Private Surgery in the USA: International Medical Travel Pros and Cons.

If you are facing a long medical wait time for surgery or treatment in Canada and do not wish to wait, you are probably considering your private options. There are some in Canada, and we wrote a blog about the pros and cons of staying in Canada. Today we will look at the pros and cons of traveling internationally, including the USA.

Pros

Access to Specialized Care

Many surgeons in the US are highly specialized. They see a lot more patients for just a few issues that they excel at treating. This allows for an experience and expertise combination that their counterparts in Canada may not be able to offer. We helped a client who had hip surgery before in Canada only to find out she is still in pain. When she scheduled a visit and surgery with a highly specialized orthopedic surgeon we work with in the US, her issue was addressed with the highest level of expertise. In her own words, “I would have been disabled if I stayed in Canada”.

Fast Access

Health Vantis works with medical facilities in the US that can accommodate surgery as fast as 3-4 weeks. A lot depends on how fast our clients are willing to travel. However, the only caveat here would be your medical records such as diagnostics. If you have your MRI/Ultrasound/X-ray we can get you to surgery as fast as you can get to the destination. For comparison, some private facilities in Canada schedule 3 months out. While still faster than the 1-2 year public wait list, to many of our clients it is not satisfactory as they would like to get their treatment or surgery done asap.

Extensive Information About the Medical Facility and Surgeons

Doctors and hospitals are rated and given different achievement awards n the US. As well, many make their infection and re-admission rates public so that you can make an educated decision about where to go. Extensive biographies are available to familiarize yourself with the surgeon. Health Vantis also obtains such data as nurse-to-patient ratio and number of surgeries performed per year.

Cons

Can be More Expensive

Paying in the USD right now means paying up to 30% more in Canadian dollars due to the current exchange rate. This is not insignificant and we recognize this fact. However, we also advise our clients to choose based on expertise and not solely on the price. After the initial consultation with a surgeon, you will be able to get an idea of how they treat their patients. It is an opportunity to connect and judge for yourself if this is the surgeon of your choice.

Need medical Complication Insurance

We have not had any surgical complications cases; however, complications do happen. Since healthcare costs in the US hospitals can be quite high, you may want to consider getting complications insurance. This is an additional expense.

Travel Costs Can Be Higher

Another expense – and as Canadians we have no control over what airlines charge for their airfare. It may not necessarily be much more expensive, depending on where you live. If you are in Toronto or Calgary, the costs increase due to travel can be very minimal or non-existent, however, if you reside in the Maritimes, it can be about CAD$100-200 higher per person.

If you are curious about private surgery and would like to discuss your options at home or in the US we are here to help. Contact Health Vantis toll-free 877 344 3544 or by email info@healthvantis.com