In the last few years, medical tourism has become extremely popular within the US. There is an increasing tendency among Americans to travel out of the country for elective surgeries and procedures; and this trend has also been observed in Western Europe, Australia and Asia. It is estimated that around 500,000 Americans travel abroad for medical treatment each year to take advantage of affordable healthcare and medical procedures.
Medical tourism is a term coined by the media that defines going to another country to get medical treatment. Practically all over the world, people are not just going abroad for vacations, but are clubbing their vacation with a medical procedure. It is estimated that medical services in other countries cost 10 percent to 90 percent less than what it costs in the United States. This fact has given medical tourism in America an impetus.
This does not mean that health associations, insurance companies and healthcare providers in the US are not aware of this growing trend. They are; and many health insurance companies are now offering coverage for certain medical procedures that the insuree can have done in another country. In addition, the insurance providers are also offering discounted rates if the person opts for medical tourism.
From cosmetic surgery to dental care to hip replacement are available at cost effective prices in countries like Mexico, India, Thailand, Argentina and Malaysia. In fact, many facilities in these countries are accredited by the Medical Association accrediting boards in the United States.
The reason why medical tourism has become so popular is because of the rising cost of health insurance and healthcare in the United States. The attraction to be able to save money and couple the medical procedure with a holiday is very strong. This is also one source of finding treatment for Americans who are uninsured, and the cost of traveling, staying and the medical procedure works out much cheaper than what the person would have paid in the US.
