Can you recommend a hospital in Vietnam? A specific name ? I am trying to sort out where to go. I am American but I reside in Bali for 3 years. I have several health issues (cardiovascular, gallstones, prostate cancer and IBD/IBS). I need a hospital or doctor that see the sum of its parts and can at least treat my IBD. In Bali the hospitals and doctors are inept at treating or surgeries. The referral system is broken and they only take your money in Bali. Surgeries done here can be a death sentence! Even in the "high end" expat hospitals. It's really bad here and I am only a short distance to Vietnam but not sure if I should travel to Danang or ???
I'm 63 years old, and my wife and I decided several months ago that if I'm going to retire, I couldn't do it here in the states. So after much research we decided on Da Nang Vietnam. And this just helped assure us that we made the right decision. We will be there early next year. Thanks to both of you for providing this awesome information.
USA has a predatory healthcare system. In various countries in Asia, you can get the same level of care as in the USA and the system is designed to help people, not to squeeze out the maximum amount of money from patients.
Happy to help. I am not sick now, but I am so happy even before I am sick just knowing this sort of things is out there. So I would be a million times happy if I needed this now.
Yes. It was fortuitous, fast efficient. If he was in the USA and uninsured, the government would have put a lien on his his house for $100k and taken the proceeds when it sold. The US healthcare system is just stupid.
Truly amazing! Thanks for bringing us this story. It's interesting to compare Clifton's experiences and costs with retirees in the U.S. Of course, $5000 for cancer treatment is nothing compared to what it costs in the U.S. Here in the U.S., even as a retiree with Medicare, your healthcare costs will probably average at least $500 a month. $175 for Medicare Part B, $100 -$200 or more for a cheap Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan with a restricted network (that continues to increase with age), $20 or more for Medicare part B (with deductibles and a huge donut hole), $240 annual Medicare Part B deductible, and a variety of other out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare including: certain psych care, vision, dental, over-the-counter medicine/equipment, transportation, etc., etc. An average retired couple needs to plan on spending a $1000 a month, or having retirement accounts with at least $200K to cover healthcare costs from age 65 to 85. And this does NOT include the cost of long-term care insurance to cover assisted living/nursing home care. Self insurance seems to be the way to go if one decides to retire in Vietnam (or other SE Asian countries). Just imagine how far $200K would go toward healthcare in Vietnam! Compared to living in the U.S., the lower cost of living would allow a couple to save $1000 a month and put it toward healthcare. Dan recently did a video on the Assisted Living costs in the Philippines starting at $1080 a month. A family member of mine pays over $4000 monthly for assisted living and will soon transfer to a nursing home where it will cost $8000 monthly (and that's the cheapest option). And the standard of care is questionable. I personally, will simply NOT go to a U.S. assisted living facility/nursing home. I'll take the Smith and Wesson early retirement plan before I do that. However, since my wife is a Filipina, we have the option of going to the Philippines and being cared for by family when we become infirmed and can no longer care for ourselves. Her family members would jump at the chance to earn $500 - $1000 a month in caregiver salaries. Our other living expenses probably wouldn't run more than $2000 a month since we won't be doing much in our infirmed old age lifestyle. With the poor healthcare options in the Philippines, I will not expect healthcare beyond pain management and basic palliative care. But that's fine. When my time comes, I'd rather die quickly than linger to death slowly over the course of a decade.
Too bad you did not apply the same level of research to your medical options in the Philippines. You can easily get the same level of care there that meets or exceeds what you can get in either the US or Vietnam at very low cost in most major cities there. Oncological protocols are well established and practiced worldwide.
@@MoralHazard-g1e True, but you must be in either Manila or Cebu to receive that level of care. Also, you'll like pay about 4 times as much for the same level of care. And you can wait around all day for the doctor, and he may not even show up at all or leave unexpected before he sees you. Plus, traffic can be so horrible in Manila and Cebu that you would die on your way to the hospital in an emergency. I have nothing against Filipino doctors in general. My wife's U.S. PCP is a Manila trained Filipino, and he's an excellent physician.
There are some very impressive ‘Care Homes/Assisted Living’ in Thailand for much less $$ ( coincidently I was checking one out in Chiang Mai yesterday online…voted Best in the World” back in 2016/7 Not sure today but definitely worth looking into methinks,Cheers
@@MoralHazard-g1e True, but that level of treatment isn't generally available outside of Manila or Cebu (with a few possible exceptions depending on affliction). And one can live in Manila or Cebu and die in traffic during transport to emergency care. You can wait to see a doctor all day long, and then be told that he's already went home for the day and to come back tomorrow (been there done that)! Plus, the cancer treatment this man received would have probably cost closer to $20,000 USD in the Philippines compared to the $5000 USD he spent in Vietnam. I have nothing against Filipino doctors in general. My wife's PCP here in the U.S. is a Manila trained Filipino and he's an excellent physician. But the Philippines would not be my first choice as a retirement destination if healthcare were a top priority. However, the Philippines does have other advantages for retirees that surpass other SE Asian nations that include: English speaking, low rents, visa options, open culture, etc.
