Dear ATX,
Here's one thing to think about. ADR most likely won't be covered overseas. However, you can take it as a deduction on your tax return, to the extent it exceeds 10% of your adjusted gross income. This includes almost every aspect of your trip from travel for you and a companion, lodging, etc. The only thing not included would be meals for your companion. Also by doing this, any medical expense that your incur at home that same year which isn't covered by insurance (i.e. deductibles, doctor copays, drug copays, cosmetic surgery for you, your husband, and children assuming you file a joint return.) can be added to that amount. Effectively this could cover 1/3 of your total costs by paying less taxes or getting a larger refund. However, it will not reduce your tax to below zero. Hypothetically if your combined income with your husband is $50,000 and this whole thing with travel costs $60,000 (after the 10% threshold), you can only get back what's withheld from your pay in taxes. Since Texas has no income tax, you would only benefit by the reduction in Federal taxes. However, it is something to consider.
On another note, if you're considering going overseas, you're better off contacting the surgeons you're interested in directly as opposed to going through Medical Tourism. You'll get much quicker responses. Here is Dr. Clavel's website:
Barcelona Spine Center DR Bierstedt's site is:
ONZ Spine Surgeon for Disk Replacement, German Spine Specialists – M6 ADR Artificial Disk Replacement - Stop spine pain now, Lumbar Cervical Spine Surgery Finally Mr. Dare in Southampton, UK is
Mr Christopher John Dare Orthopaedic surgery Consultant, Southampton, Hampshire, private hospital specialist.
Regards,
Gene