- The primary advantage of medical tourism is price. Many treatments, procedures and hospital stays are substantially cheaper abroad
- Ability to afford superior treatment and surgical options
- Immediate access to care
- Access to healthcare options not available in the US like experimental medications and stem cell therapies
- Upgraded treatment and recovery accommodations
Medical tourism is safe and provides many benefits to patients traveling for treatment. Using a credible medical tourism facilitator like Blue Key is recommended to ensure quality of care standards are received.
Although US Government numbers indicate less than 500,000 patients travel abroad each year for medical reasons there are estimates that up to 1.4 million US patients chose medical tourism in 2016. Outbound medical tourism (US patients going abroad) has been trending higher for years while inbound medical tourism (Foreign patients visiting the US) is not increasing.
Medical tourism is important for patients and practitioners alike. Patients get access to immediate treatment or procedures at a lower price than the US including travel costs. The medical providers and local jurisdiction receives the economic benefits increased patient counts and tourism revenue.
Different countries rate higher on different metrics that patients value including cost, quality of care, safety, language and proximity. The Bahamas offers incredible value to US patients visiting for treatments through a network of accredited physicians trained in the US and Canada.
For many patients travelling abroad for treatment medical tourism provides significant benefits. That said, patients should consider proximity, language barriers, medical training, accreditation, follow-up requirements and personal security when choosing to travel for medical reasons.
- Medical tourism refers to patients travelling for medical procedures and treatments.
- Wellness tourism refers to alternative therapies, yoga trips, diet facilities and spas.
- Health tourism encompasses both of the above in addition to dental tourism.
Medical tourism primarily caters to middle class consumers looking for a better medical experience and those who wish to have a vacation experience during treatment. The Bahamas is hugely popular with US visitors for our beaches, nightlife, local culture, English speaking population and amazing climate. We welcomed over 6 million tourists in 2019.
According to the OECD the average amount spent by countries on health care per person is $3,018. By way of comparison the US spends $8047 per person on average for healthcare and has a lower expected lifespan than many developed countries.
Fees for doctors, hospitals and the costs of medications are significantly higher in the US compared with other countries and continually rise. Governments of other developed countries place controls on drug and healthcare costs.