I had major abdominal surgery in the Public Hospital in KL. 13 hour operation and a month recovery. That was 1997 and I'm fine today. The doctors are trained in the USA, the UK, Australia and other developed nations with high levels of education. KL is a great destination for medical care. Thank you Dr. Dato Hajit Singh. You saved my life.
It takes a big man to admit intimate details of his exam. Be proud and not humiliated. It helps other men facing the same issues. This is a very informative video. Thank you.
One of the great aspects of your videos is that they are "real." sharing your own medical challenges is a part of that value; thank you for having the courage to reveal a lot of personal aspects. You may not know how many you may have helped.
I spent my career overseas as a diplomat and I never cease being amazed by Americans who fear medical treatment outside the U.S. By all means, if you prefer poor treatment and getting bankrupted, stay in the U.S.
Healthcare in the USA is expensive, the system seems entitled, as if the providers are to be considered above patient care, and now in the USA women in 20 states are denied what can be live saving health care due to politics. I am not going to miss this mishigas when I'm abroad :)
@@kkwms Really.. no one?? Okay so just bc you may not personally know any of the women/families this has effected here.. or bc you choose to bury your head in the sand, doesn't mean it isn't happening🤨
@@iyamwhatiyam547 let’s make sure we’re getting our information from unbiased sources that are not trying to push their political agenda onto us. No woman in any state is denied life-saving treatment because of this specific matter.
Millions are being denied access to life saving healthcare in the US! Even if you're insured you may not have providers in your area, for example. That's to say nothing of uninsured people. Also, the US has a serious shortage of general providers as physicians opt in to more lucrative specialties.
I’ve been a healthcare consultant in the US for 4 decades, and I wouldn’t think twice about getting ALL of my care in many countries outside the US. Americans DO NOT fully appreciate just how bad our system is - for cost, access and QUALITY.
I lived in Finland for several years. I can’t wait to leave the US again and stop being held hostage by insurance companies that operate like the mafia providing “protection” we would not need if our fellow citizens hadn’t been scared into believing there is no other way.
Great news JP. I know the waiting is a very anxious time. I've had it metastasized over a year now and getting treatments. Do they have a better cure rate overseas? Cost here in US is unreal w/o insurance
Malaysia has one of d best healthcare systems in d world with an affordable price and internationally recognize healthcare systems plus u dont have language barrier bcoz all d doctors and nurses can converse in english very well...this is due to all d doctors and specialist in Malaysia graduated from medical school either from the UK or d US as compared to its neighbour such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia or Indonesia except Singapore but Singapore way too expensive almost similar price to what u get in western countries....so I can say bravo to Malaysia for having such a good facility in healthcare and internationally recognized healthcare as well....❤
Singapore is rated as the best healthcare in the world. My sister lived there and had an excellent experience, they had insurance so I don’t think it was expensive for her and her family.
Glad JP is cancer free. Just to give you a bit of medical expenses in US. My husband DID have prostate cancer about 7 years ago. We had health insurance, but we decided to travel from Louisiana to Houston, TX for his prostatectomy because of a certain doctor that was recommended to us there. This bill was $100k. We now live in Costa Rica. Oh! And he is cancer free now.
Ex-pat in Costa Rica here. Had the operation been done in CR, it would have cost about 10-15% of that figure. In 2017 I had foot surgery done outside of the socialized medicine system. Paid cash. Cost: $1,100.
I'm 1 month post-op a radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. Total care from investigation (urologist exam, MRI, biopsy, Op) was £0. Total time involved from diagnosis to Op 10 weeks. This on the NHS in England.
As an ex-pat here in Costa Rica, I pay a back breaking $41 a month for Costa Rica's socialized medical care. Costa Rica has good medical care. Fun fact: In 2021, spending on health represented 8% of Costa Rica's GDP, up from 7% in 2019. In the USA in 2022, the figure was 17.3% of GDP. Further fun fact: Costa Ricans have a longer life expectancy than Americans. Spending less, living longer. Pura vida, amigos.
What people are not talking enough about is healthy life expectancy. The U.S.A. lags behind even further in this respect. For example Americans live about two years shorter than Costa Ricans, but they live 4 years shorter in health.
"Further fun fact: Costa Ricans have a longer life expectancy than Americans." That's primarily due to chronic disease from lifestyle choices in the US. Avoid those in the US, and you'll live just as long.
@@bognagruba7653 What I do find weird in the US is how they seem to medicate everyone. I've lost count of RUclipsrs who are young and should be in perfect health needed x y medication. One or two, okà but lots?
My wife is from Romania so we travel there often. One time the airlines "misplaced" our luggage for 10 days and I needed my medication. My mother-in-law called the family Dr and he came over at 9pm and wrote me a script. Then we sat in the kitchen afterwards and had a few drinks together, discussing the differences between medical care in the US and Romania. He considered the beers and some food as payment enough. I need a missing tooth replaced (implant) and it is only going to cost me $200 in Romania in a state of the art dentist office using the latest techniques. I now wait to get anything done until we are in Romania. And congrats on a cancer free diagnosis!
First, I am adding you to my prayers for timely recovery and healing. Second, you are incredibly brave to share all this highly personal information with us. After all these years of watching your videos, I feel like you are friends and need to let you know how appreciated you both are. Thank you!
I am 57 and went to Prince Ct last year for the same medical check up. Very happy with the service, highly recommended. Just want to share with you all, I started doing Intermittent fasting 16-18 hrs/day. Only a cup of coffee for breakfast, Lunch at noon and dinner at 6pm (6-8 hrs eating window) as my last meal of the day (sometimes dinner is skipped if I had big lunch). Light exercise (30 mins daily walk). My health has been greatly improved and going back to have another medical check up next year. Maybe you can try and hope it works for you too.
I was inspired by holistic online doctors Ekberg, Berg, Jamnadas, Gundry, et al to follow intermittent fasting and whole foods ONLY to reverse severe Type 2 Diabetes and a whole host of related metabolic problems. AMAZING results .. not only blood sugar dropped to normal, but lost 100 pounds, gained lots of energy and given up all prescription drugs. The most important thing to give up is highly processed seed (vegetable) oil. refined sugar, carbs and junk foods. Our cost of grocery and eating out dropped by 70% and a ton of time saved shopping and cooking.
Happy to hear this. I'm doing a 36 hr fast right now and have reserved one of Jason Fung's books at my local public library. I am ok, but felt terrible around 23 hrs into the fast. I will continue fasting too, to help my health and age better. May I ask what ur meals are like ? are u mostly low carb ? ty ☺💚
@@Amanda_downunder At the moment I eat between 7pm and around 1am (I'm a night owl and go to bed late.) I eat plenty of carbs as I don't feel well without them. Good luck with your water fast! I've done many water fasts ranging from 24 hours to 21 days. Tallis Barker's water fasting website is an amazing resource.
As some one who has spent many years in Latin America, let me add that the the doctors’ “bedside manner” is generally much better in the countries where I’ve been.
Glad you are talking about this as many people have trouble facing the reality of most of our lives….that things happen and require recognition that something is not right‼️ Glad you’re following through and doing what is required to maintain your health and mobility‼️❤️
Malaysia is the kingpin of medical tourism in Asia It has quality and affordable healthcare. Each year 1.2 million international patients come to our shores We have excellent oncologist and cardiac surgeons A bypass surgery will cost you $ 5000 Premiums for medical insurance is a fraction of what you pay back Home Sunny year round. No tornadoes earthquakes cyclones Lower cost of living. One flight away to all the cities in Asia Lower income taxes No capital gains tax No estate duty What do you have to loose.
My husband had as similiar cardiac angiography with Contrast.. it was a cost of 20K and this did not include the anasthesia! For referencs we live in Seattle. Thank you both for sharing all your insight , so very much appreciated.
Christ, that's almost 30 times the cost of JP. you pulling our leg Elizabeth?? so sorry that it happening to your husband and you. Hope insurance covered most of it.
I live in Redmond, WA, you know, almost next to Seattle, and have to Go to Seattle for healthcare, which is Not Bad, but the COST is terrible. And I was right there in Kuala Lumpur for 3 months and noticed that healthcare Costs are way cheaper!!!
Cardiac angiography with contrast does NOT cost $20,000 without insurance in the US!!! Actual price can be easily fact-checked because it's now a more common screening. Giving @elizabethblazina7022 the benefit of the doubt that this was a typo or comment made in a fever dream. That said, health care prices in the US in general are a travesty!
So sorry you had to go through all that! I'm an OR nurse that has assisted quite a few prostate biopsy procedures - your experience is quite common. Next time you go under anesthesia ask for a scopalamine patch to help with the nausea. It works for most people. Needless to say, I'm so glad the news was BPH and not cancer.
