It’s estimated that globally five million people sought medical treatment abroad in 2015. Today, more and more people are exploring their options and traveling abroad for more affordable medical and dental treatments, a higher quality of healthcare and to avoid waiting lists.
Full Answer
How many people travel for medical treatment each year?
· It is estimated that approximately 1.25 million Americans travel abroad in 2014 for medical treatment. American patients are opting to undergo medical treatment abroad for procedures such as: face lifts, heart bypasses and fertility treatments. For many people who require medical treatment, the last thing they want to do is travel.
Why are so many Americans going abroad for medical treatment?
If we include not only medical treatments carried out by differing service providers but dental and cosmetic procedures as well, the numbers paint a very different picture. A study published in the American Journal of Medicine revealed that the number of medical tourists to all countries in 2017 was estimated at 14-16 million.
Where do most Americans go for medical treatment?
Oct 14, 2019 · No price regulation Each year, an estimated 20 million "medical tourists" seek treatment around the world, according to Patients Beyond Borders. About 1.9 million of those people are Americans.
How many Americans leave the country for medical procedures each year?
Medical tourism is when a person travels to another country for medical care. Each year, millions of US residents participate in medical tourism. Medical tourists from the United States commonly travel to Mexico and Canada, as well as countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. People may travel to another country to get ...
How many medical tourists are there in 2017?
If we include not only medical treatments carried out by differing service providers but dental and cosmetic procedures as well, the numbers paint a very different picture. A study published in the American Journal of Medicine revealed that the number of medical tourists to all countries in 2017 was estimated at 14-16 million. Now that we know this, we simply have to find their average spend to know the true value of the industry. Foreign patients can actually spend up to $6,000 on each trip, bringing the total amount of money generated up to $72 billion.
How much is medical tourism expected to grow in 2024?
The industry is now much more closely studied, as interest has grown with public popularity, giving a more accurate outlook of upcoming trends. Zion Market Research published a new report titled “Medical Tourism Market by Treatment Type: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2017 - 2024” which adjusted revenue forecasts over the next 5 years. They have found that the market “is expected to generate revenue of around USD 28.0 billion by the end of 2024, growing at a CAGR of around 8.8% between 2018 and 2024.” By looking at this study, which does predict strong growth, you would still get the impression that overall there is less than 10 billion in trade each year as a result of medical tourism.
How much does a medical tourism trip cost?
The average spending per visit now rests at $3,000 - $10,000 per tourist. Interestingly the majority of tourists actually came from Indonesia, hitting 600,000 for the year, with the USA in second place with 500,000 going abroad. The report predicted that the medical tourism market will be at a value of 125 billion by 2021 whilst the wellness market would reach a staggering 808 billion.
Why is international standard important for medical tourism?
This is beneficial for both parties. The expectation of good care abroad comparable to that of domestic medicine is a main concern of medical tourists. With an international standard being followed patients now have less to worry about, including required follow up treatment at home. Clinicians and clinics will have patient data that can be transferred and discussed more easily, and attract lucrative overseas client once the seal of approval has been given by the JCI.
How much money does medical tourism generate?
In 2015, it was estimated that medical tourism generated between U.S. $60 and U.S.$70 billion. It was predicted at the time that health tourism would generate at least twice these revenues by 2020. The market in 2019 however is changing rapidly as new laws come into place and the population in general becomes more accustomed to the idea of medical tourism.
How many foreign patients visited Thailand in 2013?
Approximately 2.5 million foreign patients traveled to hospitals in Thailand in 2013. In Bangkok's prestigious Bumrungrad International Hospital, over 520,000 international patients received treatment at the hospital.
What is the Joint Commission?
As both patients, practitioners and service providers look towards the future a common aim is that of a seamless and reliable experience. Since 1999 the Joint Commission, which is a U.S. governmental body has been expanding overseas. The original purpose of the commission is to ensure the same standards of quality and care are being met across the States. Now its international body, the Joint Commission International (JCI) is seeking out hospitals and clinics which seek to prove their own standard outside of the U.S.
Why do medical tourists travel?
In addition to traveling in order to save money, some medical tourists plan trips because they want to have a treatment that’s not approved in the United States or because they’ll have a shorter wait by going abroad. If you’re considering joining them, here’s what you need to know: 1. The potential savings are huge.
How long do you have to stay abroad after a procedure?
