REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

Lori was essential both when I had my gallbladder emergency surgery and when I had the hernia repair afterward; I couldn’t have negotiated a hospital stay without her. She is not only a great friend but a member of my ‘team’ of people who keep me safe and well here. We are all very lucky to have her in our lives!

After a busy, exhausting day there’s nothing like wrapping up in a warm blanket, putting in some ear plugs, and dozing to the sound of BUZZZZ BUZZZZZ CLICK CLICK CLICK CRAAAAAANK CRAAAAAAAANK for a relaxing half hour. Check-up MRI done!

Nothing’s wrong, I don’t have any symptoms, but I need check-ups every few years to make sure the brain tumor is not growing back. MRI results will be in tomorrow. And a million thanks to Lori Shea for arranging everything for me. If you ever need any medical procedures done in Guatemala, she’s the expert to contact!!

Due to osteoarthritis, I needed a hip replacement, so I spoke to a few orthopedic surgeons and the general consensus was that even though I could get this surgery [near my home] in Belize, it would be better and more cost effective to get it done elsewhere, so I started researching options for having the surgery in Guatemala. I quickly realized that setting everything up (surgery, recovery, etc) from Belize would be complicated, especially with my limited Spanish ability.

I remember hearing about a company called Guatemala Medical Travel (GMT). I contacted them and after asking a lot of questions, I decided to work with them. GMT took care of everything from the scheduling to the billing and made the entire process simple. The day before the surgery I had pre-op testing and GMT walked me through everything and acted as translator. I was then admitted for surgery for the following morning.

Everything about the hospital was amazing. It was modern, clean, and the entire staff was professional and very friendly. I spent a total of two nights in the hospital, then I went to a patient guest house that GMT runs in Antigua for my recovery. I spent three weeks there. It included wound care by a visiting nurse and physical therapy sessions.

Everything in this entire process went amazingly smoothly. I can wholeheartedly recommend Guatemala Medical Travel and the fantastic doctors in Guatemala City.

I am writing to relate my “much more than satisfactory” experience with Ms. Lori Shea and her company, Guatemala Medical Travel. In September of 2020 I became aware that the mesh that I had installed in the U.S. to correct a ventral hernia had failed. Although I have insurance that would have paid 100% of the cost of another surgery in the U.S. and only 80% in Guatemala, I was both unable to travel to the U.S. because the Guatemala airport was closed and unwilling to travel because of the pandemic. I was at a loss as to how to proceed, when two good friends here in Guatemala recommended Lori’s services.

I contacted Lori and was so impressed with her attitude that I immediately contracted with her to handle my surgery. I expected her service to be good, but it far exceeded my expectations. She made an appointment for me with a wonderful surgeon, arranged my admission to the best hospital in Guatemala City, assisted me in checking in (my Spanish is very weak!) and, in short, was with me all the way.

She also prepared all the necessary forms for my application for reimbursement from my insurance company (Humana) in such a thorough and professional way that within a month I received everything that was coming to me. I have no doubt that she saved me much more money than her relatively modest fee, and infinitely more than that in terms of trouble and worry.

I highly recommend Lori’s service to anyone who for any reason is contemplating surgery. The costs of surgery here are much less than those in the U.S., Lori deals with only the most highly skilled medical personnel, and the hospital facilities that she contracts for are the equal of any I have experienced in the U.S. Lori is First Class!

Lori:  Many, many thanks for the help you provided my mother-in-law with her illness the past couple of months. Being in the United States and unable to travel to Guatemala, knowing she had your help allowed me to sleep at night. Keep up the good work and continue to help those in need. This such a great service

Lori Shea works hard to make sure your stay and medical experiences are a breeze. I came to Guatemala through references of several long-term friends of mine. They all had very good experiences with Guatemala Medical Travel.

I came for a couple minor procedures and ended up getting multiple issues attended to during my stay. I never would have been able to do that in the United States, and certainly couldn’t afford it. I saw four specialists in a week! I didn’t even realize how much I needed them. I had a dental issue for two years I didn’t realize how serious it was. Lori got me an appointment immediately. Top of the line diagnostic equipment and great bed-side manners with all the doctors I saw. They took the time to explain all procedures and were very supportive. I plan to go back for checkups and to tour around beautiful Antigua.

David and I cannot say enough good things about the medical care in Guatemala. We’ve experienced a few health issues requiring treatment… and called GMT for guidance.

