Considerations for U.S. patients
This page outlines items U.S. residents commonly discuss with a coordinator or their own physician before deciding about coordinated international care.
Insurance
Most private U.S. insurance does not cover surgery performed outside the United States. Some plans may reimburse limited follow-up care at home. Check your specific plan.
Cross-border logistics
- Valid U.S. passport (or passport card for land border crossings, depending on the border)
- Airport transfers, ground transportation, and recovery accommodations
- Planned return-travel date determined by the surgical team, not the airline
Follow-up in the U.S.
Establish who provides your follow-up before you travel — your primary-care physician, a bariatric medicine specialist, or a program that accepts patients for post-operative management. Have a written plan for complications.
Medications
Bring a full list of current medications and enough supply for the entire trip. Do not stop any medication (including GLP-1 therapies) without a physician's guidance.
Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon · Founder, Obesity Control Center
- Content reviewed
- Educational guidance for U.S. residents considering coordinated international bariatric care.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-06-01
See our medical review policy, editorial policy, and references.
Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon · Founder, Obesity Control Center
Last reviewed: June 2026
Educational claims on this page are supported by independent guidelines, peer-reviewed evidence, and verifiable accreditation listings. See Sources & Verification and Science & Evidence.
Medical notice. This content is educational only and does not replace professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change GLP-1 medication without consulting your physician.