It’s no surprise or secret that healthcare is a large and stressful set of expenses, at most stages of life for millions of people. Since you’re here reading this, there’s a strong possibility that you’re interested in figuring out ways in which to better budget, plan for and navigate the exorbitant costs of healthcare, either in a short-term or a long-term scenario. While most people benefit from employer provided health insurance, not everyone does, and for many with the recent changes to deductibles, even those that are covered can experience high costs of care. Let’s take a look at a few options to navigate the ever-changing world of healthcare costs.
- Medical tourism, or seeking alternative options in alternative geographical locations, has gained traction in recent years. Many people go to other countries to receive treatments, have procedures and surgeries performed at a drastically reduced cost by comparison to what it might cost domestically. Going into Mexico from the U.S. is a popular option for thousands of people each year for reduced cost dental treatment. Other treatments gaining in popularity are ones such as: lymphoma natural treatment, dental procedures, reconstructive and plastic surgeries, as well as other required or optional medical procedures and treatments. Some are lifestyle choices, but many are a matter of health or disease. The cost benefits for those paying out of pocket are well worth the expense of travel in many scenarios, and the facilities and skills of the medical professionals are top notch. Though somewhat unconventional to some, traveling a bit further than normal is becoming a very viable and relevant healthcare option.
- There is tremendous research and years of history showing us choices to make and more importantly choices to steer clear from in habits, in order to keep ourselves in a healthier state of existence. Preventing many situations, habits, patterns and behaviors altogether is often the most practical way to maintain a healthy life. Of course there are factors external from our realm of control, and maintaining a reasonably healthy and robust immune system, as well as keeping a grounded approach in life with healthy emotional ranges and responses. Eating nutritiously and mindfully, keeping hydrated, consuming minimal amounts of toxins and pollutants, maintaining a regular movement routine whether that’s full on workouts, or simply a daily walk or yoga habit.
- Seeking local, natural and holistic healthcare options. Some insurance plans cover treatments like acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, mental health benefits and more. This is not to mention the lower deductibles and premiums for keeping a healthy weight and lifestyle choices like not smoking, consuming minimal volumes of alcohol and sugar, exercising regularly, etc.
With a blended approach of daily lifestyle choices that are contribute to the betterment of your health, and reducing options and choices that detract from it, as well as keeping in mind alternative choices when procedures and treatments are needed for routine as well as more rare needs arise, maintaining a long-term and healthy life are possible, without going hundreds of thousands into debt, like too many have been saddled with. There are lots of alternatives to healthcare matters, and all the many factors that influence our individual needs. With the growth of medical tourism, insurance reaches into more preventative measures and growth in popularity of natural options, it’s easier now than ever to educate yourself on the myriad of options at our fingertips.