The MD’s here are extremely personable, well-educated and appreciatively, they spend time explaining diagnosis and treatment with the patient. Also, it’s the doctors who perform the testing such as EKG’s, ultrasounds [not nurses or techs]. Except for blood being drawn we’ve dealt entirely with the exceptional physicians. For example, we recently made a visit to the ER. The doctor was in the room with us for 45 minutes total (unlike the usual 2-3 minutes in the U.S.). A complete exam was performed, the cost was very reasonable, and most importantly the patient is cured!

Thanks so much for bringing me to the right doctor. He was thorough, prompt, informative and obviously knew how to fix my heart problems – everything we wanted in a cardiologist. We could never have navigated all the appointments, instructions, procedures and follow up care without your careful attention and daily updates. Dr. C. is now the “go to” doctor for me and my husband, and we are thankful that Guatemala Medical Travel to introduce us to the very best doctors, from open heart surgery to dental work and everything in between.

Hi Lori… Just a short note to thank you for all your help and support to Peter, Helen, and me when he suffered a burst brain aneurysm last October. As I have said to you in person, your intervention was so crucial to Peter getting the best medical help available which was critical to his surviving such a devastating incident. Thankfully, Peter’s surgery was successful, and he continues to do well. We are hoping to have him back in Ireland in early February. We are deeply grateful for all you did for us.

It’s now two months since I’ve returned to Connecticut from Guatemala, and I’m still running into old friends and acquaintances who rave about my new white smile. They tell me I look like myself, only better. And I tell them that my dental experience in Guatemala was a trip of a lifetime and a dream come true.

I had crowns, resin fillings, and laser whitening, all-in-all over $10,000 worth of dental work, at a cost of only $3,000. Even with airfare it was still less than half of what I would have paid in the U.S. What’s more, I had the pleasure of meeting the charming Guatemalan dentist who did the work swiftly and painlessly during short visits over several days. I sat in his chair looking at ancient beams in the ceiling while, through an open window, bougainvillea blossoms swayed from a vine in a courtyard.

The person who made all of this happen, who found my perfect dentist, helped me make treatment decisions, squired me to and from appointments and served as a top-notch travel guide was the unstoppable Lori Shea. She is a gifted medical matchmaker as well as a gracious hostess. It is her energy and smarts that lead me to the beautiful moment when I heard Dr. Sami say: “Your mouth is healthy, your teeth are strong and protected, your smile is all set for life.” It’s by far the best gift I’ve ever given myself.

While trying to research local doctors to treat my infection and injury, I found Guatemala Medical Travel. With years of research behind them, GMT knows all the best doctors in Guatemala. They set up my appointments, drove me into the city, helped in the recovery process, and invited me to stay in their beautiful guest house. I had probably $15,000 worth of laboratory tests done, saw 7 doctors, and began physical therapy, all for about $2,000 in the week I was in Antigua. Every doctor treated me like a human, took interest in my case, and spoke English fluently. The doctors were up to par if not better than ones I have experienced in the US. I got an hour with each for a fraction of the price I would have paid in the States.

Lori and the rest of the staff at GMT made me feel safe, welcome, and healthy again. GMT is an amazing agency here in Antigua- a quaint city that is surrounded by the most beautiful volcanoes!  After doing some research about GMT I found that they mostly do major surgeries and other massively expensive medical procedures that are plaguing the US. What a genius idea!  I had a great experience here at GMT and would highly recommend their services to anyone- traveler or not- who needs to get high quality health care at a low price.

My ophthalmology surgeons in Antigua did the most caring, loving surgery that anyone can imagine. The tone of voice, camaraderie and deep feelings of intuition that were shown to me were beyond my furthest expectations, much less imaginings. The female anesthesiologist and the female technician worked with each other like a beautiful symphony. The room was filled with loving feelings toward each other as well as to me.

The attention to the details that are overlooked in the U.S. made for an exquisite experience of being truly cared about as a person and not as a number. The husband – wife team showed deep respect for each other in their communication which gave me even more confidence in them. Lori Shea’s level of professionalism mixed with her gift of being a care giver from the depths of her being, has made me want to shout about her from the rooftops.  I feel that I now have quite a list of folks that are acquaintances now, in Guatemala, that are destined to be friends for the rest of my life.

I came to Guatemala for dental work after being in significant discomfort for a few months. The dental staff were professional, punctual, courteous and kind and they fixed my problem. I left Antigua pain free, with beautifully smooth crowns and no further discomfort.

It was a wonderful experience, and Lori made the process of getting there seamless, simple, and stress free!! Between the money exchange, cell phones and personalized service, I cannot emphasize how much the experience was top shelf from the beginning to the end. I have and will continue to recommend GMT to friends, family and patients, should they need medical services of the highest caliber for the fraction of the price. Kudos to you Lori, and your vision of affordable, high quality health care for those in need.

