Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired early so they could travel the world. They’ve been living this way for over 30 years. But things changed when Akaisha found out she had stage 3 breast cancer. They had to decide if they would go back to the U.S. for treatment or find care in another country. They chose to get help overseas.
Akaisha and Billy didn’t want to give up their travel life. They also didn’t want to deal with high costs or long waits in the U.S. health system. Instead, they paid for treatment out of pocket in places like Mexico, Vietnam, and Thailand. Billy stayed by Akaisha’s side the whole time. “She was very brave,” he said.
Before the diagnosis, they spent their days enjoying beaches and food in different countries. For them, travel wasn’t just for fun—it was a way of life.
Many Americans struggle to pay for healthcare, especially older people with small savings. Some spend all their retirement money or even go back to work just to afford medical bills. That’s why more people are now choosing “medical tourism,” which means getting care in other countries where it’s cheaper.
Millions of Americans do this each year. The most common places they go are Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. Akaisha and Billy are part of that group.
“We’re 72 and have had a great life,” Akaisha said. “I want to keep living, but I don’t want to spend all my money on hospitals.”
The couple had saved money for years. They lived simply, invested in the stock market, and didn’t spend much. When they were younger, Akaisha ran a restaurant and Billy worked as a chef and at a brokerage. After retiring, they chose to live in low-cost countries for months at a time.
They kept a U.S. health plan until their 50s and later joined Medicare Advantage when they turned 62. But once Akaisha got sick, they chose not to use the U.S. system. They didn’t know the exact cost of cancer care in America, but they believed it would have been much higher. Stage 3 breast cancer treatment in the U.S. can cost over $100,000—even with insurance.
Instead, they paid $18,807 for all of Akaisha’s care. This included tests in Thailand, checkups in Vietnam, surgery and radiation in Mexico, and recovery time in the West Indies. Her treatment lasted a few months.
“I chose the cheaper option because I wanted to live and enjoy my life,” Akaisha said. “We would’ve picked this path anyway. I just don’t see the point in paying $100,000 or more for the same care.”
Now that she’s finished treatment, Akaisha is recovering. The couple is still living their dream. They’re in Arizona for now, but soon they’ll head to Mexico and Thailand, then the Caribbean, and later the Mediterranean.
“This is the life we were meant to live,” Akaisha said. “It just keeps getting better.”
Reach Your Full Potential in Medical Tourism with MTB
At MTB, we are dedicated to supporting professionals and organizations in the medical tourism industry as they strive for success. We are a leading provider of certification, contracts, marketing, and support. We offer comprehensive programs, expert guidance, and valuable resources that are designed to help our members achieve their goals and reach their full potential in the global healthcare market. With a focus on excellence and innovation, we help our members stay ahead of the competition and navigate the complex and dynamic world of medical tourism.
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