Over the past few years, medical tourism has become a trend that has led millions of people to travel to find affordable medical services or treatments that can’t be found at home.
Low, medium and high complexity procedures— ranging from dental implants to sex change operations— can benefit tourists to solve health issues, while avoiding going broke as health care costs in the US continue to soar.
For Patients Beyond Borders, a consumer guide for medical tourism, most in the international travel and healthcare communities agree that patient flows will eventually return to pre-pandemic levels.
“The international medical travel sector was hit hard by the pandemic and continues to be in a state of disarrays with the onset of the Omicron variant. But prices have remained consistent across the board as I’m also in touch with trusted sources of current patient flow data,” Patients Beyond Borders CEO Joseph Woodman told Travel Noire.
Here are the top destinations for medical tourism provided by Patient Beyond Borders.
1. Mexico
Before the pandemic, one million Americans a year were treated in Mexico, searching for low prices and good quality.
According to Patients Beyond Borders, savings can reach between 40% and 70% in Mexico compared to medical treatment costs in the US.
Dental treatment, aesthetics, cosmetic surgery, weight loss surgery and pharma travel are the main services for medical tourism in the country.
In Mexico, the cost for 4 dental implants with fixed acrylic bridge is $12,200. In the US, the same procedure costs $21,500.
2. Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, medical tourism has become an important economic activity, as it is among one of the most recognized countries in the world for this type of tourism.
The main procedures sought by medical tourists in Costa Rica are dental treatments (implants), cosmetic surgery, orthopedic, bariatric surgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
Savings can reach between 40% and 60%.
In Costa Rica, the cost for a valve replacement with bypass can cost $31,000. In the US, the same procedure can cost $81,000.
3. India
Over the past decades, India has become one of the world’s leading destinations for medical tourism.
From organ transplantation to cancer treatment to cosmetic surgeries and neurosurgery, India has made great achievements in medical care.
The country attracts roughly 1 million medical tourists a year that seek state-of-the-art hospitals and unique surroundings.
Savings can reach between 65% and 90% in India compared to medical treatment costs in the US.
The cost of a total hip replacement surgery costs $7,200. In the US, the same medical procedure costs $35,200, according to Patients Beyond Borders.
4. Thailand
With amazing landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a rich culture, Thailand is definitely one of the top destinations for tourism in the world.
The country is known for its excellence in-sex change surgeries, but Thailand has much more to offer.
The world-class Bumrungrad International Hospital provides many medical procedures, and it is the first hospital in Asia accredited by the US-based Joint Commission International (JCI).
Savings can reach between 50% and 75% in Thailand compared to medical treatment costs in the US.
In Thailand, the cost for a valve replacement with bypass can cost $19,000. In the US, the same procedure can cost $81,000.
5. Malaysia
From dental treatment to complex orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries, Malaysia competes with other Asian countries to attract medical tourists from all over the world.
Along with world-class hospitals, the country offers a number of affordable medical treatments.
Savings can reach between 60% and 85% in Thailand compared to medical treatment costs in the US.
An adjustable gastric band surgery can cost 9,400 in Malaysia. In the US, the same procedure costs $17,500