Dan I agree a very important video. Self insured is what I did too even though I have USA Medicare coverage. I choose to stay in Asia and not fly back home for prostate cancer treatment. The care and treatment was high quality, no waiting, USA trained Doctors and low cost. English Speaking Doctors. Looking forward too part two. Thanks for doing this, both of you.
@@timelston4260in Guangzhou, China. They did an advanced cryotherapy treatment. I Paid out of Pocket. Two Doctors with lots of experience, both spoke English…one trained in Los Angeles the other in KL, Malaysia. Huge population, so they get lots of (practice)work. Not there first rodeo. Nurses top notch. Set price, did not go over. No BS on the bill straight forward. I hear Türkiye is a great place to go also for advanced care and good quality. Plus way less $ then USA. In fact Mayo Clinic in Minnesota refers patients to some specialist in Türkiye.
He is absolutely right I live in Vietnam for over five years now and the hospitals are amazing every time I go there it’s a wonderful experience and the people are so nice. They take care of you. They have smiles on their face and the cost is just very affordable and you get the best care right away, and they really do care about you My experience that you don’t need insurance because everything is so reasonable and the doctors are top-notch
This is such a timely video! We are going through a similar ordeal and although we have free medical care, it looks like we have to fight continuously in order to get all the help we need. We've been looking for a plan B and I guess we found one! Thank you Dan! ❤
@@VagabondAwake I wish you and your family complete success in your journey through recovery. Please watch the next video that has more information continuing from my story.
Visiting Da Nang now and this question popped up between a couple friends. This answers it I guess :) Speedy recovery Cliff...! Good stuff Dan, thanks for posting.
Thanks for sharing Clifton's story. As we keep sharing our own experiences with healthcare overseas, I think people will start to realize that there really are excellent options for healthcare in other countries that are not only affordable but also of high quality. Looking forward to the second part of the interview.
❤ Hey Dan. Wow! What a great video. Great story. Great information. As someone who travels and self insures this information is priceless. Thanks for all your content.
Clifton 's story is actually heroic. Thanks for sharung his story. I have heard this many times before. US healthcare is run by pharmaceuticals and insurance corporations....meaning you get what they want to get.
Thanks for sharing your story Clifton. It sounds like you had excellent treatment in Da Nang. I had a similar cancer treated 2 years ago. Base of tongue, stage 3 with lymph node involvement, caused by hpv. I was living in Qatar and had a similar treatment plan to yours. 33 rads and 3 rounds of chemo. Happy to report I’m still cancer free. I’ve just left Qatar after living there for 5 years. I’m on my way to China start a new job next month. Funny thing is I’m watching to this from Da Nang🇻🇳
@@VagabondAwake essentially free. I would have to pay a nominal fee for some visits to my ENT and oncologist, less than $10 USD each visit. The chemo and radiation was free. Getting PET scans was the most expensive thing $20 USD. I wasn’t really tracking each expense, but I would say I paid approximately $300 over the last 2 years for these visits. In Qatar the only option for cancer treatment is through the public system, which costs about $30 USD per year for residents to utilise the services. I did have health insurance through my employer which was excellent. I also had shoulder surgery, some dental work and physiotherapy for my knee done during my time in Qatar. No cost to me.
Awesome story, do more videos like this, expats pushing through 👍 We are broken in the US, we have moved so far away from practical, functional execution of the necessities - healthcare, housing, education, taxes , good govt- what we have lost most of all is community- the bedrock of stability and prosperity . Thanks for the video 😉
Incredible! Thank you so much for bringing us this story. It's so important!. Also, it's great that this is a story about treatment in Vietnam versus maybe the usual places like Thailand and Kuala Lumpur
You are very welcome. I agree. Vietnam was not a place I ever expected to have a catastrophic diagnosis. However, the experience I had with the public medical system was unexpected, pleasant, and very affordable.
I think this is one of the most important interviews you've done, thanks a million times to both of you for being so generous in sharing this sad story with a happy ending! Wishing all the best recovery and good health to Clifton.
I went to Family Hospital in Da Nang 2 times in the last 2 months and the staff were outstanding, very caring people, I was impressed. Good luck to you Clifton.
Wow!! Dan, thanks for covering his journey. As someone with health challenges I've been afraid to travel out of the U.S. This video helped free me. Thank you
I can echo his experiences. I spent 16 yrs in Thailand. BEST dang medical care on the planet and cheap. Meds are 1/20th the cost of what you pay for the same in the U.S. and over the counter. COMPLETE blood work up done in 2 hors for 16 bucks. I'm back in the U.S. not planing on returning to Asia because the medical society here SUCKS big time ....I'm sick to death of condesending "A" holes who get paid thousand per day and all the do is want more. The toxic greed in America is too overwhelming for me. I'm outa here!
70 years old, had my gallbladder removed in Thailand. 3 days in the local hospital VIP ward private room with bathroom, tests and operation - all in, for $1,530. I feel so fortunate it's hard to put it in words.