For starters, thank you all for your efforts and attention to Sherry’s medical needs. We learned so much and came away with more than we had hoped. Great personal and medical attention and enough information to start our own liver clinic! You really impacted her life in a positive way. She was almost defeated because the “best medical system” in the world turned their backs on her.

As for Megan’s work… Well, we could not be happier having had her as Sherry’s nurse. We’re just ever so happy to have made the trip and had the opportunity to make new friends – and get some awesome medical care. … THANK YOU!

Your sincere and compassionate help was more than we could have asked for and it meant the world to Sherry. She is such a caring and compassionate soul – she needed exactly the attention you provided. Please know that your efforts will continue to have a tremendously positive effect on her, and me, as we go forward. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

As we go forward, we’ll send periodic updates. Until then, thank you all again for everything and we hope to see you in the future – hopefully under different circumstances. There will always be a place for you to stay in Sacramento. Our Love and Gratitude to All.
Take care Lori and God Bless! Keep the faith and carry on with the mission. God has rewards for those who take care of others.  Feel free to use our testimonial as you wish. It’s heartfelt and true!

Guatemala Medical Travel has been everything and more than I could have expected. Anyone would be nervous scheduling a medical procedure in another country. Sometimes you second guess your own instincts. But I can tell you the service provided was far above what I expected. Lori Shea sets up all your appointments, provides lodging, and even picks you up at the airport. I felt like I was visiting family rather than having a medical procedure. Her hospitality has made me feel at home and my recovery a breeze.

I really didn’t know what to expect from the surgeon when I arrived. Lori had told me he is one of the best doctors around, and he definitely lived up to her description. He was very professional; spoke perfect English and I was very happy that he never tried to oversell me on my procedure. He was open and very honest about what he could do and what he felt would give me the best results. His office and staff are amazing, everything new, clean and efficient. They go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable. Would I recommend Guatemala Medical Travel and their doctors? You bet – 100%!

I can only imagine that I hurt my back 30 years ago while doing a Navy diver’s course. In my spine, I have a lumbar vertebra which is crushed, or still being crushed by disks both above and below. This bone and the nerves to my legs were being attacked by bacteria.

After five months of deterioration, my daughter came to visit me and immediately called Guatemala Medical Travel.

Lori gave her directions to the top Guatemala City hospital and instructions to have me there as soon as possible. Lori met us there on Sunday afternoon and had me admitted immediately. After five days intensive care and seven days of further hospitalization, I went to stay at Casa Muriel in Antigua. Here, I was visited twice daily by a nurse for intravenous antibiotic medication and received personal care by Lori herself.

For two months I was either unable to walk or barely getting around. I’ve been back on my boat for some months and getting better slowly. I’m walking again now but it still might be some time before I can go sailing again. But, without Lori I might not be writing to you.

After what has been quite an interesting couple of days, I need to thank Lori Shea and my surgeons at Herrera Llerandi for literally saving my life! On 5:30 on Sunday morning I woke with pain like I’ve never felt before. If that’s a Zacapa hangover, then nobody would ever drink Zacapa again! Turned out to be an acute gall bladder attack. Lucky to have Lori there in a few minutes to coordinate everything, the ambulance rushed me, moaning and screaming, all the way to Guatemala City. I was poked, scanned, prodded, and ultimately operated on in a few hours, revealing a whole handful of gallstones, one of which is as big as a walnut.

After two days of wonderful care, I am home now and resting, contemplating a life without fatty food. I am very thankful for the support of all my friends…love you and don’t know what I’d do without you. The photos are of my medical team with me on the table, and the Celebrity Gallstone. The surgeon took the photos and put them on his own FB page, and hospital resident docs were stopping by to have a peek. Damn that hurt!!!! Glad to be alive…

Lori runs a small but very professional service to make it easy to get some of the best medical care in the world. She understands and anticipates your needs and concerns before you even do yourself.  My doctor was extremely competent. He found another problem and combined fixing it with my hernia repair. He scheduled me between transplant operations and came to visit me before and after surgery, and again to check on me the next day. Staying at Casa Muriel is like being part of a family where everyone helped with everything.

As a fire chief in Long Beach, CA, I developed a pre-hospital system that trained paramedics and firefighters, so I had a very strong background in the medical system and thought I knew how it all worked. However, I am now retired and living in Guatemala. When I found out I had prostate cancer I chose to listen to my family doctor who recommended a urologist, who literally butchered my urinary canal with a laser, instead of going directly to a cancer specialist.

