With thousands of British Columbians on long waitlists for procedures, it’s no surprise a growing number are leaving Canada for treatment.”

The report case studied a 57 year-old West Vancouver resident, Susan Drury, who 2 years ago was suffering with severe osteoarthritis in her right hip. She started working with a physiotherapist but as time went on the osteoarthritis also spread to her left hip and she eventually had to rely on a cane to get around.

“It was extremely painful,” she said. “I had a permanent limp. I couldn’t bear any weight on my right leg when I stood up.”

After learning about the long waitlist for treatment at home – from seven to nine months – Drury decided to join a growing number of Canadians who are turning to medical tourism as a faster solution for their painful health predicaments.

Ms Drury sought the services of a medical tourism agent specialising in medical tourism to US Hospitals.

Ms Drury was eventually sent to South Dakota, where she was able to get both hips replaced at once for about $36,000.

According to the agent assisting Ms Drury, generally hip and knee replacements run about $65,000 apiece in the U.S.

According to a recent report by the Medical Tourism Association, a single hip replacement in Costa Rica only costs around $13,600. See Compare Prices at www.medicaltourismcostarica.com.

Medical Tourism Directory Costa Rica – Connecting you with quality health and travel providers in Costa Rica.