How It Works

Get started with great advice.

Did you know more than 400 hospitals around the world are American-accredited? That there is a 25% chance that the medical specialist you visit in a US hospital was educated abroad? Or, that the rich and famous have been traveling in search of the best healthcare for decades? And, that you can (and should!) negotiate with your healthcare provider?

How it works.

Once you contact us with basic information, one of our referral specialists will follow up within 24 hours. Our referral specialist will work with you to learn more about your treatment goals, travel preferences, financial considerations, and concerns. Once we have a good understanding of your needs, we will work with our network of experts to answer your questions or connect you with a healthcare provider you feel comfortable with. All information submitted to Patients Beyond Borders is private and confidential.

We are real people.

Patients Beyond Borders author and founder, Josef Woodman, first learned about medical travel in 2005 when his father traveled to Mexico for dental care. Concerned to learn his father planned to receive dental care in an unfamiliar country, Joe decided to go along to provide support. What he learned on that trip was the beginning of Patients Beyond Borders. Since then, Joe has spent more than five years touring 150 medical facilities in 30 countries. A noted advocate for consumer healthcare choice, he has lectured at the UCLA School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, and Duke Fuqua School of Business, and has chaired and keynoted conferences on medical tourism and global healthcare in 14 countries.

Now five years strong, the Patients Beyond Borders team has grown to include researchers, editors, referral specialists, and a variety of other talented staff. Judy, Donna, Faith, Kate, Vanessa, Anne, Nicki, Barbara, Liam, and others work together to produce what you read on this site and in our books and to answer your email and phone questions.

What if a free consultation isn’t enough?

Although a free, 15-minute consultation is often enough to answer questions for patients looking for a bit of guidance, we also offer Connect, a paid consultation service that provides a detailed program of options and support from the beginning to the end of your journey. Our PBB Connect service is guaranteed and costs $250. We understand $250 is a commitment and work with you to get the best care at the best possible price.

Will we always recommend travel abroad?

Although it can be a great option for many, medical travel may not be the right option for everyone. You need to be healthy enough to travel. Some specialties and procedures are more medical travel-friendly than others. And, it helps to have a clear diagnosis or treatment goal before your travel. Our books and this site help outline things to ask your doctor, dos and don'ts for a successful experience, guidance on budgeting, tips for companions, and other special considerations.

If the consultation is free, how do we make money?

Patients Beyond Borders sells consumer resources including the World Edition of our book, the TravelEmergency mobile application for use in top tourist destinations, and our Connect consulting service. We also work with selected hospitals, private healthcare associations, and government ministries to produce sponsored resources designed to provide accurate, up-to-date information on the world's best healthcare.

We do not sell or otherwise misuse patient information and we do not accept payment for inclusion in Patients Beyond Borders. We do not sell or host advertising on the Patients Beyond Borders website.

What can’t we do?

Patients Beyond Borders does not provide healthcare or offer medical advice or opinions. We are not medical professionals and always advise patients to seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding personal health or medical conditions.

What next?

Contact us. It's free, we are glad to help.