Frequently Asked Questions

Cash-pay (or self-pay) healthcare means paying directly for medical services without using insurance. You pay the provider's price upfront, rather than going through insurance claims, deductibles, and co-pays.

This is growing popular because:

• Many people have high deductibles that make insurance useless
• Some services aren't covered by insurance (cosmetic, optimization)
• Cash-pay is often cheaper than meeting your deductible
• No pre-authorization hassles or claim denials

Often, yes—especially for specific services:

• Lab testing: Can be 50-80% cheaper than billed through insurance
• GLP-1 medications: Compounded versions at $199/mo vs $1,000+ retail
• Dental work: Mexico prices are 50-70% less than US
• Bariatric surgery: $4,500 in Mexico vs $15,000-25,000 in US

The key is comparing the cash price to your out-of-pocket cost with insurance (deductible + co-pay). For people with high-deductible plans, cash-pay often wins.

Yes! HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds can be used for most legitimate medical expenses, including:

• Lab testing
• Prescription medications (including GLP-1s)
• DEXA scans
• Dental procedures
• Medical procedures abroad

Just keep receipts. Cosmetic procedures generally don't qualify unless medically necessary.

Usually no. That's one of the benefits of cash-pay services:

• Lab testing: Order directly, no referral needed
• Telehealth (GLP-1, TRT): Provider consultation included, no separate doctor needed
• DEXA scans: Walk-in appointments, no referral
• Medical tourism: Facilities handle all coordination

The exception: Some procedures may require medical clearance or screening, but the facility will handle this as part of the process.

It depends entirely on the facility you choose. Medical tourism can be just as safe as domestic care when you use:

• JCI-accredited facilities (international quality standard)
• Board-certified surgeons with high procedure volumes
• Facilities that cater to international patients

Countries like Turkey, Mexico, and South Korea have world-class medical facilities that serve thousands of American patients yearly. The key is research—verify credentials, read reviews, and choose established centers.

See our Turkey hair transplant safety guide and Mexico bariatric surgery guide for specific safety checklists.

Reputable medical tourism facilities offer:

• 24/7 support lines: Call/WhatsApp for any concerns
• Remote follow-up: Send photos, video consultations
• US partner doctors: Some centers have relationships with US physicians
• Complication coverage: Top centers cover treatment of surgical complications

Before booking: Confirm their complication protocol, aftercare support, and any warranties. Centers like Mexico Bariatric Center and Vera Clinic (Turkey) have comprehensive aftercare programs.

Factor in these additional costs:

• Flights: $400-1,200 depending on destination
• Extra hotel nights: $50-200/night if extending stay
• Meals: $20-60/day (varies by country)
• Visa fees: $0-100 depending on country
• Travel insurance: $50-150 (highly recommended)
• Companion expenses: If bringing someone

Typical total: Add $1,000-2,500 to the procedure cost for a realistic all-in budget.

Even with these extras, you're usually saving 50-70% vs US prices.

The process is straightforward:

1. Online questionnaire: Medical history, symptoms, goals
2. Virtual consultation: Video or async chat with licensed provider
3. Prescription issued: If appropriate, sent to partner pharmacy
4. Medication shipped: Delivered to your door in 3-7 days
5. Ongoing monitoring: Follow-ups via app/portal, adjust as needed

For GLP-1s, TRT, and similar medications, most services include labs at regular intervals to monitor safety.

Yes—if you use reputable services. Companies like Hims/Hers, Ro, Marek Health, and others employ:

• Board-certified physicians or nurse practitioners
• Licensed in your state (telehealth requires state-by-state licensing)
• Following standard medical protocols

These are real medical professionals providing real prescriptions. The difference from traditional care is the delivery model (virtual vs in-person), not the legitimacy.

We show pricing ranges based on our research, but exact prices vary because:

• Individual medical needs differ (you might need more/less than average)
• Pricing changes—providers adjust rates, run promotions
• Geographic factors (some providers have state-specific pricing)
• Customization (procedure variations, add-ons)

Always verify pricing directly with providers. Our ranges give you ballpark expectations so you can budget and compare, but the provider's current quote is what matters.

Yes, we're transparent about this. Many of our provider links are affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you use our link to sign up or book.

How this affects you: It doesn't change the price you pay. Providers pay us for referrals, not you.

Our editorial promise: We only list providers we'd personally consider. Commission potential doesn't change our pros/cons analysis or recommendations. We turn down providers that don't meet our quality standards, even if they offer affiliate programs.

Every provider on VitalityScout must meet minimum criteria:

• Licensed/accredited: Proper medical licensing in their jurisdiction
• Established track record: Multiple years in operation, verifiable reviews
• Transparent pricing: Willing to publicly discuss costs
• Clear policies: Refund/complication protocols documented

For medical tourism, we prioritize JCI-accredited facilities or those with Surgeon of Excellence certifications.

For telehealth, we verify they employ licensed providers and use legitimate pharmacies.

Note: Listing doesn't mean endorsement. Always do your own research and verify credentials independently.

Yes, absolutely. Your primary care doctor should know about:

• Any medications you're taking (including from telehealth)
• Procedures you're planning (especially surgery abroad)
• Lab results you've gotten independently

Good doctors appreciate informed patients who take initiative with their health. If your doctor is dismissive of cash-pay or self-directed testing, consider whether they're the right fit for you.

For medical tourism, you'll definitely want a local doctor for post-op follow-up care.