Living Without Health Insurance

Author: markhillis

Living without health insurance is a huge problem in the United States. It is a most stressful situation, causing many to search for options other than traditional healthcare.

Millions of Americans live without insurance and most do not know what options are available for them. They wait for a catastrophic event to happen, hoping that it won't, and then panic sets in as they stress of the mountain of debt that they are facing. 

However, it must be stated that not having insurance in itself is not a sign of negligence. There are many whose profession does not allow, or pay for, any kind of comprehensive medical benefits. There are many who are self-employed, and private options are out of their league. There are also those who have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, who find it difficult, if not impossible, to find insurance that they can afford, if indeed there is even a company which will accept them. These individuals, in spite of their lack of culpability in the matter, still feel a tremendous weight of guilt for not being able to provide a basic level of coverage for themselves.

For many, state insurance is available, but for most of these, they make too much to qualify, and yet they don't make enough to be able to afford any kind of private coverage. The dilemma is great and the stress of the problem causes even more health problems, compounding the situation immensely. 

One option that is often not considered, is that of medical tourism. That is, finding treatment outside of your own country. Well, it sound exotic, expensive and risky. However, that is not the case in these days of fast travel and competition against the American dollar. Still, for many, the option of flying to India, the Phillipines, or some other far-off destination is out of the question.

However, most Americans do not consider what I call "The Mexico Option". Just across our southern border, Americans are travelling by the hundreds of thousands each year for quality medical and dental treatment and are in most cases thrilled with the level of care they receive. Best of all, they are thrilled because of the price. It is not unusual to save as much as 70 or 80 percent of the cost of surgery or treatment as compared to U.S. costs. 

Certainly, someone living in the northern United States, would not benefit by going to Mexico for routine doctors visits or dental appointments. But anyone (especially someone with no insurance) who is facing a surgery or intensive treatments (such as cancer therapies) for which they will pay out of pocket (or out of their future pockets) would be foolish not to consider a trip across the border for such treatments. Travel to Mexico is cheap compare to other medical tourism destinations, and there are referral agencies which pre-screen doctors and help clients get financing for their entire trip: travel, treatment and recovery included.

For those who live within one day's driving distance of the border the options are amazing. Dental and Medical procedures may be had for only the price of a tank of gas and prices that are drastically less than those at home. 

In addition to traditional therapies, there are complementary, alternative therapies availabe in Mexico as well.

Mr. Donald Smith (name changed for privacy), a resident of Casa Grande, AZ, was facing surgery for a tumor. He had been told that they needed to shrink the tumor first with radiation and chemo and the effects were going to be very hard on him. He opted on crossing the border and going to an alternative clinic which used only very mild chemo and intensive intravenous vitamin A treatments. In a short time the tumor was reduced in size significantly and he was then able to have it removed surgically. His experience was amazingly pleasant and he says he would do it over again. 

Not as critical, but still important to many, is the decision to have cosmetic surgery performed, but facing prohibive costs in the U.S. But when you consider that you can make a trip to a resort area in Mexico, get a facelift, tummytuck, bariatric procedure and many other electives at a fraction of the American cost, then the Mexico Option becomes quite appealing, especially with the choice of financing thrown into the equation.

Mexico medical tourism certainly provides an alternative for a multitude of people who either have no insurance or are underinsured. It is vital, however, to research your options carefully, because optimal treatment is not automatically guaranteed anywhere, much less in Mexico. There are numerous hospitals with international accreditation and many, many doctors with international training. And Mexican doctors are known for their gentle, caring demeanor and the unhurried time they spend with their patients. 

Border towns provide the least expensive options for those who live within driving distance, but Guadalara, Mexico City and Monterrey are medical meccas for the many thousands who travel there for world class treatment. Research your options and make your decisions base upon sound evidence and reliable facts, and you will have a quality experience.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1158366_17.html