Amelia the kettlebell is your friend. I worked with PT and he said lifting weights like kettlebell helps build new bone mass Good luck, keep up the good work
kettleball is a ballistic movement, must be careful or end up with muscle tear or joint injuries. Much better to do static slow strength movement when you are older.
@@amarie3309 Yes and Athletic Trainer. 35 years experience. Fast movement using momentum rather than pure strength.She needs more slow controlled movement. It's more efficient at causing osteoblasts and multipotent cells to surface due to strain which increases bone mass over time.
Retired 16 years ago and now 78. Left Canada and lived abroad in Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico and traveled the entire world. Now I have limited savings and everything is breaking down (spine mostly). A word of advice is plan for your 80’s and 90’s now. Glad you don’t have Cancer and take care.
what do we need to know about planning for our 80s in our 60s ? like: does your house can accomodate livin-help? wide shower with seat? what other tips would you have? Thanks!
I was speaking more about your future in general. Everybody in general. Settling down after touring the world you need a roof over your head and money for health care wherever you settle down. My plan is Mexico or Panama but still be able to travel to Canada for emergencies.
Somebody gave me the idea that a person could hire 2 people in a low income country, pay say $200 a month each and each one would come to your house each day to help with basic needs not nursing stuff. You hire 2 in case one is unable to be there each day. I saw the doctors keep both of my parents alive and billable long after their quality of life was gone. There are things worse than death. I don't fear death but, I don't want to spend a long time doing it.
What a great update and info! Amanda, I have improved my bone density using a very high quality calcium supplement, TAKING VITAMINS, eating fermented food every day for GI health, strength training and weight bearing exercise. U.S. healthcare is not the best, and my MD is actually a good guy. The system has screwed all of us here, and most refuse to admit it.
Glad you're cancer-free, JP! In 2023 we were traveling through Oregon, and I needed to go to the hospital for what I thought was a heart issue (it turned out to be high blood pressure). But we couldn't see a specialist in the area for two months to check out the heart. We traveled up to Washington and back to Oregon (we are full-time travelers in our RV) and when I finally got into the specialist and had the screenings it ended up being more than the hospital visit--I think more than $10k!!! We were shocked. I wish we'd taken a trip to KL and had it done there instead!
I am sitting between examinations at Prince Court as recommended by you both and Nomad Capitalist’s Andrew H. Glad about the friendly and professional care here.
I just started watching your videos, and I appreciate you so much! My husband and I are in our mid-60s and just started exploring moving abroad. I'm very sorry that JP has discovered more health conditions to monitor, but I thank you for sharing your experiences and keeping it real. I've been watching a lot of 'move abroad' videos and you guys are my absolute favorite. Wishing you both the best!
Since 2017, I've had four surgeries in HCMC, Vietnam. Hermia net, two torn tendons screwed to my clavicle (long healing process) and both hands for Dupuytren’s contracture. Clean hospitals, really great staff and surgeons , paid up front, and just a couple of days wait time to be scheduled. The shoulder surgery in the US would have bankrupted me, even with insurance. The MRI for my shoulder was about 85 dollars. It took 1 day to schedule it. So, four surgeries in 7 years, all told, less than 8k US. Thanks for the video and your candor, stay healthy, both of you.
JP, I know this is something that you don't want to talk about but know that the information you are giving us is so very important. Thank you for sharing this personal experience. So happy you are cancer free. I look forward to watching your videos for years to come.
An important part of senior health maintenance is STRENGTH training. Bodyfat can hide low muscle mass . Musclemass retention is said to be the best indicator of longevity. Right now i am trying to regain mine, having recognized the reduction. Strength training help a lot with osteoporosis also. Best wishes.
Good to hear you are cancer free. I had Prostate Cancer diagnosed at the age of 65 -- I waited to find out once I had Medicare and Medigap insurance here in the USA : I was lucky because I had almost waited too long. I had a proctectomy (they used a Robotic machine instead of traditional surgery which enables you to recover much much quicker -- Surgeon is some 8 feet away looking at a screen operating robotic surgical arms). Story is, keep tabs on your PSA blood tests and do not fear it too much -- you get through it. Some 40% have the prostate cancer cells escape into the body after the proctectomy, only to reappear as some other type of cancer (but it is still considered prostate cancer, just somewhere else). This 40% usually is detected from 5-10 years after surgery. Regular Prostate Cancer most often is slow moving --- often men in their later 70's are diagnosed and doctors leave it due to their age. However every case of Cancer is different and mine was aggressive! Being unable to control my bladder and constant urination now, is a real bummer though. So the second part of this is -- I am now 69 and would love to leave the USA which would mean giving up my Medicare. So trying to get insurance in another country with my precondition of past Cancer and being almost 70 -- I have virtually no options. Cigna and another company offer plans for places like Portugal and ?, but any policy would likely exclude Cancer care and be expensive for me. There are horror stories of Cigna and others offering decent plans only to gouge you in the 3rd year or just discontinue your insurance all together. Also, any plan for expats outside the USA could simply cancel your insurance if you have a costly year or if you are part of a large group plan (like what Cigna does)... just cancel. The plans get real expensive the further you get into your 70's also.....like in the Philippines. The Truth is (for you two).... if you live in the USA and get Medicare when you turn 65, there is no looking for preexisting conditions (everyone pays the same forever in that group) and you are golden until death IF YOU NEVER GIVE IT UP. If you terminate your Medicare then try to get it again later on, they charge more and consider your pre-existing conditions! So with UnitedHealthcare Medigap and my Medicare I pay maybe 350/mo and have virtually no bills and 100% coverage (small 200 deductible once a year). I am grateful but would love to leave the USA -- I am trapped here! Good luck you two.... few years back the Ecuador Health plans were maybe the best option for Expats worldwide... but Ecuador is not stable now in my opinion.
@mikemckenna1740 Plenty of great places to live and retire in the US. Three years ago we moved from a small city to rural farm community. We have not been happier. Land around here is cheap. All you need is a trailer. $30k gets you two acres with power. ( I know a guy paying $50 a month to park his trailer behind a farmer's barn. Water and free eggs provided. Solar for power. Propane for heating. ) Not far from us is another great retirement spot. A small fishing community on the river. Free fish year around. I have a relative the lives on the coast of Oregon. One of the least populated areas in the US. A bit wet and cold for me but all the shellfish you can eat. Good hunting too. I love the Texas coast. My wife finds it too hot, but it doesn't bother me. Plentiful fish. The fish you pay premium for at a restaurant in other states is used as bait on the Texas coast. Outside of the cities life is slower there. People find more pleasure in chatting. You gotta look around. The secret is figuring what is crucial for you and what can you give up to find happiness.
You guys are so lucky. You made your luck first by choosing an awesome supportive partner & best friend. Then you dived into life full head on using your critical skills. Thank you for your great videos.
My wife and I lived off shore for 8 years in 3 countries. All had high quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost in the USA. It cost 25% of the cost in the USA. Most all medications were over the counter and sold in bubble packs with full instructions. all at 10% of the cost of medications in the USA. My wife had a major surgery and the cost was 40K but in the USA it would have been 120K and our isurance paid all 100%. Americans a getting totally ripped off.
What insurance did you have that covers medical expenses overseas? I have BCBS, they don't even cover anything in US and just keep going up with their fees.
We live in Florida. My husband had a similar cardiac angiography with Contrast in an outpatient hospital. It cost about 30K plus including the anesthesia! I am glad you are cancer-free. Thank you both for sharing. God Bless!
JP, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 years ago. It was caught early and surgically removed. I’m doing fine. Any problem caught early is far better than ignoring it or putting off any tests. It’s good to see you are both taking care of yourselves.
You both have done a real service by being so candid with your recent health scares. Thank you! I think I will want to get that same extensive screening that you got in KL. I really appreciated you telling us about it.
Great to hear that you are cancer free, JP! Thank you for sharing these real-life stories. Just so you know, I recently spent $4,500 for one bridge in Sugar Land, TX. Recently, my brother spent $520 in India for the same procedure. Guess where the ceramic bridge came from? You guessed it, Kerala, India! So, I will be flying to KL next time I need a procedure done.
Health stories can feel embarrassing to share, but they can bring so much comfort to others who are going through the same thing, and there is no need to feel funny about it! So glad that you got some positive news and thank you for sharing with those who are in search of better healthcare.
I am happy to hear that you did not have prostate cancer. I had prostate cancer several years ago and received proton beam therapy. I was very happy with the treatment and had almost no side effects. For anyone who’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer, I would recommend checking out this option and comparing it with the other options before they make a decision as to what treatment to get. I know some other men who chose different options and were not happy with the long-term side effects.
