Who are our patients?

There are over 50 million Americans who do not have health insurance, and over 142 million without dental coverage.  These people and millions more have good jobs, good credit and a nice house, but are medically uninsured or underinsured.  For those who are self-insured, traveling abroad for health care procedures becomes an affordable and attractive alternative that reduces out-of pocket expenses.  Many people find that high deductibles, co-payments, wait-lists and out-right denials make leaving the country for treatment a far more sensible solution. 

These days, a serious illness or operation in America might involve a second mortgage loan or bankruptcy.  The entire family is affected by the devastating consequences of astronomical medical bills.  Is it the children’s college fund, or your retirement portfolio, or the family home that will pay for the medical expenses?  The same surgery in Guatemala could be paid with a credit card.

Maybe the good news is that you have health insurance and the provider covers 80% of your medical expenses.  But, if the heart surgery costs $125,000, the patient is still responsible for paying $25,000.  If you are one of the tens of millions of Americans who have lost your good credit due to foreclosure or job loss, the surgery will likely be denied if your credit score falls below 700.  In Guatemala, it’s possible to cover all medical and hospital fees plus medications and recovery for the same surgery for around $18,000.  Even for covered procedures, Americans are thinking twice about why they should pay up to 10 times more for quality health care than the rest of the world does.

As “Baby Boomers” become seniors, health care can consume 30% of their income.  Millions of patients without adequate coverage or financial assistance might look forward to a lifetime of diminished quality of health without the opportunity to explore more economical ways to be happy, healthy and “good as new”.

This generation is also expected to live longer and be more active than generations before them.  Longevity increases the necessity to treat chronic problems and injuries.  We see a pervasive increase in the percentage of the population suffering from diabetes, coronary heart disease, asthma, and the deterioration that comes with the aging process.

Please consult with your doctor, then with another one, and maybe even a third.  Research your symptoms, options and alternatives with the huge amount of on-line resources, and then call Guatemala Medical Travel.  Our best patients are aware and informed and ready to take advantage of the health care choices offered in Guatemala.