FAQ & Links


Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How can the prices for quality medical care vary so greatly between different countries? 

Answer:  Compare the Guatemalan and American doctors.  Both studied at prestigious universities and earned advanced degrees.  They perform the same procedure with the same care and skill, and work in modern world-class facilities.  The American doctor, however, has to pay huge insurance premiums, staggering licensing and permitting fees, inflated rent and union – approved labor rates.  If these added expenses are ten times more than what the Guatemalan doctor pays, then he will have to increase his fees to the patient at the same rate. 

2.  Is it safe to travel to Guatemala?

Answer: Travelers to Guatemala should take the same precautions they would when visiting any large city.  A good Guatemala travel guide will give the traveler valuable insights regarding local customs and tourist information.  If patients follow our recommendations throughout the journey, they will likely be as safe as they are in their home town.  

3.  If the surgery is unsuccessful, can I sue for malpractice?

Answer: No. The concept of malpractice lawsuits is unique only to America, and is not acceptable business practice in other countries.  Even with the most common surgical procedures, there are certain risks that your doctor will discuss with you.  Unlike the US, your doctor guarantees satisfaction and will do everything, within reason, to correct any unforeseen complications.  This follow-up may include accepting all related costs including hospital fees, recovery and transportation.

4. If these doctors speak English and were educated at American universities, why didn't they stay here?

Answer:  That’s a very personal decision, but US Homeland Security requirements make it exceedingly difficult for foreigners to live and work legally in America.  And, in the Latin culture family ties are very important, so the doctors may prefer to remain closer to their extended family environment.  Guatemalan doctors work very hard to earn their credentials out of a deep devotion to keeping people healthy by utilizing the latest technological advances.  Perhaps many of them would rather continue their practice in a country where it is most appreciated, without the burden of government and legal interference, than to join America's failing bureaucratic medical system.

5.  Exactly how much help can I expect from Guatemala Medical Travel and how much will it cost?

Answer: If you are familiar with Guatemala, speak Spanish and have a place to stay, we can set up appointments for you for initial consultations with up to three doctors for about $40.  We listen carefully to your needs and match you with the doctors most appropriate to your treatment, budget and timeframe.   Personal services involving transportation, secretarial, financial and concierge attention are billed in itemized detail as needed, and may run from $200 to over $500 per week. 

6.  Lori, have you had personal experience before using doctors in other countries?

Answer:  Thankfully, I’ve always been very healthy and not needed to visit many doctors.  After a knee injury in Turkey in 1998, a local orthopedist made a “house call” to my room at the Istanbul Intercontinental, and provided excellent treatment and painkillers for about $50.  On two separate visits to Thailand, in 2000 and 2003, I had dental check-ups with x-rays and cleaning for about $17. 

I wanted to get all my inoculations and malaria pills before my first trip to India, but I found only a few clinics in Washington and New York that offered the full series, and for $500.  I waited to get to London, England and bought all the shots and pills for $5 at the local national health clinic.

Twenty years ago, my father was travelling to Mexico regularly for his annual chelation treatments.  Chelation therapy has been used in Germany since the 1930’s as a highly effective and low-cost blood filtering system.  It is still not approved in the US because the patent on EDTA expired years ago, so the pharmaceutical companies can’t make a profit on it.

Links

Our Providers

Clinicas Ovalle General dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, implants
Centro Visual G y G Ophthalmological Specialists
Clinicas de la Cruz General and cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics
CEDAF Audiology Audiology, hearing loss, balance, cochlear implants
Hospital Herrera-Llerandi Dr. Guillermo Claverie, orthopedist of Herrera-Llerandi
Hospital Centro Medico All major specialties represented. 
Medi Center Cancer Treatments, Anti-Aging and Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine.
Nova Aesthetics Dr. Stefan Preuss Sterkel, Plastic Surgery and Hair Transplant Center
Cabeza y Cuello Dr Michel Nuyens, Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist
Cirugía Global Christian Galvez, Cardiac Surgeon
Maxillofacial Centre Dr Luis Ramirez, Maxillofacial Surgeon, Antigua
Unidental Global Dental Specialists

Medical Procedures

MedLinePlus.gov Health information from the US National Library of Medicine

Medical Tourism

Patients Beyond Borders Excellent information on Medical Tourism.
Deliotte Health Solutions Medical Tourism, 2009 Report.
Medical Tourism Magazine Excellent articles about medical tourism. 
Health Tourism Magazine Medical Tourism Association publication.
Int'l Med Travel Journal Why do you need a medical tourism facilitator?

Professional Affiliations

INGUAT Guatemala National Institute of Tourism
AGEXPORT The Association of Guatemala Exporters

Guatemala Travel

Around Antigua Maps, weather, travel tips and news.
Trip Advisor / Antigua Good hotel and restaurant info.
Acadamia Colonial Spanish School Excellent Spanish School located in Antigua.
Pacific Fins Sport fishing in the Pacific.
DennysBeach.com Hotel & Resort in Lago Izabal
Adventuras Vacacionales Sailing and Diving in Guatemala and Belize