After the cancer spread to my left femur, I turned everything over to my pal, Lori. She took me by the hand and led me through what was, to me, uncharted water. She has done a masterful job of learning all about the doctors and their skills. Needless to say, I owe her my life, or at least my undying gratitude.

Dear Lori….  Please feel free to use this letter of thanks as a testimonial to the superb service I received while under the care of your travel service. My friends and family in the United States had major concerns about me receiving medical care in Central America, however, I had done my homework by reviewing your website and felt confident that your doctors and facilities were top notch. At the time, I was very unhappy with the quality of care I was receiving in the U.S. for a recurring infection and stomach issues that no one could seem to cure.

When I say that all I had to do once I arrived at my beautiful suite and private bath was to get up and get dressed, I meant literally just that. Three delicious meals were served each day, transportation to all doctor appointments, procedures and surgeries were provided and a G.M.T. nurse was present with me every step of the way. Every physician I saw spoke English, was very thorough in their examinations and made certain all of my questions were answered. The facilities were 21st century and the staff friendly and accommodating. All tests were done right at the doctor’s office instead of having to travel to separate facilities. Medications were included.

In between appointments I was entertained by being taken to museums, jazz clubs, out to dinner, and visited the local town of Antiqua for sightseeing. Who would have ever thought that the process of facing medical procedures would be such a pleasant experience?

I consulted with three top-notch specialists: Dermatologist, ENT, and Gynecologist. Over 7 days I had these procedures: Cystoscopy, CAT Scan, Chest X-ray, MRI of shoulder and lower back, Bone Density Scan, Complete Blood Work and colonoscopy, PLUS an arthroscopic surgery and manipulation on my left shoulder. I was provided with full reports, films and videos to bring back to the US. All of the above was done for a fraction, and I stress fraction, of what I would have paid back home.

Your service has been touted to everyone I know who is unhappy with the medical care and exorbitant costs of care in the United States. Should I ever require further medical attention, I will be contacting Guatemala Medical Travel.

For 50-odd years, I have lived for the sun – on the beach and in the ocean. For the last 20 years I was warned all the time: “Wear your sunscreen and sunglasses for protection”. Even so, I never expected this…

Sometimes you see an irregular mole your back or face, but this time I got a cyst on my cornea! Yep, my precious eyeball. Treatment and surgery were hugely expensive in Miami, so thank you to Guatemala Medical Travel and Lori Shea for getting me back on the road to perfect vision again.

Surgery was three days ago, and on next Saturday the tiny, microscopic stitches will be removed. My surgeon was beyond extraordinary, in fact I could not see him earlier than last Saturday because he was called to Chicago on a consult (yeah, he is that good). I will still continue to live in my beach house 20 feet from the ocean, so if you see me, I will be the grateful one, in the hat, with the wrap-around sunglasses. I’m HAPPY folks!

From the moment I met the heart surgeon, I felt confident. Lori described him as “the best” and after our first consultation about a triple by-pass heart surgery, they gave me complete confidence in his skills. On the day of the surgery the doctor met with us in my room and then outside the operating room, explaining what would be happening next and how long it was likely to take. When I came out of the operating room, he was right there with me, and I knew instinctively that good work had been done.

Lori from Guatemala Medical Travel and Dr. Bonilla and his cardio-thoracic team checked on me regularly in intensive are for the six days I was there. Recovery was as expected, and I feel that I have 20 more years of life to add to my 78 years!

I was diagnosed with tonsil/tongue cancer in Florida and had surgery there at an exorbitant price, and with extremely unsatisfactory results. The doctor in Florida knew I had no insurance, so he neglected to offer any after-surgery care (chemo/radiation therapy) and two months later, the cancer came roaring back involving my neck and lymph glands.

In Guatemala, I remembered folks talking about an outfit called Guatemala Medical Travel, and the excellent care/prices they received while there, so I emailed them. Happily, I’m still here to share the story. After corresponding with Lori, the director of this service, I flew to Guatemala and was picked up at the airport and whisked off to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua and my home for the next 2 1/2 months. Within 24 hours, I had consultations with the best medical specialists, plus CT scans, blood work, EKG, meetings with the ENT team and the radiology specialist, and two days later had surgery on my neck and lymph glands.  Then came 6 weeks of radiation therapy. The hospital was 1st class, the doctors (all fluent in English) graduates of schools/hospitals such as Johns-Hopkins, Sloane- Kettering, etc., and the radiology facility/equipment was brand new and state of the art.

