Overview and frequently asked questions

It can be, but quality varies. Standards of care, including infection control, differ a lot between countries and clinics (CDC). Many hospitals abroad are accredited by international organizations such as Joint Commission International (JCI), DNV and the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). Accreditation is a good sign, but it doesn't guarantee a good result: also check your doctor's training and certification.

Prices depend on local wages, the cost of running a hospital, and legal and insurance costs, which differ from country to country. A lower price doesn't tell you anything about quality on its own, good or bad: check the clinic's accreditation and the doctor's qualifications.

Savings vary by treatment, country and clinic. Compare written quotes, then add travel, accommodation, insurance and follow-up care to see the full cost. Our search lets you compare clinics by treatment and country.

Check the US State Department's travel advisory for the country before you book, and plan how you'll get from the airport to your clinic and hotel. Many first-time travelers find it easier than expected. Use common sense, as you would on any trip.

Most major treatments are available somewhere abroad, including dental care, cosmetic surgery, orthopedics (such as hip and knee replacement), heart surgery, cancer treatment, fertility treatment and weight-loss surgery. Search by treatment to see which clinics offer it.

Compare clinics that offer your treatment: their accreditation, the doctors' qualifications, the languages spoken, the cost, and how far you'd have to travel. Think about recovery too: how long you'll need to stay, and how easy it is to go back if needed.

Yes. Many patients bring a family member or friend for support during consultations, the procedure and recovery. Include their travel and accommodation in your budget, and ask the clinic whether a companion can stay with you.

Clinics that treat international patients often have English-speaking staff, but ask before you book. If you don't speak the local language, decide ahead of time how you'll communicate with your care team, for example with a medical interpreter (CDC). Misunderstandings about your care are a real risk.

It depends on the treatment. Put your treatment and recovery first. The CDC advises avoiding alcohol, strenuous activity, sunbathing, swimming and long tours while you recover. If you want to see the sights, do it before your procedure.

Arrange follow-up care before you travel: make sure a doctor at home can see you, and tell them your plans (CDC). Ask the clinic abroad for copies of all your records before you leave, and don't delay getting care if you think something is wrong.

Usually not for planned treatment. Medicare generally doesn't cover care outside the US, apart from a few narrow exceptions. Ask your insurer what it covers, including complications after you return. The CDC also recommends travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation to the US.

You might not have the same legal options as you would in the US (CDC), and going to court in another country is difficult. Choose your clinic carefully from the start: check accreditation, qualifications and patient reviews. If being able to sue in a US court matters a lot to you, treatment abroad may not be right for you.

Ask the clinic which payment methods and payment plans it offers. Our members' guides compare ways to pay clinics abroad and medical loan services.