If you are from Canada or the United States, chances are you are very familiar with the massive issues with healthcare both countries are experiencing. From the ludicrous wait times to the massive costs, it is clear things are not working well.
Most of us have grown up with the belief that these countries are the best of the best for things like healthcare and quality of life. But a little research shows that is simply not the case. In fact, our life expectancy is actually falling now.
But you don’t have to resign yourself to these failing systems. There are tons of other healthcare options across the world for you to consider and they are certainly worth a look. After all, your life may depend on it.
The Problem with Healthcare in Canada
The main problems with healthcare in Canada are the long wait times and general availability of care. Whether you are visiting an ER or need a referral to a specialist, you will be experiencing this issue.
Things are looking pretty bad, as showcased in this article about 1.3 million Canadians abandoning ER waiting rooms over the past year, and this article about how 11,000 people in the province of Ontario ALONE died on surgical waiting lists. Closed ERs and years-long waiting lists are the norm here.
Canadians pay high taxes, and a massive portion of that – $331 Billion in 2022 alone – is funneled into our top-heavy, bureaucratic nightmare of a healthcare system. Throwing more money at the problem has not improved patient outcomes.
Now we have MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) to clean up the mess. Feeling depressed? Can’t get that hip replacement you need and are in constant pain? Canada’s answer is a medically assisted death. Medically assisted deaths jumped over 30% in the last year, and now account for 4.1% of all deaths in Canada. I think there’s a good chance it’s more than that, but that’s the official government line. Ain’t “free” healthcare grand?
There was even just a story in the news about a woman who required cancer treatment, but was offered MAID instead. Luckily, she ended up going to the US and, even though it cost her $200,000, she got the life-saving surgery she needed.
The Problem with Healthcare in the U.S.
But that leads us into the U.S. healthcare system, which has its own issues. Namely, the cost for both health insurance and the treatment itself.
According to USA Today, the average amount an individual will pay for health insurance is $5,724 per year. If they get health insurance through their employer, they will pay $1,401 per year on average. But factor in deductibles, copays and coinsurance and, even with health insurance coverage, you could still end up paying a lot for your healthcare.
And the costs without insurance are really eye-watering. Cancer treatments will cost you anywhere from $30,000 to $700,000, depending on the type. A cesarian section could cost you at least $10,000. Need your gall bladder removed? You could be looking at a bill of over $50,000. (Source: https://www.internationalinsurance.com/resources/healthcare-costs-in-the-usa.php)
Here’s a recent story that’s been going around about a man who had to pay nearly $2,000 for five stitches, not including removal. And that was after his insurance; before his insurance it was $3,800!
These costs leave people with the difficult decision of choosing between their health and their finances. With the cost of living getting ever higher and inflation running wild, that is becoming a more and more difficult decision.
The Alternative? Medical Tourism
When your choices are to wait for years on a waiting list or go $1,000,000 into debt, you know we’ve really messed up somewhere. But that’s where medical tourism can enter the picture and provide an attractive alternative where you can get the care you need quickly at a much lower price.
Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama are some of the top destinations people are choosing when seeking out medical care abroad, but different countries are definitely known for their specialities in different areas.
For example, as per CNN, ““With Mexico and Costa Rica, it’s overwhelmingly dental and cosmetic surgery. However, certain countries are known for specialties. For example, in Singapore, stem cell and oncology is huge. In India, South India and Chennai Apollo hospitals does incredible work with hip and knee surgeries,” said Josef Woodman, founder of Patients Beyond Borders, an international health care consulting company.”
Mexico is the second most popular destination for medical tourism, with an estimated 1.4 million to 3 million foreigners coming to the country for medical treatments in just 2020. And that works great for Canadians and Americans, since Mexico is just a quick flight away.
Our partners at Healthcare Adventures specialize in helping people travel to Mexico and Central America to obtain medical treatment, with the added bonus of getting a nice vacation in at the same time. Here’s an example of the savings you could enjoy for some standard dental procedures:
Procedure: Cost in the US: Cost in Cancun:
Crowns $1,200 $370
Dentures $1,800 $385
Dental Implants $3,900 $1,350
Contrary to popular belief, there are amazing hospitals and healthcare facilities located in countries the world over, so there are always other options available to you if the choices in your home country aren’t sufficient. Patients Beyond Borders has a great list of them here.
Reclaim Your Health Freedom
Medical tourism is a booming industry for a reason: people are dissatisfied with the medical care they have access to at home. Whether they are dissatisfied due to the quality of care available, the cost, or the wait times for treatment, they can most likely remedy any of these issues by looking at treatment options abroad. And, as a nice bonus, you get to enjoy a fabulous destination while you are at it.
So, reclaim your medical freedom by taking advantage of the medical tourism options available to you. It will take some work and stepping outside of your comfort zone to pursue treatment abroad, but if you are able to improve your quality of life, it will definitely be worth it in the end.
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