Medical tourism is a popular phenomenon in which people travel to another country for medical treatment. The United States of America, being one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, is a top destination for medical tourism.
But how many people actually come to America for medical treatment? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Medical Tourism?
Medical tourism is the practice of traveling to another country for medical treatment that is not available or affordable in one’s own country. The reasons for seeking medical treatment overseas vary from person to person but are typically related to cost, quality of care, or availability of a particular treatment.
Why Choose the United States?
The United States of America has some of the best healthcare facilities in the world. Patients from all over the world come to America seeking advanced treatments and specialized care that may not be available in their home countries.
In addition, American healthcare providers are known for their expertise and use of cutting-edge technology. For many patients, these factors make it worth traveling to America for medical treatment despite the high costs.
How Many People Come to America for Medical Tourism?
It is difficult to determine exactly how many people come to America each year for medical tourism. However, according to a report by Patients Beyond Borders, approximately 1.4 million patients traveled to the United States for medical treatment in 2017 alone.
This number represents a significant increase from previous years and highlights the growing popularity of medical tourism as an option for those seeking affordable and high-quality healthcare.
The Most Popular Procedures
While patients come to America seeking various types of treatments, there are some procedures that are more commonly sought after than others. Some of the most popular procedures sought by medical tourists include:
- Organ transplants
- Cancer treatments
- Heart surgeries
- Fertility treatments
- Cosmetic surgeries
The Cost of Medical Tourism in America
One of the biggest factors driving medical tourism to America is the cost of healthcare. While American medical facilities are known for their high-quality care, they are also known for their high costs.
However, even with the high costs, patients from countries like Canada and the United Kingdom may find it more cost-effective to travel to America for certain treatments due to long wait times or limited availability in their home countries.
Conclusion
Medical tourism is a growing industry, and the United States of America is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking advanced medical treatment. While it can be difficult to determine exactly how many people come to America each year for medical tourism, it is clear that this number is on the rise.
Whether it’s due to high costs or limited availability in their home countries, patients from all over the world continue to seek out American healthcare providers for their expertise and advanced technology.