podcasts Podcasts Music for emails
Or wherever you find your favorite podcasts!
You can also find us on ProgressiveVoices.com and NurseTalk Media.
This podcast is powered by HEAL California,
uplifting the voices of those fighting for healthcare justice.
____________________________________________________________________________
HEAL California is an independent news and information hub focused on the Medicare for All movement. We highlight the on-going injustices of our broken healthcare system and amplify the voices of those who are most impacted by it, with non-partisan news, views, podcasts and videos,
Our Podcasts shine a light on the failures of America’s healthcare system, while explaining how Medicare for All could help.
Our Media page offers connections to experts and additional resources including links to legislation and studies.
Keep up with the Medicare for All movement!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Subscribe for email updates, action alerts and more!