American Family Finds Affordable Healthcare in Turkey, Plans to Leave US

Cara West and her family saved thousands on medical care abroad, prompting their decision to move out of the US permanently.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Cara West, a 34-year-old from Austin, Texas, has been traveling the world with her husband and toddler, often seeking medical care abroad rather than in the US. Last summer, the family flew to Istanbul for a full-day of comprehensive medical services, including bloodwork, scans, an EKG, and doctor consultations, which cost them only $1,330 before insurance - a fraction of what it would have cost in the US. Inspired by the affordable and high-quality care they received, the Wests have decided to leave the US for good and settle on the Greek island of Syros, where they can continue to access affordable international healthcare coverage.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing trend of medical tourism as Americans seek ways to cut rising healthcare costs in the US. It also shows how access to affordable international healthcare coverage can influence major life decisions, like moving abroad permanently.

The details

During their visit to Istanbul, the West family received a range of medical services over the course of a full day, including bloodwork, scans, an EKG, and doctor consultations. They stayed at a hotel and took a shuttle arranged by their medical tourism agency to get to the hospital. The family was impressed by the luxurious hospital setting, complete with an on-site restaurant. When the bill came, the total cost was only $1,330 before insurance - a fraction of what the same services would have cost in the US, which Cara West estimates would have been thousands more and caused months of insurance stress.

  • The West family visited Istanbul for medical care in the summer of 2025.
  • The family recently settled on the Greek island of Syros, where they plan to live permanently.

The players

Cara West

A 34-year-old from Austin, Texas who has been traveling the world with her husband and toddler, often seeking medical care abroad rather than in the US.

Genki

An international healthcare plan that covers doctor visits and hospital stays for travelers and digital nomads in most countries.

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What they’re saying

“There's this fear as an American because you know that medicine is so expensive and it's confusing. I think that's been the biggest eye opener, this feeling of relief.”

— Cara West (businessinsider.com)

“I've started learning from the older generation here. All of the things that they do, and what they believe is keeping them healthy and young.”

— Cara West (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

The West family plans to continue living and accessing affordable healthcare on the Greek island of Syros, which they have recently settled on as their new permanent home.

The takeaway

This story highlights how the high cost of healthcare in the US is driving some Americans to seek more affordable medical services abroad, leading them to make major life decisions like permanently relocating outside of the country. It demonstrates the growing trend of medical tourism and the impact it can have on people's lives.