Looking for information about insurance providers for out of country surgery

Hi all,

I am in the process of firming up a date to travel to Mexico to have vsg surgery done and was wondering what those of you who also travelled abroad used for peace of mind for any sort of emergency's? Also, for any of you who have had complications afterwards back at home, does AB healthcare cover you? 

Thanks so much!

I too have chosen to travel to Mexico for my surgery. My sister is having her surgey at the same time so we are going together and are schedualed for February 26th 2014. I would recomend taking someone with you to help with traveling after surgery. We are not able to take anyone with us, but have made some plans to make it as easy as possible.

First we are flying with WestJet and we phoned to make our flight reservations so that we could add a few things/notes to our tickets. On the way back there is a note that we are going to need wheel chairs, which means when we go to check in there will be wheen chairs waiting for us with porters to take us too our gate. They will then leave us there untill it is time to board at which time we will be boarding firs. Then when you get to your destination to deplane last and there are wheen chairs waiting as you get off. They also have a note for their to be seatbelt exrenders on one of the seats, so as to ease the embarasment of having to ask for one in person.

Make sure that you are comfortable with the company that you are using and have done your research not only on the company you are using but on the surgeons themselves. If there is anything you are not comfortable with call or email the company and dont be afraid to ask questions. If they cant answer any questions you have then it may be time to look into somewhere else. Before you leave ensure that someone back home knows your itinerary and give them all the contact information for down there that you have just in case of an emergency.

I am not sure if Alberta Health covers in case of complications but I have heard that you can get a partial refund for the price of your surgery. Not completely sure how that works though, and if might not be that much.

Hope this was helpful and that you have a great expirence.

I had out of province WLS and alberta health care did contribute. It was a small amount, about $1300.00. Take the forms with you for the Dr to fill out. The forms are available on line. http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/AHCIP-form-AHC0934.pd f

Thank you that is very helpfull

http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/AHCIP-form-AHC0934.pd f

this is the link i have to the form but i cannot seemt o confirm how much or what kind of receipt other than detailed  i have heard between $1200-2000 but again not confirmed what procedure that was for or why the differing amounts. i have put it out there to ask a few people and see what i come up with. if i find out anything i will let you know.  i have read your blog btw and it is very helpful first hand account.  i am looking at dr lopez in  april and would love to hear how every thing goes for you.

thanks

Thank you all for your replies!  I had my surgery last Monday with no complications.  I will need to look into getting the form that I need completed for reimbursement, but not worried about that just yet :)