My parents taught English in the Czech Republic too. While they were there my dad had a sore throat that would not go away, it turned out to be a cancerous tumor on his vocal cord. They ended up staying in Prague through his treatment. I think the final cost was about $10,000 all-in, or less than the cost of their deductible on their US health insurance since it would have been over two calendar years. By staying put my mom was able to continue working and they saved the cost of flying back.

The treatment that you describe is very similar to their experience. No frills, but very competent. The biggest difference was how many times he had to spend the night in the hospital (in wards not a private room). What would have been outpatient procedures in the US required being in the hospital for two nights and three days. The level of care was excellent. Most of the doctors speak English very well, but not the nurses or technicians. My dad even loved the hospital food — lots of white bread, which my mom would never let him eat on the regular.

The best part is that he is now five years cancer free!