It's great to hear he's feeling cured and is doing so well. Last week, I rushed my husband to the hospital in the US, and they provided excellent care. He's now doing well and is back home. The only concern is that we haven't received the bill and don't know what our portion will be after insurance has covered their part.
Best wishes and prayers for a full & speedy recovery Clifton! Thanks so much Dan for all of your fantastic efforts! This kind of caring is what the world absolutely needs right now, especially in the USA!
Thank you for this interesting video. I live in Germany, and we still have a good health care system which covers everything. But being American, it is actually worth thinking of going to such a country for treatment as this could be the financial killer.
I was in Mexico when I started to develop a stomach issue. Eventually broke down and went to a hospital (normally I give them a wide berth) . The doctor could see me immediately (imagine that! and only $40 later ) and then referred me for an Ultrasound. I managed to get an appointment the next day!. Imagine that?Cost $35! I went back to the US about one week later where my doctor recommended a CTScan. The 20-minute procedure...almost $17 000!. They were then "kind" enough" to give me a discount which brought it down to about $3400. The CT scan identified a growth in my colon (not good news for obvious reasons). After that, It was and still is a battle to get a colonoscopy so that the specialist can have a closer look at it. It is now more than two months later and I'm still in the process of getting a colonoscopy appointment. The cost will most likely also be outrageous. I'm pissed with US healthcare, to say the least.
The USA spends more per person on healthcare than any other country in the world but our politicians refuse to allow the government to control pricing on what we get for out money because they need to take money from special interests to get re-elected, so whatever special interest group can give the most money to the politicians get the legislation they want. www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/health-spending-u-s-compare-countries/ The political technique is to divide and conquer. So they teach us to hate each other so we place blame on the other side instead of fixing the root problem.
@@VagabondAwake Unfortunately I have forgotten the name of this retired orthopedic surgeon's UA-cam channel's name. Long story short....in the 80's he was asked to spend a year in DC trying to come up with ideas on how to bring down the out of control health care costs. He was told/informed in short order by the bureacrats and politicians that he better leave good enough alone. They like things the way it is.
I always thought "self-insuring" in Asia was a bad idea. But the more I experience medical here and anecdotal stories like this, the more it makes sense. At this point, I would rather pay 100% to get treated in Asia than get care in the US even with insurance.
Yes, I wouldn't fly home either. Even if the care in the USA was only 10 times as much, my deductible would be more than the full cost here, and I would have all of the American cost of living expenses for a few months while I recovered.
I wish him the best. I agree that time spent waiting in the USA for appointments often erases the benefits of the great training and first class equipment in the US hospital system. I question if the savings made in Vietnamese public hospital might not be worth it if you can afford a private hospital. I only ask the because a radiation device are not created equally. Some can get the same results while using less radiation and delivering it more actually. Even going to my medicare doctors in my home town, I would rather have CT or mri scans done at a main hospital rather than their branch facilities because the main hospitals usually have the newest toys.
When I was in a hospital in India, I asked a friend back in the states about the equipment they were using on me. He said it was the same make and model they are using in the USA. You know what they say about assumptions. lol. Tell people they are in the greatest country in the world enough times in movies and in politics, they start to believe it ... until they travel.
Thank you for sharing. Dan, you always hit it out of the park. Say hi to the Lady. Hope she is doing well also. I cant spell her name. so not being rude.
Thats an amazing story Dan ! Thank you for sharing it with us. It truly brings us to consider better options than we have here at home . Looking forward to part II
We are on a European tour right now asking the question, can you retire anywhere here on $1500 USD? Consider subscribing and ringing the notifications bell. You don't have to watch every video, but when one comes along you are interested, then click and watch. :-) You could also get on my email list where I explain what is happening every Saturday. vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
I just had my hand surgery. It was $30,000. I just had my left lung taken out and it was over $200,000 stage one cancer I had I just had back surgery that was another $56,000. It's crazy over here I'm on my way to you soon. Thanks for the information.
American 🇺🇸 expatriate in Taiwan 🇹🇼 here. My first time here, I got dental care at National Taiwan University Hospital-a first-rate facility-for about $15 USD-equivalent total. Long story short: now my National Health Insurance covers a lot with minimal copayments of about $3 USD. Some options, such as treatment with certain medical equipment, either cost extra or aren’t available, but I’ve always gotten good treatment. I have the impression that Asian healthcare beats that available back in The Homeland, at least as far as the cost.
Hi @danielvillarreal6610, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: ua-cam.com/video/ySM_2jAC4v4/v-deo.html Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or UA-cam channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan
...⭐️⭐️⭐️ Việt nam không thiếu những bác sĩ giỏi bởi vì hầu hết những người học giỏi đều đăng ký đi học ngành y 👍 Cái thiếu ở Vn chỉ là cơ sở vật chất chưa theo kịp với những nước phát truyển 👍
It is hospital specific. You can get amazing care in Manila and Cebu, but it is probably much more expensive in the western hospitals. Honestly, I don't know what the public hospitals might charge. The is always finding the right doctor. That is something other expats might help you with. I have not been sick in Duma so have never asked around.
