Americans go to Mexico for medicals to cut costs.

[Flexystar]

I believe that bearing costs is the reason why a person prefers one country over another. Good medical care will not be free, and then you may not be able to afford it, especially for individuals in the middle and poor classes. There are also consequences after the operation, such as care in the first months, medicines and other costs.

Also, some countries are better in certain disciplines, this chart may give you better information, although I am surprised at the reason for choosing Mexico, perhaps because of the flight costs)

snip

Wait, what? I can't see The United States on that list. Does that mean that one of the most powerful nations and a very developed country spends less than 6.3% of its GDP on its healthcare systems? That's pretty surprising, and no wonder why people from there travel to neighboring countries for their medical necessities.

And I believe that it happens in almost every country where the lower classes who can at least travel go somewhere else to get proper treatment at less cost. Governments need to take good care of their healthcare systems more than they do right now.

Definitely shocking to read that chart. I did the same thing when I saw it and was looking for America. TO the surprise its not even on the list.

Something is definitely wrong with the chart above because other sources are showing the USA is one of highest spender on the per person when it comes to the healthcare. Also, by hearing itself one can get convinced considering the nation is highly developed and understands the value of healthcare sector.

Health spending per person in the U.S. was $12,914 in 2021, which was over $5,000 more than any other high-income nation. The average amount spent on health per person in comparable countries ($6,125) is less than half of what the U.S. spends per person.

If you look at the chart above then the case is actually reverse of what that post suggested. It is possible that the data is mis-circulated in that one. Above source is from the valid sources such as KFF analysis of CDC, OECD, Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Australian Bureau of Statistics, and UK Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

As one can imagine mostly powerful nations are on the list who spends most of the money per capita.

Now why those people are travelling to the Mexico is whole new story here and mostly it has to be about costs. The insurance in the American system can hugely impact the decision making process of any person going for high level of illness.

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[Synchronice]

I thought all Americans have access to cheap and quality medical services until I read that over one million Americans go on medical tourism in Mexico yearly.

Hell no! You have to change word America with word Europe. For example, countries like Germany and France have very good healthcare that is also affordable for every citizen. Turkey and Israel have great healthcare too, Israel is a little expensive but Turkey is pretty cheap with very high quality and standards in terms of medicine and medical services.

And the reason why some of them choose Mexico was because of its quality and low cost. These medical tourists are aware that it is risky to do to some parts of Mexico, but they still go there because they want to cut costs.
Is there any other reason why Americans go to Mexico for medical?

The USA is a very different country. Drugs that are illegal in many countries, are perfectly legal in the USA with prescription.
Pharma is a huge business in the USA. For example, average price per vial of insulin in the US was more than $98 in 2018 while it's was 10 times cheaper in Australia, Canada, UK. Price per vial of insulin in Turkey is 2.64 USD. No country should be profiting from people whose lives are dependent on medicines like Insulin. Btw as far as I know, things are going to get better in terms of Insulin in the USA.

Also, in the USA, doctors sometimes charge enormous amounts of money to their clients. Healthcare is very unregulated, America is a very capitalistic country. If you earn a lot, you'll living the best life in the USA, if you are below-average, or probably average too citizen with chronic health problems and don't work in a company that offers you private insurance, you will have very bad times in the USA.

P.S. I am not an American but I have friends there and that's what I know from them and from my own research too.

[Fortify]

The recent kidnapping of four Americans exposed me to the medical tourism going on in America. I have always thought that the US was a perfect country has very functional health, economic, and political systems. I thought all Americans have access to cheap and quality medical services until I read that over one million Americans go on medical tourism in Mexico yearly.

And the reason why some of them choose Mexico was because of its quality and low cost. These medical tourists are aware that it is risky to do to some parts of Mexico, but they still go there because they want to cut costs.
Is there any other reason why Americans go to Mexico for medical?

It's not that abnormal really, maybe America has it slightly worse because their healthcare system is seriously overpriced but you will find the same things happening with other countries too. Europeans might end up in Turkey for dental operations or similar cosmetic procedures. In the right scenarios it makes sense, but sometimes tourists can be clueless and only look at saving money, which can get them into seriously dangerous situations like this. As one of the worst hot spots for crime and cartel problems in Mexico, it's really not a bright idea to go across the border in this area - no matter who you are. If it's the difference between a $20,000 operation and a $2,000 operation, it can be a huge incentive.