I find it amazing what people are willing to share with strangers. This should help some men, this is a super common issue with men’s prostates when we age. I have the same diagnosis but my event was much less dramatic than yours. Good luck.
Very glad to hear it wasn't worse, JP! Still not fun and I know how terrible it is to talk about these things, especially with us online peeps. Take care you both.
So happy for the good news!!! I was diagnosed with high cholesterol a year ago. I started taking red rice yeast instead of a statin....numbers are dropping without the side effects of a statin. Good luck with you both and thank you for sharing something so personal.❤
@michaelsix9684 I have a friend whose a personal trainer also and we both are nutritionist so we share a lot of info we come across. I'm still trying it out. If you use it, it acts the same as a statin (prohibiting the enzyme from the liver) so you'll need a CoQ10 supplement with it.
Good to hear things are going along all right! Thank you for sharing all of this information. As uncomfortable as it may have been to share, it was super helpful! Thank you!
I'm really glad you ARE talking about this. Thank you JP, I am 65 and also have BPH and live in California. I am dreading the inevitable surgical intervention, I'm very squeamish and am willing to pay more for the best care. I'm afraid of even being cath'ed. I'm very interested in Prince Court, etc. Unfortunately I am all alone and am hoping there are hospital buddy / temporary care services available. Thank you.
Welcome to your 50s. I feel for you. I'm experiencing many of the same issues and concerns. Dam prostate! Sore shoulder! It's incredible how the body can quickly deteriorate past the half-century mark
You guys make me happy. You are like family now... which made it scary when JP thought he might have cancer! Thank you for all the perspective. I had to have a prostate biopsy. It was "manual" and I was not asleep and it may have been the most uncomfortable medical procedure I've been through. So, $4K for a prostrate biopsy, while you are asleep, sounds pretty good. Keep up the weights and protein Amelia!
I had a cardiac CT scan with contrast in Israel last month and after converting from shekels to dollars it was $802. I was able to get scheduled next day - the cardiologist made the appointment for me himself. I had a cardiac MRI back in August - it to me 4 months to get scheduled and cost about $1550. Both came back completely clear of any issues. I had an event in April that they’ve determined was caused by a virus to the heart - myocarditis, and has completely resolved. I’m the same age as JP. My dad had heart issues starting at age 40, and died young at 66, so I’m very proactive.
As a healthcare provider for 45 years, I have known for decades that medical care in the US is not the best, does not result in the best outcomes for patients, and is the most expensive in the world. Worse yet, many citizens do not have access to affordable healthcare.
JP - I'm sorry to hear about all of your health issues. I live in Cuenca and followed you both before moving here last year. I noticed that you mentioned that if your tests showed you had prostate cancer, you would have returned to Ecuador for treatment under your insurance here. I just wanted to make sure that you are aware that in Ecuador, your preexisting conditions are only covered, after the waiting period, for up to 20 times the Ecuadorian monthly minimum wage, which is currently $460 per month. That comes out to $9,200 maximum the insurance will pay. This is mandated by the government and applies to all insurance companies and policies. I'm glad that you didn't have cancer and can just take your medication but i just wanted to check to make sure you understood the limitations on preexisting conditions in Ecuador. Thanks!
My family member had to wait 3 months to get authorization through insurance to do a potentially life saving cancer operation. His tumor grew so much during that period and now it’s spread all over. The copay for injections needed for chemo are 1-2k. It’s just a mess over here and the wait times means the diff between life or death
An American friend of mine living in China, not a mega city, had prostrate issues at the age of 70 and was in the hospital for 3 weeks having a successful surgery with a generous recovery period. The total bill was $4200 USD. He paid cash.
You both are such terrific people! I'm glad you are in the exact right place to get the help you need. I'm here in Canada where we have public health care. Doctors visits, hospital surgeries, specialist appts are all covered. Eye care, dental care, physio, prescriptions - stuff like that isn't. We also pay for private insurance that covers some things but it isn't great. The main thing is that we don't have enough doctors here so there are long waits to see a family doctor, then a specialist, then you wait for tests, then any treatment, all this can take months. I finally got an mri of my brain done last month. It was covered but I asked about the cost and it was $1200. I've had crohns for about 20 years and my medications for that and colonoscopies are covered. As a fellow calamity kid, I feel for you JP! Take heart, and you are not alone!
Excellent news on the no cancer, I am 59 had a heart attack 4 years ago, got one stent it was just under $80000.00, one year later had a bad heart attack got a quad bypass it was just over $500,000.00 plus seizures later More $$$$. I lost count for a total.. Funny, I joke with my wife that I must have been raised by a nuclear waste dump and licked the lead paint. I have neurological issues as well) I can say my health issues have clarified my thinking as to what is important and what is worthy of my time. Wishing you both all the best..
Wow! So much money! The US sickcare system loves people like us. They get those big eye popping dollar signs like a deranged cartoon character when they see us walk in.
I had a Coronary CaCT scan in Melbourne Australia last year under our public health system. Total cost $220 AUD, $140 paid by me. Also no waiting period😊
Thank you again for doing this kind of video. Many people I know can't believe that healthcare is better in most other countries. I found that even in Albania, which is one of the poorest countries in Europe, the service and prices were better than in USA. The equipment in the hospitals and clinics is older, but still very usable. Average out of pocket costs for in-country health insurance was super cheap. Fifty Euros for one year of reimbursable coverage up to fifty thousand dollars. I questioned the salesperson asking if that would be enough...She asked me, "are you going to have a heart transplant"? I said no...She said "it will cover everything else".
JP, thanks so much for sharing. Your frank discussion of your prostate situation led me to catch my chronic bacterial prostatitis. I am getting the correct treatment thanks to you!
4 level Laminoplasty here Kaiser Neurosurgery Redwood City Ca. I had a great surgeon, if you have any questions feel free to ask. One bit of advice: Don't watch a RUclips of your surgery before you have it!
@@BernardProfitendieu …I saw it like maybe she thought even if it was cancer, they would get treatment and push on. Then when JP said he wasn’t ready to go yet, the rubber sort of hit the road and she got how bothered JP was about the whole thing. Then the “me too” comment was her pushing through the emotion and keeping up the public face. She’s a gem and a person I’d want in my corner if things went south. I like them both.
Brother, you are fortunate they put you out for the biopsy. I was wide awake and it was tramatic😂. I compared it to driving a school bus up there (the wand was actually the size of a large pencil) The diagnosis was as positive and had it surgically removed in 2008. Happy you did not have to go through the cancer diagnosis.
Hey buddy So glad tests came out all negative. Enjoy and take good care of your health. We are sending positive vibes to you. I know how stressful this all can be but keep faith Cheers.
Thank you for sharing. I just got a high PSA reading and am scheduled for an MRI in a couple of months. Don’t know why it takes so long here in the states. Glad to hear you are cancer free.
I was a dentist in the USA, and retired in north central Mexico (Durango state). And, yea the prices for dentistry are probably 1/4 of the reasonably standard care on the west coast of the US. Having written that: the quality of care is nowhere near what you would expect in the US. And, I am not surprised at this. While practicing in the US, all of the work I saw that was done in Mexico was substandard. Here in Vicente Guerrero if you have a tooth colored filling placed (composite), expect it to fall out in two days time. As a rule, if you need such work, the dentistas here recommend a lab manufactured acrylic. They are not particulairly expensive: they run around $150.00 each. Crowns are quite inexpensive (run around $150.00 each), but the fit is definitely below USA type standards. Cleanings: there are no such things as hygienists, and the dentistas here have no training in how to do this work--which is quite technique sensitive. I have had several crowns recemented here--and the total charge for the visit was around $25.00. As long as there is no fractured tooth, or underlying decay, this is a very easy procedure. For general physicians, the care you get here for simple and reasonable procedures is probably around 1/4 the cost of the USA west coast. A typical office visit cost runs around $50.00. Specialists here for the most part are quacks and will intentially sell you very expensive services which you absolutely do not need, and probably don't work anyway. I have had a number of run-ins with various specialists of different types. But again, the general practice community here is highly reasonable in fee and also value. That I would certainly highly recommend. One thing: physicians and dentists here don't explain anything, and when you ask questions, their answers usually miss the mark.
So sorry to hear about all this. I am 62 and now realizing I need to fix my blood chemistry. I was the heart ct scan you got but getting it is hard. Both my wife and I are also pre diabetic... Wishing you the best. Thank you for sharing!
I am an MRI tech and do the MRI Prostate exams every single day. (ours do not require anything "Inserted" because we use a 3T magnet) And I have learned so much about it 90 percent are not cancer. But the size of the prostate can get massive! And they have no reason why. There are some people out there that claim certain dietary things can reduce it, but I haven't seen any proof. Just know there are other ways to do that MRI than what you went thru.