Here's what I can tell you about these for profit health insurance companies in southeast asia. First they are blocked from selling their products in the advance countries of the world. America was the last country. That allowed private health company's from asking health issues or age before selling a policy. But these health insurance companies in southeast asia are doing doing this and may stop covering when you reach a certain age. Most foreigners will not buy these policies when they are living southeast asia. They understand how they are filled with pitfalls and loopholes.
@@VagabondAwake wow, what a great health insurance company. That doesn't cover cancer. How stupid a individual must be to go with a company like that. But these third world countries are open(corruption) to allowing these fake health companies to operate in their countries.
I do not think I could have handled the stress myself. Good to know there might be somewhere to go to if need be. The $$$ money part always scares me the most.
True. In the USA, the hospitals put a lien on your house if you can't pay the $100k bill. There is a dignity in being able to pay your own bills that comes with this too.
I hear your words clearly. I was absolutely terrified after the diagnosis. However, I found a well of courage deep inside me that led me to just do the next best thing. This led me to the right doctors and eventually treatment and recovery. It's surprising what we are capable of in a crisis.
You could not even get home health care assistance for the total cost of his treatment. "What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Utah. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors who receive in-home care in Utah pay an average of $5,625 per month. Those who require home health care typically spend about $5,720.". These are 2021 numbers, I'm sure it's more now.
Dan, but you still recommend worldwide health coverage like from Alex? I waiting for a policy from him and than I off to Asia. Or you think it's OK to not have coverage? Thanks
I would still buy it because I am all over the world. Not sure where I will be when my emergency happens. And some emergencies you can board a flight to another place. You just have to get it done where you are. But I will likely give it up when I settle in one place if it has stories like this.
Good thing was not in Brazil it would take about 3 to 6 months to see the specialist, 3 to 6 months for the exam, treatment would start in 2026 but they don’t have IV so you have to wait month go by they have IV but don’t have any doctor….,,, thousands of people die waiting. More and more I want to move to Asia not perfect but better than what I have
I'm an American who's lived in Vietnam for 5 years. My family and I have experienced both public and private hospitals and they're both great.
Hi Chris!
Hey Chris 😊 Come back to Đa Nẵng soon to hangout.
@@DaNangJohnSI’ll I’ll pop jjjkkkjkpppp😅
Me too! I have been to public hospitals in Saigon. Really good experience.
Can you recommend a hospital in Vietnam? A specific name ? I am trying to sort out where to go. I am American but I reside in Bali for 3 years. I have several health issues (cardiovascular, gallstones, prostate cancer and IBD/IBS). I need a hospital or doctor that see the sum of its parts and can at least treat my IBD. In Bali the hospitals and doctors are inept at treating or surgeries. The referral system is broken and they only take your money in Bali. Surgeries done here can be a death sentence! Even in the "high end" expat hospitals. It's really bad here and I am only a short distance to Vietnam but not sure if I should travel to Danang or ???
I'm 63 years old, and my wife and I decided several months ago that if I'm going to retire, I couldn't do it here in the states. So after much research we decided on Da Nang Vietnam. And this just helped assure us that we made the right decision. We will be there early next year. Thanks to both of you for providing this awesome information.
Best of luck. Let us know how it goes. :-)
USA has a predatory healthcare system. In various countries in Asia, you can get the same level of care as in the USA and the system is designed to help people, not to squeeze out the maximum amount of money from patients.
Well said. That sems to be what is happening.
I must agree with you 100%.
Also a horrible system of processed foods with subtly poisonous foods approved by the FDA.
THIS VIDEO JUST MAY SAVE MY LIFE. THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES!
Happy to help. I am not sick now, but I am so happy even before I am sick just knowing this sort of things is out there. So I would be a million times happy if I needed this now.
Clifton, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing the experience and cost. We future expats need the info. You look healthy and happy.
Well said. People need to know.
You are very welcome. I really felt compelled to share this after all the kindness I received at a time I was in so much mortal fear.
What an amazing story, happy that he got such excellent care for an amazingly reasonable cost! Really puts the US to shame!
So true. Thanks for sharing.
Praise YHWH that Clifton was in Vietnam when he realized he was ill. That is so wonderful! I pray for your continued recovery.
Yes. It was fortuitous, fast efficient. If he was in the USA and uninsured, the government would have put a lien on his his house for $100k and taken the proceeds when it sold. The US healthcare system is just stupid.
