Medical tourism is no longer a novelty but a global trend. This is because of its numerous advantages and benefits. Believe it or not, one of the major benefits of medical tourism is its affordable cost. There are many procedures that when done in one’s own country can cost higher than in other countries.
For example, a coronary bypass may cost almost $80,000 in the United States but only over $10,000 in India. Most of the times, the cost of the procedure alone in a local hospital is more expensive than the plane ticket, hotel accommodations, vacation package, and the entire medical expenses in a foreign country.
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Canada is also a favorite destination for medical tourism. As compared to US health costs, patients can save 30 to 60 percent on healthcare expenses in Canada. Canada's quality of healthcare greatly attracts medical tourists since it has been cited by the World Health Organization to be equal or even better than US standards.
In Costa Rica, dental tourism continues to attract an influx of medical tourist's majority of who are from the US because of its low costs. A knee replacement surgery in Costa Rica may cost as low as $10,500 USD compared to nearly $50,000 USD in the United States.
In the case of cosmetic surgery, its cost in countries such as India, Thailand or South Africa can be one-tenth of how much it costs in the United States or Western Europe. For example, a full facelift that would amount to $20,000 in the U.S. usually costs about $1,250 in South Africa.
Medical tourism also provides more options for patients. Some medical procedures are restricted or banned in a certain country and allowed in some.
Obviously, the chance to get treatment abroad for a more affordable cost is the most common reason why medical tourism is flourishing. Besides, the lower healthcare costs in countries such as India, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica and in other countries in Latin America and Eastern Europe also gives the patients an opportunity to experience a new culture and have a vacation in an exotic country. Patients have their vacation in a foreign land while recuperating.
For as long as there are sick people and a limited supply of healthcare in some countries, people will continue to travel and medical tourism will continue to be a global phenomenon.
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