So glad to hear you received a more positive diagnosis. My husband and I will be in Cuenca next year. Would love to meet up perhaps on the road to wellness. Proud of you both for all you do. 🥳
It wouldn't take much to find better health care than what's available in the U.S. Dr.s spend less than 15 minutes per appointment. No doctor gives a rat's ass what any other doctor has put in your records. Unless you can diagnose your own issue you will never resolve anything.
If it gives you any consolation, doctors subject themselves to poor medical care too. They get a lot of their ongoing education from pharmaceutical companies and lots of that is BS. I was a certified pharmacy tech and pharmacists know way more than doctors about medications. Doctors keep them from "practicing medicine without a license" so they can't tell people they're taking inappropriate meds but, they know. As a group, doctors take a lot of meds and a lot of it they shouldn't be taking.
Wonderful news!!!! You are so lucky to be able to leave the country for your medical. I have a friend who has been diagnosed with Cancer. He is too young for Medicare is self employed so can't afford insurance, basically he is just going to die. It is just not fathomable to me that in a country where everyone is buying Tesla's and McMansions we can't come up with anything better than Obamacare. So happy you don't have cancer you look great.
@AmeliaAndJP no by all means I pushed for Obabamacare because I was working for a non profit medical and saw people who hadn't been to a doctor in Years with serious conditions who just couldn't afford to but yes its not enough.
I'm getting ready for my #3 spinal cord surgery !! I feel your pain, Jerry!! The first 2 Las Vegas Nv.This #3 at Ohio state hospital. Pray for me, please.
Yay! No cancer. My wife just had her second masectomy. Her first one she had along with the chemo, and the radiation about four years ago. She decided to have the second one because the tissue was just getting too dense. We're still waiting to hear the results of the tissue exam. But she's doing great. I know it can be really scary when your partner is undergoing, cancer treatment or even just surgery. Bless you guys.
During my digital nomad days (2017-2019) I used the medical care services in Prague, Czech Republic, and Brisbane, Australia, and Newport, Wales, United Kingdom. This was due to an unforeseen small medical issue. In Australia, an office visit with a doctor, a shot of penicillin, and 3 prescriptions from a pharmacy cost me about $150 cash (USD). In Wales, I had an office visit with a doctor (£100/ about $130 USD) at a clinic. Then, spent 12 hours in A&E (their version of the emergency room). And then 2 days in the hospital with a minor surgery on my arm. The cost for the A&E, hospital stay, and surgery was about £2000 cash (about $2500 USD). Sounds like a bargain? Well at that Welsh hospital, I stayed in a ward (one big hospital room) with 15 other people, male and female, ages 18 to 90. We all shared the same bathroom, male and female, although the bathroom had 4 toilets and 4 sinks. There were no opportunities to take a bath or a shower during the 2 days that I was there. And the first day that I was in the hospital, I slept on a gurney with a tiny pillow and just one blanket because they were 'short of beds and bedding'. Not to mention that we 'weren't allowed' to just get water when we wanted, nor fill a pitcher from the bathroom faucet as the faucet water was 'undrinkable' for some reason. So while my hospital stay in Wales was really inexpensive by American standards, it was also like going back in time 60+ years. Out of the medical care systems in Prague, Australia, and Wales, the only one that I'd ever use again, that I'd feel comfortable using again, that was modern/ clean/ up-to-date, was the Australian medical system.
FYI for those on Medicare…Kaiser provides unlimited emergency and urgent care coverage worldwide through their Medicare Advantage plan. It does not cover routine
@@johnkeith1964 Medicare Advantage is not the best plan for cancer or other major medical issues. Kaiser also will not do HRT for Senior Citizens. Physical therapy is also limited. I am switching to regular Medicare next year.
Thanks for being so open and honest about your healthcare journey. Your willingness to share helps so many of us make better decisions. Plus you have inspired many to get those checks and screening they have put off. I'm wishing you both improved health and wellness.
I'm a prostate cancer survivor (so far) - 2 biopsies, radical prostatectomy, radiation + chemo - here in the US. After all that, I would have been completely financially ruined for the rest of my life if I hadn't had insurance and, later, Medicaid in the state I was living in. Not sure of the total bill but it would have been way north of 100 grand. Wouldn't be surprised if it had approached 200 grand....
Although health problems are hard to talk about, it is very kind that you share with your viewers. We all care about you and it might give someone the push they need to seek treatment themselves.
Hi, guys. My cardiac calcium scan was a little over a hundred dollars. Insurance would not cover it. First score was 429. A score of 420 is considered dangerously high. In a period of about five years, my score nearly doubled, even though i'm vegan. I'm in great shape too. It's just genetic with me. Runs in my family.
Personal stuff that takes courage to speak about. As an older guy I am likely looking at the prospect of the same somewhere down the road. I appreciate your candor and wish you the best!
I had major abdominal surgery in the Public Hospital in KL. 13 hour operation and a month recovery. That was 1997 and I'm fine today. The doctors are trained in the USA, the UK, Australia and other developed nations with high levels of education. KL is a great destination for medical care. Thank you Dr. Dato Hajit Singh. You saved my life.
More than 20 years later I have a similar story to tell. One of the most highly regarded surgeons ever.
Warmest regards.
@@atalamat Where ??? can they replace a pancreas?
It takes a big man to admit intimate details of his exam. Be proud and not humiliated. It helps other men facing the same issues. This is a very informative video. Thank you.
Thank you! It’s not easy to talk about.
@@AmeliaAndJP I am in tears and I am NOT Amelia.
@@AmeliaAndJP: Protein and Calcium & Vitamin D.
@@AmeliaAndJP We love You guys and are happy that You Are OK!!
no it doesn't - it takes a narcissist
One of the great aspects of your videos is that they are "real." sharing your own medical challenges is a part of that value; thank you for having the courage to reveal a lot of personal aspects. You may not know how many you may have helped.
👏👏👏 100% agreed. Thanks to JP and Amelia and their compassionate honesty.
Thanks 😊
I spent my career overseas as a diplomat and I never cease being amazed by Americans who fear medical treatment outside the U.S. By all means, if you prefer poor treatment and getting bankrupted, stay in the U.S.
Healthcare in the USA is expensive, the system seems entitled, as if the providers are to be considered above patient care, and now in the USA women in 20 states are denied what can be live saving health care due to politics. I am not going to miss this mishigas when I'm abroad :)
@@kkwms Really.. no one?? Okay so just bc you may not personally know any of the women/families this has effected here.. or bc you choose to bury your head in the sand, doesn't mean it isn't happening🤨
@@iyamwhatiyam547 let’s make sure we’re getting our information from unbiased sources that are not trying to push their political agenda onto us. No woman in any state is denied life-saving treatment because of this specific matter.
Women are being denied! Get your facts straight!
Millions are being denied access to life saving healthcare in the US! Even if you're insured you may not have providers in your area, for example. That's to say nothing of uninsured people. Also, the US has a serious shortage of general providers as physicians opt in to more lucrative specialties.
I’ve been a healthcare consultant in the US for 4 decades, and I wouldn’t think twice about getting ALL of my care in many countries outside the US. Americans DO NOT fully appreciate just how bad our system is - for cost, access and QUALITY.
It can be hard to grasp how bad things are if it's all you know. The US also has a cultural belief that says "We're number 1".
@ So, so, so true.
I lived in Finland for several years. I can’t wait to leave the US again and stop being held hostage by insurance companies that operate like the mafia providing “protection” we would not need if our fellow citizens hadn’t been scared into believing there is no other way.
As long as you find a legitimate doctor outside the US. Don't go to just anybody and do your own due diligence
@@safeandeffectivelol My understanding is that most places have good expat Facebook groups, and those are great places to ask for recommendations.
Thank God you don’t have cancer JP.
What a relief.
🥲
which god should be thanked ? 🤔
@@HemiChrysler I TRUST HIMSELF AS GOD IN HIM ! BE AOK!!
@@monicadzisiak7291 Which false god is your claim ? Molitor Ab is the mother of the universe. She is always portrayed as female.
Great news JP. I know the waiting is a very anxious time. I've had it metastasized over a year now and getting treatments. Do they have a better cure rate overseas? Cost here in US is unreal w/o insurance
Malaysia has one of d best healthcare systems in d world with an affordable price and internationally recognize healthcare systems plus u dont have language barrier bcoz all d doctors and nurses can converse in english very well...this is due to all d doctors and specialist in Malaysia graduated from medical school either from the UK or d US as compared to its neighbour such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia or Indonesia except Singapore but Singapore way too expensive almost similar price to what u get in western countries....so I can say bravo to Malaysia for having such a good facility in healthcare and internationally recognized healthcare as well....❤
Singapore is rated as the best healthcare in the world. My sister lived there and had an excellent experience, they had insurance so I don’t think it was expensive for her and her family.
