compared to $88,000. With more than 700,000 Americans making annual visits to Costa Rica for medical treatment, the country is beginning to market itself as a top destination for ecological as well as medical tourism.
3. Malaysia: Year after year, Malaysia is named one of the best and cheapest health systems in the world. It also claims very high numbers of medical tourists from neighboring countries (well known for medical tourism themselves). A face lift, on average, costs about half the price as the U.S. and general medical procedures consistently show a 65-80% savings. Kuala Lumpur also has the #1 ranked medical center on the Medical Travel Quality Alliance's global list. Dentist studios are particularly state-of-the art. Treatments in the U.S. like a filling and teeth cleaning cost as little as $33 in Malaysia. Medical tourism has become such a high priority for the Malaysian government that their Ministry of Health website is in English, and they tout the advantages of sun and fun in care plans.
4. Singapore: Singapore has a dozen hospitals and health centers with Joint Commission accreditation, and in 2014 was ranked by Bloomberg as the most efficient health system in the world. Medical expenditures generated from medical tourism amounted to $1.11 billion in 2012, primarily from complex medical procedures such as heart surgery, hip and knee replacements and cancer treatments. English is also spoken widely in the country, making visitors feel right at home on their recovery vacation.
5. Canada: Despite stories of long wait times for Canadians to receive care, the proximity of Canada to the U.S. and its well-trained doctors (many from American universities and medical schools) make for an easy and cheap travel experience up north. More importantly, for the short distance, patients can save 30-60% on health costs in Canada compared to their southern neighbor. The country has used its direct-to-consumer marketing approach and warm relationship with Americans to draw in those looking for single-payer options outside the U.S.
Malaysia
Costa Rica
Thailand