Medical tourism considered by nearly 30% of Americans

You may remember the article we published last November about the issue of medical tourism in Mexico and around the world -- you can read it here. 

At the time, we also followed the case of Paul Hambleton, a Texan, who went to Monterrey, Mexico, for mild knee surgery. He said that the same operation in the United States would have cost him twice as much.

A survey from Gallup this week found that the availability of medical services in foreign countries isn't something that American consumers have failed to notice. 

Up to 29% of Americans would consider traveling abroad to countries as close as Mexico and as far away as India for procedures such as heart bypass surgery, hip or knee replacements, plastic surgery, and cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as for alternative medial care, according to the poll. Gallup conducted the study in April through telephone interviews with 5,050 participants. 

"The increasing cost of medical care in the United States and large numbers of uninsured (at least 48 million people, according to the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured) may be making outbound travel an option worth considering," says the survey.

Also:

"Those who report that they don't have health insurance are more likely to consider going abroad for medical treatment. For example, 37% of respondents without health insurance would seek cancer care abroad as compared to 22% with health insurance."

Read the full survey on the Gallup link above. 

-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City

Comments

[Medical Tourism]

The day by day increasing cost of medical care at America is forcing more and more of its people to turn to other countries for same quality of care at a much reasonable price.

[JohnMayer]

If you are uninsured and does not have insurance, you should check out the website www.UninsuredAmerica.blogspot.com - John Mayer, California

[Li]

With the recession forcing more and more americans to be without health insurance, Medical Tourism has become a necessary option for consideration. There are highly reputable medical tourism company such as -www.worldmedassist.com- who are helping patients find high quality and affordable care abroad, making medical travel to other countries that much easier.

[Robert]

Agreed 100%, More the acess and trust in medical services of the countries like India is increasing more and more americans are looking for economical alternatives for treatment.
I recently interviewed an California based Intel employee who was confirmed about his left knee treatment outside US. Being confused upon how and where to start with little internet search he has got in touch finding the medical tourism company who could offer him complete package without any biased opinion at one of the best facilities and finally on return he said i was treated like a VIP in less than 35% of the cost including travel which i might have to spend in America. He travelled through Sai Medical Group. Says when you are decided about going abroad always get in touch with a medical tourism facilitator who helps you with options, conference call with treating doctor before travelling, all arangements and gives real information about the facility and its plus points.