Glad JP is cancer free. Just to give you a bit of medical expenses in US. My husband DID have prostate cancer about 7 years ago. We had health insurance, but we decided to travel from Louisiana to Houston, TX for his prostatectomy because of a certain doctor that was recommended to us there. This bill was $100k. We now live in Costa Rica. Oh! And he is cancer free now.
Ex-pat in Costa Rica here. Had the operation been done in CR, it would have cost about 10-15% of that figure. In 2017 I had foot surgery done outside of the socialized medicine system. Paid cash. Cost: $1,100.
you paid $100,000 with insurance? Get rid of that insurance!
Wow! So expensive! Congrats on cancer free and your escape to Pura Vida 🥳
I'm 1 month post-op a radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. Total care from investigation (urologist exam, MRI, biopsy, Op) was £0. Total time involved from diagnosis to Op 10 weeks. This on the NHS in England.
US prices are insane. WHERE does the money go?
As an ex-pat here in Costa Rica, I pay a back breaking $41 a month for Costa Rica's socialized medical care. Costa Rica has good medical care. Fun fact: In 2021, spending on health represented 8% of Costa Rica's GDP, up from 7% in 2019. In the USA in 2022, the figure was 17.3% of GDP. Further fun fact: Costa Ricans have a longer life expectancy than Americans. Spending less, living longer. Pura vida, amigos.
Excellent!
What people are not talking enough about is healthy life expectancy. The U.S.A. lags behind even further in this respect. For example Americans live about two years shorter than Costa Ricans, but they live 4 years shorter in health.
"Further fun fact: Costa Ricans have a longer life expectancy than Americans."
That's primarily due to chronic disease from lifestyle choices in the US. Avoid those in the US, and you'll live just as long.
@@bognagruba7653 What I do find weird in the US is how they seem to medicate everyone. I've lost count of RUclipsrs who are young and should be in perfect health needed x y medication. One or two, okà but lots?
Expat…lol. You’re a foreigner. Get real.
My wife is from Romania so we travel there often. One time the airlines "misplaced" our luggage for 10 days and I needed my medication. My mother-in-law called the family Dr and he came over at 9pm and wrote me a script. Then we sat in the kitchen afterwards and had a few drinks together, discussing the differences between medical care in the US and Romania. He considered the beers and some food as payment enough. I need a missing tooth replaced (implant) and it is only going to cost me $200 in Romania in a state of the art dentist office using the latest techniques. I now wait to get anything done until we are in Romania.
And congrats on a cancer free diagnosis!
Wow!
Thanks for sharing!
Can you name the dentist? I've been considering paying $1,100 USD to a Bucharest dentist with years of UK experience for a molar implant.
Congratulations JP ! we don’t want that “C” desease, anywhere near us . Keep taking care of yourself, Amelia &JP.
We are paying over $7,000 on one implant for my husband in the US. 🤑
First, I am adding you to my prayers for timely recovery and healing. Second, you are incredibly brave to share all this highly personal information with us. After all these years of watching your videos, I feel like you are friends and need to let you know how appreciated you both are. Thank you!
Thanks 😊
Oh wow, you are in KL. The care will far exceed anything in the US!! Thrilled for you!!
I am 57 and went to Prince Ct last year for the same medical check up. Very happy with the service, highly recommended. Just want to share with you all, I started doing Intermittent fasting 16-18 hrs/day. Only a cup of coffee for breakfast, Lunch at noon and dinner at 6pm (6-8 hrs eating window) as my last meal of the day (sometimes dinner is skipped if I had big lunch). Light exercise (30 mins daily walk). My health has been greatly improved and going back to have another medical check up next year. Maybe you can try and hope it works for you too.
I was inspired by holistic online doctors Ekberg, Berg, Jamnadas, Gundry, et al to follow intermittent fasting and whole foods ONLY to reverse severe Type 2 Diabetes and a whole host of related metabolic problems. AMAZING results .. not only blood sugar dropped to normal, but lost 100 pounds, gained lots of energy and given up all prescription drugs. The most important thing to give up is highly processed seed (vegetable) oil. refined sugar, carbs and junk foods. Our cost of grocery and eating out dropped by 70% and a ton of time saved shopping and cooking.
Happy to hear this. I'm doing a 36 hr fast right now and have reserved one of Jason Fung's books at my local public library. I am ok, but felt terrible around 23 hrs into the fast. I will continue fasting too, to help my health and age better.
May I ask what ur meals are like ? are u mostly low carb ? ty ☺💚
Great to hear. I just started eating in 6 hour window as it's the only way I have energy during the day. I don't eat until 7pm.
@@NoraG-gq9by - that's great. So do u eat late breakfast, or lunch too ? and are you low carb ? thanks
@@Amanda_downunder At the moment I eat between 7pm and around 1am (I'm a night owl and go to bed late.) I eat plenty of carbs as I don't feel well without them.
Good luck with your water fast! I've done many water fasts ranging from 24 hours to 21 days. Tallis Barker's water fasting website is an amazing resource.
So glad you’re cancer free, thank you for all of this valuable information. We really appreciate it!
As some one who has spent many years in Latin America, let me add that the the doctors’ “bedside manner” is generally much better in the countries where I’ve been.
We are so happy for your non-cancer biopsy result, JP! Take care, Amelia and JP!
Glad you are talking about this as many people have trouble facing the reality of most of our lives….that things happen and require recognition that something is not right‼️ Glad you’re following through and doing what is required to maintain your health and mobility‼️❤️
Malaysia is the kingpin of medical tourism in Asia
It has quality and affordable healthcare. Each year 1.2 million international patients come to our shores
We have excellent oncologist and cardiac surgeons
A bypass surgery will cost you $ 5000
Premiums for medical insurance is a fraction of what you pay back Home
Sunny year round. No tornadoes earthquakes cyclones
Lower cost of living.
One flight away to all the cities in Asia
Lower income taxes
No capital gains tax
No estate duty
What do you have to loose.
sign me up
My husband had as similiar cardiac angiography with Contrast.. it was a cost of 20K and this did not include the anasthesia! For referencs we live in Seattle. Thank you both for sharing all your insight , so very much appreciated.
Thanks for sharing!!
Christ, that's almost 30 times the cost of JP. you pulling our leg Elizabeth?? so sorry that it happening to your husband and you. Hope insurance covered most of it.
I live in Redmond, WA, you know, almost next to Seattle, and have to Go to Seattle for healthcare, which is Not Bad, but the COST is terrible. And I was right there in Kuala Lumpur for 3 months and noticed that healthcare Costs are way cheaper!!!
@@merrychase9744 No, Elizabeth is Correct. I live here in Seattle, WA and She is RIGHT.
Cardiac angiography with contrast does NOT cost $20,000 without insurance in the US!!! Actual price can be easily fact-checked because it's now a more common screening. Giving @elizabethblazina7022 the benefit of the doubt that this was a typo or comment made in a fever dream. That said, health care prices in the US in general are a travesty!
So sorry you had to go through all that! I'm an OR nurse that has assisted quite a few prostate biopsy procedures - your experience is quite common. Next time you go under anesthesia ask for a scopalamine patch to help with the nausea. It works for most people. Needless to say, I'm so glad the news was BPH and not cancer.
Amelia the kettlebell is your friend. I worked with PT and he said lifting weights like kettlebell helps build new bone mass Good luck, keep up the good work
kettleball is a ballistic movement, must be careful or end up with muscle tear or joint injuries. Much better to do static slow strength movement when you are older.
@ are you a physical therapist and what is ballistic movement?
@@amarie3309 Yes and Athletic Trainer. 35 years experience. Fast movement using momentum rather than pure strength.She needs more slow controlled movement. It's more efficient at causing osteoblasts and multipotent cells to surface due to strain which increases bone mass over time.
@@ZONEPRESSLLC okay Well I’m using slow and controlled movement with a kettlebell. I trust PT I worked with for 5 weeks
@@amarie3309 As long as it's slow and controlled it's good. Most do it too quickly.They swing it.That's how it got poplular with the non-injuried.
Retired 16 years ago and now 78. Left Canada and lived abroad in Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico and traveled the entire world. Now I have limited savings and everything is breaking down (spine mostly). A word of advice is plan for your 80’s and 90’s now. Glad you don’t have Cancer and take care.
what do we need to know about planning for our 80s in our 60s ? like: does your house can accomodate livin-help? wide shower with seat? what other tips would you have? Thanks!
