It is not surprising that Canada ranked first in the Medical Tourism Index for 2020 because it has a thriving tourism sector that annually draws more than 14 million Americans. Canada is the second-largest country in the globe. Due to its proximity to the US, the nation has a huge influx of visitors and patients who wish to avoid long waits and expensive healthcare bills back home. Canada has a strong reputation for providing high-quality, highly specialized medical care as well as world-class healthcare facilities. Nonetheless, this has led to protracted waitlists for important medical services in the nation, which has also sparked an increase in outbound medical tourism in the nation.
Singapore
Singapore ranks first for the quality of healthcare facilities and services in the world, taking second position in the Medical Tourism Index. As of 2019, Singapore’s accessible and high-quality healthcare services attracted more than 500,000 overseas visitors.
To mediate between foreign patients and Singaporean healthcare practitioners, Singapore recently established International Patient Service Centers (IPSCs), which function as medical travel agents. One of Singapore’s top hospitals, Gleneagles Hospital provides top-notch healthcare along with cutting-edge amenities and qualified doctors.
A patient can spend between 25% and 40% less on the same service in Singapore than they would have in the US. For instance, heart bypass surgery in the US costs $140,000 while just $25,000 is spent there. In Singapore, a hip replacement procedure that would cost over $45,000 in the US would only cost roughly $13,000.
Japan
By all standards, the healthcare system in Japan is among the most advanced in the world. Japan continues to provide top-notch healthcare services to its residents and international visitors, the majority of whom are from mainland China. Japan has recently led improvements in technology and medicine.
The number of medical visas granted to foreign patients increased, according to the nation’s Foreign Ministry, from 70 in 2011 to 1,650 in 2018, with foreign patients drawn to the nation’s world-class cancer treatment facilities and skill in cosmetic surgery.
A significant factor in Japan’s inbound medical travel is the country’s low cost of care. In Japan, hip replacement surgeries that would cost $30,000 in the US are performed for $4,126, saving the patient more than 70% of the cost of care there.
Spain
Tens of millions of people travel to Spain each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Because it provides international patients with first-rate medical care together with a lovely travel experience, the nation is regarded highly by the MTI as the preferred medical tourism destination in Europe. The Middle East, North Africa, and the British Isles all contribute to Spain’s increasing influx of foreign visitors, many of whom come for advanced orthopedic, aesthetic, and dental procedures. Spain provides high-quality medical care at a fraction of the price of hospitals in the US and the UK. In the US, the average cost of cosmetic operations including facelifts and breast augmentations can reach $15,000 and can cost an average of $5000 in Spain.
United Kingdom
The UK is ranked sixth globally among countries for medical tourism by the MTI. The London Orthopedic Clinic, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Cambridge Complex Orthopedic Trauma Center are just a few of the world-famous healthcare facilities located in the UK. More than 31 million foreign visitors come to the UK each year, and many of them are drawn by the country’s rich cultural past, making it a popular tourist destination. A major reason why millions of foreign patients travel to the UK is cost. For instance, knee replacement surgery in UK hospitals costs less than $20,000 compared to nearly $30,000 in US facilities.
Dubai
High-rise structures, ultramodern architecture, and upscale shopping are all hallmarks of Dubai. With a population of over 9.4 million, Dubai welcomes over 10 million visitors each year. Millions of foreign patients who go to Dubai for top-notch medical care benefit from the welcoming atmosphere and beauty of the city. As a result of its world-class hospitals and renowned physicians in a variety of disciplines, Dubai was named the top medical tourism destination in the Arab world by the Medical Tourism Index. In addition to some excursions from European and African countries, Dubai accepts medical tourists from surrounding Arab and Gulf states and Asia.
Costa Rica
In the industry of medical tourism, Costa Rica is quickly becoming a market leader. Many medical tourists from nearby nations, like the US and Canada, go to Costa Rica because of its stunning scenery and affordable pricing.
During the past few years, this Central American nation has routinely placed highly in dentistry and cosmetic surgery, surpassing both Canada and the US. Also, the nation is making a name for itself in the disciplines of bariatric surgery, cancer treatment, and eye surgery. Patients who enjoy recuperating in a tranquil setting will find unique rehabilitation getaways at the CheTica Ranch in San Jose. High-quality nurses are employed at this ranch to take care of the medical requirements of these patients as they recover.