The cost of surgery/treatment was 1/6 of that of the U.S. but, most importantly, the level of care was incredible; the doctors/nurses treated me as a person not a number and I can honestly say that these people are now among my friends—something I cannot say of their U.S. counterparts who seemed more interested in the depth (or lack of) my bank account.

I tripped and fell down, shattering my left elbow. OUCH. There was NO help available in the Rio Dulce/Morales area, other than x-rays, which proved the need for a skilled orthopedic surgeon. Lori Shea at Guatemala Medical Travel paved the way, making an appointment the same day I got to the city. She met me and took me to Multimedica, where the doctor made a very thorough exam, explaining and answering my many questions. Did I mention he speaks perfect English? Right there at the first visit, I knew I was in good hands.

Surgery was scheduled and duly performed, with only an overnight stay in an elegant hospital. I now have a plate and 7 screws, my first education on how it all fuses. Follow up care was simplified with the personal touch that Lori is known for, in transportation and scheduling. I am healing, mending, and doing the physical therapy necessary to get total mobility back. With your help, I am grateful to have found the solution to what could have been a permanently crippling future.

In September 2011, I had a total right hip replacement in Guatemala City. It was tricky arranging the details from Canada where my wife and I were visiting family and that’s why I contacted Lori Shea from Guatemala Medical Travel. She was in contact via email and arranged bank transfers, sought out accommodations for me and Carole and made sure that the prosthesis I wanted was available prior to our flying to Guatemala.

Lori met us in the City, then arranged and drove us to my initial consultations with the surgeon and cardiologist. She also took us to have my blood work done and x-rays taken. The doctors and the hospital facilities were first rate with a caring staff that made me feel like I was their only patient. There were hugs, kisses and sincere wishes for a speedy recovery on my departure from the hospital. Lori arranged for the ambulance to take me to La Antigua for my recuperation and her staff drove Carole back to the apartment.

They made sure I had the necessary equipment and Lori contacted a nurse to ensure that my staples were removed on time. She also organized physical therapy sessions to take place in our apartment. Taking the paperwork off our hands, she kept us up-to-date with medical, financial and all medication details.

Lori handled scheduling efficiently, and she was generous with her offers to take Carole shopping or drop us off at places, and was always in contact with us throughout our two months in Antigua. The GMT staff were friendly and helpful. In fact, I can honestly recommend GMT to anyone thinking about having medical treatment in Guatemala. They provided a peace of mind for both of us and I’m sure this helped in my speedy recovery.

Lori handled everything with ease and lightheartedness which I really appreciated, since I had been nervous about the prognosis. Everything turned out great. The doctor was excellent, better than most doctors I’ve encountered in the States, and not only was he knowledgeable, professional and prepared, he was funny and very personable too.

I felt like I was under very good care and will recommend GMT to everyone! I had a wonderful experience before with a dentist Lori recommended. I would not hesitate to contact her for any of my future medical needs.

Thanks again for everything. I really appreciate your help. It set my mind at ease to hear that I didn’t need surgery and that my situation wasn’t as serious as I thought it might have been. I didn’t realize how much it had been weighing on me. All the symptoms are improving so far, I’m a lot more comfortable, and I am following the doctor’s advice. He was a sweetheart, just like you said.

Last summer I was in terrible pain and needed a hip replacement. My orthopedist quoted $45,000 in Miami and I don’t have health insurance. My only choice was to live with it for five years until Medicare kicks in. Guatemala Medical Travel found me an excellent surgeon as well as cheap airline tickets. I paid for all the travel expenses, surgery, physical therapy and three weeks recovering at “Casa Muriel” without even maxing out my credit card. I’m so grateful to finally be pain free – I know I could never get this sort of care at home.

My ortho surgeon was a star as he picked up my pieces and kept me from breaking down into tears because I’ve been suffering in so much pain for so long. He held out a life line to me and I still can’t believe that from a simple procedure he believes he can rid me of this pain forever!

So, I am having the facet joint injections using x-ray guidance, as it appears to him that I have facet syndrome in my lower back. He has pretty much promised me that the pain will almost all totally be gone once he has done this! I find it hard to believe but have total faith in him.

Great service. Professional and friendly. I had no worries under GMT. Doctors all spoke English, and the care and technology are better than I have found in the US. Lori and her staff are the best. The cost of care has been significantly reduced as compared to what I was quoted in the US. I would recommend GMT without a doubt. The town Antigua has been quite interesting, and the Guatemalan people are very friendly.