I was speaking more about your future in general. Everybody in general. Settling down after touring the world you need a roof over your head and money for health care wherever you settle down. My plan is Mexico or Panama but still be able to travel to Canada for emergencies.
@@BarryWilder-b9vThats my plan also, within a year. Good luck.
Somebody gave me the idea that a person could hire 2 people in a low income country, pay say $200 a month each and each one would come to your house each day to help with basic needs not nursing stuff. You hire 2 in case one is unable to be there each day. I saw the doctors keep both of my parents alive and billable long after their quality of life was gone. There are things worse than death. I don't fear death but, I don't want to spend a long time doing it.
In Ajijic you can have a room and a bathroom for $1000 USD including food and help.
There is hope for us all :)
What a great update and info!
Amanda, I have improved my bone density using a very high quality calcium supplement, TAKING VITAMINS, eating fermented food every day for GI health, strength training and weight bearing exercise. U.S. healthcare is not the best, and my MD is actually a good guy. The system has screwed all of us here, and most refuse to admit it.
Ooh, good comment. What fermented food do you eat? And can you recommend a high quality calcium supplement?
doctors don't teach you how to stay well, they see you when you are sick, patch you up, and send you out
Glad you're cancer-free, JP! In 2023 we were traveling through Oregon, and I needed to go to the hospital for what I thought was a heart issue (it turned out to be high blood pressure). But we couldn't see a specialist in the area for two months to check out the heart. We traveled up to Washington and back to Oregon (we are full-time travelers in our RV) and when I finally got into the specialist and had the screenings it ended up being more than the hospital visit--I think more than $10k!!! We were shocked. I wish we'd taken a trip to KL and had it done there instead!
I am sitting between examinations at Prince Court as recommended by you both and Nomad Capitalist’s Andrew H. Glad about the friendly and professional care here.
Great! Good luck with your results!
Hang in there, JP, and treasure every precious moment with Amelia!
Thanks for the Super Thanks! Much appreciated! 😊
I just started watching your videos, and I appreciate you so much! My husband and I are in our mid-60s and just started exploring moving abroad. I'm very sorry that JP has discovered more health conditions to monitor, but I thank you for sharing your experiences and keeping it real. I've been watching a lot of 'move abroad' videos and you guys are my absolute favorite. Wishing you both the best!
Wow! Thanks! 😊
Since 2017, I've had four surgeries in HCMC, Vietnam. Hermia net, two torn tendons screwed to my clavicle (long healing process) and both hands for Dupuytren’s contracture. Clean hospitals, really great staff and surgeons , paid up front, and just a couple of days wait time to be scheduled. The shoulder surgery in the US would have bankrupted me, even with insurance. The MRI for my shoulder was about 85 dollars. It took 1 day to schedule it. So, four surgeries in 7 years, all told, less than 8k US. Thanks for the video and your candor, stay healthy, both of you.
Thanks for sharing!
It would have cost you $80 for painkillers with a US HMO. Stop spreading misinformation.
@@carollynt I only take Ibuprofen. Also I wasn't in the US.
JP, I know this is something that you don't want to talk about but know that the information you are giving us is so very important. Thank you for sharing this personal experience. So happy you are cancer free. I look forward to watching your videos for years to come.
Thanks!
An important part of senior health maintenance is STRENGTH training. Bodyfat can hide low muscle mass . Musclemass retention is said to be the best indicator of longevity. Right now i am trying to regain mine, having recognized the reduction. Strength training help a lot with osteoporosis also. Best wishes.
Oh my gosh JP and Amelia!! What amazing news!! Tears of happiness!! You both are so sweet and love your videos!!! 👏👏👏
@@PegKam999 yes I agree with you. They seem so nice and real it made me suspicious! Lol
So happy that JP got good news with the cancer scare. Thank u for sharing such valuable information with us.
I’ve had medical treatment in China and Vietnam. I’m Canadian. In both countries the treatment was good and not expensive
I work for a very large insurance company in their Medicare division...the costs are mind boggling
So good for your prognosis. Very glad you were in KL, probably the best place in the world for you there.
Good to hear you are cancer free. I had Prostate Cancer diagnosed at the age of 65 -- I waited to find out once I had Medicare and Medigap insurance here in the USA : I was lucky because I had almost waited too long. I had a proctectomy (they used a Robotic machine instead of traditional surgery which enables you to recover much much quicker -- Surgeon is some 8 feet away looking at a screen operating robotic surgical arms). Story is, keep tabs on your PSA blood tests and do not fear it too much -- you get through it. Some 40% have the prostate cancer cells escape into the body after the proctectomy, only to reappear as some other type of cancer (but it is still considered prostate cancer, just somewhere else). This 40% usually is detected from 5-10 years after surgery. Regular Prostate Cancer most often is slow moving --- often men in their later 70's are diagnosed and doctors leave it due to their age. However every case of Cancer is different and mine was aggressive! Being unable to control my bladder and constant urination now, is a real bummer though.
So the second part of this is -- I am now 69 and would love to leave the USA which would mean giving up my Medicare. So trying to get insurance in another country with my precondition of past Cancer and being almost 70 -- I have virtually no options. Cigna and another company offer plans for places like Portugal and ?, but any policy would likely exclude Cancer care and be expensive for me. There are horror stories of Cigna and others offering decent plans only to gouge you in the 3rd year or just discontinue your insurance all together. Also, any plan for expats outside the USA could simply cancel your insurance if you have a costly year or if you are part of a large group plan (like what Cigna does)... just cancel. The plans get real expensive the further you get into your 70's also.....like in the Philippines. The Truth is (for you two).... if you live in the USA and get Medicare when you turn 65, there is no looking for preexisting conditions (everyone pays the same forever in that group) and you are golden until death IF YOU NEVER GIVE IT UP. If you terminate your Medicare then try to get it again later on, they charge more and consider your pre-existing conditions! So with UnitedHealthcare Medigap and my Medicare I pay maybe 350/mo and have virtually no bills and 100% coverage (small 200 deductible once a year). I am grateful but would love to leave the USA -- I am trapped here! Good luck you two.... few years back the Ecuador Health plans were maybe the best option for Expats worldwide... but Ecuador is not stable now in my opinion.
@mikemckenna1740 Plenty of great places to live and retire in the US. Three years ago we moved from a small city to rural farm community. We have not been happier. Land around here is cheap. All you need is a trailer. $30k gets you two acres with power. ( I know a guy paying $50 a month to park his trailer behind a farmer's barn. Water and free eggs provided. Solar for power. Propane for heating. )
Not far from us is another great retirement spot. A small fishing community on the river. Free fish year around.
I have a relative the lives on the coast of Oregon. One of the least populated areas in the US. A bit wet and cold for me but all the shellfish you can eat. Good hunting too.
I love the Texas coast. My wife finds it too hot, but it doesn't bother me. Plentiful fish. The fish you pay premium for at a restaurant in other states is used as bait on the Texas coast. Outside of the cities life is slower there. People find more pleasure in chatting.
You gotta look around. The secret is figuring what is crucial for you and what can you give up to find happiness.
You guys are so lucky. You made your luck first by choosing an awesome supportive partner & best friend. Then you dived into life full head on using your critical skills. Thank you for your great videos.
My wife and I lived off shore for 8 years in 3 countries. All had high quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost in the USA. It cost 25% of the cost in the USA. Most all medications were over the counter and sold in bubble packs with full instructions. all at 10% of the cost of medications in the USA. My wife had a major surgery and the cost was 40K but in the USA it would have been 120K and our isurance paid all 100%. Americans a getting totally ripped off.
What insurance did you have that covers medical expenses overseas? I have BCBS, they don't even cover anything in US and just keep going up with their fees.
@@Bambina336 I can't recall what it was but it was provided by school my wife worked for.
We live in Florida. My husband had a similar cardiac angiography with Contrast in an outpatient hospital. It cost about 30K plus including the anesthesia! I am glad you are cancer-free. Thank you both for sharing. God Bless!
The same thing here in Canada costs absolutely nothing. Why do you keep electing politicians that allow that to be?
Well, given the US is rated as 47th and Ecuador is 25! Pretty much seals the deal. I'm not a Rocket Scientist, but I think I get.
JP, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 years ago. It was caught early and surgically removed. I’m doing fine. Any problem caught early is far better than ignoring it or putting off any tests. It’s good to see you are both taking care of yourselves.
You both have done a real service by being so candid with your recent health scares. Thank you! I think I will want to get that same extensive screening that you got in KL. I really appreciated you telling us about it.
