Are you thinking of orthopedic surgery abroad because your treatment in the USA is costly? You’ll be glad to know that thousands of foreign patients choose this alternative. In this guide, we will help you explore your options for medical tourism for orthopedics.

Meniscus Repair in Tijuana, Mexico

Going overseas for your joint surgery can help you save money and eliminate waiting times. However, it is necessary to know these and other perks in detail. We have listed the top four for you right here!

What Are the Benefits of Orthopedic Surgery Abroad?

People opt for orthopedic surgery abroad for several reasons. These include:

1. Saving 60-70%  than U.S/Canada treatment cost

2. No Waiting Times

3. Luxury medical care in the budget

4. A holiday along with the surgery

5. Medical tourism companies offering incentives

1. Orthopedic Surgery Abroad Is More Affordable

By far, the biggest reason why people do orthopedic surgery abroad is because of the price.

For example, you can expect to pay $20,000 for total knee replacement surgery in the US. Also, hip replacement surgery can set you back anywhere from $25,000 to $74,000.

Compare that to Mexico, where you’ll pay only $9,000 for knee replacement surgery. Even your hip replacement surgery is a mere 21% (i.e., $16,000) of the price quoted in the USA.

Orthopedic Surgery Cost Comparison (USD) – the USA vs. Mexico

Procedure	United States	Mexico
Knee Replacement Surgery	$20,000	$9,000
Hip Replacement Surgery	$25,000 to $74,000	$16,000
Hip Joint Resurfacing Surgery	$45,000	$17,500
Shoulder Replacement	$20,000	$10,000
ACL Reconstruction	$25,000	$4,900
Knee Arthroscopy	$18,000	$3,700

*Prices are subject to change. Fill our online quote form for the latest prices and specials.

The cost of surgery is lower in many countries compared to the US.

Compared to the USA, Mexico is far more affordable, regardless of which type of surgery you’re completing. For example, if you’re doing a total knee replacement surgery in the USA, you can expect to pay $20,000. In Mexico, it’s less than half that price.

It is because of the higher cost of labor in the States. We know that if the cost of labor is less, the price of everything decreases.

It includes everything from the building where the procedure takes place to the cost of food provided by the hospital.

So if you’re uninsured and can’t afford surgery inside the United States, traveling abroad is a practical option.

2. No Waiting Times

A long waiting period can aggravate your medical condition.
The average time in Canada to get a consultation with a specialist is 10.2 weeks and that in the USA is around 9.4 weeks. The period from consultation to treatment is even longer.

Thankfully, countries like India and Mexico offer easy and quick medical appointments. Here, you can always get the treatment in your choice of week.

3. Luxury Medical Care

It is possible because these hospitals have more favorable staff-to-inpatient ratios. Moreover, the state-of-the-art treatment helps with precision in lesser time.

4. Holiday Along With the Surgery

Before your orthopedic surgery, consider visiting the beaches and getting to know the local area. It is an opportunity to take that vacation you’ve been postponing for so long.

Also, places with the best and most affordable orthopedic facilities offer many fun activities. You could try out some local tacos and other delicious Mexican food if you’re going to Mexico.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of doing your orthopedic surgery abroad, you might be wondering, “Which country is the best for orthopedic surgery?”

5. Incentives by Medical Tourism Companies

Many insurance companies started promoting medical tourism to help patients save money.

Some implemented programs where a patient gets an assigned case manager. This case manager arranges everything:

• Accommodation
• Rides to and from the airport
• Bookings with the trusted healthcare provider
• All-inclusive package*

*The cost includes everything involved with the surgery like surgeon’s fees, anesthesia charges, DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) pump cost, costs of implants, and cost of medication. The all-inclusive package also covers the cost of hotel room charges, generally up to five days.

These services are even available for uninsured patients. Think of a case manager as your assistant. They’ll ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Which Country Is the Best for Orthopedic Surgery?

Although orthopedic surgery abroad is more affordable than in the United States, you must select the proper country. You can choose from these top five locations for your orthopedic surgery:

Mexico

For those living in the United States, traveling to Mexico isn’t expensive. This makes it a popular choice for many Americans.

In addition to cheap ticket prices, the cost of living in Mexico is significantly less than in the United States.^[1]Expatistan Cost of living in Mexico compared to the United States “Cost of living in Mexico is 51% cheaper than in the United States.” View in Article Meaning you’ll only pay a fraction of what you’d pay at home.

