Mexico Ranks Second as Health Tourism Destination (2024)

FAQs

Mexico Ranks Second as Health Tourism Destination? ›

Mexico ranks second as a health tourism destination due to its proximity to the US, low costs, and the high quality of service provided. This activity has become an important revenue source for the country, which is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

In the 2020-2021 global medical tourism ranking based on 46 destinations, Canada came first with an index score of 76.47.

The roughly one million Americans that travel to Mexico every year save between 40 per cent to 65 per cent on medical and dental procedures, according to Patients Without Borders. And gaining access to this care is relatively easy – Americans only need a valid passport to enter Mexico on a six-month visa.

Medical tourism in Mexico is rising among Americans Before the pandemic halted travel, some 1.2 million American citizens visited Mexico for health care. The number is rising quickly again, with border restrictions eased.

The myth: Healthcare in Mexico, including plastic surgery, is unsafe, patients are constantly at risk, and medical services are not regulated. The fact: The standard of healthcare in Mexico is one of the best in the world, even considering reduced costs.

The country ranks second worldwide after Thailand, which receives 1.8 million visitors per year. Bariatric surgery and dental and rheumatological treatments are the most requested medical services by foreigners in Mexico.

The US is the top destination for inbound international wellness tourism, with 7.1 million international, inbound trips. Europe and high-income Asian countries are primary sources of wellness tourists traveling to the US. Domestic tourism accounts for the majority (94 percent) of wellness trips in North America.

In 2022, an estimated 16 million cases of acute respiratory infections were reported in Mexico, making them the most common category of illnesses in the country.

Rooted in the Mexican constitution's principles, every Mexican citizen is entitled to cost-free access to healthcare and medication. This constitutional mandate is translated into reality through the auspices of the "Institute of Health for Well-being," abbreviated as INSABI.

– Medical Tourism in Mexico – $6.75 Billion Industry by 2021 est.

What is the status of healthcare in Mexico? ›

While public healthcare in Mexico is relatively good, the quality of services varies between hospitals and expats may experience long waiting periods for non-emergency and specialist procedures.

Mexico spends $1181 per capita on health, less than the OECD average of $4986 (USD PPP). This is equal to 5.5% of GDP, compared to 9.2% on average in the OECD. There are 2.5 practising doctors per 1,000 population (OECD average 3.7); and 2.9 practising nurses (OECD average 9.2).

A Rhinoplasty in Mexico is a safe surgery with a high satisfaction rate if it is performed by a qualified certified plastic surgeon. However, there is always the possibility of complications, which, although rare and slight, may appear.

It is essential to give your body enough time to heal before flying after tummy tuck or other procedures in order to avoid any potential complications or discomfort. Make sure you wear the recommended compression garment throughout the flight for extra support and adhere to your surgeon's post-operative instructions.

That is because surgeons have lower costs overall in Mexico, savings they pass on to patients, Vequist said. That includes everything from lower costs for property and pharmaceutical drugs to lower salaries for medical staff, such as nurses and anesthesiology providers.

Los Angeles, CA:

Home to the University of SoCal, UCLA, and UC-Irvine, Los Angeles scored an 88.67 for total infrastructure, with top marks for top-ranking hospitals (94.97), and not-so-top marks for surgeons per capita (9.44) or hospital beds per capita (26.64).

France. France is the most visited country in the world, boasting over 72.4 million visitors. While Paris, its capital, is securing the second spot among the world's most frequented cities. The allure of France is undeniable.

As described in the table above, in the 2020 FREOPP World Index of Healthcare Innovation, five countries earned an Excellent overall rating: Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, the U.S., and Ireland. Switzerland, along with the #1 overall ranking, placed first for Quality.