So glad it’s not cancer and JP is OK. Thanks so much for laying out all the costs for this. So helpful as I consider where I want to live abroad.
Great to hear that you are cancer free, JP! Thank you for sharing these real-life stories. Just so you know, I recently spent $4,500 for one bridge in Sugar Land, TX. Recently, my brother spent $520 in India for the same procedure. Guess where the ceramic bridge came from? You guessed it, Kerala, India! So, I will be flying to KL next time I need a procedure done.
one bridge here is on sale, $14,500. Seattle.
@@sabuvarghese8053 c’mon. Docs in the USA have to live well, vacation homes, yacht, rolls Royce’s,etc.
Health stories can feel embarrassing to share, but they can bring so much comfort to others who are going through the same thing, and there is no need to feel funny about it! So glad that you got some positive news and thank you for sharing with those who are in search of better healthcare.
I am happy to hear that you did not have prostate cancer. I had prostate cancer several years ago and received proton beam therapy. I was very happy with the treatment and had almost no side effects. For anyone who’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer, I would recommend checking out this option and comparing it with the other options before they make a decision as to what treatment to get. I know some other men who chose different options and were not happy with the long-term side effects.
I find it amazing what people are willing to share with strangers. This should help some men, this is a super common issue with men’s prostates when we age. I have the same diagnosis but my event was much less dramatic than yours. Good luck.
Guys its just a prostate , men should be talking about mens health so glad you did. Glad that you got excellent treatment. 😊
This is hard stuff to talk about. I admire your courage.
Glad that you are fine and happy.. and great choice of medical examinations etc in Malaysia, stay healthy 👍💪 🇲🇾
Very glad to hear it wasn't worse, JP! Still not fun and I know how terrible it is to talk about these things, especially with us online peeps. Take care you both.
So happy for the good news!!! I was diagnosed with high cholesterol a year ago. I started taking red rice yeast instead of a statin....numbers are dropping without the side effects of a statin. Good luck with you both and thank you for sharing something so personal.❤
I'm taking Crestor, where did you learn about red rice yeast for cholesterol?
@michaelsix9684 I have a friend whose a personal trainer also and we both are nutritionist so we share a lot of info we come across. I'm still trying it out. If you use it, it acts the same as a statin (prohibiting the enzyme from the liver) so you'll need a CoQ10 supplement with it.
@@babysweetcheeks6384 I take CoQ10 now
Your honesty with health issues and costs is amazing and appreciated. Thank you for doing this video! ❤
Good to hear things are going along all right! Thank you for sharing all of this information. As uncomfortable as it may have been to share, it was super helpful! Thank you!
I'm really glad you ARE talking about this. Thank you JP, I am 65 and also have BPH and live in California. I am dreading the inevitable surgical intervention, I'm very squeamish and am willing to pay more for the best care. I'm afraid of even being cath'ed. I'm very interested in Prince Court, etc. Unfortunately I am all alone and am hoping there are hospital buddy / temporary care services available. Thank you.
JP and Amelia, great news with the diagnosis. Glad things are looking up! Stay positive. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome to your 50s. I feel for you. I'm experiencing many of the same issues and concerns. Dam prostate! Sore shoulder! It's incredible how the body can quickly deteriorate past the half-century mark
_damn_
LOL! Wait till you get into your 60’s 😂 Live your best life every second of everyday.
You guys make me happy. You are like family now... which made it scary when JP thought he might have cancer! Thank you for all the perspective. I had to have a prostate biopsy. It was "manual" and I was not asleep and it may have been the most uncomfortable medical procedure I've been through. So, $4K for a prostrate biopsy, while you are asleep, sounds pretty good. Keep up the weights and protein Amelia!
I had a cardiac CT scan with contrast in Israel last month and after converting from shekels to dollars it was $802. I was able to get scheduled next day - the cardiologist made the appointment for me himself. I had a cardiac MRI back in August - it to me 4 months to get scheduled and cost about $1550. Both came back completely clear of any issues. I had an event in April that they’ve determined was caused by a virus to the heart - myocarditis, and has completely resolved. I’m the same age as JP. My dad had heart issues starting at age 40, and died young at 66, so I’m very proactive.
As a healthcare provider for 45 years, I have known for decades that medical care in the US is not the best, does not result in the best outcomes for patients, and is the most expensive in the world. Worse yet, many citizens do not have access to affordable healthcare.
JP - I'm sorry to hear about all of your health issues. I live in Cuenca and followed you both before moving here last year. I noticed that you mentioned that if your tests showed you had prostate cancer, you would have returned to Ecuador for treatment under your insurance here. I just wanted to make sure that you are aware that in Ecuador, your preexisting conditions are only covered, after the waiting period, for up to 20 times the Ecuadorian monthly minimum wage, which is currently $460 per month. That comes out to $9,200 maximum the insurance will pay. This is mandated by the government and applies to all insurance companies and policies. I'm glad that you didn't have cancer and can just take your medication but i just wanted to check to make sure you understood the limitations on preexisting conditions in Ecuador. Thanks!
My family member had to wait 3 months to get authorization through insurance to do a potentially life saving cancer operation. His tumor grew so much during that period and now it’s spread all over. The copay for injections needed for chemo are 1-2k. It’s just a mess over here and the wait times means the diff between life or death
An American friend of mine living in China, not a mega city, had prostrate issues at the age of 70 and was in the hospital for 3 weeks having a successful surgery with a generous recovery period. The total bill was $4200 USD. He paid cash.
You both are such terrific people! I'm glad you are in the exact right place to get the help you need. I'm here in Canada where we have public health care. Doctors visits, hospital surgeries, specialist appts are all covered. Eye care, dental care, physio, prescriptions - stuff like that isn't. We also pay for private insurance that covers some things but it isn't great. The main thing is that we don't have enough doctors here so there are long waits to see a family doctor, then a specialist, then you wait for tests, then any treatment, all this can take months. I finally got an mri of my brain done last month. It was covered but I asked about the cost and it was $1200. I've had crohns for about 20 years and my medications for that and colonoscopies are covered. As a fellow calamity kid, I feel for you JP! Take heart, and you are not alone!
Excellent news on the no cancer, I am 59 had a heart attack 4 years ago, got one stent it was just under $80000.00, one year later had a bad heart attack got a quad bypass it was just over $500,000.00 plus seizures later More $$$$. I lost count for a total.. Funny, I joke with my wife that I must have been raised by a nuclear waste dump and licked the lead paint. I have neurological issues as well) I can say my health issues have clarified my thinking as to what is important and what is worthy of my time. Wishing you both all the best..
Wow! So much money! The US sickcare system loves people like us. They get those big eye popping dollar signs like a deranged cartoon character when they see us walk in.
I am so glad you don't have cancer.
We all have innards! Don't feel embarrassed, JP. I'm so glad things worked out for the best!
I had a Coronary CaCT scan in Melbourne Australia last year under our public health system. Total cost $220 AUD, $140 paid by me. Also no waiting period😊
Thank you again for doing this kind of video. Many people I know can't believe that healthcare is better in most other countries. I found that even in Albania, which is one of the poorest countries in Europe, the service and prices were better than in USA. The equipment in the hospitals and clinics is older, but still very usable. Average out of pocket costs for in-country health insurance was super cheap. Fifty Euros for one year of reimbursable coverage up to fifty thousand dollars. I questioned the salesperson asking if that would be enough...She asked me, "are you going to have a heart transplant"? I said no...She said "it will cover everything else".
So thrilled that you are cancer free! Respect your dilligence and health focus. Great Vlog.
CCTA in Central California $8400. Can’t remember exactly, but wait was ~1 month. Thanks for sharing all the information!!
Oh wow!
JP, thanks so much for sharing. Your frank discussion of your prostate situation led me to catch my chronic bacterial prostatitis. I am getting the correct treatment thanks to you!
That’s great! 🥳
4 level Laminoplasty here
Kaiser Neurosurgery Redwood City Ca.
I had a great surgeon, if you have any questions feel free to ask.
One bit of advice: Don't watch a RUclips of your surgery before you have it!
😂 True! 😂
May I ask the name of your surgeon? Glad you had a good experience! : - )
Your both such authentic and genuine people. How can anyone not love this channel. You are both in my prayers--you got this!
Thanks so much! 😊
The best part of today’s video, in my opinion, is how you both acknowledged the love you have for each other. Priceless! 🥰
😊 thank you
you mean when JP professed his love and Amelia quickly threw in a curt, pro forma "me, too" before changing the subject??
@@BernardProfitendieu …I saw it like maybe she thought even if it was cancer, they would get treatment and push on. Then when JP said he wasn’t ready to go yet, the rubber sort of hit the road and she got how bothered JP was about the whole thing. Then the “me too” comment was her pushing through the emotion and keeping up the public face. She’s a gem and a person I’d want in my corner if things went south. I like them both.
