Medical and surgical procedures in many countries are 60 -70% less than those in the US. Global Surgery Providers can help you get access to lower prices for medical care, without sacrificing on the quality!
The advancement of medical tourism has come as a relief to foreigners seeking cost-effective treatment for various conditions and diseases away from their home countries. As of now, there are several medical hubs across the globe stretching from Malaysia, to South Africa, Panama, Mexico, and Eastern Europe. This industry is growing exponentially and statistics indicate that by 2012, the revenue generated from this sector will reach $100 billion. If you intend to go for treatment abroad, perhaps you should consider some of the following countries considered as the best destination for medical tourism.
Panama arguably stands out as among the top destinations and its proximity to the US, just south of the border makes it a great attraction. The cost of treatment and medication is significantly lower than the US and it is easily accessible from any place in North America. According to NCPA, on average, one can pay 40-70% less for surgery in Panama than in the United States. Nevertheless, the cost of medical procedures is quite higher than those charged in Asian countries like Malaysia and India. Besides that, most physicians in Panama are trained in America. In addition, the culture is somewhat American and the country serves a favorite tourism hub for Americans.
Brazil is a leading destination for individuals who are seeking affordable cosmetic makeovers and plastic surgeries. Currently, it is the 2nd largest market for individuals seeking plastic surgeries outside of the US. It has a reputation of offering quality surgeries with the first shop being set in Rio de Janeiro 4 decades ago. Brazil is also famed for other common types of medical procedures. According to MedRetreat, this country also boasts of having the 2nd largest number of hospitals accredited by JCAHO outside the US.
Like Panama, Costa Rica, also joins the ranks of popular medical tourism destination. It is more popular for North Americans seeking low cost, but quality treatment and medical care near home. The cost of medical procedures such as dental makeovers or plastic surgery is between a half and a quarter of what is charged in the US. Its proximity makes travel convenient and American patients can access this hub from any City with flight time of 7-10 hours. Statistics show that up to 150,000 foreigners flocked into this small country in 2006.
India is arguably the cheapest medical tourist destination in the world. Its medical tourism sector is reported to have received over 500,000 foreign patients in 2005. A report by NCPA (National Center for Policy Analysis) shows that this country boasts of having several well trained medical professionals who offer low cost and quality treatment. In addition, there are several hospitals and health centers which use advanced medical technology and which are accredited by the Joint Commission International. Although it is a popular hub, there are restrictions placed on foreigners. The other challenge is the long distance that patients from North America must travel to access medical treatment in India.
Another Asian Tiger which emerges as a top medical tourism destination for foreign patients is Malaysia. This country has made significant strides in development, has a flourishing economy, and qualified medical professionals. There is inflowing investment because of the stable economy and political class. Statistics indicate that the number of foreign tourists who came here for medical treatment rose from 75,000 in 2001 to about 300,000 in 2006. In addition, there is a wide range of cheap medical services- plastic surgeries, cardiac operations, and dental treatment available at price lower than what is charged in the US.
This is just a highlight of some of the top 5 destinations. However, there are other rising medical hubs particularly in Asia and Eastern Europe that you can still check out. Mexico and Turkey are some of the medical hubs worth visiting.
