Have you heard of medical tourism? It means that citizens of one country travel to another country to have medical procedures performed. In general, people travel from a country where the medical service is very expensive, or where it is not approved. They seek out a country with experienced medical people who can help them for less money, or simply a country where a drug or surgery is legal. And of course, as I write about this trend, I have considered Americans who visit countries like Mexico, Pakistan and India for a variety or services.

Most Americans health insurance will not cover any treatment that is performed overseas. Some policies will cover emergencies, but they will probably not cover a bill when an insured person travels out of the country for the sole reason of seeking it out. So, in general, Americans travel to find those treatments that are not covered under their current medical insurance. Of course, people without coverage travel as well.

For instance, look at a hernia operation. Nations like India and Pakistan have world class doctors. Many surgeries cost 15 to 20 percent of their US price tag. Even after the airfare is paid, the price is still much smaller. If an uninsured person can pay $7,000 overseas, plus a couple more thousand for travel expenses, they will still come out ahead when the US rates approach $50,000. Coming up with less than $10,000 is much less daunting than coming up with $50,000!

This is just one example. But a growing number of Americans do decide to have non-emergency operations overseas because they can save a literal fortune. Plus, you also get the added benefit of seeing a part of the world you may never have had the chance to visit.

Of course, many of us would consider the whole thing very risky. You will not be under the protection of US laws, and it will be your responsibility to research the places where you seek care. If you are considering medical treatment overseas just because you do not have health insurance, you may be able to obtain coverage under your state high risk pool. If you want to visit another land for cosmetic procedures, then maybe you can find a cheaper alternative to a facelift in the US.