As the American healthcare system becomes increasingly expensive and convoluted…
More people are starting to look for providers in the medical tourism industry.
With a new interest in extensive preventative care, more people travel worldwide for cheaper checkups and exams.
But is this growing industry reliable?
Americans Seeking Medical Tourism Providers
In the aftermath of Covid-19, there’s been a growing longevity movement building in the U.S.
More people are looking for ways to be healthy and live a longer life…
The Kardashians recommended a $2500 full-body MRI they’ve described as a “life-saving machine…”
And hotel chains are investing more resources into helping customers get quality rest.
Part of what makes the longevity movement so appealing is that you don’t have to wait to save your health…
Unfortunately, the American healthcare system is not built with preventative care in mind.
In fact, most illnesses affecting Americans are largely preventable through lifestyle changes…
Like quitting smoking and watching your weight.
Between 30 and 50% of cancers could have been prevented by eliminating risk factors.
IN TOTAL, MISSED PREVENTION OPPORTUNITIES COST THE U.S. AN ESTIMATED $55 BILLION IN HEALTHCARE COSTS ANNUALLY.
However, most people in the United States don’t have health insurance or, if they do, they can’t afford the tests or procedures they need.
Enter medical tourism providers.
Americans are drawn toward providers within medical tourism due to cheaper prices…
Comprehensive treatments…
And speedier results and appointments.
Medical tests and procedures abroad have extremely discounted prices when compared to American standards.
In Bangkok, you can get an MRI for $460. In the states, that price skyrockets between $2,400 and $3,200…
And in Mexico, a Mammogram will cost you under $50, compared to the American price of $360.
AMERICANS CAN SAVE BETWEEN 40% AND 90% ON PROCEDURES THROUGH MEDICAL TOURISM PROVIDERS.
And the industry offers other unique perks as well…
Bridging Vacations And Healthcare
The medical tourism industry grows an estimated 15% and 25% every year…
And given the demand for medical tourism and its providers, it makes sense that the industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate.
More businesses are popping up to cater to fill this niche. One of these companies, Patients Beyond Borders…
Connects Americans with medical services abroad…
While also providing everything you would expect from a vacation in another country.
Many medical tourism services will package comprehensive checkups with
- Accommodations
- Breakfast
- Transportation.
- Discounted sightseeing
- Diet-Friendly meal options
As for the services within medical tourism, providers and hospitals will often have wings dedicated to serving international clients. In Médica Sur in Mexico City, an accredited institution…
Offers five-hour checkups with eight specialists that covers internal medicine, cardiology, and ophthalmology…
ALL FOR THE LOW PRICE OF $1,600.
Many critics of medical tourism and its providers are arguing that clinics abroad might be motivated by profit.
And that these extensive checkups might compel people to receive more treatments than they need based on their age.
Yet the demand for medical tourism providers is not diminishing.
Lounging By The Pool And In The Waiting Room
For many, medical tourism providers are the only way to get necessary healthcare without breaking the bank.
As more and more people travel the globe to sit by the pool and wait on their checkup results, many have shared their stories online.
In one TikTok that’s garnered 17 million views, a young woman traveled to Turkey and received over 30 scans and tests at a hospital for $830. The rest of her video is dedicated to shots of her picturesque Turkish getaway.
In the video, Bryn Elise said this about her experience…
“PERSONALLY, I’D RATHER SPEND $700 ON A FLIGHT TO TURKEY, GET DOZENS OF TESTS THERE, AND TAKE A WHOLE VACATION THAN SPEND THE THOUSANDS THAT THIS WOULD HAVE COST IN THE UNITED STATES,”
And many others are following suit.
Many people see the rise of medical tourism as highlighting the limitations of healthcare in the United States.
After all, why should people travel around the world to get the affordable healthcare they need?
Ultimately, if the American healthcare system wants to win back devotees of medical tourism and its providers…
There’s a lot that has to change.
Be Great,
GCTV Staff
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