How Many Americans Are on Medical Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Medical tourism is a growing trend among Americans seeking affordable and quality medical treatment. According to a recent study, an estimated 1.9 million Americans travel abroad each year for medical reasons.

What is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism involves traveling to another country for medical treatment. The most common reasons for medical tourism are the high cost of healthcare in the United States and long waiting times for certain procedures.

Popular Destinations

Some of the most popular destinations for medical tourism include Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, India, and Malaysia. These countries offer world-class facilities and highly trained medical professionals at a fraction of the cost of similar procedures in the United States.

Types of Procedures

The most common types of procedures that Americans seek abroad include cosmetic surgery, dental work, bariatric surgery, and fertility treatments. These procedures can cost up to 80% less than in the United States.

Benefits and Risks

The benefits of medical tourism include access to affordable healthcare, shorter waiting times for procedures, and the opportunity to combine medical treatment with a vacation. However, there are also risks associated with traveling abroad for medical treatment such as language barriers, cultural differences in medical practices, and lack of regulation in some countries.

The Future of Medical Tourism

As healthcare costs continue to rise in the United States and insurance coverage becomes more limited, it is likely that more Americans will turn to medical tourism as a viable option for affordable and quality healthcare.

Conclusion

While there are risks associated with traveling abroad for medical treatment, many Americans have found success in seeking treatment outside of the United States. As more people become aware of this option and regulations improve in destination countries, it is likely that medical tourism will continue to grow as a viable option for those seeking affordable healthcare.