Thank you for the critique. You’re right it is hard to cover this topic without putting other countries medical options into tidy boxes and given my word count it was tough to avoid. I tried to give an unbiased example of the options available overseas and still include quotes from two health care professionals as well. May I ask how you found my article?

Thanks,
Kinsey Gidick

Sorry about that!

>>>the issue I have with his opinion, is that it implies that Medical Tourism was originally prophesied as a Holy Grail, mainstream, overnight solution to the current issues facing the US health care landscape

I’m afraid that has been the case. medical tourism has been massively overhyped in the US with various industry protagonists inventing crazy numbers and seeing it as the solution to the 50 million uninsured. The rreality is very different. As you and I agree, it’s a solution at the margins, but is still a valuable niche.

You definitely have a valid point about Mexico. If the swineflue situation isn’t solved Mexico definitely doesn’t reserve it’s place.

Peter

I’m a little surprised you don’t list Mexico; though I’m wondering if the swine flu outbreak is going to hurt the country’s reputation for medical care when it had been on the rise. I think they’ve done an excellent job and do not deserve the bad press they’ve gotten of late.

Costa Rica has long been a favorite of mine; I wrote a book about medical travel that started with my trip to Prisma Dental in San Jose in 2004.

With prices at a fraction (less than 10% for example in the treatment of gall stone $600 US ) of those in the US or EU, the concept has broad consumer appeal. Indian private facilities offer advanced technology and high-quality treatment at par with hospitals in western countries.

India is promoting “medical outsourcing” where subcontractors aim to provide services to the overburdened medical care systems in western countries. Medical tourism to India is growing by 20% a year. Most non-urgent Western patients usually get a package deal that includes flights, transfers, hotels, treatment and often a post-operative vacation. There are many brokers specialized on the Indian market.

I would personally recommend that you get an independent break up on the costs and decide for yourself what you want and what you don’t want. For example one patient may want an air conditioned taxi which is far more expensive than a coach while traveling to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Similarly the hospitals too have deluxe rooms and economy wards costing differently ( a gall bladder surgery would cost $1200 and $600 respectively ).