Top Medical Tourism Destinations

Medical tourism is the popular term for getting surgery and healthcare services overseas where the prices are much lower. Many patients from the US, Canada, and Western Europe travel to developing countries for medical services such as bariatric surgery, plastic surgery, or other operations that aren't covered by their insurance.

Several developing countries have outstanding healthcare systems despite their other social and economic problems, and these countries actively market their medical services to rich foreigners.

Thailand is a popular destination for Europeans, Australians, and Japanese patients looking for more affordable medical care options. Top-notch doctors and world-class facilities mean that patients can receive the same level of care for about 1/3 to 1/4 of the equivalent price in their home countries, including accommodations for recuperation.

Traveling to Thailand may be too expensive for most US and Canadian residents, but many patients opt to combine their medical trip with traditional tourism depending on the condition and recovery time required.

Mexico is a leader in bariatric surgery and is home to some of the leading gastric bypass and gastric banding surgeons in the world. Due to the burgeoning cosmetic surgery industry, this country also attracts renowned plastic surgeons. Medical procedures in Mexico often cost 50% to 80% less than what they cost north of the border, and if patients want to stay in Mexico to recover they can find very affordable suites and even hire a personal nurse for much less than what it costs in the US or Canada.

Even considering travel costs, getting treatment in Mexico is inexpensive for American and Canadian patients since they can usually find great airfare prices for Mexico City.

One the hot spots for plastic surgery overseas is Colombia, where new boobs, tummies, noses, lips, and butts can be had for a fraction of what it costs in a more developed country. Medical tourists shouldn't assume that healthcare in Colombia is low quality just because it is so inexpensive. The exchange rate and lower wages and costs of living in Colombia mean that hospitals can charge much less for cosmetic procedures while still using the same high-quality materials and tools that doctors use in the US.

Some of the best doctors in Europe can be found in the Czech Republic, where medical tourists often go for complex non-elective surgery. Here, orthopedic surgery is especially advanced, from spinal surgery to hip replacement and dental implants.

As in many Central and Eastern European countries, medical care in the Czech Republic is very affordable for British, American, and Canadian patients who can't afford surgery in their own country. Doctors and hospital staff speak English and are sensitive to the needs of foreign patients. Not only does the Czech Republic have clean and modern facilities, it is also a beautiful place to convalesce.