Step 1 — Find Your Path
Three routes to affordable care
Every situation leads to one of three paths
Before anything else, we determine which route makes the most sense for your specific procedure, your location, and your budget. Most people qualify for more than one.
🇺🇸
U.S. Free-Market
Cash-pay surgery centers with published all-inclusive prices. No passport needed.
✈️
International JCI Hospitals
World-class accredited hospitals abroad. 60–80% below U.S. pricing.
🤝
Medical Cost Sharing
Community-based alternative to insurance. Any provider, anywhere.
Step 2 — Apply the $6,000 Rule
If your procedure would cost $6,000 or less in the U.S., you may not realize meaningful savings by traveling internationally. The surgery abroad might cost $1,500 — but airfare, hotel, and travel costs often eat up the difference.
💡 Example: A $5,000 hernia repair may cost $1,200 abroad — but $3,000–$4,000 in travel means little to no savings. In that case, a domestic free-market surgery center charging $3,500 all-inclusive is the smarter choice.
Above $6,000? International options almost always produce dramatic savings — and the higher the U.S. price, the greater the case for traveling abroad. This is the first thing we work through on every consultation call.
Step 3 — Vet Any Provider Like a Pro
The credentials, questions, and red flags that separate world-class care from dangerous shortcuts
After 20+ years and hundreds of procedures facilitated, Judson has developed a clear framework for evaluating any provider — domestic or international.
✅ Accreditation
- International: JCI accreditation — verify at jointcommissioninternational.org
- Domestic: AAAHC or QUAD A for surgery centers
- Never rely on the hospital's own marketing claims
🎓 Surgeon Credentials
- Board certification — verify independently
- Annual procedure volume for your specific operation
- Where they trained (many international surgeons: U.S. or U.K.)
- References from American patients
💰 Pricing Requirements
- Written all-inclusive quote — surgeon, anesthesia, facility, implants, follow-up
- If they won't provide it in writing, walk away
- Ask about prompt-pay discounts
🤝 Patient Experience
- English-speaking patient coordinator available throughout
- Protocol for complications after you return home
- Documentation to share with your home physician
🚩 Walk Away If You See Any of These
- No JCI or equivalent accreditation
- Refusal to provide written all-inclusive pricing
- Pressure to decide quickly or deposit immediately
- No English-speaking patient coordinator
- Surgeon won't share credential details
- No published outcomes or complication data
- No clear post-op follow-up protocol
- No relationship with local hospitals for emergency backup
Step 4 — Negotiate Cash-Pay Pricing
The scripts that save thousands — even at domestic hospitals
The price on a hospital's chargemaster is not the price you have to pay. Everything in healthcare is negotiable — especially when you're paying cash. Hospitals routinely accept 30–60% below list price for cash-pay patients.
Script 1 — The Direct Ask
"I'm a self-pay patient considering this procedure at your facility. I'm also getting quotes from two other facilities. I can pay in full before the procedure date. What is your best all-inclusive cash price — including surgeon, anesthesia, facility, and follow-up?"
Script 2 — The Competitive Anchor
"I've received a quote from Surgery Center of Oklahoma for $[X] all-inclusive for this procedure. I'd prefer to have it done closer to home. Can you match or beat that price?"
Script 3 — The International Anchor
"I'm also looking at having this procedure done at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok for $[X] all-inclusive with international travel included. What would it take to keep me in the United States?"
Step 5 — The 37-Point Medical Travel Cheat Sheet
Everything Judson learned facilitating hundreds of international procedures
Stress reduction is the key to a healthy and speedy recovery. These 37 points will get you there.
1
Get a complete diagnosis first — treatment plan, doctor's report, and imaging
2
Apply the $6,000 Rule — below that, domestic free-market is likely smarter
3
Start with JCI — verify accreditation at jointcommissioninternational.org
4
Inform your local doctor — ask if they'll handle follow-up when you return
5
Dental: crowns and implants often need follow-up 2–3 months later — plan for it
6
Contact your health insurer — they may cover treatment abroad
7
Plan at least one month ahead — logistics take time
8
Get a firm written price quote before buying your ticket — never travel for additional diagnosis
9
Order: schedule surgery → book hotel tentatively → book flexible flight last
10
Purchase travel insurance — covers cancellations and lost items
11
Call your credit card company before departure to avoid card suspension
12
Hospitals prefer major credit cards — ensure your balance covers all expenses
13
Stay at least one week — never travel home shortly after surgery
14
Tell hotel staff you're a medical tourist — ask for regular check-ins
15
Pack a power converter and adapter for your electronics
16
Bring your tablet or laptop — most hospitals offer free Wi-Fi for patients
17
Download a video call app — stay connected with family back home for free
18
Email family the hospital name, address, and phone number before you leave
19
Move during your flight — stretch and walk the aisles every 1–2 hours
20
Study the local currency before you arrive — speeds up transactions
21
Bring a small gift for your surgeon — a simple human gesture goes a long way
22
Ask for surgical notes and reports before discharge — keep them for your home doctor
23
Stay in a hotel close to the hospital — saves time and provides safety if needed
24
Never lie about smoking — stop at least 2 weeks before surgery
25
Read positive or spiritual books during recovery — reduces stress, speeds healing
26
Set realistic recovery expectations — ask your surgeon specifically about your procedure
27
Follow doctor's orders — whatever they are. This shortens recovery time.
28
Schedule a meeting with the hospital dietitian if you have special dietary needs
29
Schedule surgery on your 2nd day after arrival — build in 2+ follow-up visits
30
Most popular destinations: Brazil, Costa Rica, India, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore
31
Least expensive: India and Malaysia. Both former British colonies — English is widespread.
32
Most expensive: Brazil, Costa Rica, Korea, Singapore
33
Most established hospitals: Bumrungrad (Thailand), CIMA (Costa Rica), Apollo/Fortis (India), Gleneagles (Malaysia)
34
Why doctors say don't go abroad: they assume you lack the right information. You now have it.
35
If something goes wrong: the last thing a medical tourism hospital wants is a foreign patient complication making global headlines
36
As an international patient, the hospital typically assigns their most experienced surgeon to your case
37
If you're too stressed or worried — stay home. Medical tourism isn't for everyone. And that's okay.
What Happens on Your Consultation Call
1
Your Situation (Minutes 1–5)
You share your procedure, current quotes, insurance situation, and timeline. Judson listens and takes notes — no interruptions, no rushing.
2
The $6,000 Rule Assessment (Minutes 5–8)
Judson applies the $6,000 Rule to determine whether international travel makes financial sense — or whether a domestic free-market option is the smarter move.
💡 Over 30% of clients end up with a domestic solution — and that's a win.
3
Your Options Mapped (Minutes 8–22)
Judson identifies your top 2–3 options from the full range — free-market U.S. surgery centers, JCI-accredited international hospitals, and medical cost-sharing programs — with real all-inclusive prices for each.
4
Your Questions Answered (Minutes 22–28)
You ask everything you need to feel confident. Judson answers from 20+ years of firsthand experience — not from a script.
5
Personalized PDF Delivered Within 24 Hours
Your top options, real prices, facility details, and recommended next steps — delivered to your inbox within 24 hours of your call.
Ready to find your path?
One 30-minute call with Judson cuts through the confusion and gives you a personalized plan based on your specific procedure, budget, and timeline.
Book a Consultation — $47 →