The practice of medical tourism i.e. traveling to a different country for medical treatment has become quite common these days. People are looking for affordable and quality medical services and are willing to travel to a different country for it. There are various countries in the world that have become hotspots for medical tourism, but Mexico is regarded as one of the oldest ones. As a matter of fact, it is recognized as the second largest recipient of medical tourism in all of Americas.

Background

Back in the 16 th century when Spanish conquistadors arrived, a number of hospitals were established throughout the Meso-american colonies. Hernan Cortez founded the Hospital de Jesus Nazareno that remains active to this day. It had become a center of medication for people in the surrounding regions, which resulted in an archaic form of medical tourism.
The former Spanish colonies considered Mexico their crown jewel, which meant that it received special attention and a number of hospitals were built there. This helped it in becoming one of the new world’s most efficient healthcare systems.

Medical tourism

Mexico continues to be a popular tourism destination, but has also become one for medical tourism.
Tourism is regarded as an integral part of the economy by the Mexican government. Therefore, it has also focused on medical tourism, allowing the industry to grow and expand.
Mexico has become renowned for its advanced cosmetic surgery medical capabilities and advanced dentistry, which makes it one of the best countries for those seeking cosmetic treatments or dental care.
Each year, Mexico receives 1.2 million people from all over the world primarily for undergoing quality medical treatments. These would cost almost twice as much in their respective countries. Almost 1 million of these tourists come from the United States and the medical tourism helps the country generate gross revenue of about $6 billion.
The fact that the majority of medical tourists who come to Mexico comprises of citizens from the United States is a testament to the professionalism and quality of medical care that can be provided.

The expansion

The Mexican government is providing the appropriate support required to help states of the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas and Baja California Norte to quickly develop medical centers and hospitals as part of its strategy to boost cosmetic medical tourism in Mexico.
According to data, the primary reason why patients from America and Canada travel to Mexico for cosmetic medical tourism is because of the accessible air routes, the close proximity of the countries and the certified medical companies that also provide packages. These often include a variety of services with the medical treatment, such as airport transport.
Even though the United States is known to have one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems, it is also one of the most expensive and inaccessible ones. This works in favor of Mexico because it is able to offer the same cosmetic medical treatments for almost 50% to 65% less than what the patients have to pay for it in the United States. For instance, a rhinoplasty surgery in the US costs about $6,500, but you can get it done in Mexico for about $3,800. Likewise, a gastric sleeve surgery costs $8,900 in the US, but Mexico will offer it to you in 46% less.
The Medical Tourism Association revealed that 8 out of the 10 tourists who come to Mexico for medical treatments are from the United States. There are about 98 hospitals in Mexico that the Federal Health Ministry has accredited and there are 7 hospitals that have been accredited by the JCI. Most of these can be found in the capital Mexico City.
Their medical capabilities in terms of cosmetic surgery and treatments, whether rhinoplasty, botox, or face lifts, are quite advanced. They also specialize in offering cosmetic dental treatments and there are a number of packages that offer people both medical treatments and other facilities.