I recently wrote on my blog about the cost of having a benign mole removed. I got so angry when I heard the cost of that simple procedure that I went online an

I recently wrote on my blog about the cost of having a benign mole removed. I got so angry when I heard the cost of that simple procedure that I went online and calculated the cost to do it in Colombia, where I have some family. Long story short, I estimated that it would be 34% cheaper to fly to Colombia, have the same procedure done, and have a full week's vacation (at hostel rates, which is how I travel). Everything, including airfare and a full week of food and lodging, for 34% less than just the procedure in America! The best part is that I guesstimated the cost of the procedure in Colombia. But even if I tripled my guesstimate, it would still be cheaper to fly! For time-insensitive or elective procedures, you can and should go abroad. The real cruelty is people who don't have a choice--emergency situations, cancers, etc. They're trapped in our hideous system and often have to choose between their life savings and a lifetime of debt, and dying. Our American approach to healthcare disgusts me. Every time I think about it I get filled with rage.