The agencies often also sell complications insurance. 5. Plan for your recovery. Depending on your procedure, you may need to stay abroad for several weeks. Make sure that your hotel knows that you’ll be recovering from a medical treatment and can accommodate any special needs you might have.
Why do hospitals charge lower prices?
Hospitals overseas can often charge lower prices because their doctors are paid less, and they may not have to carry the same medical malpractice insurance as American doctors. And if most patients are paying with cash, they don’t have to worry about tiered pricing for preferred insurance companies. 2.
What to do if your travel insurance won't cover you?
Consider medical complications insurance. If your traditional insurance won’t cover the trip, you may need to purchase medical complications insurance, which will cover the cost of follow-up care and treatment if your procedure results in complications. Traditional travel insurance typically doesn’t offer such coverage.
Why is health care so expensive?
Health care has become so expensive in the United States that a growing number of Americans (and their employers) are finding it more cost efficient to fly across the globe for certain medical procedures. The savings are so great — and the quality high enough — that a handful of American insurance companies are now encouraging the practice and covering the travel and treatment costs.
How much does a knee replacement cost?
A knee replacement, for example, which would cost $35,000 to $60,000 in the United States, costs less than $23,000 in Costa Rica or India, including airfare and lodging for the patient and a companion, according to Indus Health, which helps employers offer medical tourism benefits to their workers. Other popular procedures for travelers include In ...
Do medical tourism agencies sell complications insurance?
Check out online reviews and the Better Business Bureau to see whether an agency has a good reputation. The agencies often also sell complica tions insurance.
What are the procedures that are required for medical tourism?
The most common procedures that people undergo on medical tourism trips include dental care, surgery, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and cancer treatment.
What is medical tourism?
Medical tourism is when a person travels to another country for medical care. Each year, millions of US residents participate in medical tourism. Medical tourists from the United States commonly travel to Mexico and Canada, as well as countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. People may travel to another country ...
What accreditation groups are needed for a surgery?
Accrediting groups, including Joint Commission International, DNV GL International Accreditation for Hospitals, and the International Society for Quality in Healthcare , have lists of standards that facilities need to meet to be accredited. Please note, that all surgeries carry the risk of complications, and accreditation does not guarantee a positive outcome.
What are the risks associated with medical procedures?
Infectious Disease. All medical procedures have some risk of complications, those associated with procedure done in other countries include wound infections, bloodstream infections, donor-derived infections, and diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV. Antibiotic resistance.
Why do people travel to another country?
People may travel to another country to get health care for many reasons, including: Cost: To get treatment or a procedure that may be cheaper in another country. Culture: To receive care from a healthcare provider who shares the traveler’s culture and language.
How long after surgery can you fly?
If you get chest or abdominal surgery do not travel by air for at least 10 days to avoid risks associated with changes in atmospheric pressure. People who get cosmetic procedures of the face, eyelids, or nose, or who have had laser treatments should wait 7–10 days before flying.
What to bring to a medical trip?
Bring copies of your medical records with you, including results of lab tests and any other tests done related to your condition and care. Inform the medical staff at your destination of any allergies you may have.
How many Canadians traveled abroad for medical care in 2016?
A new report from the Fraser Institute estimates that more than 63,000 Canadians travelled abroad for medical care in 2016.
How many Canadians left the country for non-urgent care in 2016?
Based on that data, the institute estimates that 63,459 Canadians left the country for non-urgent medical care in 2016.
How many Canadians did Macmillan help?
Macmillan said he and his sister have since helped "at least 40 Canadians and a couple of Americans" get to Germany or London for medical services they couldn't access at home.
What is the Fraser Institute report based on?
Snyder said the Fraser Institute report is based on a questionnaire sent to a "very select group" of specialists who were essentially asked to guess how many of their patients had sought treatment outside of Canada.
Where did Macmillan go for treatment?
But when the Ontario Health Insurance Program denied Macmillan's request for funding for the procedure in the U.S., he went to Germany for treatment.
Is Canada a big medical tourism problem?
Jeremy Snyder, a professor at Simon Fraser University's faculty of health sciences, said the Fraser Institute is sending a strong message that Canada has a big medical tourism problem due to massive wait times at home, which is not true .
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Why are doctors hesitant to take care of patients outside the country?
Many physicians and surgeons are hesitant to take care of a patient who received care outside the country, as they are often unfamiliar with medical tourism and have concerns about the quality of care overseas.
How much money can a medical tourist save?