I just heard about Lori and Guatemala Medical Travel and I’m so grateful. I’ve been interested in medical travel for a while, but I always felt I would be uncomfortable going to a foreign country for medical procedures. Not because of the quality of care, but for the language difference and taking care of all the details that Lori and her staff coordinate so easily.

Now I feel that medical care in Guatemala could be an option for me and my family. How wonderful to have someone there to take care of all the details! I truly didn’t know this level of service existed. Finding information on your website added an additional level of confidence. I think we all need a little push before having the confidence to make the right decision and move forward. This what you do so well. Thanks again for all you do.

Dear Lori — I want to THANK YOU IMMENSELY! Dave went to see the cardiologist in the city that you recommended, accompanied by my partner Dan. It turns out that he has critical aortic stenosis due to having a bicuspid aortic valve and will need open heart surgery as soon as possible in order to avoid 50% chance of dying within two years. So, you have definitely been a major contributor to his ability to go on living. Thank you!!!!

I had a great experience with Lori Shea and Guatemala Medical Travel. She is professional, prompt, organized and caring. She was very attentive and sensitive to whatever questions and concerns I might have had regarding the care I needed. I just contacted her, and she set everything up. She made the appointment with the doctor, picked me up, and accompanied me to my appointment in Guatemala City, then took notes, handled all the payments, and drove me back to Antigua! All for a very reasonable fee.

I just thought I’d drop you a note… I was looking at the webpage of my doctor, and I’m so glad you took me to him. He has saved my life twice, the first being when you took me to emergency with pneumonia, and the second, I think the following year, with sepsis. Actually, this is the first year since I’ve been in Guatemala that I haven’t been in the hospital, with Dr. Lopez attending. That’s not to mention the three hospitalizations in the US last year, all in conjunction with a hip replacement. This was overwhelming for me because the only other time I’d been in the hospital in the USA is when I had my tonsils out.

Anyway, I hope all is well with you, and all the great doctors there. So, Feliz y Prospero Año Nuevo.

We really enjoyed reading your newsletter about Walter’s story now that the panic times are over. We are elated about his progress – you sure got him into a great hospital with excellent doctors.  Can’t thank you enough. Thank goodness for you and your wonderful organization. We wouldn’t have even known what to do to help him if not for you – we will always remember that you saved his life.

We thought the dear Doc was very excellent. Professional, concise, good equipment. Good manner. Mother and baby doing well. He was even kind enough to tell us it’s a boy!  Sadly, our US doctor seemed very put out… as territorial as she is misinformed, so we’re using someone else who understands modern equipment better. Let’s hope our new U.S. Doctor is as up to date as Dr. Novales! I would strongly recommend both your service and your medical team. Should we meet anyone who needs assistance in Guatemala we would certainly recommend your services.

Working with G.M.T. is a wonderful way to experience top notch medical care within budget and enjoy a unique cultural emersion with sites of ancient and historical value. Both aspects of GMT offer a cohesive relationship for physical and spiritual healing. The staff is well versed in the locations and a wealth of information to set your mind at ease for security, safety and knowledge. You are in caring, responsible hands. Everyone is most accommodating, and the serene setting makes the transition of culture very comfortable and enjoyable. I hope to make annual returns for check-ups and to see more of this breathtaking country.

I had no problems communicating with my surgeon in English and I found him to be straight to the point, so I felt confident in his qualifications and ability. The clinic was clean, and the staff were professional. I had originally thought of having surgery in México, but I am glad I chose Guatemala, and going through the Guatemala Medical Travel agency, because the service from the whole team was prompt and very helpful. Lori and Jade were both brilliant and I would certainly recommend them to anyone.

I would like you to thank both doctors for me, and the lung doctor especially. It seems I have a mass in the mediastinum, the area between the heart and lungs. It is a cancer … My internist says it “was a gift from God” that it was found [by the specialists in Guatemala]. All the doctors [specialists and department heads in Chicago] are interested in knowing how it was it found, etc. It seems this is not too usual a place to have a mass. I’ll keep you posted on progress.

In any case Lori, my mom and I want to thank you sincerely for the wonderful effort that you have put in our case, and we wish you and your business the very best. You truly went above and beyond in helping us out. Thank you.

My 23-year-old daughter was traveling in Guatemala when she fell seriously ill. Unable to come back to the States for diagnostic and treatment workups, we found Lori & Guatemala Medical Travel, and thank goodness we did! Lori got Sophie into top notch infectious disease specialists, helped her with housing & transportation, accompanied her to office and lab visits and helped her to follow up with doctors for several weeks as she made her complete recovery.

