Why is Mexico Becoming a Medical Tourist Destination?

Given the current state of the economy, many people are looking for more cost-effective travel this year. That is, a vacation where you can maximize your time away from home and get the most out of your money. However, what if your holiday could save you money? And you could go to someplace spectacular, like the Mexican Caribbean?

Welcome to medical tourism! It involves travelling to a destination specifically to receive medical, dental or cosmetic treatments that are significantly more expensive in your home country.

What Is Medical Tourism?

Heading abroad for healthcare is nothing new. Going as far back as the times of Ancient Greeks and Sumerians, people have been making their way to different countries to seek medical attention. Around 6000 years ago, the Sumerians built health complexes around mineral-rich hot springs, while the Greeks built world health centers dedicated to the God of Medicine, Asclepius.

Traveling For Healthcare In Mexico

The Mexican Caribbean is known for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and cost-effective

services. Its great accessibility from North America – with hundreds of direct flights to Cancun – means you can easily extend a weeklong vacation to include a dental appointment. Cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen in this region are teeming with private clinics staffed by highly qualified doctors offering treatments at greatly reduced prices compared to countries like U.S. or Canada. 

The other week, an internet meme went viral which showed how a trip to Barcelona for a root canal was actually cheaper than getting one out of pocket in the United States. This sparked a lot of interest in the concept of medical tourism: with all the low-cost flights available and the possibility of remote work, more people are taking advantage of longer vacations to also get medical errands done.

The travel blogging world has also been buzzing and documenting their medical tourism experiences, so many more people are being exposed to it. In Quintana Roo, some in the travel industry are convinced that this could be a major source of tourism this year. 

Should I Consider Receiving Medical Treatment On My Next Vacation?

Medical tourism could be a good option for certain travelers. If you have your eyes on a pricey procedure, like a surgery that would normally cost ten thousand dollars or more in the U.S., you may find a clinic or hospital abroad that can offer it at a fraction of the cost. Even if you factor in the cost of accommodation and food while on holiday, the overall price tag will still be lower than having the procedure done at home.