Following its ancient roots, medical tourism has reached new highs as it becomes the primary method of medical treatment in the world.  It not only offers patients the option of choosing the best medical facility for their needs but it is often considerably cheaper than in their home country; especially the United States.  As a result of this trend, there are several countries that have become world leaders as top medical tourism destinations; many destinations in Asia such as Thailand and India or South Central America such as Brazil, Panama, and Costa Rica, just to name a few.  Each of these countries is leading the way in low cost, high quality medical treatment.  There have, however, been a few surprises along the way.  One country that snuck in the back door of the medical tourism market and is quickly climbing its way to the top is Israel.

Despite its rich culture and history, Israel is not often considered a top tourist destination, medical or otherwise, because of the unstable countries bordering it and the resulting violence.  The irony of the situation is that the primary growth in medical tourism was in no way encouraged or discouraged by Israeli government or tourist agencies; although they have quickly begun to see the immense economic benefits that would come from the increase in tourism.

One of the top medical facilities in Israel is the Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem.  A teaching hospital, Hadassah offers state of the art medical care and services.  Despite charging foreigners more than locals, Israel still maintains one of the lowest costs worldwide; especially compared to the United States.   One of the world’s leaders in orthopedic research and treatment as well as developing specialized fertility treatments for the Jewish population now being used worldwide, Hadassah prides itself in reaching out to the community.  Even though payment often comes faster and in greater amounts from foreigners, Hadassah strives to provide the best balanced care between locals and medical tourists.  They believe strongly in educating and giving back to the community.  With the increased funds from medical tourism they look forward to being able to provide better, more consistent care to those who cannot afford medical treatment.  Hadassah strongly believe that all medical treatment should be based on need not bank account size.

Although there are several government and private hospitals in Israel that offer many treatment options, the safest bet is a private facility.  With the Israeli government financially strapped, the many state funded hospitals have not received adequate funding; thus limiting the staffing and services available.  There are, however, many private hospitals in outlying cities that are developing medical tourism programs of their own, should those in Jerusalem be full.

Israel has often taken great pains to enhance some sites to make them more tourist friendly, while still maintaining the appeal that locals desire.

The commitment to their community and providing some of the best medical treatment available are just a couple of the reasons why Israel is becoming a top medical tourism destination.