Worldwide Cost Comparison for Medical Tourism

By Kai Colvin - Senior Medical Research Editor | August 3rd, 2012

The term “medical tourism” focuses on all aspects of consumers seeking treatment, enhancement or complete transformation through medical or wellness practices – and crossing borders to achieve it.

How do we measure the value of medical tourism?

In today’s wild array of medical tourism destinations, a medical tourist has to discern between the procedure costs, travel costs, and the overall value of medical tourism.

When does going abroad present a viable option? What options are available?

The driving force behind key destinations remains paralleled to the exchange rate, unrelenting reputation, global competitiveness, cutting-edge procedures offered, significant newcomers, ease of access, availability of skillful staff and brand awareness.

Medical tourism is a progressing sensation that has captured the world by storm. The logistics behind choosing that unique destination for you or your family members seeking medical care relics in finding that trustworthy source who is providing affordable and compassionate professional care.

When comparing the exchange rates, according to the MTQUA, countries such as Mexico, Turkey, and South Africa continue to offer more superior value per dollar than Thailand or Malaysia. However, the two remain highly esteemed. India has held its own weight and persisted secure as a medical destination of high value.

While these top destinations emerge as key players for plastic surgery, dental care, infertility (IVF), weight loss surgery, hair transplantation, sexual reassignment surgery, and eye care; smaller medical tourism destinations—Poland and Vietnam— are making their way onto the playing field.

What position will they take next to these adoring stars in the medical tourism industry?

Greece and Iceland are set to become the next superstars of affordable medical care with their unyielding meager currencies.

The once recognized cost-effective procedures in the US are running scarce before our eyes. The cost difference is overwhelming compared to 5 years ago, once travel and other costs are included.

Today, modestly minded tourists have more options than ever before.

According to statistics compiled by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), plastic surgery is progressively setting the standards for medical tourism seekers.

WhereismyDoctor.com is a health care platform and interactive medical directory that connects patients to the health care information and treatments they need and believes finding those specific needs should be free.

No matter what part of the globe you find yourself, healthcare is a way of life.

The search for superior, affordable healthcare can be a daunting task. Do your research and be an advocate for your own health awareness.