Truly amazing! Thanks for bringing us this story. It's interesting to compare Clifton's experiences and costs with retirees in the U.S. Of course, $5000 for cancer treatment is nothing compared to what it costs in the U.S. Here in the U.S., even as a retiree with Medicare, your healthcare costs will probably average at least $500 a month. $175 for Medicare Part B, $100 -$200 or more for a cheap Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan with a restricted network (that continues to increase with age), $20 or more for Medicare part B (with deductibles and a huge donut hole), $240 annual Medicare Part B deductible, and a variety of other out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare including: certain psych care, vision, dental, over-the-counter medicine/equipment, transportation, etc., etc. An average retired couple needs to plan on spending a $1000 a month, or having retirement accounts with at least $200K to cover healthcare costs from age 65 to 85. And this does NOT include the cost of long-term care insurance to cover assisted living/nursing home care. Self insurance seems to be the way to go if one decides to retire in Vietnam (or other SE Asian countries). Just imagine how far $200K would go toward healthcare in Vietnam! Compared to living in the U.S., the lower cost of living would allow a couple to save $1000 a month and put it toward healthcare. Dan recently did a video on the Assisted Living costs in the Philippines starting at $1080 a month. A family member of mine pays over $4000 monthly for assisted living and will soon transfer to a nursing home where it will cost $8000 monthly (and that's the cheapest option). And the standard of care is questionable. I personally, will simply NOT go to a U.S. assisted living facility/nursing home. I'll take the Smith and Wesson early retirement plan before I do that. However, since my wife is a Filipina, we have the option of going to the Philippines and being cared for by family when we become infirmed and can no longer care for ourselves. Her family members would jump at the chance to earn $500 - $1000 a month in caregiver salaries. Our other living expenses probably wouldn't run more than $2000 a month since we won't be doing much in our infirmed old age lifestyle. With the poor healthcare options in the Philippines, I will not expect healthcare beyond pain management and basic palliative care. But that's fine. When my time comes, I'd rather die quickly than linger to death slowly over the course of a decade.
Thanks for sharing your numbers.
Too bad you did not apply the same level of research to your medical options in the Philippines. You can easily get the same level of care there that meets or exceeds what you can get in either the US or Vietnam at very low cost in most major cities there. Oncological protocols are well established and practiced worldwide.
@@MoralHazard-g1e True, but you must be in either Manila or Cebu to receive that level of care. Also, you'll like pay about 4 times as much for the same level of care. And you can wait around all day for the doctor, and he may not even show up at all or leave unexpected before he sees you. Plus, traffic can be so horrible in Manila and Cebu that you would die on your way to the hospital in an emergency. I have nothing against Filipino doctors in general. My wife's U.S. PCP is a Manila trained Filipino, and he's an excellent physician.
There are some very impressive ‘Care Homes/Assisted Living’ in Thailand for much less $$ ( coincidently I was checking one out in Chiang Mai yesterday online…voted Best in the World” back in 2016/7 Not sure today but definitely worth looking into methinks,Cheers
@@MoralHazard-g1e True, but that level of treatment isn't generally available outside of Manila or Cebu (with a few possible exceptions depending on affliction). And one can live in Manila or Cebu and die in traffic during transport to emergency care. You can wait to see a doctor all day long, and then be told that he's already went home for the day and to come back tomorrow (been there done that)! Plus, the cancer treatment this man received would have probably cost closer to $20,000 USD in the Philippines compared to the $5000 USD he spent in Vietnam. I have nothing against Filipino doctors in general. My wife's PCP here in the U.S. is a Manila trained Filipino and he's an excellent physician. But the Philippines would not be my first choice as a retirement destination if healthcare were a top priority. However, the Philippines does have other advantages for retirees that surpass other SE Asian nations that include: English speaking, low rents, visa options, open culture, etc.
Dan I agree a very important video. Self insured is what I did too even though I have USA Medicare coverage. I choose to stay in Asia and not fly back home for prostate cancer treatment. The care and treatment was high quality, no waiting, USA trained Doctors and low cost. English Speaking Doctors. Looking forward too part two. Thanks for doing this, both of you.
It is really mind blowing how overpriced US care is. Our politicians are working for everyone but the voters.
What country did you get your prostate cancer treatment in? I will likely get this kind of cancer, since both my dad and granddad had it.
@@timelston4260in Guangzhou, China. They did an advanced cryotherapy treatment. I Paid out of Pocket. Two Doctors with lots of experience, both spoke English…one trained in Los Angeles the other in KL, Malaysia. Huge population, so they get lots of (practice)work. Not there first rodeo. Nurses top notch. Set price, did not go over. No BS on the bill straight forward. I hear Türkiye is a great place to go also for advanced care and good quality. Plus way less $ then USA. In fact Mayo Clinic in Minnesota refers patients to some specialist in Türkiye.
He is absolutely right I live in Vietnam for over five years now and the hospitals are amazing every time I go there it’s a wonderful experience and the people are so nice. They take care of you. They have smiles on their face and the cost is just very affordable and you get the best care right away, and they really do care about you
My experience that you don’t need insurance because everything is so reasonable and the doctors are top-notch
Thank you Bryan.
This is such a timely video! We are going through a similar ordeal and although we have free medical care, it looks like we have to fight continuously in order to get all the help we need. We've been looking for a plan B and I guess we found one! Thank you Dan! ❤
You are welcome. I hope it saves you some grief.
@@VagabondAwake I wish you and your family complete success in your journey through recovery. Please watch the next video that has more information continuing from my story.
Visiting Da Nang now and this question popped up between a couple friends. This answers it I guess :) Speedy recovery Cliff...! Good stuff Dan, thanks for posting.
