Cost & Financial Planning

Using HSA/FSA Funds for Medical Tourism: Is It Legal?

American patient consulting with orthopedic surgeon holding HSA card and passport beside a hip implant model in front of an international hospital

Many Americans considering hip, knee, or spine surgery abroad ask whether Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can pay for care overseas. This article explains IRS rules on qualified medical expenses, travel, and documentation, plus practical steps…

Why Is Surgery So Cheap Abroad? Quality vs. Cost Explained

Patient consulting an orthopedic surgeon holding a hip implant model in a modern hospital, with travel documents and a telemedicine call visible, representing joint replacement surgery abroad planning

Considering hip, knee, or spine surgery abroad? Many patients choose international hospitals for much lower sticker prices, but cost alone doesn’t tell the whole story. This article examines why surgeries are cheaper overseas, how quality and safety compare, what to…

Hip Replacement Cost Comparison: India vs. Thailand vs. Costa Rica

Patient consulting an orthopedic surgeon with small collage of India Thailand and Costa Rica landmarks and a price comparison chart

Many Americans consider hip replacement abroad to reduce costs and access experienced surgeons. This article compares total out-of-pocket expenses, clinical quality, and patient logistics in India, Thailand, and Costa Rica. It outlines how to evaluate hospitals, what costs to include,…

US vs. Mexico vs. Thailand: Orthopedic Price Comparison Table

Orthopedic surgeon consulting patient with hospital backdrop and subtle US Mexico Thailand flags, X-ray and suitcase visible

This guide compares typical costs and value for hip, knee, and spine surgery in the United States, Mexico, and Thailand. It introduces price ranges, quality indicators, travel and recovery implications, and decision factors for Americans considering orthopedic care abroad. Read…

Does Medicare Cover Surgery Abroad? The Hard Truth

Older patient reviewing hip X‑ray with an orthopedic surgeon at a hospital desk alongside a U.S. Medicare card, passport and plane ticket, with an international hospital facade visible in the background

If you’re considering hip, knee, or spine surgery abroad, understanding Medicare coverage is critical. This article explains Medicare’s general rule against overseas coverage, the limited exceptions, how Medicare Advantage and Medigap may differ, and practical planning steps for orthopedic tourists—hospital…

Knee Replacement Cost in Mexico vs. USA: 2025 Price Breakdown

Split photo of a patient at a Mexican private hospital and a U.S. orthopedic center with a cost estimate and passport in foreground illustrating knee replacement medical tourism

This article compares 2025 knee replacement costs in Mexico versus the USA, breaking down prices, quality, safety, travel logistics, and recovery planning for orthopedic tourists. We’ll analyze itemized fees, hospital accreditation, implant options, and insurance implications to help patients decide…