Seeking Eating Disorder Treatment Internationally

Patients Beyond Borders, an organization that works to connect individuals to quality healthcare and also publishes a medical-tourism guidebook, reported in 2007 that “patients spend between $3,800 and $6,000 per cross-border medical visit, including treatment costs, transportation, and accommodations [1].”

Medications within the United States are much higher than this for many individuals.

Research from Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Center for Health Policy and Outcomes found that the price of multiple newly approved cancer drugs rose to $10,000 a month or more between 2010 and 2014 [1].

Getting Health Insurance Coverage Internationally

It is important to understand what options are out there for health insurance coverage. Knowing what your needs are, and the services required for treatment, is helpful when knowing what plan to choose [2].

First, maintain your existing health insurance if you have one from your country of origin. It will cover you overseas, but you may need to pay for extra costs for any out-of-network providers. Government health plans may not work overseas, but calling your current health insurance to see what your options are is a good place to start when knowing what your benefits are.

If your insurance does cover you, they may request that you pay upfront for any treatment costs, and seek reimbursement once back in country of origin. Your insurance might also offer travel insurance with a 24 hour emergency line that can help with treatment options.

Another option is to purchase travel health insurance that would cover any emergencies and is typically bundled together with a short-term health insurance plan.

Looking into health insurance plans within the country you are studying in or seeking treatment in is another options for coverage. Students studying abroad may be eligible for university health care.

Language Barriers When Seeking Treatment

Language barriers often make it challenging to communicate with doctors and advocate for yourself in a medical setting. Often, there are professionals who speak various languages other than your own, but may or may not understand cultural wishes you have for eating disorder treatment.

You do have the right to request a translator while in treatment to help best express your needs. You also have the right to request a trained interpreter and to receive forms and information in your primary language [2].

An important part of seeking treatment is to ask providers questions about their treatment practices and if they are comfortable with your cultural needs while seeking recovery. Below are some questions to consider asking professionals when deciding where to go for eating disorder treatment:

• Have you treated other individuals from my country of origin (Latino, Asian, South American, European)?
• Do you feel that you have appropriate training in cultural competence or on cultural mental health?
• How do you see our differing cultural backgrounds influencing my treatment?
• Do you feel comfortable integrating my beliefs and practices in my treatment?

Many companies offer phone translation services where you can pay for access to translators of hundreds of languages. One option is dual-remote medical interpreting, which is modeled after the UN interpretation system and enables quick, reliable communication [3]. Other companies have uploaded smartphone translation apps, as well as interpretation applications that are specialized in common healthcare phrases.

Accessing Health Care for Eating Disorder Treatment

Access to health care is defined as “the degree to which people are able to obtain appropriate care from the health care system in a timely manner [4].” Researchers who study the definition to access to care often distinguish between “potential access” which refers to the ability to pay or not or obtain health insurance for proper health care. “Realized access” refers to the quantity of health care actually received.

Seeking eating disorder treatment internationally also means planning for recovery internationally. Depending on the length of treatment, you may be living abroad for several months, if not a year. Knowing what finances you will need, any step-down living arrangements, and outpatient treatment teams is important.

Planning for working, if necessary, once stepped down from treatment may be something you need to explore, so knowing whether you need a work visa and being aware of any costs of living is important to discuss with those supporting you.

Travel medical insurance can cover the cost of various medical treatment, as well as medical evaluation services which can provide air ambulance, medical evaluation or medical escort service coverage for overseas treatment. This can be important when thinking about transportation to and from a treatment facility and airport.

Seeking eating disorder treatment internationally is doable, it is just knowing where to look and what questions to ask. Being prepared prior to going is essential.

About the Author: Libby Lyons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). Libby has been practicing in the field of eating disorders, addictions, depression, anxiety and other comorbid issues in various agencies. Libby has previously worked as a contractor for the United States Air Force Domestic Violence Program, Saint Louis University Student Health and Counseling, Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute Eating Disorders Program, and has been in Private Practice.

Libby currently works as a counselor at Fontbonne University and is a Adjunct Professor at Saint Louis University, and is a contributing author for Addiction Hope and Eating Disorder Hope. Libby lives in the St. Louis area with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, running, and watching movies.

References:

[1] (n.d.) Retrieved May 10, 2017, from  https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/the-dangerous-practice-of-seeking-medical-treatments-abroad
[2] (n.d.) Retrieved May 9, 2017 , from https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Diverse-Communities/Latino-Mental-Health
[3] (n.d.) Retrieved May 15, 2017, from http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/millions-americans-are-getting-lost-translation-during-hospital-visits-180956760/
[4] (n.d.) Retrieved May 20, 2017 from, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19910/

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published on July 6, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 6, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com

Eating Disorder Hope Staff

The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.