{"id":486101,"date":"2026-05-15T14:00:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T14:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/486101\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T14:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T14:00:12","slug":"how-to-plan-a-medical-tourism-trip-and-the-best-resources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/486101\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plan a Medical Tourism Trip and the Best Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year, millions of Americans travel internationally<\/a> for medical tourism, according to the Centers for Disease Control. <\/p>\n

The practice of visiting another country to receive healthcare \u2014 including cosmetic and reproductive treatments \u2014 that isn’t available or is less expensive abroad has received heightened attention as some share their journeys on social media. This comes as healthcare costs in the U.S.<\/a> rise and health spending exceeds that of other wealthy nations.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there are other reasons people might seek out treatments in other countries, said Jonathan Edelheit, chairman and co-founder of the non-profit Medical Tourism Association<\/a>. “They could be looking for higher quality, they could be looking for affordability, or there are huge waiting periods,” he said.<\/p>\n

If you’re seeking care in another country, the process isn’t always the same as it would be at home. Luckily, there are resources that can help you organize, pay for and protect your trip. <\/p>\n

Below, CNBC Select<\/a> rounds up our top tips and products for those seeking medical attention outside the U.S.<\/p>\n

We want to hear your story<\/p>\n

Are you living paycheck to paycheck, or do you have a financial success you’re comfortable sharing with a reporter? Please fill out this quick form<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to plan for medical tourismUse a trusted platform to book your procedure<\/p>\n

When you expand your medical procedure search from local to international, the options can quickly become overwhelming. <\/p>\n

Finding a qualified doctor and hospital is likely your first step, but even that can be complicated. First, you’ll need to ensure you find and vet potential providers. Reading online reviews \u2014 especially from other Americans \u2014 is a good starting point. However, you should also verify the professionals’ credentials on your own. “Ask for references of patients who have gone there that you can talk to,” Edelheit said. <\/p>\n

After you’ve found a few doctors you’d like to work with, you’ll need to keep tabs on your communications with prospective providers \u2014 you’ll likely need to send medical records, get on calls with doctors you’re considering working with and compare the quotes you gather as you start to plan. <\/p>\n

Finding an online platform to help you with your search can simplify what can be an overwhelming process. But not all are the same. <\/p>\n

One of the best platforms we’ve found for finding providers abroad is Better by the Medical Tourism Association<\/a> (MTA). The platform allows you to create a free account and connect with clinics and providers vetted by the MTA. Users can also use the site to meet with providers, get quotes, and transfer medical records through its HIPAA-compliant system. <\/p>\n

Better by Medical Tourism Association<\/a><\/p>\n