Why do Americans go to Mexico for surgery?

Asked by: Unique Becker  |  Last update: November 18, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (38 votes)

"North American patients travel to Mexico for care primarily to save 50-70% over what they would pay in the United States for an elective treatment," according to Woodman.

Why do Americans go to Mexico for medical procedures?

Mexico, meanwhile, offers private services at much cheaper rates. 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.

Is it better to get surgery in Mexico?

On average, Americans can save 40% to 60% across the most common major procedures received by medical tourists in Mexico, according to an analysis of 2020 health ministry data conducted by Patients Beyond Borders.

How many Americans go to Mexico for surgery?

Some 1.2 US residents travel to Mexico annually to undergo elective surgery at a discount, according to Medical Tourism Mexico, which advertises that patients can save up to 80% on a comparable procedure in the US.

Is getting surgery in Mexico safe?

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.

Dallas woman who went to Mexico for plastic surgery returns on life support

31 related questions found

What is the most risky surgery in the world?

Health Care Business compiled a list of the riskiest types of procedures to experience as a patient -- the following are the top 5.
  • Craniectomy. ...
  • Surgical Ventricular Restoration. ...
  • Spinal Osteomyelitis Surgery. ...
  • Coronary Revascularization. ...
  • Bladder Cystectomy.

Where is the safest place to get surgery in Mexico?

In all different fields of medicine, Puerto Vallarta is the only city in Mexico featuring a World Class State of the Art hospital like the CMQ Riviera Nayarit while being located on the Pacific Ocean and allowing patients to have surgery in a tropical safe paradise.

Which country is best known for surgery?

South Korea is one of the famous country for plastic surgery. The price of plastic surgery in South Korea is typically much lower than in other places, such as the United States or Western Europe.

Do you need a passport to go to Mexico for surgery?

When traveling to Mexico for bariatric surgery, patients will need to have a valid passport book – although we have not had any problems if patients have BOTH an ID and original birth certificate. If you don't already have a valid Passport, you'll have to apply for a new passport prior to your travel.

How long do you have to stay in Mexico after surgery?

Your recovery period may vary from one to two weeks, depending on your specific surgery. For 1-2 procedures you may need an 8-day stay, and for 3-4 procedures you may need a 15-day stay. Keep in mind that these days are of utmost importance for your final recovery at home.

Are Mexican doctors as good as American?

The question of quality is not settled. Experts say that some hospitals, doctors and clinics are comparable to the U.S. but that quality varies widely. Some studies find that patient satisfaction with Mexican providers is generally good while others find the care needs improvement.

What surgery do people go to Mexico for?

Patients Beyond Borders, an international health care travel publishing and consulting firm, said that pre-pandemic, some 1.2 million American citizens traveled to Mexico in 2019 for elective medical treatment — mostly cosmetic, complex dentistry and bariatric treatments.

What surgery has the lowest success rate?

Seven Deadliest Surgeries
  • Removal of part of the colon (partial colectomy)
  • Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
  • Appendix removal (appendectomy)
  • Peritoneal adhesion removal.
  • Small-bowel resection.
  • Peptic ulcer surgeries.
  • Abdominal incisions (laparotomy)

Do hospitals in Mexico take American insurance?

Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Mexico? No, in most cases, you will not be able to use the health insurance you have in the US for treatment in Mexico. Your American health insurance policy, such as Medicare, will not extend outside the borders.

What are the disadvantages of healthcare in Mexico?

Mexico's healthcare system is underfunded and inadequately organized to meet the needs of its population in light of increasing longevity and the growing challenges created by the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

What happens if I have a medical emergency in Mexico?

If it's an emergency, you can call 911—same as in the United States. Ambulances in Mexico are typically private companies, and you may even have several ambulances arrive to try and compete for your business. Be warned that you may have to pay for them on arrival, privately owned ambulances aren't free.

Why do people go to Mexico for plastic surgery?

Why do people get plastic surgery in Mexico? Mexico has become popular with cosmetic surgery patients because it offers both tummy tucks and liposuction, procedures that tend to be cheaper than those offered in Canada or the United States.

Can I cross Mexico border with real ID?

Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.

Do you need health insurance to enter Mexico?

As of 2023, there is no legal requirement to purchase travel insurance in order to visit Mexico. No one will ask you to show proof of insurance at the border, and the Mexican government does not mandate travelers to have insurance. Many travelers nonetheless choose to buy travel insurance for Mexico.

What's the safest surgery in the world?

Donnenfeld stated, “LASIK is the safest, most successful and most studied elective procedure in the world.

What are the safest surgeries in the world?

LASIK is the safest, most successful and most studied elective procedure in the world. It has the highest patient satisfaction rate, and it has continually improved over the last two decades.

Why do people go to Tijuana for surgery?

Tijuana often attracts individuals looking for different medical procedures because it is a hub that has become prominent due to its success. While the city is already busy and bustling, the boom in the weight loss surgery industry has made it even more of a hot spot for tourists and those seeking different treatments.

What surgeries do people go to Tijuana for?

Tijuana is one of the best options to get weight loss surgery for the most competitive and cost-effective price. Procedures like gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery are some of the most requested procedures offering significant excess weight loss.

What is the #1 health risk of Mexico?

The major health concern in Mexico is Obesity. In Mexico, 32.4% of the population is obese, making it the country with the 2nd highest prevalence of obesity, behind the US. The country also has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the OECD, with 15.9% of the population having diabetes.