Saving for a bilateral salpingectomy or bisalp abroad can be a pain. As a medical tourist, paying for a bisalp will be out of your pocket. Unlike other countries, it’s next to impossible to have an elective bilateral salpingectomy (or tubal ligation) done in the Philippines unless you’re over 35 -and- have at least three children. In Thailand, you must pay with cash or credit card before leaving the hospital after the procedure. Naturally, an elective procedure like a bilateral salpingectomy is a vast, significant expense that involves careful planning.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you save for a bisalp:

Disclaimer: I am no way affiliated with any of the companies or institutions mentioned in this post.

1. Determine the Cost: First, research the average cost of a medical trip abroad. First, I started by researching non-hospital-related expenses such as airfare, accommodation, food, and miscellaneous expenses, which are almost similar to planning a regular Thailand trip. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-connected with international flights from all over the world. From Manila, flights to Bangkok usually start around $120. Accommodations in Thailand could range from $10-150 per night. Researching for hospital and medical expenses is easier said than done. Most premium medical tourist hospitals like Bumrungrad and Samitivej Sukhumvit allow online consultations so that you can consult for prices outside Thailand. One hospital charges THB 2,000 – 3,500 ($ 59- 102) for an online consultation. Most hospitals in Thailand, however, require in-person consultations for this type of procedure. It would be best to fly to Thailand to talk to doctors before deciding which hospital to go to. Costs can vary based on location, hospital fees, anesthesia, and surgeon’s fees. Chiang Mai and Phuket are usually more affordable than Bangkok. But bear in mind the extra costs for airfare to other Thai cities as Bangkok is more accessible internationally.
2. Set a Savings Goal: Once you have an estimated cost, set a realistic savings goal. Consider adding a buffer for unexpected expenses, emergencies, or post-operative care in your bisalp budget. A credit card would be helpful for emergency medical expenses, so use it wisely!
3. Create a Budget: Review your current income and expenses to create a budget. Allocate a specific amount each month towards your bisalp funds. Identify areas where you can reduce spending to redirect funds towards saving for that bisalp.
4. Open a Dedicated Savings Account: Consider opening a separate savings account for your surgery fund. This will help you keep track of your progress and prevent you from spending the money on other things. To partly fund my bisalp, I invested some of my savings in a UITF for a few years. Investing in a UITF was helpful as it helped me set aside funds entirely dedicated to the procedure and earn a substantial interest from it, adding to the funds.
5. Reduce Unnecessary Expenses: Temporarily reduce non-essential spending such as dining out, entertainment, or luxury items for at least a year. Eating out or that Japan trip can wait. Redirect these funds towards yeeting out your tubes!
6. Increase Your Income: Explore opportunities to increase your income, such as taking on a side hustle, freelancing, or selling your pre-loved items. The more funds set aside for a bisalp, the faster you’ll get one.
7. Review and Adjust: Regularly review your budget and savings progress. Adjust your savings plan if necessary based on any changes in income or expenses. Sometimes unexpected situations such as unrelated medical emergencies or a layoff could derail (or even postpone) your plans depending on how far you save for the bisalp.
8. Consider Financing Options: If saving enough money seems challenging, explore financing options such as personal loans from banks, credit cards, or Pag-IBIG loans. In my case, I used my credit cards partly to finance my medical tourism costs. If you don’t have a credit card yet, apply for one as soon as possible. A higher credit card limit and option for 0% installment plans would make payment terms easier. Be sure to review the terms and interest rates before committing to financing options.

Depending on your situation, saving for a bisalp can be challenging. You could even feel guilty knowing these funds could be used for something like family, extra EF, or higher education. However, think of a bilateral salpingectomy as a one-time big-time payment for birth control that will last you a lifetime. You’ll never have to worry about getting pregnant ever again. No more missed pills or more hormones messing with your body! No more painful insertions, heavy AF periods, and expulsions that come with IUDs! Another sweet bonus with the bisalp is reducing your risk for ovarian cancer by 80%! With enough discipline, you can gradually save up for that bilateral salpingectomy in Thailand.