An American woman has gone viral on TikTok after sharing that she travelled to Malaysia for a breast MRI, saying the process was smoother and more affordable compared with navigating insurance approvals in the United States.
In her video, Krystal explained that she had to “fight” with her insurer in the US just to secure approval for her first breast MRI. Although the initial scan results were clear, doctors advised her to undergo a follow-up MRI six months later to monitor a mass.
However, she doubted that her insurance provider would approve a second scan given that the first showed no cause for concern. “What insurance company is going to allow me to go a second time when the results of the first literally showed nothing of concern? Not mine,” she said.
Rather than wait for approval, she opted to fly to Malaysia and pay for the procedure herself, without relying on health or travel insurance. According to her, US$1,200 (approximately RM4,665) covered a breast MRI using a 3 Tesla (3T) machine, an additional ultrasound recommended by a doctor, as well as two consultations with a local breast surgeon. She noted that the 3T MRI equipment she accessed in Malaysia was newer than what was available to her at home.
Describing her experience, she remarked that “American healthcare is broken and it’s so sad what it could cost us,” a statement that struck a chord with many viewers.
Her post quickly gained traction, with several TikTok users sharing similar experiences. One commenter said her American aunt had flown to Malaysia for cataract surgery, while another pointed out that even with travel expenses, treatment abroad could still cost less than medical bills in the US.
The viral post has reignited discussions on the rising trend of medical tourism, with Malaysia increasingly viewed as a competitive destination offering advanced medical technology at comparatively lower costs.
