By Emma Patch

published 23 March 2023

Medical Tourism: A Cost-effective Alternative for U.S. Residents

Breana Williams, 28, of Fresno, Calif., has comprehensive healthcare coverage. However, when she began looking into fertility treatments to start a family, she was floored by the out-of-pocket costs. While some friends sought employment at U.S. companies offering to offset or cover the costs of fertility care for their employees, and others took out second mortgages on their homes, Williams considered another option: Mexico.

Thus began her journey to Tijuana, where she received three rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment at a fraction of the price quoted to her in the U.S. The initial round cost $3,500, with an additional $1,000 for medication, while subsequent rounds were only $1,500 each before medication costs. In contrast, she was quoted around $20,000 for a single round in the States. After a break from the mentally and physically taxing treatment, Williams returned to Mexico for affordable dental care.

What is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism emerged decades ago when affluent individuals began traveling for costly cosmetic procedures. Now, it encompasses a wide range of services, from dental implants to knee replacements. Here’s how to find quality healthcare abroad.

Vet the Provider

Before traveling outside the U.S. for a medical procedure, it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate the quality of care. Making decisions based strictly on price may result in compromised health due to infection or other complications. Utilize accredited facilities, as advised by experts. Notably, affordable options may also attract less reputable clinics offering inferior care nearby.

Dental care is one of the most popular areas of medical tourism due to limited coverage in U.S. insurance plans. Ensure that your provider is board certified or belongs to recognized organizations like the American Dental Association or the International Association of Cosmetic Dentists.

For other medical services, seek hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), which ensures adherence to high hygiene and care standards. Lists of board-certified plastic surgeons are accessible online for international patients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance for Americans seeking medical care abroad. Recommendations include consulting with home healthcare providers about plans and potential risks, purchasing travel health insurance covering medical evacuation, and understanding potential limitations during recovery, particularly during vacations.

Dental Procedures

Americans frequently pay out of pocket for dental services or forego treatment entirely; nearly 80 million people lack dental insurance. As of 2022, a significant portion of adults cited costs as a reason to avoid dental care.

Mexico is a renowned destination for dental tourism, offering high-quality care at lower prices. For instance, dental veneers cost Williams just $2,500 in Tijuana, compared to around $9,600 in the U.S. Patients can save between 60% to 80% on popular dental treatments, including implants and dentures. The average cost for dental implants in Mexico is $1,190 per tooth, significantly lower than the $3,822 in the States.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic procedures abroad are increasingly popular, with hundreds of thousands of Americans traveling for these services annually. Most elective cosmetic surgeries are not covered by insurance and can be quite costly.

Thailand, a beautiful Southeast Asian destination, has emerged as a hub for medical tourism, particularly for cosmetic surgery. Patients can save 25% to 50% on procedures like breast augmentation and rhinoplasty compared to typical costs in the U.S. For example, breast augmentation in Thailand averages $4,350, compared to $8,000 stateside.

Cardiovascular Care and Orthopedic Surgery

Colombia, while not a major player in medical tourism, offers excellent cardiology centers, with significant savings on procedures compared to U.S. costs. Popular orthopedic procedures, such as knee and hip replacements, can also be significantly cheaper in countries like Costa Rica, which offers reputable care closer to home.

Fertility Treatments

Fertility treatments can be financially draining in the U.S., with costs averaging around $14,500 for one IVF cycle. In Barbados, an appealing medical tourism destination, the JCI-certified Barbados Fertility Centre offers services for just $6,500, considerably less than U.S. costs.

Cancer Treatments

Patients seeking cancer treatment may consider destinations like Singapore, which is renowned for high-quality cancer care. The country attracts numerous medical travelers each year, offering state-of-the-art services.