She also assisted her in securing excellent orthopedic care for an unusual and painful shoulder injury and the essential physical therapy to insure her recuperation. As worried parents hundreds of miles away, it was a godsend to find Guatemala Medical Travel and we are ever indebted to Lori for her professionalism, her ability to secure appointments in a timely fashion, her kindnesses to our daughter, her thoughtfulness in communicating with me during Sophie’s difficult times as well as for the access she afforded Sophie to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment approaches for both an infectious disease and an orthopedic injury.

I strongly recommend GMT to anyone seeking medical care in a more affordable setting but also for those who find themselves in Guatemala needing medical care.

When in life you have advice for surgery, but you don’t know where to go or who to trust, I can honestly say just put it into the hands of Lori at Guatemala Medical Travel. Lori has spent years researching which surgeon or specialist is of the best possible caliber to give you the care you need. She has had several patients use these specialists, who have top skills and training from top medical establishments around the world.

This is a service that everyone should have access to! Not only that, but Lori has also you stay at her own home, looks after every possible need, including transport, appointments, follow up procedures. You can relax knowing that if anything at all is to worry you, immediate attention is given either by the nurse who is present in the day or by Lori herself at night, who also has the personal telephone numbers of every specialist and help is just a phone call away.

Relaxing after the procedures is perfect, as you can stay in Lori’s beautiful peaceful guest house. Lori holds your hand the whole way through even being present as you have the surgery itself. She becomes the friend you need, and her service is a treasure, allowing you to easily have the opportunity to use world class surgeons or consultants.

Hey Lori,
Just wanted to thank you again for all you do! We had a really great experience with everything in Guatemala! I enjoyed meeting you and Bella. I have referred you and the dentists to several people already, including my parents, who just may be coming for periodontal cleanings!!   Feeling great!  Having minimal pain, but controllable with the pain meds.

Lori, I want to thank you, Megan and Katharina for your support and attention when Beth and I stayed with you at “Casa Muriel” and I had the dental implants from the great dental team you selected for me.

When my Canadian dentist told me how much the dental implant would cost, it looked like there would be no way to have both the implant and to spend the winter sailing in Central America as we have done since we retired. However, I learned from you that you can get the same great – and safe – dental care in Guatemala as is available in North America, but for a fraction of the cost. I received first class medical care and I was able to spend the winter season sailing the Caribbean – talk about having your cake and eating it too!
But we also got so much more than that. Where else would you be picked up at the airport, driven to your appointments and have a registered nurse go with you to keep a record and to act as translator and advocate; or be told by your dentist to drop in anytime, at no charge, with any concerns or to check how things were healing?

From the hospitality you provide at your beautiful Spanish colonial home in La Antigua – a city rich in history and culture – to sharing meals with you, Megan, Katharina, to meeting your friends and other patients, to the personal attention you and your team provided, we enjoyed a first-class experience beyond what I could have imagined as being part of medical travel service.

I received a level of care and attention from the entire Guatemala Medical Travel staff that I would never have received at home or if I had tried to arrange for the dental implant abroad on my own. One of you were always around to answer questions, to give advice on medications, to fill out insurance claim forms, to arrange tours or to act as translator all in addition to the high quality of dental care that you arranged. Thank you very much.

I am pleased, happy, thrilled, grateful!! I still have my hand intact, and we constantly brag about your quick and efficient services and how wonderful the plastic surgeon and hyperbaric chamber doctors were. It was a medical adventure we would rather not have taken, but things are really good now… so I am blessed and fortunate. I still haven’t played any tennis, which my whole body needs — so perhaps when I return to Mexico.

In November 2013 my Mom needed cataract surgery and chose to have state of the art triple-vision lenses. Considering co-pays, deductibles and other expenses in Florida, as well as the surgical skills and attention of the Guatemalan surgeons, Muriel chose to have both cataract surgeries in Guatemala. She recovered perfectly, as expected, enjoyed celebrity-status VIP personal care, and she received a big insurance reimbursement check besides. Smart lady, my mother.

I am a part-year resident of Antigua and have been for several years; enjoying the weather, the people, and the culture. I met Lori Shea and became familiar with GMT several years ago but did not enlist Lori’s assistance until this year when it became apparent that some dental issues needed attention and ought not be delayed any longer.

