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I am at the unfortunate age where things are starting to wear out.
After hundreds and hundreds of rounds of golf over my lifetime (that I have loved beyond measure), my left knee is starting to remind me that one day in the distant future I may be looking at a knee replacement.
Oh, the things to look forward to?
Another thing that I need to address that is much more current is that I I have a cracked tooth — and am again in need of crown. The number of crowns, and root canals, I have endured could pay for a nice used car. In other words, I am used to this dog and pony show – but the cost still stings almost as much as the Novocaine shots.
My dentist has quoted me around $1500 to grind down my cracked tooth, do whatever they do to get it ready for a crown, and make a new crown to replace my 50+-year-old stock unit. Not a crazy price but still a lot.
With that in mind, I have a very good friend who spends most of winter each year in a coastal town in Mexico. During that time, he has all his dental work done for a fraction of what it would cost to have the work done stateside. I have always been a bit uncomfortable with this choice — but for him so-far-so-good.
@asdeliadoes My dentist wanted $3099 for a root canal so I booked a week in Turkey to get it done here! Came to less than $1200. So I get a root canal and a holiday now 😂🇹🇷❤️ #turkey #lastminutetrip #manifestation #dental #kusidasi #graitude ♬ original sound – Delia O’Malley
That brings me to the idea for today’s post. In this article from DailyDot an Irish woman was quoted $3000 for a root canal in the US state of Georgia. First off, that is a big number. Next is what she did rather than have the procedure done in the USA was to fly to Turkey and stayed 7 DAYS at an all-inclusive and paid for everything, including air and dental work, for under $1300.
Wow?!
There is a ton in this story that makes me scratch my head and gives me pause — including the price of the procedure itself. Then the price for the all-inclusive. I mean, what all-inclusive resort did she stay at that is so cheap ($200 for 7 days – really)?
But it got me thinking.
As most folks who regularly read the blog know, Delta awards HUGE numbers when it comes to SkyMiles as well as MQMs and MQDs when you are flying a long way on partner airlines in business class. Now for me, I am done, after this year, chasing Delta elite status as it is just not worth it anymore. But I know many are still going to do what it takes to reach whatever level of status they want with Delta. If they are in need of some kind of “work” on their body, why not study up and take some kind of run / vacation rather than have it done at home?
That also makes me wonder: just what kind of travel medical treatment would you consider? I mean, dental work is one thing. But what about something more invasive? Would you even consider some kind of surgery or other treatment if it could be done safely at a much lower cost that included earning a ton of points along the way? – René
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It’s quite common to travel to save on medical bills, some insurance companies encourage it. If saving money gives the same quality and you can make a vacation and earn status, I say “Go for it”.
I depart next Monday for Costa Rica, 6 crowns 2900.00. It’s called dentals tourism.The Dentist where I am going picks you up at the airport and takes you to your Hotel. Also they get a special rate at the Hilton of 95.00 per night.
Prismadental.com
Great example! I will keep that in mind the next time I crack a tooth.
I went to Bali about eight years ago to have some substantial dental work done. I flew on miles and stayed on points at a Four Points, getting lots of SPG nights while paying around 1/3 – 1/4 of USA prices. I found that to be completely worthwhile.
Great read! Thanks
No wonder I admire you as a blogger and travel expert! You and I have the same medical failings! I couldn’t add to the great examples shared here except to answer your question: I came very close to engaging in medical tourism last Christmas. I was able to treat my condition with next-generation pharmaceuticals (yes, they are pricey but I purchase them by mail order from Canada and save about 60%). Unless and until the United States should decide to join all of its allies and offer some form of non-profit healthcare system for all citizens, I will remember these options. The coverage you have provided in your blog about the effects of rampant currency devaluation in Argentina and Türkiye causes me to think about those nations often when I need treatment.
@Corbett – Thank you for your very kind words.
Corbett Non-profit government healthcare systems like in the UK,France Italy…. all cost someone $$$$$$ It is not really free(the people who work pay for it via higher taxes) almost like Obamacare where the people who work and have insurance via paying for it subsidize the others… and you get to wait for care unless you pay for private insurance like blue cross or cash and go to the private healthcare organizations!!
@DEE – Keep in mind Medicare is very much like the UK, Swedish and other systems.
@DEE, at no point in my post did I use the word “free”. I used “non-profit”. Here’s where your argument fails and leave me unswayed by any and all rhetoric criticizing nationalized healthcare at our largest trading partner, Canada, and our most important ally, the United Kingdom: they insure almost everyone and chuckle if, while visiting there and using the healthcare system, you offer money. In the United States, the average for-profit insurance carrier has a 30% administrative overhead, which covers, among other things, million-dollar salaries for executives. The non-profit Medicare system has a 3% administrative overhead and its head is earns a typical government salary.
One of my residences is in Malaga, Spain. When I’m in need of crown replacements or other major dental work I go visit my dentist there for a fraction of the cost in the US where my dental insurance will cover a tiny part.
There are even cheaper places I’m told: i.e. the Czech Republic, Poland and other former Sovjet countries.