I imagine many Americans know someone who has a stockpile of antibiotics that they bought on their last trip to Mexico. (Or is it just me?)
In addition to antibiotics, arthritis medications like Humira and diabetes medications like insulin are also in high demand. Unlike in the US, these medications can be purchased without a prescription and, most importantly, at a more reasonable price.
I won't dwell on the state of the healthcare system in the United States, but it's no surprise that Americans are among the most active medical tourists in the world.
Medical tourism involves traveling to another country or region to obtain cheaper and/or more reliable medical care. (In some cases, travelers may also feel more comfortable returning to a familiar culture and language to receive care.)
According to the CDCThe most common procedures Americans seek are cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, fertility treatments, organ transplants and cancer treatment.
From pharmacies in Tijuana to luxury hospitals in bangkokMillions of Americans travel each year to seek reliable care.
But which countries offer the best in cutting-edge medical tourism?
Singapore
Specialties: Advanced diagnostics, cosmetics, orthopedics, oncology, cardiac, neurosurgery
Few places have the reputation of being as sterling like SingaporeThis nation-state is a world-class area in finance, technology, economics and even healthcare.
Even though medical tourists are willing to pay a handsome amount for their procedures, they will do so with complete trust and faith in Singapore's doctors.
This makes Singapore one of the best medical destinations in Asia. And the world. Not only are its doctors highly qualified and its facilities modern, but Singapore also specializes in robot-assisted surgery and the latest advances in neurosurgery.
The more complex the problem, the more likely you are to find a solution in Singapore.
Japan
Specialties: Cardiovascular, oncological and radiotherapy treatments, fertility treatments, regenerative medicine
Japan goes above and beyond to provide a holistic and relaxing experience with its medical treatments. In fact, medical care is treated differently in Japan (and even in neighboring countries like Korea), with more emphasis placed on atmosphere and calm.
Aside from the quiet treatment centers, Japanese doctors draw on the country's thousands of years of medical practice.
Combined with its technological approach, this experience translates into cutting-edge care. As in Singapore, many Japanese doctors have access to treatment procedures that have not been developed elsewhere.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Specialties:Cosmetics, cardiology, cancer, fertility treatments, oncology and dermatology
The United Arab Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are among the most popular medical destinations in the Middle East and South Asia. This is not surprising given the country's emphasis on modern technology and equipment.
Its medical facilities are mostly brand new and equipped with the latest medical technology. Likewise, its doctors are among the best in the world and they are attracted by its emphasis on well-being and, more specifically, on aesthetics.
As in Canada (below), visitors can expect to pay a pretty penny for their procedures.
Costa Rica
Specialties: Cosmetics, dental care, bariatric surgeries and orthopedics
I lived for about a year in a small suburb of San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Given my isolation, I noticed a number of tourists who weren't heading to the coast. They were flying in instead to get medical treatment.
Most people come for dental care and/or cosmetic surgery. It is not surprising that the country, which focuses on tourism, has sought to increase its medical tourism offering.
This means that there are state-of-the-art facilities around San Jose and beyond—as well as a growing number of research facilities.
Canada
Specialties: Cardiac, orthopedic, cancerology and cosmetics
Canada tops the list of medical tourism destinations due to its clean environment, developed medical infrastructure and high quality medical facilities.
This shouldn’t come as a complete surprise, given Canada’s comprehensive healthcare system. Canada invests heavily in research and development, which means it offers some of the most advanced medical procedures on the planet.
While Canada is by far not the cheapest option on this list, its facilities and doctors are reputable, which is why many people are willing to pay a premium price when traveling across the world for major surgery.
