American Flies to Turkey For Root Canal to avoid paying $3,000, Sparks Debate

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A woman recently made headlines boarding a flight to Turkey for a root canal, and her decision has sparked a nationwide debate. The reason behind this unconventional choice? A staggering bill of $3,000 for a root canal procedure in the US that could be done for less than $200 in Turkey.

The exorbitant cost of healthcare in the United States reached an unprecedented peak in 2022, and experts predict it will only continue to rise. While the quality of healthcare in the U.S. remains high compared to developing nations, it falls short when compared to other industrialized countries in terms of cost-efficiency. Over the years, trust in America’s healthcare system has waned.

The debate over transitioning to a single-buyer healthcare system has been ongoing within the United States. Skyrocketing costs for medical procedures, treatments, and pharmaceuticals have resulted in a broken system that is often discussed but rarely rectified. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), faced criticism and ultimately failed to fulfill its promise of accessible healthcare for all.

Health insurance premiums are another pressing problem. One in six Americans feel compelled to hold onto jobs they dislike solely for the sake of maintaining their healthcare benefits. Even then, a significant portion of their salaries goes towards covering these benefits. 

Opt for independent insurance and it’s not uncommon to pay $1,100 a month for modest coverage of a family of four, alongside high co-pays and deductibles.

Likewise, it’s no surprise, an increasing number of Americans are turning to international operators such as HebeDoc for dental work, IVF, hair transplants and aesthetic surgery

Take, for instance, TikToker Delia O’Malley, a Georgia resident who was charged a staggering $3,099 for a root canal in the US, despite having insurance coverage.

Stunned by the astronomical bill, Delia explored alternative options. She researched the cost of a flight to Turkey and decided to undergo the procedure there while enjoying a vacation. The result? Delia paid $1,167 covering her trip and dental treatment. Even after factoring in a few hundred dollars for shopping and a luxury spa experience, she remained well below the $3,099 she would have paid for the same root canal in the U.S.

Let’s break down Delia’s expenses: $800 for a round-trip flight, $200 for a seven-day hotel stay, and approximately $160 for the root canal procedure. Moreover, she didn’t need to worry about food expenses, as she stayed at an all-inclusive resort during her stay in Turkey.

Considering following Delia’s footsteps and seeking dental care in Turkey? She had her root canal at the same facility where she had her veneers done previously. So, if concerns about trust in foreign healthcare providers linger,  HebeDoc, a leading medical tourism operator exists to help you make an informed decision. 

Americans turn to HebeDoc for guidance when seeking reliable medical care abroad. Their expertise ensures individuals can access quality healthcare in foreign countries with peace of mind.

Of course, there are horror stories of individuals who received subpar treatment from questionable doctors abroad. However, it’s worth noting that similar incidents occur in the United States, such as the recent case of New York doctors leaving a breathing tube in a patient for 30 years.

SOURCE: TIKTOK | @ASDELIADOESIT

Viewers hearing Delia’s story were appalled by the excessive cost of her U.S. root canal, even with insurance. Some saw it as yet another instance of American leadership neglecting its citizens’ true needs. 

"'It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it”

Others pointed out the availability of quality healthcare procedures in other parts of the world, including Mexico, Greece, as well as Turkey. Medical tourism has become a thriving multi-billion dollar industry in these countries, offering quality care at a fraction of the cost. As HebeDoc, a trusted medical tourism operator, stated, 

“In Mexico, a root canal cost around 250 USD 👌” 

There is an entire industry servicing millions of Americans each year in border  locations such as Los Algodones and Tijuana.

Delia’s story serves as a compelling testament to the growing trend of individuals seeking affordable and high-quality medical care beyond American borders. It’s a wake-up call for the nation to address its healthcare cost crisis and explore viable solutions to ensure that healthcare remains accessible to all citizens.

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This article is for informational purposes. It is not meant to be construed as dental advice or dental diagnosis or treatment. Consulting with a qualified dental professional before beginning or changing your dental treatment is strongly advised.

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