[Cryptomultiplier]

The price of things ,I e, services, goods, globally has been on the increase. It is not just an all American issue.
Inflation not forgetting is one key factor.
If Americans prefer going to Mexico for cheaper treatment/medicals, it could be they lost faith in their health care too, notwithstanding.
It shouldn't really be a problem. Every other country citizens, like mine, with good means of livelihood, mostly prefer going outside the shores of their country for better evaluation or medicals too.

[DrBeer]

I don't see anything surprising in "medical tourism". I can say one thing - from about 2015-2016, medical tourism began to come to Ukraine from the EU. The main direction: dentistry, intracavitary operations, and similar general medical procedures. The reason is banal - with high quality, a noticeably lower price.
To clarify, in 2014-2015, many state clinics were reequipped, provided with new equipment, separate well-equipped wards, and high-quality staff. The price difference is really noticeable and the trip is economically justified

[cryptoknightt]

according to the research that I read the costs there are cheaper compared to America, have good quality and mostly why Americans go there because it's convenient

[TimeTeller]

according to the research that I read the costs there are cheaper compared to America, have good quality and mostly why Americans go there because it's convenient

Maybe, if you have no health insurance, that's when your medical expenses will be expensive in the US.
Based from the kidnapping story, the woman was about to have a tummy tuck procedure.
Most health insurances I believe, do not cover such operation as it is categorized as cosmetic surgical procedure.
This is why maybe Mexico is considerably cheaper from their US counterparts. However, your safety is at risk.
We can't blame others to go to this path as they can really save a lot of dollars, however, think of your security also.

[Vinaa77]

The recent kidnapping of four Americans exposed me to the medical tourism going on in America. I have always thought that the US was a perfect country has very functional health, economic, and political systems. I thought all Americans have access to cheap and quality medical services until I read that over one million Americans go on medical tourism in Mexico yearly.

And the reason why some of them choose Mexico was because of its quality and low cost. These medical tourists are aware that it is risky to do to some parts of Mexico, but they still go there because they want to cut costs.
Is there any other reason why Americans go to Mexico for medical?

America is a superpower country with high economic power, so all medical needs or costs are also high. However, not all people have the economic capacity according to the standards in that country, so they choose to continue seeking treatment outside the area. In principle, all countries have poor people, but the poverty rate is measured by country. Maybe if we compare it with other countries, they might fall into the category of rich people.

[og kush420]

The recent kidnapping of four Americans exposed me to the medical tourism going on in America. I have always thought that the US was a perfect country has very functional health, economic, and political systems. I thought all Americans have access to cheap and quality medical services until I read that over one million Americans go on medical tourism in Mexico yearly.

And the reason why some of them choose Mexico was because of its quality and low cost. These medical tourists are aware that it is risky to do to some parts of Mexico, but they still go there because they want to cut costs.
Is there any other reason why Americans go to Mexico for medical?

America is a superpower country with high economic power, so all medical needs or costs are also high. However, not all people have the economic capacity according to the standards in that country, so they choose to continue seeking treatment outside the area. In principle, all countries have poor people, but the poverty rate is measured by country. Maybe if we compare it with other countries, they might fall into the category of rich people.

Those who are american citizen - they have good medical facilities
For the one who are illegal they might look for the other options. So they would definitely look for the other option like going to Mexico for the cost cut.

[iv4n]

The recent kidnapping of four Americans exposed me to the medical tourism going on in America. I have always thought that the US was a perfect country has very functional health, economic, and political systems. I thought all Americans have access to cheap and quality medical services until I read that over one million Americans go on medical tourism in Mexico yearly.

And the reason why some of them choose Mexico was because of its quality and low cost. These medical tourists are aware that it is risky to do to some parts of Mexico, but they still go there because they want to cut costs.
Is there any other reason why Americans go to Mexico for medical?

