SOUTH AMERICA – AN OPTION TO BEAT MEDICAL COSTS IN THE UNITED STATES?
Central and South America are the top destinations for American medical tourists. Many US healthcare providers have recognized this and are expanding their operations to include branches in other countries. This has the added benefit of giving the expats living in these countries access to high-quality facilities at affordable prices
Since the recession hit more people in the United States of America are looking abroad for healthcare options. There are many popular destinations for medical tourism that provide very affordable care at a quality to equal the USA.
So where offers the best standard of care at the best prices?
ECUADOR
Ecuador is very popular among expat retirees and is steadily building a reputation as a medical tourism destination. Cuenca in particular is catching the attention of medical tourism representatives.
According to expats can expect to pay 7-10% of what they would pay in the US for medical treatments. A heart bypass that would cost US$130,000 in the U.S., will cost closer to US$10,000 in Cuenca and a hip replacement priced at anywhere from US$43,000 to US$51,000, only US$8,000.
It’s not only expats and medical tourists from the US who are taking advantage of the medical system, Ecuadorians living in America often travel home to make use of the affordable healthcare.
COSTA RICA
Often mentioned as the top destination for US expats, the standard of healthcare in Costa Rica is one of the many perks. Expats and medical tourists can choose from one of the private, accredited hospitals again at a cost much lower than they would pay at home.
Waiting times for surgery and treatment are practically non-existent and many doctors are trained in the U.S. meaning most speak good English.
Other countries popular with both expats and medical tourists are Mexico and Panama where outposts of U.S. health care providers offer high quality, affordable treatment options.
source: http://www.eturbonews.com / eTN Global Travel & Industry News / by Juergen Stein / July 27th, 2013