I feel like sharing this stuff is my duty to the world.
Thank you Dan. It’s powerful information
Thank you for your kind words. My recovery is going very good.
Thanks for sharing Clifton's story. As we keep sharing our own experiences with healthcare overseas, I think people will start to realize that there really are excellent options for healthcare in other countries that are not only affordable but also of high quality. Looking forward to the second part of the interview.
Thanks for watching. :-)
❤ Hey Dan. Wow! What a great video. Great story. Great information. As someone who travels and self insures this information is priceless. Thanks for all your content.
You are welcome. This is so important. I am so glad you got to see it before you need it.
Clifton 's story is actually heroic. Thanks for sharung his story. I have heard this many times before. US healthcare is run by pharmaceuticals and insurance corporations....meaning you get what they want to get.
And our politicians all get vacation homes ... both sides.
Thanks for sharing your story Clifton. It sounds like you had excellent treatment in Da Nang. I had a similar cancer treated 2 years ago. Base of tongue, stage 3 with lymph node involvement, caused by hpv. I was living in Qatar and had a similar treatment plan to yours. 33 rads and 3 rounds of chemo. Happy to report I’m still cancer free.
I’ve just left Qatar after living there for 5 years. I’m on my way to China start a new job next month. Funny thing is I’m watching to this from Da Nang🇻🇳
How much was your treatment in Qatar?
@@VagabondAwake essentially free. I would have to pay a nominal fee for some visits to my ENT and oncologist, less than $10 USD each visit. The chemo and radiation was free. Getting PET scans was the most expensive thing $20 USD. I wasn’t really tracking each expense, but I would say I paid approximately $300 over the last 2 years for these visits.
In Qatar the only option for cancer treatment is through the public system, which costs about $30 USD per year for residents to utilise the services.
I did have health insurance through my employer which was excellent. I also had shoulder surgery, some dental work and physiotherapy for my knee done during my time in Qatar. No cost to me.
I've been thinking of planning a trip to Asia at the end of the year, Vietnam is on the radar.
Awesome story, do more videos like this, expats pushing through 👍
We are broken in the US, we have moved so far away from practical, functional execution of the necessities - healthcare, housing, education, taxes , good govt- what we have lost most of all is community- the bedrock of stability and prosperity .
Thanks for the video 😉
Meant 👍 not 😉- 🤣🤣🤣
Super! Thanks for sharing. I was at a meeting last night. There were 6 of us there, and 5 had cancer. (As far as I know I don't have cancer)
Wow. Crazy. Was that an expat meeting?
Incredible! Thank you so much for bringing us this story. It's so important!. Also, it's great that this is a story about treatment in Vietnam versus maybe the usual places like Thailand and Kuala Lumpur
Well said!
You are very welcome. I agree. Vietnam was not a place I ever expected to have a catastrophic diagnosis. However, the experience I had with the public medical system was unexpected, pleasant, and very affordable.
Dan, thank you for making sure these stories are told.
I am in the unique position and I intend do keep doing this so people learn they have options.
@@VagabondAwake God bless you Dan!
Great video...just turned 70 and I want to live in Vietnam for awhile.
Vietnam is a terrific choice.
I think this is one of the most important interviews you've done, thanks a million times to both of you for being so generous in sharing this sad story with a happy ending! Wishing all the best recovery and good health to Clifton.
He will be doing a follow up interview soon. Stay tuned (subscribe). :-)
That's wonderful to know this level of healthcare is available somewhere in the world. Thanks for posting this video!
I went to Family Hospital in Da Nang 2 times in the last 2 months and the staff were outstanding, very caring people, I was impressed.
Good luck to you Clifton.
Come tell your story when you are ready: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Such a helpful video to hear about, Dan. Thank you to your guest. 🎉
I know. It gave me a sense of hope for people who can't afford the healthcare (or insurance) or don't have the money to fly home for senior care.
Wow!! Dan, thanks for covering his journey. As someone with health challenges I've been afraid to travel out of the U.S. This video helped free me. Thank you
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This story is absolutely amazing! Thank you for sharing it. Inspiring
I have listened to it 4 times now. I am no less inspired than the first time. He gives me hop even before I get sick. I love it.
I can echo his experiences. I spent 16 yrs in Thailand. BEST dang medical care on the planet and cheap. Meds are 1/20th the cost of what you pay for the same in the U.S. and over the counter. COMPLETE blood work up done in 2 hors for 16 bucks. I'm back in the U.S. not planing on returning to Asia because the medical society here SUCKS big time ....I'm sick to death of condesending "A" holes who get paid thousand per day and all the do is want more. The toxic greed in America is too overwhelming for me. I'm outa here!
70 years old, had my gallbladder removed in Thailand. 3 days in the local hospital VIP ward private room with bathroom, tests and operation - all in, for $1,530. I feel so fortunate it's hard to put it in words.
