5 Countries Americans Frequently Travel to for Medical Treatments

5 Countries Americans Visit For Health Care

Malaysia
Mexico
Thailand
Costa Rica
Czech Republic

The countries Americans frequently travel to for medical treatments have a few things in common. They are relatively stable and inexpensive, and they offer a pleasant opportunity for a vacation alongside world-class medical care. With health care costs in the United States continuing to grow, it is likely that the trend of going abroad for health care will as well.

1. Malaysia

Malaysia is considered one of the top medical travel destinations in the world and has some of the best health care in the region. Health care costs are as little as 80 percent lower than in the United States. The airports in both Kuala Lumpur and Penang offer concierge service to medical tourists from the time they arrive in the country. Hospital rooms in Malaysia are also known for their luxury.

2. Mexico

Mexico is one of the easiest countries for Americans to reach, and according to Newsweek, it is estimated that as many as 1 million Americans cross the border each year to get medical treatment. Treatment in Mexico can be as much as 70 percent lower than it is in the U.S. This ease of travel combined with the low cost and reputation of its medical facilities make Mexico one of the top countries Americans frequently travel to for medical treatment. Most people go for dental care while around 15 percent go for cosmetic procedures. Increasingly, Mexico is internationally renowned for its medical facilities, and many of its doctors are trained in the U.S.

3. Thailand

In addition to beautiful beaches and an ancient, fascinating culture, Thailand offers excellent and affordable medical care. Most of its doctors have trained in the U.S. or Europe and speak English relatively well. Americans can save up to 75 percent on their medical costs. It is particularly popular as a location for dental care, but people also travel there for cosmetic procedures, surgery, and other treatment. Private hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are particularly recommended as the best facilities, and all of these factors combined make Thailand one of the main countries frequently visited by Americans for medical care.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for excellence in dental care and cosmetic surgery, but it also has a growing reputation as a good place to seek cancer treatment as well as eye and bariatric surgery. It is one of the top five countries Americans frequently travel to for medical treatments, and a number of American retirees live there as well. Medical costs are 60 percent or less than they are in the United States.

5. Czech Republic

While Central and South America or Asia are the most popular destinations for medical tourism, many European countries also offer excellent health care at much lower prices. The Czech Republic is one that combines some of the lowest prices with some of the top services, particularly for dental and cosmetic surgeries. The Czech Republic can be an excellent option for Americans who want to combine a European vacation with medical care.

Americans often worry that they will receive a lower standard of care along with lower prices in other countries, but each of these countries has healthcare systems with rankings that are comparable to or higher than the United States. The combination of a beautiful vacation location with significant savings on health procedures mean that these will probably continue to be countries Americans frequently travel to for medical treatments.