The Arizona Republic reports that many Amricans are traveling abroad to get hip replacements and other medical care. Estimates vary, but it is believed that at least 85,000 people and possibly as many as 750,000 people a year go outside the US for health care.
Cost is a major factor, but so is specialized treatment. Some procedures can be done abroad but not in the US.
A survey released by the Commonwealth Fund shows that the percentage of Americans who are struggling to pay medical bills jumped from 34% in 2005 to 41% in 2007. The US Census Bureau estimates that more than 45 million Americans lack health care coverage.
Resources such as the Medical Tourism Association and MedtoGo.com help make medical tourism possible.
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