Medical tourism is not new, and it's widespread! Sometimes it's cheaper but in some cases, people choose other countries with "more flexible laws"... simply said you can get any kind of medical intervention if you have money. In the past years, there's been a big drama in Poland and new regulations about abortion, and girls/women go to nearby countries for that.

Not so long ago, a young boy died on the operating table, and a woman had complications after the operation, when she returned to Serbia, they tried to save her, but unfortunately, she also passed away. They decided to be treated in Turkey, through some agencies that promised them the best care at much more affordable prices. Their families are trying to find some justice, but it's so complicated according to their statements that I had the opportunity to read.

Definitely, it's a hard decision to make, but when people are short on money and they desperately need/want some medical intervention choosing the risky path is sometimes the only path.

[Vaskiy]

Each and every country have more economic issues, but very few countries expose is to the outer world. When it comes to America, we can see more number of people suffering and unable to pay medical insurance. In such a situation people moving to Mexico for medical needs is not at all a big thing. Even my country hospitals have got separate section for Foreigners, mostly people from Island nations like Maldives reach my country.

[Yatsan]

This is likewise with any third world countries perhaps with education, just to share. I live on a third world country and I saw how foreign individuals or students migrated here in my country. I had a chance asking one group of foreign students and they had the same answer to why they chose my country for them to finish their studies, and that is because education costs less. And I assume same thing goes with medical needs of them, by moving onto other countries for treatment. It would be fine doing so , i guess, if the professional they are seeking, is available on the country they are planning to move in. It is a fact in the first place that medicine or medical treatments are expensive on bigger countries and not all people could afford using their wealth for that matter if there is an alternative way.

[adaseb]

Yes the US healthcare is a big mess. Its one of the worst and most expensive health care out there. And its common sense why many go to Mexico for some treatments. In Canada since we got health coverage we generally have people going to Mexico for dental work, especially implants.

Its maybe 1/3rd of the cost even with the flight plus hotels compared to what it costs here. So they are guides and everything giving you steps on how to go to Mexico to get the procedures done. Since the USA doesn't have health coverage, obviously many go there for general health issues. Even having a baby at the hospital in USA is crazy expensive.

[dothebeats]

I wouldn’t blame the Americans. They have a health system that prioritizes those who can pay compared to those who cannot. When I compare the prices of a lot of basic health needs in the US here in our country, I can’t help but think that I’m still somewhat blessed to be here and receive all of those simple medical and dental care without paying a fortune for them. The quality is almost the same for the two countries, and the only difference is the technology that is being used and that’s it. If I’m an American and I will have to pay so much for healthcare, might as well fly outside the country and be treated there while getting more for my money. Such a flawed country with healthcare, really.

[ChiBitCTy]

Sadly as the wealthiest nation in the world our healthcare coverage is ranked somewhere in the teens I believe (by world health organizations) when it comes to best coverage.  We arguably have the best hospitals and hospital technology, but when it comes to coverage, it's a corrupt system that only seems to be getting worse.

To put thing in perspective I've worked for Fortune 500 and even Fortune 100 companies in my last 3 positions over the past decade or so.  My healthcare coverage, at these massively wealthy financial institutions, has progressively gotten more expensive and worse as time has gone on.  It infuriates me. So yes this is why so many go over seas for procedures.  Also keep in mind "elective" procedures often get little to no help from insurance coverage, as it's not considered necessary to maintain ones health.

[og kush420]

Sadly as the wealthiest nation in the world our healthcare coverage is ranked somewhere in the teens I believe (by world health organizations) when it comes to best coverage.  We arguably have the best hospitals and hospital technology, but when it comes to coverage, it's a corrupt system that only seems to be getting worse.

To put thing in perspective I've worked for Fortune 500 and even Fortune 100 companies in my last 3 positions over the past decade or so.  My healthcare coverage, at these massively wealthy financial institutions, has progressively gotten more expensive and worse as time has gone on.  It infuriates me. So yes this is why so many go over seas for procedures.  Also keep in mind "elective" procedures often get little to no help from insurance coverage, as it's not considered necessary to maintain ones health.

there is no harm in going to the place where one can get good and cheap medial services
Most of the asian go to their hometown to do their medical treatment

[Cryptock]

Sadly as the wealthiest nation in the world our healthcare coverage is ranked somewhere in the teens I believe (by world health organizations) when it comes to best coverage.  We arguably have the best hospitals and hospital technology, but when it comes to coverage, it's a corrupt system that only seems to be getting worse.