The low cost of living makes your overall trip more affordable. If you feel like spoiling yourself with great shopping in Mexico, you won’t have to break the bank.

With breathtaking beaches and fantastic food, you can take a few weeks off and enjoy everything Mexico has to offer.

India

India is another country with a low cost of living^[2]Expatistan Cost of living in India compared to the United States “Cost of living in India is 66% cheaper than in the United States.” View in Article and highly trained surgeons.

Traveling to India from the United States or Canada can be a bit more expensive since it’s on the other side of the world. However, it is an excellent choice for Australians looking for surgery abroad.

Once you’re there, you’ll notice how professional the surgeons are. Many of them are trained in the United States. So, you can rest assured knowing that your surgeon is well trained and you’re in good hands.

India is also an affordable place to live. Since living costs are so low, your accommodation, traveling, and hospital bills will be far cheaper than if you did your orthopedic surgery in the United States.

Spain

Spain is one of the most affordable places to visit in Western Europe.^[3]CONTIKI 12 of the cheapest countries in Europe you can travel to “There are tons of affordable spots throughout in Spain…experience the architecture and taste the flavors of Spain all on a budget.” View in Article

With amazing beaches, culture, and museums, you can take some well-deserved time off after your surgery. Many of Spain’s surgeons are trained at world-renowned universities like the University of Barcelona and Valencia.

Most of Spain’s hospitals have English-speaking staff. If you’re from the United States or Canada, then this is invaluable. The medical providers speak fluent English, so you jump the language barrier and avoid misunderstandings.

Turkey

Known to most as the bridge between the west and the east, Turkey provides affordable yet advanced healthcare for citizens and visitors.

Although Turkey is one of the more expensive options on this list, its facilities and surgeons are state-of-the-art.

Many Turkish doctors are trained in the United States or Canada. They can speak English well and will ensure you have the best possible experience.

Costa Rica

Like Mexico, Costa Rica shouldn’t cost that much to travel to if you’re from the United States or Canada.

They also have a low cost of living. You’ll need to earn around $16,000 per year^[4]International Living Affordable Day-to-Day Living In Costa Rica “Costa Rica is much more affordable than back home. A single person can live on between $1,400 and $1,700 a month…” View in Article to live a comfortable life in Costa Rica compared to $84,000 in US cities like Seattle.^[5]Apartment List Cost Of Living In Seattle, WA 2021 “To comfortably rent a median one-bedroom apartment in Seattle, one would have to make $84,060 per year…” View in Article

It ensures that the cost of your orthopedic surgery is kept to a minimum. Your accommodation, travel expenses, and food will also cost far less than what you’d pay in the United States.

So even if you’re taking out a loan, Costa Rica can be a practical option.

Last, when visiting Costa Rica, take a moment to appreciate the country’s beauty!

How Do I Apply for Orthopedic Surgery Abroad?

If you’re finding this process a bit challenging, please call us now, and we’d be glad to help.

Top Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery Abroad

Max Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare

Quironsalud

Hospital Clínica Bíblica

JIS Orthopedics

Anadolu Medical Center

Best Orthopedic Surgeons Abroad

Click here to find more orthopedic surgeons abroad.

Available Orthopedic Procedures Abroad

Some of the most common orthopedic procedures done abroad include:

• Knee replacement surgery
• Knee arthroscopy
• Hip replacement surgery
• Hip joint resurfacing surgery
• Shoulder replacement surgery
• ACL reconstruction surgery

FAQs

Conclusion

Doing your orthopedic surgery abroad is more affordable than doing it inside the United States. You’ll also get the opportunity to take a well-deserved vacation after your surgery.

If you have a few questions regarding your orthopedic surgery abroad, consider sending us an email, and we’d be glad to help.

References

1. Expatistan: Cost of living in Mexico compared to the United States
2. Expatistan: Cost of living in India compared to the United States
3. CONTIKI: 12 of the cheapest countries in Europe you can travel to
4. International Living: Cost of Living in Costa Rica
5. Apartment List.com: Cost of Living in Seattle, WA 2021
6. J Arthroplasty: Risk of symptomatic VTE with flying in the early postoperative period following elective total hip and knee arthroplasty