Costa Rica, India, Mexico, Germany, Spain and many others have very qualified physicians with cost savings as great as 80%.

Not just surgery, but dental work is done at much less cost.

There are 2 types of travelers who are partaking of foreign doctors. Those who have no health insurance (maybe the new heath plan might help these folks) and the wealthy. Also consider a person with a large deductible such $2,000 or more. The deductible might pay for their medical vacation as well as most of the treatment.

In 2007 there were about 750,000 who went overseas for medical help and it is estimated that about more than one and half million will do so in 2010.

If the proposed government health care is enacted current health plans by employers will be dropped. The employees will than be covered by Uncle Obama. No one knows what that means.

In almost every foreign country a tourist receives free emergency care. If a person goes for a face lift or a tummy tuck the cost will be much less than in the U.S.

Go Online to compare U.S. charges for various procedures with those done in the country of your choice. There are procedures done successfully in foreign countries that are not allowed in the U.S. such as for cancer.

There are good reasons for less costs. The doctors do not do batteries of unnecessary tests they do here. The reason most doctors do them is to protect from lawsuits. Don’t plan on suing anyone if you are not happy with your resulting treatment.

Many of the facilities are just as nice as those in the U.S. Each person considering any procedure outside the country should get as many references as possible. In most foreign cities there will be several doctors who will do the procedure you want. Require references from each and insist on talking to people who have been there and done that. Prices will be about the same, but their accommodations may be quite different.

There are travel agents who specialize in medical tourism. This might be any easy solution, but it still falls back on the individual to do his own due diligence.

The patient may prefer Europe over India or South America. This is where travel expenses can make a big difference in the bottom line. The person might even be able to make the entire trip tax deductible, but might require a referral from the patient’s regular physician. Also check with your CPA.

Medical tourism is a big business. There are millions of satisfied customers.

Al Thomas' book, "If It Doesn't Go Up, Don't Buy It!" has helped thousands of people make money and keep their profits with his simple 2-step method. Read the first chapter at http://www.mutualfundmagic.com and discover why he's the man that Wall Street does not want you to know. Copyright 2009 Williamsburg Investment Co. All rights reserved.