Lori and I discussed my general needs … She then arranged an initial appointment for me and managed my treatment. All treatment was highly professional, quickly accomplished; absolutely pain free and, most amazing to me, waiting time at each appointment was non-existent. I arrived and was in the chair almost immediately upon arrival. A short number of days later another colleague and implant specialist from the city arrived to do the two dental implants in the lower jaw. This was accomplished, again without wait or delay, in a little more than an hour.

The lab did an excellent job and additional appointments for adjustments over an additional week resulted in a comfortable, stable, final fit. At one early point in this process my dentist made some changes and then said, “try this for a little bit and then come back in an hour and a half, and I will make additional adjustments.” No appointment a day or two later, just come back a little later and we will fine tune it some more. What service and professionalism!

Altogether my cost for Lori’s management services and three excellent dental specialists was about one third (or perhaps even a little less) of what this work would have cost in the States. The service and care from everyone was of the highest professional skill and quality and, given my dental history, I have multiple frames of reference by which to judge! I am more than satisfied; I was delighted by the experience and recommend Lori, G.M.T., and Guatemalan dentists without hesitation or reservation.

After a celebratory birthday lunch in the city of Antigua, we headed back to our village. Upon leaving the bus, my family heirloom wedding rings caught on something as I took the last step down, and my right-handed ring finger was “de-gloved.” Billy and I discussed our alternatives and decided to phone Lori Shea from Guatemala Medical Travel. She jumped into action, contacted the right doctors, and arranged for a consultation in Guatemala City that afternoon.

My dominant hand was injured, and I could not fill out the paperwork myself, so Lori took all my medical history. She accompanied us into the office, chatted with the doctor, and helped get us a better price for services by keeping me out of the hospital. … That evening after seeing the surgeon and having oxygen therapy, Lori drove us home. Over the next six weeks, I had ten hyperbaric chamber treatments and eleven visits with a plastic surgeon to reconstruct my hand, three of which were on weekends or the national holiday, and two for which we were not charged.

Instead of an amputation, I have a living finger expected to be rehabbed into full working order. On every level of assistance, people were personable and supportive of my condition. I was not a patient number or someone’s car payment and not once was I rushed. Here in Guatemala, treatment was both affordable and accessible. Read the full story on Akaisha’s website.

I was lucky and grateful to have the advantage of being able to hook up with your expertise in Guatemala…. Thank you for all your help and kindnesses over the past few years.

To have the level of care that Lori herself provides coupled with the fine expertise of the doctor makes for a heart-opening experience beyond your dreams of what health care can be.

Just wanted to let you know, we have been very pleased with the whole experience with our dental work and the vacation arrangements. We will highly recommend your business to anyone who is considering medical or dental work. Thank you again, Lori, and we look forward to the next time we can come to Guatemala again.

It was such a relief to be able to discuss my medical situation in German, my native language. I was much more confident to know that communication was perfect all during my diagnosis and treatment. I trust him completely and everything was smooth.

I came to Guatemala Medical Travel with a need for some diagnostic procedures. My experience with the physician Lori recommended was excellent. From the introductory consultation to the follow-up, he was an excellent doctor, and the facilities he used were of the best quality too. I was so impressed that I approached Lori to see if I could help her build her business; so here I am. This is truly one of the best health care values going!

Lori, Thanks for all your help. Not only did we get terrific service with GMT, but the city of Antigua was enchanting. The dentist cleaned my teeth, performed a checkup, and made several crowns and a resin filling, all for a fabulous price! I have told my friends about your service, so hopefully they will be travelling to Guatemala for medical services too. These prices really say a lot for the medical controversy we have in the States.

The next time I see you, I’ll be able to hear you as well.  Dr. Pati was great as was her staff.  We were offered coffee and had to finish it during the testing!  Very prompt, especially as we were about 10 minutes late.  I got exactly the hearing aids that I needed.  They work great and I love hearing again!  Thank you so much. Looking forward to seeing and “hearing” you again soon.

When I arrived in Guatemala City, I went directly to the doctor’s office where I had a complete physical exam, blood tests and CT scan within a few hours. By 4pm the doctor was discussing the results of those lab reports and diagnostic exams with me. My exam, testing and treatment were done in one day for around $300. I would expect at least a week and $1500 for the same service in America.

Your aftercare for Ben is every bit as thorough as what you did leading up to and throughout his hospitalization and surgery. I don’t know if Linda and I will ever have the opportunity as concerned and anxious parents to repay you for what you’ve done, but you have certainly fulfilled the personal goals that led you to start this service in the first place. Rest assured that if anyone ever asks either of us where to seek medical care in Guatemala, we will give Guatemala Medical Travel a ringing endorsement!