Come be a guest Ray. vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Wow! Congratulations, Cliff, and best wishes❤
It's great to hear he's feeling cured and is doing so well. Last week, I rushed my husband to the hospital in the US, and they provided excellent care. He's now doing well and is back home. The only concern is that we haven't received the bill and don't know what our portion will be after insurance has covered their part.
I know. Crazy in the USA.
Best wishes and prayers for a full & speedy recovery Clifton!
Thanks so much Dan for all of your fantastic efforts! This kind of caring is what the world absolutely needs right now, especially in the USA!
Thank you for your kind words. I feel encouragement when I read this type of feedback.
Thank you for this interesting video. I live in Germany, and we still have a good health care system which covers everything. But being American, it is actually worth thinking of going to such a country for treatment as this could be the financial killer.
Exactly. Many people in America have a higher deductible than treatment costs overseas
Thank you Dan for doing this video!
You are welcome. I hope it is only a "just in case" future reference for you.
Great story.
I was in Mexico when I started to develop a stomach issue. Eventually broke down and went to a hospital (normally I give them a wide berth) . The doctor could see me immediately (imagine that! and only $40 later ) and then referred me for an Ultrasound. I managed to get an appointment the next day!. Imagine that?Cost $35! I went back to the US about one week later where my doctor recommended a CTScan. The 20-minute procedure...almost $17 000!. They were then "kind" enough" to give me a discount which brought it down to about $3400. The CT scan identified a growth in my colon (not good news for obvious reasons). After that, It was and still is a battle to get a colonoscopy so that the specialist can have a closer look at it. It is now more than two months later and I'm still in the process of getting a colonoscopy appointment. The cost will most likely also be outrageous. I'm pissed with US healthcare, to say the least.
Pissed is right. I don't know why we put up with this nonsense.
The USA spends more per person on healthcare than any other country in the world but our politicians refuse to allow the government to control pricing on what we get for out money because they need to take money from special interests to get re-elected, so whatever special interest group can give the most money to the politicians get the legislation they want. www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/health-spending-u-s-compare-countries/ The political technique is to divide and conquer. So they teach us to hate each other so we place blame on the other side instead of fixing the root problem.
@@VagabondAwake Unfortunately I have forgotten the name of this retired orthopedic surgeon's UA-cam channel's name. Long story short....in the 80's he was asked to spend a year in DC trying to come up with ideas on how to bring down the out of control health care costs. He was told/informed in short order by the bureacrats and politicians that he better leave good enough alone. They like things the way it is.
I always thought "self-insuring" in Asia was a bad idea. But the more I experience medical here and anecdotal stories like this, the more it makes sense. At this point, I would rather pay 100% to get treated in Asia than get care in the US even with insurance.
Yes, I wouldn't fly home either. Even if the care in the USA was only 10 times as much, my deductible would be more than the full cost here, and I would have all of the American cost of living expenses for a few months while I recovered.
Thank you, Dan! Amazing story!!!
I know. Mind blowing.
I wish him the best. I agree that time spent waiting in the USA for appointments often erases the benefits of the great training and first class equipment in the US hospital system. I question if the savings made in Vietnamese public hospital might not be worth it if you can afford a private hospital. I only ask the because a radiation device are not created equally. Some can get the same results while using less radiation and delivering it more actually. Even going to my medicare doctors in my home town, I would rather have CT or mri scans done at a main hospital rather than their branch facilities because the main hospitals usually have the newest toys.
When I was in a hospital in India, I asked a friend back in the states about the equipment they were using on me. He said it was the same make and model they are using in the USA. You know what they say about assumptions. lol. Tell people they are in the greatest country in the world enough times in movies and in politics, they start to believe it ... until they travel.
Incredible story! Way to go Clifton and thank you for bringing this to us Dan!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing. Dan, you always hit it out of the park. Say hi to the Lady. Hope she is doing well also. I cant spell her name. so not being rude.
Thank you!
Thats an amazing story Dan ! Thank you for sharing it with us. It truly brings us to consider better options than we have here at home . Looking forward to part II
Absolutely!
God bless this guy!
Another informative vid. Thanks so much Dan. Where are located these days Vietnam?
We are on a European tour right now asking the question, can you retire anywhere here on $1500 USD? Consider subscribing and ringing the notifications bell. You don't have to watch every video, but when one comes along you are interested, then click and watch. :-) You could also get on my email list where I explain what is happening every Saturday. vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Same / Same for my Đa Nẵng public hospital and clinics experience after a dog bite and needing 5 rounds of rabies vaccination. Outstanding experience.
I just had my hand surgery. It was $30,000. I just had my left lung taken out and it was over $200,000 stage one cancer I had I just had back surgery that was another $56,000. It's crazy over here I'm on my way to you soon. Thanks for the information.
Amazing interview!
Congratulations on your new lease on life! 🎉 🎊 👏🏾
Yes, thank you
American 🇺🇸 expatriate in Taiwan 🇹🇼 here. My first time here, I got dental care at National Taiwan University Hospital-a first-rate facility-for about $15 USD-equivalent total. Long story short: now my National Health Insurance covers a lot with minimal copayments of about $3 USD. Some options, such as treatment with certain medical equipment, either cost extra or aren’t available, but I’ve always gotten good treatment. I have the impression that Asian healthcare beats that available back in The Homeland, at least as far as the cost.