@@jonniesantos she wouldn't need to keep up a public face if they didn't broadcast a new video every time one of them burped
Thanj you SO much for all your info... SO happy you are OK JP !!!! congrats sir. x
Brother, you are fortunate they put you out for the biopsy. I was wide awake and it was tramatic😂. I compared it to driving a school bus up there (the wand was actually the size of a large pencil) The diagnosis was as positive and had it surgically removed in 2008. Happy you did not have to go through the cancer diagnosis.
Hey buddy
So glad tests came out all negative. Enjoy and take good care of your health.
We are sending positive vibes to you.
I know how stressful this all can be but keep faith
Cheers.
Excellent! Thankfully you don't have cancer!
Thank you for sharing. I just got a high PSA reading and am scheduled for an MRI in a couple of months. Don’t know why it takes so long here in the states.
Glad to hear you are cancer free.
I was a dentist in the USA, and retired in north central Mexico (Durango state). And, yea the prices for dentistry are probably 1/4 of the reasonably standard care on the west coast of the US. Having written that: the quality of care is nowhere near what you would expect in the US. And, I am not surprised at this. While practicing in the US, all of the work I saw that was done in Mexico was substandard. Here in Vicente Guerrero if you have a tooth colored filling placed (composite), expect it to fall out in two days time. As a rule, if you need such work, the dentistas here recommend a lab manufactured acrylic. They are not particulairly expensive: they run around $150.00 each. Crowns are quite inexpensive (run around $150.00 each), but the fit is definitely below USA type standards. Cleanings: there are no such things as hygienists, and the dentistas here have no training in how to do this work--which is quite technique sensitive. I have had several crowns recemented here--and the total charge for the visit was around $25.00. As long as there is no fractured tooth, or underlying decay, this is a very easy procedure. For general physicians, the care you get here for simple and reasonable procedures is probably around 1/4 the cost of the USA west coast. A typical office visit cost runs around $50.00. Specialists here for the most part are quacks and will intentially sell you very expensive services which you absolutely do not need, and probably don't work anyway. I have had a number of run-ins with various specialists of different types. But again, the general practice community here is highly reasonable in fee and also value. That I would certainly highly recommend. One thing: physicians and dentists here don't explain anything, and when you ask questions, their answers usually miss the mark.
So sorry to hear about all this. I am 62 and now realizing I need to fix my blood chemistry. I was the heart ct scan you got but getting it is hard. Both my wife and I are also pre diabetic... Wishing you the best. Thank you for sharing!
I am an MRI tech and do the MRI Prostate exams every single day. (ours do not require anything "Inserted" because we use a 3T magnet) And I have learned so much about it 90 percent are not cancer. But the size of the prostate can get massive! And they have no reason why. There are some people out there that claim certain dietary things can reduce it, but I haven't seen any proof. Just know there are other ways to do that MRI than what you went thru.
So glad to hear you received a more positive diagnosis. My husband and I will be in Cuenca next year. Would love to meet up perhaps on the road to wellness. Proud of you both for all you do. 🥳
It wouldn't take much to find better health care than what's available in the U.S. Dr.s spend less than 15 minutes per appointment. No doctor gives a rat's ass what any other doctor has put in your records. Unless you can diagnose your own issue you will never resolve anything.
@@toniasalways It’s the same in Canada and our system is paid for by taxes.
You definitely have to be an advocate for your health in America.
If it gives you any consolation, doctors subject themselves to poor medical care too. They get a lot of their ongoing education from pharmaceutical companies and lots of that is BS. I was a certified pharmacy tech and pharmacists know way more than doctors about medications. Doctors keep them from "practicing medicine without a license" so they can't tell people they're taking inappropriate meds but, they know. As a group, doctors take a lot of meds and a lot of it they shouldn't be taking.
No matter what, you have to be proactive with your healthcare. I'm glad you are doing that for yourselves.
Wonderful news!!!! You are so lucky to be able to leave the country for your medical. I have a friend who has been diagnosed with Cancer. He is too young for Medicare is self employed so can't afford insurance, basically he is just going to die. It is just not fathomable to me that in a country where everyone is buying Tesla's and McMansions we can't come up with anything better than Obamacare. So happy you don't have cancer you look great.
Obamacare isn’t the problem. He tried to put a bandaid on a bullet hole. The whole system is rotten from the core.
@AmeliaAndJP no by all means I pushed for Obabamacare because I was working for a non profit medical and saw people who hadn't been to a doctor in Years with serious conditions who just couldn't afford to but yes its not enough.
I'm getting ready for my #3 spinal cord surgery !! I feel your pain, Jerry!! The first 2 Las Vegas Nv.This #3 at Ohio state hospital. Pray for me, please.
🙏💖
Yay! No cancer. My wife just had her second masectomy. Her first one she had along with the chemo, and the radiation about four years ago. She decided to have the second one because the tissue was just getting too dense. We're still waiting to hear the results of the tissue exam. But she's doing great. I know it can be really scary when your partner is undergoing, cancer treatment or even just surgery. Bless you guys.
So sorry to hear that. Hope she’s ok 🙏
@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you. Yes. She's great. She didn't go into remission or anything. This was just a precaution this time. Thank goodness. 🙂
It was so sweet of JP sharing your love from Amelia. ❤❤❤❤
You're making us cry. geez. Abrazos!
You two are such a blessing to this platform! Thank you for all you share!
During my digital nomad days (2017-2019) I used the medical care services in Prague, Czech Republic, and Brisbane, Australia, and Newport, Wales, United Kingdom. This was due to an unforeseen small medical issue. In Australia, an office visit with a doctor, a shot of penicillin, and 3 prescriptions from a pharmacy cost me about $150 cash (USD). In Wales, I had an office visit with a doctor (£100/ about $130 USD) at a clinic. Then, spent 12 hours in A&E (their version of the emergency room). And then 2 days in the hospital with a minor surgery on my arm. The cost for the A&E, hospital stay, and surgery was about £2000 cash (about $2500 USD). Sounds like a bargain? Well at that Welsh hospital, I stayed in a ward (one big hospital room) with 15 other people, male and female, ages 18 to 90. We all shared the same bathroom, male and female, although the bathroom had 4 toilets and 4 sinks. There were no opportunities to take a bath or a shower during the 2 days that I was there. And the first day that I was in the hospital, I slept on a gurney with a tiny pillow and just one blanket because they were 'short of beds and bedding'. Not to mention that we 'weren't allowed' to just get water when we wanted, nor fill a pitcher from the bathroom faucet as the faucet water was 'undrinkable' for some reason. So while my hospital stay in Wales was really inexpensive by American standards, it was also like going back in time 60+ years. Out of the medical care systems in Prague, Australia, and Wales, the only one that I'd ever use again, that I'd feel comfortable using again, that was modern/ clean/ up-to-date, was the Australian medical system.
Sounds like the Phillipines ❗️😳
Good luck guys. Despite your health issues (and I appreciate the candor) I think you guys are very lucky to have each other.
FYI for those on Medicare…Kaiser provides unlimited emergency and urgent care coverage worldwide through their Medicare Advantage plan. It does not cover routine
@@johnkeith1964 Medicare Advantage is not the best plan for cancer or other major medical issues. Kaiser also will not do HRT for Senior Citizens. Physical therapy is also limited. I am switching to regular Medicare next year.
Thanks for being so open and honest about your healthcare journey. Your willingness to share helps so many of us make better decisions. Plus you have inspired many to get those checks and screening they have put off. I'm wishing you both improved health and wellness.
I'm a prostate cancer survivor (so far) - 2 biopsies, radical prostatectomy, radiation + chemo - here in the US. After all that, I would have been completely financially ruined for the rest of my life if I hadn't had insurance and, later, Medicaid in the state I was living in. Not sure of the total bill but it would have been way north of 100 grand. Wouldn't be surprised if it had approached 200 grand....
Eminently reasonable....
Although health problems are hard to talk about, it is very kind that you share with your viewers. We all care about you and it might give someone the push they need to seek treatment themselves.
Hi, guys. My cardiac calcium scan was a little over a hundred dollars. Insurance would not cover it. First score was 429. A score of 420 is considered dangerously high. In a period of about five years, my score nearly doubled, even though i'm vegan. I'm in great shape too. It's just genetic with me. Runs in my family.
I just done my calcium scoring too last month and Kuala Lumpur and found very clean and cost me about USD 40
Personal stuff that takes courage to speak about. As an older guy I am likely looking at the prospect of the same somewhere down the road. I appreciate your candor and wish you the best!