Expats who find themselves in need of orthopaedic surgery can face several dilemmas. The biggest one by far is whether they should trust the healthcare system in their host country or seek treatment elsewhere. 

As far as surgeries go, orthopaedic procedures are especially risky because of the long and expensive recovery times as well as potential losses of income. Typical back or joint surgeries, for instance, can see patients laid up for a few months, even in ideal conditions. 

With such a long recuperation period, expats must decide how to balance the costs of their more immediate treatment needs with the longer-term expenses and potential complications of their recovery. Let’s weigh five critical considerations that should help you decide whether to have your surgery locally or abroad: 

1) Quality of Care and Medical Advancements

The overall quality of a country’s healthcare system plays the most important role in your decision. If you choose to be treated in a country like Singapore—with SG’s highly-developed healthcare system regularly lauded as one of the best in the world—you can expect state-of-the-art facilities as well as a highly competent orthopaedic surgeon to handle your case. If the country is home to extensive medical R&D, you can also enjoy access to cutting-edge procedures that have yet to hit the mainstream. 

This isn’t to say that you cannot enjoy these things elsewhere. However, the expected level of care may vary a great deal more in countries with more limited resources. You will likely be well served by a country that boasts broad and comprehensive healthcare options and high quality of life for fellow expats. 

2) Costs and Insurance Coverage

After the quality of care, your budget and the extent of your health insurance coverage will be the most important considerations when deciding where to have your surgery. If you have good private insurance or sufficient savings, you should be able to access prompt orthopaedic surgery and quality care in virtually any developed country. 

The presence or absence of universal healthcare in your host country probably won’t play a role in your decision. Generally speaking, countries with a universal healthcare system will prioritise citizens and permanent residents, only offering limited subsidies to expats, if any. Even if you do qualify under some programme, you will not necessarily be prioritised for immediate care, which means you may have to wait quite a long time to get your surgery.  

If your host country of residence offers affordable care, and if your insurance covers the procedure, staying might be your best option. On the other hand, if you're in a country where healthcare costs are high and you don’t have adequate coverage, returning home may be the better option, particularly if you qualify for subsidised treatment. Alternatively, you can travel to a neighbouring country with lower treatment and post-operation recovery costs. 

3) Support Network: Family and Friends

Having a reliable support network will make a world of difference when you’re recuperating from something as major as orthopaedic surgery. During your recovery, you will likely need assistance with mobility, household tasks, and transportation. All of these can be exceedingly challenging if you lack familial or social support. If you are living far from loved ones who are willing to take care of you, you might be better off travelling to a country where family or affordable hired help can support you throughout your recovery period.

4) Logistics and Travel

Even if you want to have your treatments done in a country with quality orthopaedic care, travelling long distances may be an issue if you're already in pain or have limited mobility. Indeed, travelling may even increase your discomfort and complicate surgeries that require time-sensitive recovery. 

It’s also worth remembering that post-operative care is particularly important for orthopaedic cases. You may be compelled to return for follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, and possibly further treatments. If you decide to have your surgery abroad, consider whether you'll be able to travel back and forth for these appointments or if you’d be better off recovering in a place where follow-up care is less of an issue. 

5) Legal and Administrative Red Tape

Lastly, it’s important to be aware of any legal or administrative hurdles wherever you plan to have your surgery. Some countries have strict regulations for expats seeking medical care, including requirements for residency, specific insurance types, or permits to access certain levels of care. 

If you’re thinking of travelling abroad, check the visa restrictions and secure all the documentation you need for medical treatment. You’ll also want to review your insurance so you’ll know if you’ll need to purchase additional coverage as well as which things you’ll need to pay for out of pocket. 

Weighing the Best Location for Your Orthopaedic Surgery 

Even if you’re fortunate to be living in a country with a great healthcare system, where you choose to have your surgery done is ultimately a personal decision. The long recovery periods and potential lack of income during these times can also mean that it may make sense to have surgery done in a country with a better healthcare system and to undergo the bulk of your recovery somewhere with lower living costs. 

Of course, the decision still depends on the type of procedure you need, the frequency of follow-up procedures, and the support networks that are available to you. Whether you choose to stay or go abroad, it’s important that you’re confident in the care and support available to you throughout your healing journey.

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