To put thing in perspective I've worked for Fortune 500 and even Fortune 100 companies in my last 3 positions over the past decade or so.  My healthcare coverage, at these massively wealthy financial institutions, has progressively gotten more expensive and worse as time has gone on.  It infuriates me. So yes this is why so many go over seas for procedures.  Also keep in mind "elective" procedures often get little to no help from insurance coverage, as it's not considered necessary to maintain ones health.

I think its everywhere
Health care system are getting so much money from the pockets of the people.
And when people find ways - they go there to get their medical treatment

[Casdinyard]

I thought all Americans have access to cheap and quality medical services until I read that over one million Americans go on medical tourism in Mexico yearly.

Americans don't have universal health care but even if they did, that doesn't mean that certain percentage of wouldn't go to Mexico or other cheaper countries and same thing happens all over the world.

For example, here in Croatia we have decent universal health care but if you want to do something faster and can't wait, you go to private clinics and then some people go to neighbouring countries like Serbia that have lower standard so its cheaper to do certain stuff there like teeth implants, plastic surgeries, eye related procedures etc. And in the same way people from more developed countries come to Croatia to do their medical procedures because we are cheaper than Austria/Switzerland etc but still good.

For a while I thought they did, Obamacare was something that have been in talks during 2014-2015 and frankly speaking a relative of mine was able to receive its benefits too. I do not know what happened after that however. In any case, the lack of a universal healthcare system in America is partly (and correct me if I'm wrong with this), a product of the capitalist society that bit them in the ass hard. Like insurance companies would most often mess them up with costs and stiff off of absolving hospital bills in order to pocket the client's money. Another would be the fact that since there's a lot of monopoly in the country, companies could easily jack the prices of all their products and services. One good example is the impossible markup that hospitals impose on people's bills, i kid you not tylenol when administered in the hospital will cost more than if you'd just bought it yourself from the drug store.

[og kush420]

I thought all Americans have access to cheap and quality medical services until I read that over one million Americans go on medical tourism in Mexico yearly.

Americans don't have universal health care but even if they did, that doesn't mean that certain percentage of wouldn't go to Mexico or other cheaper countries and same thing happens all over the world.

For example, here in Croatia we have decent universal health care but if you want to do something faster and can't wait, you go to private clinics and then some people go to neighbouring countries like Serbia that have lower standard so its cheaper to do certain stuff there like teeth implants, plastic surgeries, eye related procedures etc. And in the same way people from more developed countries come to Croatia to do their medical procedures because we are cheaper than Austria/Switzerland etc but still good.

For a while I thought they did, Obamacare was something that have been in talks during 2014-2015 and frankly speaking a relative of mine was able to receive its benefits too. I do not know what happened after that however. In any case, the lack of a universal healthcare system in America is partly (and correct me if I'm wrong with this), a product of the capitalist society that bit them in the ass hard. Like insurance companies would most often mess them up with costs and stiff off of absolving hospital bills in order to pocket the client's money. Another would be the fact that since there's a lot of monopoly in the country, companies could easily jack the prices of all their products and services. One good example is the impossible markup that hospitals impose on people's bills, i kid you not tylenol when administered in the hospital will cost more than if you'd just bought it yourself from the drug store.

I dont find any harm in going to the other places if you think you can save some money and get good services in return
In my country health care is good but once I got a treatment from Bangkok and I wish if I could take my mother there to get that treatment

[el kaka22]

They go to Canada as well if they are closer to that border, basically they can travel to Europe, get the medication they need or surgery they need, and go back to USA and they would still be fine. That is the end result of being the nation that spends the most money on healthcare and still being worse than almost anyone else in the world.

You can claim whatever you want for the reason, but the reason is that politicians do not want to fix it since it's a too big of a trouble to tackle. There are few like Bernie, but people never vote for those people so it ended up being something terrible for them like this, hence they will keep traveling for many more decades until they finally elect someone who will fix it.