Medical tourism is growing in popularity, as more and more people travel abroad for affordable medical and dental treatments, a higher quality of health care than they might have received at home, and the ability to avoid extended waiting lists for potentially life-saving medical procedures. According to a recent study by a non-partisan consumer advocacy group, Families USA, more than 5 million Americans have lost their health insurance since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While countless Americans have delayed medical procedures as a result of the pandemic, giving rise to an increased number of patients seeking medical treatment beyond the borders of their home country.
The top destinations for medical tourism include: Costa Rica, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States. Costa Rica and Mexico are among the most popular western destinations for dental care, cosmetic surgery, hair transplantation and prescription medicines. Thailand, India and South Korea attract patients for more complex procedures including cancer, cardiovascular, orthopedics and fertility treatments. Due to the growing popularity of medical tourism, we decided to prepare a list of the most procedures that people travel abroad for, and some of the destinations where medical tourists go to have these procedures performed. So without further adieu, we present you with the 10 most popular treatments and destinations for medical tourists in 2021 and beyond.
Breast Augmentation
Cosmetic and plastic surgery has grown increasingly popular over the years and there are a range of cosmetic procedures available to consumers both at home and abroad. Women seeking cosmetic or reconstructive surgery can benefit from increased self-esteem and one of the most popular cosmetic procedures women travel abroad for is breast augmentation. The goal of breast augmentation is to enhance the fullness and shape of the breasts, to improve the proportions of the body and boost self-confidence. The most popular destinations for breast augmentation include South Korea, Brazil, and Thailand, where visitors can expect to pay up to 70% less than in the United States.
Cardiology
The WHO estimates that over 16 million people die of heart disease around the world each year, and cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The most common forms of cardiac surgery that medical tourists travel abroad to access include coronary artery bypass grafting, coronary angioplasty and the implantation of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Travellers from the US can access highly skilled cardiovascular specialists and save up to 80% of the cost in a number of medical travel destinations, including Mexico, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Turkey, Thailand, and South Korea.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair restoration surgery has improved greatly in recent years, and as a result it has become an incredibly popular procedure. Nowadays, hair transplants can permanently restore the hair of men and women with partial baldness by transplanting new follicles into balding or thinning areas. Specialists deem a transplant successful when 85 -95% of transplanted roots grow new hair. The procedure is recommended for anyone who wants a permanent, natural-looking solution to partial baldness. Turkey is an extremely popular destination for hair transplant surgery, as some of the most experienced hair transplant specialists in the world reside there. And with the average cost of the procedure at up to 80% less than in the United States, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination for those seeking a solution to hair loss and premature baldness.
IVF
In Vitro Fertilization – in which a woman’s eggs are surgically removed and fertilized in a laboratory using sperm before being implanted into the woman’s womb – is a notoriously expensive procedure. It’s not surprising then that couples wishing to have children travel far and wide around the world for fertility treatment. Along with IVF, other popular fertility-related treatments and tests include egg freezing, donor egg IVF and embryo donation, fertility assessment, semen analysis, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Germany, Spain, Poland and India are among the most popular destinations offering specialized fertility treatment at a fraction of the cost of the US.
Dentistry
Dental treatments and oral surgery can be expensive in the US, so traveling further afield to find affordable, high-quality dental care has become an increasingly popular option. Whether you’re missing teeth or experiencing pain as a result of injury or tooth decay, or you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your smile, there are a number of dental procedures available internationally that can give you a natural-looking smile whilst allowing you to eat and talk comfortably. The most popular dental procedures which people travel abroad for include dental veneers, tooth implants, crowns, tooth whitening and braces. Mexico and Hungary offer high-quality dental procedures at a fraction of the cost in the US.
Scans, Tests, Screenings and Second Opinions
In the twenty-first century, techniques for the early detection of a range of diseases have led to prompt treatment and improved survival rates. Preventive medicine is becoming increasingly popular, and many hospitals abroad offer thorough physical exams at discount prices. A number of people travel further afield to in order to access the most technologically advanced equipment and pay less for tests and scans including blood tests, ultrasounds, cancer screening, mammography, endoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ulcer assessment, EKGs, diagnostic X-rays, and CT, MRI and PET scans. Several hospitals in for example Thailand, Malaysia and Mexico offer fixed-price checkup and screening packages for medical tourists.
Liposuction
Liposuction sculpts the body by removing stubborn, unwanted fat deposits from a range of areas, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, arms, buttocks, back or face. There are various types of liposuction available, including some techniques that use ultrasound and lasers which help to break down fatty tissue so that it can be removed more easily. Liposuction should not be viewed as a weight-loss treatment and since surgeons can only remove a certain amount of fat it is not recommended for those who are obese and overweight. It can, however, effectively sculpt and refine body shape. Brazil, South Korea and Thailand are popular destinations, offering medical tourists the treatment at up to 70% of the cost in the United States.
Cancer Treatment
Nearly 40% of the world’s population will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. When it comes to treating this deadly disease time is of the essence so many patients opt to travel abroad for treatment to avoid being put on a waiting list in their own country. The high cost of treatment is another significant reason that many people seek out treatment away from home. A number of patients travel to other parts of the world to receive oncology treatment including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and CyberKnife treatment. Some of the world’s leading cancer treatment centers can be found in Germany, Turkey, South Korea and the United States.
Orthopedics
Orthopedic surgery can control or treat a variety of conditions including degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and ligament injuries. Mexico, India, Thailand and Poland are amongst the popular tourist destinations for those wishing to undergo various orthopedic surgeries, including but not limited to hip replacement, knee replacement, shoulder joint replacement, hip resurfacing and anterior cruciate ligament repair. Medical tourists seeking orthopedic surgery abroad can avoid being put on waiting lists pay a significant amount less than in the US.
Weight-Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery or weight-loss surgery helps patients with extreme obesity to lose weight. There are various types of gastric bypass surgery in which the surgeon makes changes to the stomach or intestine or both in order to restrict the intake of food. The surgery is recommended only when patients have tried non-surgical methods of weight-loss such as a change of diet and regular exercise, and they have failed to see results. This surgery is an option for people who suffer from serious health problems related to obesity. People who undergo the procedure will have to make permanent lifestyle changes to their diet and exercise routine in order to maintain the results of the surgery. The most popular countries with specialists in weight-loss surgery include Malaysia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Thailand and India, where the average savings is around 70% compared to prices in the US.