Without health insurance, surgery is expensive.
For millions of Americans, living without health insurance is a reality. However, it can be difficult for a person to get the medical care they need if they don't have health insurance. An individual who needs surgery yet doesn't have health insurance may find himself in a particularly dangerous situation. Fortunately, there are options for individuals who need surgical procedures performed but do not have insurance.
Installment Payments
According to Survivorship, individuals should consider looking for a surgeon who is willing to perform the operation at a cost that they can afford. Some surgeons are also willing to accept installment payments. Affordable prices and installment payments can make surgery a viable option for someone who doesn't have health insurance.
Medical Tourism
One option that individuals without health insurance can also consider is medical tourism. According to the Post Gazette, surgery abroad is a valid option for those without medical coverage, or those who have very minimal health coverage. American patients are traveling to places like Latin America, Thailand and Malaysia to receive surgery at affordable rates.
Non-Surgical Treatment
It's also best to find out if the surgery is really necessary and if there are alternative treatments available. For example, in the case of many back surgeries, some patients find that alternative treatments nullify their need for a surgical procedure. A second opinion from a non-surgeon medical professional can be valuable in these cases.
