Not my idea of a vacation, but medical tourism is becoming increasingly popular as health care service offerings abroad even while costs at home increase.

Safety and cost are two key issues. Because such treatment is rarely covered by insurance and your regular doctor is unlikely to be of much assistance, it is important to do your own due diligence. Fortunately, there are a number of service providers ready to lend that expertise:

* Globalmedicalreferrals.com has good resources online.

* Therapevomedical.com provides information on a range of services in the Mediterranean.

* Medicaltravelconsultants.com focuses on dental care offerings.

Have a good trip.