In years past, “medical tourism” referred mainly to the practice of bringing people from foreign countries to the US for high-quality medical care. In recent years, the term has assumed a new definition, as US citizens leave the country for more affordable surgery and other treatments. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are seeking foreign medical care each year, and this trend is expected to grow as US insurance companies consider covering “off-shore” medicine. But before you jump on a plane, here are some important points to consider…

Is it safe? Americans have long assumed that foreign medical care is more dangerous than that offered here at home. But high-quality medical care can be found in many places throughout the world. The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the private group that accredits hospitals in the US, has an international branch (www.jointcommissioninternational.org) that accredits foreign hospitals. If you are thinking about going abroad for medical care, make sure that the facility you are considering has been accredited by the joint commission. Also, check on the training of the doctors who would be caring for you. Look for physicians who were educated at US medical schools and completed a residency in their area of specialty at a US hospital. This is not a guarantee that you will receive high-quality care, but it does give you some reassurance because it is easier to check the reputation of medical schools and residency programs in the US.

Will I really save money? MedSolution (www.medsolution.com), a Canadian medical-tourism firm, recently released these cost comparisons: Hip replacement — $40,000 in North America, $15,000 in France and $5,800 in India… coronary angioplasty — $35,000 in North America, $18,400 in France and $3,700 in India. Many people going abroad for face-lifts and other cosmetic procedures are paying 30% to 50% of US prices.

Do I have all the facts? It’s usually best to use a medical-tourism firm. To find one, search the term “medical tourism” on the Internet and/or consult the informational Web site www.medicaltourismguide.org. The firm you select will ask for your medical records to review, and you will then be matched with a doctor and hospital. These firms handle all the details, including travel and hotel arrangements. But make sure you get references for the firm (check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau or the attorney general’s office in the firm’s home state) as well as the hospital and doctors they recommend to you (ask the firm for contact information for patients treated at these medical facilities).

Buyer beware: If something goes wrong with your overseas medical care, emergency treatment will be provided (your insurance probably won’t cover the cost, though). Also, you have no legal recourse in the US against the overseas provider. Each country has its own malpractice laws. Most are not as protective as those in the US. Very few foreign hospitals or doctors will be of much help to you once you return to the US. Make sure that you have a doctor here who is ready to provide follow-up care.