In the past decade, medical tourism has experienced phenomenal growth.  With the rising cost of healthcare, many people are choosing the route of less expensive foreign care over expensive American care.  Many countries offer high quality, state of the art procedures and care, while at a much more affordable rate, including cancer treatments, heart surgery, Lasik, plastic surgery and many more.  Deciding which country to visit and receive treatment in depends largely on the type of procedure you desire.  There are six countries that continue to stand out as superb locations for medical tourism.

Brazil, located in South America, is best known for its plastic surgery.  For those concerned with the safety aspect receiving treatment in Brazil, it has the second most hospitals in the world, behind the U.S.  It is also one of the most well equipped countries in regards to new procedures and equipment.  For tourist coming from the U.S. it is only an 8-12 hour flight and, as an added bonus, many Brazilians speak English.

Malaysia, off the tip of Thailand, is a slightly harder location to reach; however, it is well worth the trip. Malaysia has made a name for its self by offering low cost dental, cosmetic, and cardiac treatment.  With the vast number of hospitals and medical facilities, you can rest assured that you will be well taken care of.

Panama, also located in South Central America, is one of the top locations for medical tourism.  Not only are the costs considerably lower than in the U.S. but many of the doctors and medical personnel in Panama were trained in the U.S.  Panama currently has a good trade and working relationship with the U.S. and they use the US dollar.  U.S. travelers will experience less of a culture shock when traveling to Panama than other countries; which is reassuring when facing medical treatment.

India by far has the lowest cost of medical treatment—50 -75% lower than the U.S.  However since it is located in Asia, it will take considerably longer to get there.  India has a very well trained medical staff and top of the line facilities.  Despite India’s attempts to become a greater player in the global health care—overpopulation, poverty, and religious tension are still chief reasons for tourists to seek care elsewhere.

Costa Rica is becoming increasingly popular with American medical tourism both for their medical expertise and easy access. Located in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica offers a warm, relaxing atmosphere for those burdened with stress of receiving medical treatment.  Some of the top treatments available in Costa Rica are “medical spas” and age management techniques.

Regardless of what treatment or procedure you require there is a country and facility to fit your needs.  Going without insurance or paying high insurance premiums for treatment in the U.S. is not the only option. Besides, what better way to turn around a not-so-fun visit to the doctor, than to make it into an exotic foreign vacation?