Home Patient Stories Cardiac Surgery Testimonials FOX 26: Triple CABG at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital India for Texas TX resident FOX 26: Triple CABG at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital India for Texas TX resident HEALTHBASE CUSTOMER STORY ON FOX 26 HOUSTON A father of five from Katy needed life-saving surgery but because he didn't have health insurance to cover his expenses, he flew overseas to get the surgery at a lower rate. But as FOX 26's Melissa Wilson reports, many others are participating in this move of 'medical tourism'. More at: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/ Reporter: David Jones has been self-employed for years. He always had health insurance until 5 years ago. David: I can't get insurance because I had a heart attack previous. Reporter: Last summer David had two more heart attacks within a week. David: My surgeon told me, "Well, I can keep you alive for about 3 to 5 years on medications." And so they stabilized me and sent me home. Reporter: He needed a triple bypass and was told it would cost $200,000 in Houston. It was pay or die or so we first thought. David: And Healthbase said that Dr. Trehan can do my surgery and it will be about $12,000... Reporter: ...In India. Healthbase offers medical care in what are considered top class facilities in these countries - Singapore, Thailand, India, Turkey, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and more. David: I said, well, I'm not gonna go to India. It's kind of crazy. Reporter: But he researched the safety issues and chose the $188,000 discount. 10 days later, he and his brother, Buddy, were flying to India, after his church, Westland Baptist, helped raise the money. Buddy: When he got into the ICU, it was all top-notch same equipments we have here in the United States - portable ultrasound machines, decoder... Reporter: David still can't believe his high quality of care. David: There was a nurse at the foot of my bed to stay there and I had about 20 doctors that came in and out and checked on me daily. Reporter: Healthbase admits medical care is one area where quality is definitely more important than cost. So how can surgery be so much more affordable overseas? Healthbase's research shows labor costs represent 71% of medical fees in the US. Their job is to connect patients to accredited hospitals in countries with low labor costs. David: Buddy researched the doctor and we found he's one of the best in the world. Reporter: The surgeon had even previously practiced in New York for 20 years. David's local doctor says his heart now looks strong and he has fully recovered. For a complete list of procedures and how much they cost overseas, register to Healthbase.   < Prev   Next > [ Back ]

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