Affordable Medical Tourism: Combining Vacation with Health Screenings Abroad
TL/DR –
Millions of Americans are travelling abroad for medical procedures, saving between 40% and 90% on services. This is due to the high cost of healthcare in the US and the lack of coverage for certain procedures. The medical tourism industry is growing at a rate of 15% to 25% annually, with many patients opting for comprehensive health checkups and tests in countries with internationally accredited facilities, where they can also enjoy a vacation.
Medical Tourism: Low Costs and Comprehensive Screenings Triggering a Surge
Back in 2012, Josef Woodman, a North Carolina farmer, faced a hefty $2,400-$3,200 bill for an MRI scan following a shoulder injury. Opting to wait rather than foot the high medical bill, Woodman was able to secure an MRI in Bangkok two years later for only $460. This led him to bypass the high cost of American healthcare and join the millions of Americans participating in medical tourism annually.
Traveling abroad for medical procedures allows patients to save between 40% to 90% on healthcare services. The most sought-after procedures include dental treatments and cosmetic procedures like breast implants and liposuction. The medical tourism industry also appeals to those seeking comprehensive health check-ups and tests.
Expanding Medical Tourism Market
The growing wellness trend and the opportunity to combine medical screenings with vacations are some factors attracting more Americans to medical tourism. However, medical tourism isn’t without risks. Despite these risks, the allure of affordable, comprehensive care continues to draw many Americans to seek healthcare abroad.
Surge in Comprehensive Physicals
A TikTok video by Bryn Elise detailing her experience of receiving more than 30 scans and tests in a Turkish hospital in a single day for $830 garnered over 17 million views. This illustrates an increasing interest in comprehensive health screenings abroad instead of the expensive and less thorough tests in the US. Critics, however, argue that these rigorous tests can sometimes lead to unnecessary treatments and cause more harm than good.
Case for Preventive Screening
The growing preference for comprehensive screenings reflects the failure of American healthcare to provide robust preventive care. According to the CDC, chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which are largely preventable, cause most deaths and disabilities in the US. Early detections through screenings could potentially prevent between 30% and 50% of cancers diagnosed today. Nevertheless, only 5.3% of Americans aged 35 and older received all recommended clinical prevention services in 2020.
International Healthcare Experiences
Many countries offer extensive health check-ups. For instance, Japan’s most basic annual check-ups include EKGs, chest X-rays, blood tests, eye and hearing tests, stool, and urine tests. Similarly, South Korea provides its citizens with comprehensive screenings. In contrast, Woodman describes US testing as “pathetic.”
Many Americans seeking better preventive screenings tend to visit countries like South Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Mexican hospitals, popular for genetic and fertility testing, cater to foreigners with comprehensive check-ups across disciplines like internal medicine, cardiology, gynecology, and ophthalmology.
As more people choose to spend time abroad, it becomes easier to include medical tests in their trip. The trend of medical tourism, showcasing the limitations of American healthcare, continues to grow, fueled by the appeal of affordable and comprehensive care.
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