A strong topic of debate in the United States is the cost and access of good healthcare. Many changes have occurred in the healthcare system during the current administrations term. Many people I know, are still without healthcare and unable to get access to affordable plans, even with Obama Care.
Insurance rates and plans are covering limited illnesses or procedures, and even dictating what prescriptions are available to patients. A personal friend has been going through a medication approval process for over 60 days for a life-altering prescription, only to be denied to start the process all over again.
With rising costs and restrictions, Medical Tourism is becoming more popular than it ever has been. Skeptics of medicinal practices south of the United States border most likely envision dirt floors and unsanitary conditions. The truth about these facilities: pristine cleanliness, shorter ER waiting lines, American-trained doctors, and a menu of services. I was shocked to walk into a Mérida hospital to find an organized medical facility with a helpful staff, and surgical procedural costs displayed in public.
In 2004, I had a partial-hysterectomy in the State of Utah. Luckily, I had a corporate job and great insurance at the time, so my out-of-pocket expense was only $1,500. Today, for that same procedure, my out-of-pocket expense would be $11,200 before my insurance would even consider paying a dime. My monthly insurance costs are four hundred USD ($400), to even have access to insurance benefits. In Mérida, a hysterectomy procedure would cost approximately fifteen hundred USD ($1500) , a significant savings compared to my current situation.
Not only are medical procedures less costly in Mérida than the United States, clinics and medications are more accessible. In addition, eye exams and eyewear are extremely less expensive. I have noticed my vision getting slightly altered at night time and refuse to go to a US eye doctor and pay costly upcharges. I will wait for my next visit to Merida and Sisal to get a check-up.
The myths about Mexico Medical Tourism being wrong for great treatment, are exactly that – a myth. You will be shocked when you arrive and see the quality of the facilities. Once you explore the option of medical tourism in Mérida, you will question why you have never thought about getting healthcare services south of the border before now.