Medical tourists can save anywhere from 25% to 90% in medical bills, depending on the procedure they get and the country they travel to. 3 There are several factors that play into this:
Why do people have their procedure done in their country of origin?
Practicalities aside, many people choose to have their procedure done in their country of origin simply because it allows them to be close to family, friends, and caretakers who can assist them through their recovery.
Why is follow up care important?
Follow-Up Care. It is important to arrange for your follow-up care prior to leaving your home country. Many physicians and surgeons are hesitant to take care of a patient who received care outside the country, as they are often unfamiliar with medical tourism and have concerns about the quality of care overseas.
What is a medical tourism organization?
A medical tourism organization such as Patients Without Borders can help you evaluate the quality and trustworthiness of healthcare in various countries. Making sure a high level of care is readily available will lead to a safer, more relaxing experience.
What is medical tourism?
Updated on May 07, 2020. Medical tourism, also known as international surgery or surgery abroad, is the process of leaving your home country in order to have treatment in another country. This should not be confused with having an unplanned surgery in a foreign country due to an unexpected illness or injury. Medical tourism means intentionally ...
Why is medical tourism so popular?
Medical tourism is appealing for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from the cost of surgery at home to being an immigrant who prefers to have surgery in their country of origin. 1 .
How many Americans don't have dental insurance?
According to Physicians for a National Health Program, an estimated 108 million Americans have no dental insurance simply because most insurance companies do not offer dental coverage for adults. And dental work is not cheap in the US.
Why is healthcare so expensive in the US?
Amanda Guarniere, a nurse practitioner who graduated from the Yale School of Nursing, told INSIDER that another reason why the cost of healthcare is so high in the US is because there is very little competition in the healthcare market in the US.
How much does a knee replacement cost in India?
The USITC study claimed that, while uninsured Americans can expect to pay $30,000 for a knee replacement in the US, they could get the same surgery for $12,000 in India. And even for Americans who are insured, most health insurance policies do not cover everything.
How can we improve healthcare in the US?
Some believe that the way to improve healthcare in the US is by transitioning to a single-payer system. According to Physicians for a National Health Program, single-payer national health insurance would be funded by public taxpayer money and would provide full medical coverage for all residents of the US.
Why do people travel abroad?
Given the high cost of healthcare in the US , Americans cite savings as the most common reason to travel abroad for health treatment. For Americans without health insurance, the difference in cost can be staggering.
How much did Mouttaki spend on her prenatal care?
In total, including the cost of all the prenatal appointments, blood tests, and ultrasounds, she said she spent around $2,000.
How much does it cost to give birth in the US?
A 2013 study from Childbirth Connection found that American hospitals charge an average of $32,093 for an uncomplicated vaginal birth and newborn care, and $51,125 for a standard Cesarean section and newborn care. And while health insurance does typically cover most of these costs, American families are still left to pay thousands of dollars out of their own pockets.
How much money did Africans spend on medical tourism in 2016?
In 2016, Africans spent over USD$6 billion on outbound treatment. Nigeria is a major contributor. Its citizens spend over USD$1 billion annually on what’s become known as medical tourism.
What happens if leaders do not experience the poor state of health care?
Essentially, if the leaders do not experience the poor state of health care, they might never strive for any positive changes to it.
Why did Muhammadu Buhari spend so much time in the UK?
Since the beginning of 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has spent more time in the UK for medical treatment than he has in his own country. By seeking treatment abroad, Buhari broke one of his own electoral promises – to end medical tourism. Buhari is just one of many heads of state to find help elsewhere.
Why do people with responsibility feel no need for public health?
Essentially, when people charged with responsibility feel they have no need for public health systems because they can afford private health care at home or abroad, ordinary citizens bear the brunt.
Why are African hospitals reduced to symbolic edifices?
On top of this, African hospitals that were previously world class have been reduced to symbolic edifices due to political negligence. For example, Lagos University Teaching Hospital was once deemed to be one of the best on the continent. Recently, it was criticised for decadence.
Why do politicians go abroad?
The reasons for exercising this choice are obvious: they lack confidence in the health systems they oversee, and they can afford the trips given that the expenses are paid for by taxpayers.
Where is Robert Mugabe's eye treatment?
Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe for the past 37 years, frequently seeks eye-related treatment 8,240 kilometres away in Singapore. Jose Eduardo dos Santos who has just stepped down as Angola’s leader after 38 years, also travels to Spain for treatment.
