I flew to Colombia for a $4,000 hysterectomy because I couldn't afford it in the US. I have no regrets.

• I never thought I'd have to leave my own country to get the medical care I needed.

• Without insurance, the cost of a hysterectomy in the US can be as much as $25,000.

• I chose to have the surgery in Colombia, where I paid $4,000.

I never thought I'd have to leave my own country to get the medical care I needed. After years of battling debilitating pain and endless procedures, I found myself at a breaking point.

I needed a hysterectomy, but because I was uninsured, the cost of surgery in the US was out of reach for me. I decided to fly to Colombia for a cheaper surgery and have no regrets.

I have endometriosis and uterine fibroids

I'm 52 years old and have spent most of my adult life suffering from endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and massive uterine fibroids — sometimes as many as 10 to 15 at a time. Over the years, I have undergone multiple surgeries in an attempt to manage the pain and excessive bleeding.

In 2022, the fibroids returned with a vengeance. This time, there was no easing into it. I landed in the emergency room, hemorrhaging uncontrollably. The doctors managed to stabilize me, and for the first time, I was offered a hysterectomy as a permanent solution.

My doctor estimated that my procedure would cost at least $15,000 if all went smoothly and up to $40,000 if there were complications. My doctor quoted me based on my medical history and the worst-case scenario, knowing I'd be paying out of pocket because I was uninsured. I was self-employed and financially responsible, and yet, when it came to my health, I was priced entirely out of the system.

I walked out of that office knowing two things: I couldn't ignore my health, and I couldn't afford to pay US prices for it.

I found myself spiraling down an internet rabbit hole, searching for answers. That's when I first stumbled upon the concept of medical tourism.

I'd heard of people traveling abroad for cosmetic procedures, but I never imagined it could be an option for major surgery. The more I researched, the more I saw real stories of Americans who had sought affordable, high-quality medical care in other countries.

Colombia kept coming up as a destination

I spent weeks researching hospitals, reading patient testimonials, and joining forums where people shared their experiences with medical tourism.

Colombia isn't just a cheaper alternative — it's a world-class medical destination. The country's healthcare system consistently ranks among the best in Latin America, with the World Health Organization placing it 22nd globally in 2000 — above the United States, Canada, and Australia for affordability, accessibility, and quality of care. In 2025, Newsweek also ranked Colombia as having one of the world's best hospitals.

Many Colombian hospitals are internationally accredited, equipped with cutting-edge technology, and staffed by highly trained specialists — many of whom have studied or worked in the US and Europe. Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have become major hubs for medical tourism, drawing patients from around the world.

The same hysterectomy that would have cost me tens of thousands of dollars in the US was just $4,000 in Medellin. That included the hospital stay, surgeon's fees, pre-op tests, and post-op care. Even after factoring in travel expenses, I'd save more than I could at home.

It was a financial no-brainer, but I was terrified. What if something went wrong or I regretted it?

When I arrived in Colombia, my anxiety was through the roof

I had a pre-surgery consultation scheduled, and I was bracing myself for red flags that might make me turn around and fly home. From the moment I stepped into the hospital, I knew I had made the right decision.

The facility was more like a luxury hotel than a medical center. The staff was professional, warm, and accommodating. My surgeon had spent years training in the US and spoke fluent English, patiently answering every question I had.

The day of the surgery came, and everything ran seamlessly. The medical team walked me through every step, ensuring I understood what was happening and what to expect post-op. The level of attention I received was beyond anything I'd experienced in the US — no rushed explanations, no feeling like just another patient on a long list.

When I woke up, the nurses were already there. The aftercare was thorough, compassionate, and shockingly affordable. I stayed a month with a friend to fully recover and then flew back to the US.

My $4,000 surgery saved me from medical debt

My decision to fly to Colombia wasn't just about saving money — it was about reclaiming control over my health without putting myself in a financial hole. Unlike in the US, where hospital bills can fluctuate wildly based on insurance negotiations and hidden fees, I knew exactly what I would be paying before I even set foot in the hospital.

On the morning of my surgery, as I checked in, I paid the entire bill upfront — covering everything from pre-op tests to the procedure itself and post-operative care. The hospital staff explained that I would be refunded the difference if any of the estimated services weren't necessary. It was a level of financial transparency I had never experienced before.

Because the price was clear and reasonable, I could pay for the surgery outright without needing loans, credit cards, or installment plans. That alone was a relief. I left Colombia fully recovered and debt-free.

When I returned home, I realized how much stress I had avoided. Instead of dealing with collections calls, confusing medical bills, or months of payment plans, I could focus on my recovery. I knew that if I ever needed major medical care again, I had options beyond the US healthcare system.

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