Sister Fatimah’s Story: Why Americans Are Traveling Overseas for Affordable Care

In a country as technologically advanced and wealthy as the United States, it is heartbreaking—and deeply unjust—that many citizens find themselves just one medical emergency away from financial ruin. Doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, and even basic preventive treatments are priced at levels that push millions into debt or force them to forgo care altogether. Despite spending more per capita on healthcare than any other nation, the U.S. ranks only 10th among developed countries in terms of healthcare quality and access, according to a 2021 report by The Commonwealth Fund.

This glaring contradiction has led many Americans to seek medical treatment abroad, in a growing trend known as medical tourism. It’s no longer a luxury or rare occurrence—it’s becoming a necessity for those who simply want access to quality care without being financially devastated.

One powerful testimony comes from Sister Fatimah Rahman, a seasoned traveler who has made four trips to Colombia for medical and dental care. “Everything in life is relative,” she says. “We’ve seen dentists, medical professionals and had complete physicals, including X-rays, bone density scans, sonograms, and blood work. Everything began at 6:00 AM, and we were done by noon. The following day, all results were available via WhatsApp. Communication with the medical team is easy—both on the app and in person.”

What’s more surprising is that Sister Fatimah has both Medicare and BlueCross BlueShield coverage here in the U.S.—yet she chooses to pay out-of-pocket in Colombia. “I’d rather wait in JFK Airport and travel for hours, just to get all the care I need in three weeks,” she explains.

On the Legal Code podcast, she elaborated on why she made that choice:

“I’ve got a great doctor in Brooklyn—Yale educated, professional, and thorough. I admire him. But I recently had to pay $200 out of pocket just for a routine visit that included bloodwork and an EKG. That’s with insurance. Meanwhile, in Colombia, I paid less than $1,100 for three clinic visits, three rounds of blood work (fasting and post-meal), an oral MRI, a dental exam, and even a tooth extraction with a membrane placed in preparation for an implant. And I’m not done yet. That would’ve cost me several times more in the States. Look, I’m not trying to sell Colombia to anyone—but I will say this: America is not the beginning and end. It’s failing miserably in healthcare—especially for women of color. I’ve worked in hospitals. I know the system. And as a patient, I’ve felt it. We’re getting the short end of the stick.”

She also pointed us to the Access Wellness Abroad website, where their mission is clearly stated: “We’re passionate about helping Americans unlock a world of wellness beyond the United States. Our mission is to connect you with advanced and affordable healthcare options in Colombia, offering a transformative approach to your health and well-being.”

This type of business model—connecting Americans with affordable international care—is not just a smart marketing strategy, but a reflection of a growing global healthcare disparity. It speaks volumes that people are willing to fly across the world to receive better service, faster results, and more personal communication—all at a fraction of the cost.

Dental care, in particular, is one of the most common reasons Americans travel abroad. In the U.S., dental services are often treated separately from health insurance, with high premiums or copays that leave many without essential treatment. It is immoral that in the land of abundance, people must choose between their health and their finances.

The root of the crisis lies not in a lack of resources, but in a system built around profit over people. When pharmaceutical companies and private insurance providers dominate healthcare policy through lobbying and campaign financing, the result is a healthcare system that prioritizes shareholder profits over human lives. This model has become so unsustainable that even countries with fewer resources are outpacing the U.S. in healthcare innovation and access.

It’s time to ask hard questions. Why does a nation that sends rockets into space still fail to provide affordable dental care? Why are diseases that have plagued society for decades still without cures—yet the cost of medication continues to rise? Why are natural remedies and preventative care not prioritized in a country that claims to be a leader in medicine?

This isn’t just an economic crisis—it’s a moral crisis. If healthcare is truly a human right, then we must challenge the policies and profiteers that keep it out of reach. The growing wave of Americans turning to international care is not just about saving money—it’s about reclaiming dignity, health, and peace of mind.

Healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege for the few—it should be a promise kept for all.

References:

• The Commonwealth Fund, “Mirror, Mirror 2021: Reflecting Poorly,” https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2021/aug/mirror-mirror-2021-reflecting-poorly

  
  

• Access Wellness Abroad, “About Us,” https://www.accesswellnessabroad.com

  
  

• The Legal Code Podcast, Interview with Fatimah Rahman, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/@TheLegalCode