Hi @danielvillarreal6610, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: ua-cam.com/video/ySM_2jAC4v4/v-deo.html
Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or UA-cam channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan
Less than $5k is astounding.
I know. Blows my mind.
Thank you for sharing how about pain management, I am currently on a narcotic and will need a Dr over there to prescribe pain meds ?
God bless this guy
Greetings, thank you for such valuable information.
...⭐️⭐️⭐️ Việt nam không thiếu những bác sĩ giỏi bởi vì hầu hết những người học giỏi đều đăng ký đi học ngành y 👍
Cái thiếu ở Vn chỉ là cơ sở vật chất chưa theo kịp với những nước phát truyển 👍
Cảm ơn vì suy nghĩ của bạn
Amazing story and good content
Thank you so much 😀
Fantastic video!
Thanks. Clifton really will wake some people up about their healthcare choices.
Amazing story!
Wow Dan, this is powerful stuff. It's so good to know this info. How would this compare with the Philippines, say Dumaguete ?
It is hospital specific. You can get amazing care in Manila and Cebu, but it is probably much more expensive in the western hospitals. Honestly, I don't know what the public hospitals might charge. The is always finding the right doctor. That is something other expats might help you with. I have not been sick in Duma so have never asked around.
Here's what I can tell you about these for profit health insurance companies in southeast asia. First they are blocked from selling their products in the advance countries of the world.
America was the last country. That allowed private health company's from asking health issues or age before selling a policy. But these health insurance companies in southeast asia are doing doing this and may stop covering when you reach a certain age. Most foreigners will not buy these policies when they are living southeast asia. They understand how they are filled with pitfalls and loopholes.
His insurance didn't cover cancer so he paid for it himself. Thanks for sharing.
@@VagabondAwake wow, what a great health insurance company. That doesn't cover cancer. How stupid a individual must be to go with a company like that.
But these third world countries are open(corruption) to allowing these fake health companies to operate in their countries.
Wow is this a common cancer? Great story wish you well
www.cancer.gov/types/common-cancers
My throat cancer was directly linked to the HPV 16 virus. This type of cancer is on the rise.
Wow, this is a great information. Thank you so much!
I know. There are people that can get treatment now that may not have been able to for whatever reason.
We have 3 yrs left and we are on our way to Asia. Cannot wait:) been watching your awesome videos. So happy for you and your wife. God bless
Wonderful❤
I do not think I could have handled the stress myself. Good to know there might be somewhere to go to if need be. The $$$ money part always scares me the most.
True. In the USA, the hospitals put a lien on your house if you can't pay the $100k bill. There is a dignity in being able to pay your own bills that comes with this too.
I hear your words clearly. I was absolutely terrified after the diagnosis. However, I found a well of courage deep inside me that led me to just do the next best thing. This led me to the right doctors and eventually treatment and recovery. It's surprising what we are capable of in a crisis.
Good plan to get care in Asia
It is my time to prepare my retirement. Can someone provide some links to local (non-English) real estate web-sites for Da Nag?
You could not even get home health care assistance for the total cost of his treatment. "What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Utah. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors who receive in-home care in Utah pay an average of $5,625 per month. Those who require home health care typically spend about $5,720.". These are 2021 numbers, I'm sure it's more now.
I know. This information is life altering for some people.
Are you from St. Louis?
Great that it worked for you❤.
What Visa you get to stay for longer time?
My original visa was for 90 days. I finished treatment in time to exit in time before my visa expired.
My 90 day visa was enough to finish 9 weeks of treatment and leave to Vietnam and recover at home
My guess is the synthetic saliva is xylitol, he should be careful using that because it is linked to strokes.
His saliva ducts are fine he wrote in an email a few days ago.
this will probably save my life
I hope so. It is really valaubale infromation.
@@VagabondAwake now in france need to wait 2 to 6 months for even serious matters medical desert in the countryside
Dan, but you still recommend worldwide health coverage like from Alex? I waiting for a policy from him and than I off to Asia. Or you think it's OK to not have coverage? Thanks
I would still buy it because I am all over the world. Not sure where I will be when my emergency happens. And some emergencies you can board a flight to another place. You just have to get it done where you are. But I will likely give it up when I settle in one place if it has stories like this.
great info
Thank you!
Maybe should have done this video months after the American follow up
Hopefully he will come back and update us in the future.
My first MRI came back all clear. I'm still standing. Cured!
Good thing was not in Brazil it would take about 3 to 6 months to see the specialist, 3 to 6 months for the exam, treatment would start in 2026 but they don’t have IV so you have to wait month go by they have IV but don’t have any doctor….,,, thousands of people die waiting. More and more I want to move to Asia not perfect but better than what I have
Thanks for your thoughts.
Sad family wouldn't go down to help him😢
Flights are expensive and some people are afraid of flying. Others have to work.
🙏🏼