1. Costa Rica. The country’s healthcare system ranks slightly above the U.S. in the World Health Organization’s rankings of the world’s health systems. About 15 percent of tourists traveling to Costa Rica go to receive medical services like cosmetic surgery and dental care, and the country is one of the top five places Americans visit for healthcare. A coronary artery bypass in the country has a $31,500 price tag compared to $88,000 in the U.S.
2. Colombia. From 2012 to 2013, medical tourism in the country rose over 60 percent. Fifty thousand medical tourists accounted for an estimated $216 million boost in Colombia’s healthcare system in 2013. Americans can save at least 40 percent on healthcare in the country in most cases. For example, a hip replacement that could cost $40,000 in the U.S. may cost a little over $8,000 in Colombia.
3. Mexico. The country’s mixture of well-trained physicians, up-to-date hospitals, low costs and proximity to the U.S. make it a popular destination for American medical tourists. In addition, many private U.S. hospital chains operate facilities in Mexico. The International Hospital Corporation of Dallas and Irving, Texas-based Christus Health Systems operate a combined 11 hospitals in Mexico, according to the report.
4. Malaysia. In 2012, more than 80 percent of all medical tourists worldwide traveled to Malaysia and its neighboring countries, Thailand and Singapore. Malaysian cities Penang and Kuala Lumpur were most frequently visited among the three countries. In addition, the country’s large metropolitan areas are serviced worldwide by airlines, have many hotels and good public transportation.
5. Thailand. The country is ranked among the world’s 50 best healthcare systems by WHO. Many physicians in the country study abroad in the U.S. and Europe, and larger, private hospitals are staffed with translators. In Thailand, medical services can cost 50 percent to 80 percent less than in the U.S.
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