Natalie, a friend of a friend, phoned me from the USA yesterday to say she had just been told she needed a hip replacement.
We chatted for a while about different types of implants before she mentioned her major concern.
How was she going to pay for it? Like many US citizens before her she had discovered that when it came to the time to reap the benefit of her insurance policy not only was she under-insured but the insurance company refused to pay for her treatment at the hospital of her choice.
What to do? One option I suggested she look into was having hip surgery abroad.
So many countries are now offering first class hip replacements at prices substantially lower than in the US.
With hip replacements in the US costing about $40,000 (not including essential extras like physical therapy) the thought of paying less than $5,000 becomes very attractive indeed.
Malta, Poland, Thailand, India, Tunisia are just examples of countries providing top class hip surgery - but perfect for her, we agreed, would be Mexico.
Of course there are other costs involved like flights and accommodation but many people are combining hip surgery abroad with a holiday.
That might make you smile but think about it for a minute.
After the operation you can't fly because of the risk of thrombosis (and the discomfort).
So why not stay near the hospital and benefit from a holiday in a low cost resort.
You can even take advantage of the similarly low cost physiotherapy.
And when your not exercising you can find a deck chair and relax.
Don't worry about quality.
Having done your research, most of which can be done on the internet, you'll find that most surgeons who operate on overseas patients have themselves trained in the US or UK.
Won't it all be hard to arrange? Not at all.
As medical tourism evolves the clinics are realising that prospective patients would prefer a hassle free experience and they are going to great lengths to arrange flights, transfers, accommodation and even tours of the local area - once your fit enough to enjoy them.
Some final thoughts

• Don't travel too far - find somewhere close by with great weather
• Research both the clinic and the surgeon
• Ask if you can be assessed in your home country before you commit yourself.
  Most of the major operators are offering this service now.
  
• Take a friend with you - you'll be glad of the company
• Make sure you are insured.
  There is a new brand of travel/medical insurance designed specifically for medical tourists.
  

And as for Natalie - well she was definitely interested.
"I've always wanted to go to Mexico" she laughed "I just never thought it would be for a hip replacement.
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