Why do people go to Mexico for medical procedures?

Asked by: Gabriella Schuster  |  Last update: December 21, 2025
Score: 5/5 (35 votes)

Medical tourists from the United States most commonly travel to Mexico and Canada, and to several other countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The reasons people may seek medical care in another country include: Cost: To get a treatment or procedure that may be cheaper in another country.

Why do people go to Mexico for procedures?

Mexico has become a popular destination for medical tourism due to its proximity to the United States, lower costs for medical procedures, and the availability of high-quality medical facilities and trained medical professionals.

What is the major reason US citizens go to Mexico for treatment?

The most popular destinations for cosmetic procedures are India and Mexico, and the main reason for traveling to these countries is the low price (2). Americans prefer to visit Mexico, Costa Rica or Panama for dental or cosmetic treatments.

Why is medical tourism popular in Mexico?

The proximity to the United States, lower cost of treatments, and shorter waiting times contribute to Mexico's appeal as a medical tourism hub.

Are medical procedures in Mexico safe?

Mexico has an excellent safety record as well as the highest success rates for weight loss surgery and cosmetics procedures. Here we will address what you need to watch out for when crossing the border to Mexico for your assurance.

Why do people participate in medical tourism? | NewsNation Live

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Why is surgery so cheap in Mexico?

Another important factor that can explain this disparity in prices is overhead expenses. From heating and A/C to property costs, overheads are considerably lower. The cost of most Medical supplies is cheaper in Mexico too, despite being the exact same brands manufactured and used in the US and Europe.

Why do people go to Mexico for medication?

More than 80% of patients stated they had purchased prescription-type medication at a pharmacy without a physician's prescription. The most common reasons for buying prescription medication in Mexico were because it was less expensive or because a prescription was not necessary.

What city in Mexico is the safest for surgery?

Tijuana is, by far, is the best city for medical tourism because of incredible surgical talent. Tijuana is home to some of the best board-certified bariatric surgeons in Mexico. Tijuana has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for medical tourism, particularly due to its exceptional surgical expertise.

What is the #1 medical tourism destination country in the world?

Canada. Canada's rank as number one in the 2020 edition of the Medical Tourism Index comes as no surprise as the second-largest country in the world boasts of a robust tourism industry that attracts more than 14 million Americans each year.

Is it worth going to Mexico for plastic surgery?

The truth is that plastic surgery in Mexico is safe and effective when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon at an accredited facility. In order to become a plastic surgeon in Mexico, doctors must complete extensive training and pass rigorous exams, and surgery facilities need to be cleaned and checked regularly.

How good are surgeons in Mexico?

Mexican surgeons are highly qualified and trained in the newest techniques and procedures. You can verify their credentials. Clinics are clean and comply with international standards.

Does insurance cover medical tourism?

While some policies may provide limited coverage, others may not cover medical tourism at all. Patients must also determine what medical procedures their insurance policy covers and if there are any exclusions.

What are three reasons to stay away from Mexico?

HOW SAFE IS IT TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO? DO THE MATH
  • An increase in homicides, mostly gang- and cartel-related killings.
  • Limited police presence and poor emergency response outside of major cities.
  • Drug and human-trafficking activity in some level-three or level-four (do not travel) states.

Why do Americans go to Mexico for weight loss surgery?

People seeking a better price for bariatric surgery sometimes look to Mexico for gastric sleeve or gastric bypass procedures. The practice of traveling for healthcare is called medical tourism, and while lower costs can be tempting, there are many risks to traveling for bariatric surgery.

Are doctors in Mexico better than us?

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.

Why do Americans go to Mexico for dental work?

Mexico is positioned as a very good dental tourism destination. This is due to the low prices of dental treatments and proximity to the US, making travel easy and affordable.

Is medical tourism safe in Mexico?

Cancun, Cabo, and Mexico City are just some of the safe destinations for medical tourism. Use Reputable Transportation: Opt for official taxis or transportation services recommended by your medical facility. Keep Personal Belongings Secure: As with any travel destination, be mindful of your belongings and documents.

What is the best country to get medical treatment?

According to the 2024 edition of the CEOWORLD Magazine Health Care Index, Taiwan ranks as the country with the best healthcare system globally, with an overall score of 78.72. South Korea (77.7) and Australia (74.11) follow closely behind.

What is the safest country for medical tourism?

Costa Rica

The nation is one of the safest and most popular destinations for retirement, uses the US dollar and offers excellent choices for medical tourists. Most people choose to make the most of both public and private options in this country to access the healthcare they need.

Why do people get surgery in Mexico?

There are three key reasons why people visit Tijuana for their surgical procedures: savings, convenience, and state-of-the-art care.

Do Americans go to Mexico for surgery?

Americans often travel to Mexico for low-cost medical services. But bargain shopping for healthcare can be risky. Over the weekend, four Americans were kidnapped in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, after travelling by car to the Mexican border town for cosmetic surgery, according to relatives.

What are the high risk areas in Mexico?

Risks are higher in those areas most affected by drug-related and gang violence, including:
  • Northern border states – Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.
  • Pacific coast states – Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa.

Why do people go to Mexico for healthcare?

Medical tourists from the United States most commonly travel to Mexico and Canada, and to several other countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The reasons people may seek medical care in another country include: Cost: To get a treatment or procedure that may be cheaper in another country.

What medications can I not bring back from Mexico?

Narcotics and certain other drugs with a high potential for abuse - Rohypnol, GHB and Fen-Phen, to name a few - may not be brought into the United States, and there are severe penalties for trying to do so.

Why do I get sick every time I go to Mexico?

A weakened immune system

“When you travel,” says Dr. Oza, “your usual routines are disrupted. You may not be sleeping as well as you do at home, and your eating habits change when you're away. You may be staying up later, consuming more alcohol and getting less exercise than usual.