[samirillian]

Obviously, the problem with this strategy is uncertainty. Part of the point of healthcare is that other people worry about it so you don't have to. Better the Byzantine, inefficient healthcare system you know than a system you don't know at all.

That said, I consider myself lucky to have been in Japan when my lung collapsed. The surgery itself was $80!

[greggman]

I love that japanese medical care is mostly inexpensive compared to the USA but at least 1/2 the doctors and dentists I've visited here over the last 20 years were complete quacks and would not be qualified to practice in he USA. No training to certification is required to be a nurse here. And, if you need special treatments like surgery it's common wisdom you should do your research on your own to find a good doctor a and then pay a several thousand dollar bribe to see them. (of course thats still cheaper than the USA for the same treatment)