Explore treatments available abroad, the procedures they include, and the facilities and countries that offer them.
Joint replacement, spine and sports injuries
Orthopedics treats bones, joints and muscles, including hip and knee replacement, spine surgery, shoulder and sports injuries. Joint replacement is one of the most common reasons patients travel for treatment.
Heart surgery, valve repair and cardiac care
Cardiology includes diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, from check-ups and stress tests to angioplasty, bypass surgery and valve repair or replacement. Large hospitals in India, Thailand, Turkey and elsewhere have dedicated heart centers that treat international patients.
Diagnosis, surgery, radiation and medical oncology
Cancer care abroad ranges from second opinions and diagnostic imaging to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and advanced options such as proton therapy. Patients often travel to reach a specific specialist center or a treatment not available near home.
Implants, crowns, veneers and complete smile makeovers
Dental care is one of the most popular reasons to travel for treatment, because many procedures are elective, planned in advance and not covered by insurance. Clinics abroad offer everything from cleanings and fillings to implants, crowns, bridges, veneers and full-mouth reconstruction, often completed over one or two visits.
Body contouring, facial procedures and non-surgical treatments
Cosmetic surgery includes procedures such as breast surgery, liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts, eyelid and nose surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments like fillers and skin resurfacing. Destinations such as Brazil, Thailand, Mexico and Turkey have large, experienced communities of plastic surgeons.
LASIK, cataract and glaucoma surgery
Eye care covers vision-correction procedures such as LASIK and PRK, cataract and glaucoma surgery, and treatment of more complex eye conditions. Many procedures are performed as day cases with short recovery times, which makes them well suited to travel.
Gastric sleeve, bypass and banding
Weight loss (bariatric) surgery includes gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and gastric banding. Programs usually include pre-operative assessment, surgery, a short hospital stay and nutrition guidance for life after surgery.
IVF, egg donation and fertility treatment
Fertility treatment includes IVF, egg and embryo donation, embryo freezing and related procedures. Laws on fertility treatment differ between countries, so patients should check which options are legally available in each destination.
Residential recovery programs for alcohol, drugs and more
Addiction treatment centers abroad offer residential programs for alcohol, drug, gambling and other addictions. Treatment away from home can remove patients from their usual environment, and many centers combine therapy with wellness activities.
Kidney, liver and other transplant programs
Transplant programs include kidney, liver, heart, lung and bone marrow transplants. International transplant care is tightly regulated: reputable hospitals follow strict legal and ethical rules on organ donation, usually requiring a related living donor, and patients should verify a program's credentials carefully.
Diabetes, thyroid and hormone conditions
Endocrinology treats conditions of the hormone system, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal and pituitary conditions, and metabolic diseases. Care typically combines specialist diagnosis with long-term treatment plans.
Digestive system diagnosis and treatment
Gastroenterology covers the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and bile ducts. Care includes endoscopy and colonoscopy, diagnosis of digestive diseases and treatment of chronic conditions.
Head and neck, burn and reconstructive surgery
Reconstructive surgery restores form and function after injury, illness or surgery, including head and neck reconstruction and burn surgery.
Gallbladder, hernia and other common operations
General surgery covers common operations such as gallbladder removal, hernia repair and other abdominal procedures, many of which can be done with minimally invasive techniques.
Brain, spine and nervous system care
Neurology and neurosurgery treat conditions of the brain, spinal cord and nerves, such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and brain or spinal tumors. Patients often travel for specialist assessment or surgery at a dedicated neuroscience center.
Physical, occupational and speech therapy
Rehabilitation helps patients recover function after surgery, injury or illness, through physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and inpatient or outpatient programs.
Health check-ups, imaging and lab tests
Health screenings and diagnostic tests include full-body check-ups, MRI and ultrasound imaging, and blood tests. Many hospitals offer packages that complete all tests in one or two days.
Many treatments cost far less abroad than in the United States, even after travel costs.
Leading hospitals abroad employ internationally trained specialists and modern technology.
Recover somewhere restful, often combined with a trip you'll enjoy.
