Top 7 Medical Tourism Destinations

Americans Take to Health Vacation Packages

Forbes Magazine reports that more than 500,000 Americans went on medical tourism packages in 2006.  While many were attracted by the affordable cost of life saving procedures like heart bypass surgery, a substantial number of patients were attracted by the appeal of combining an exotic holiday in countries like Thailand with aesthetic procedures.   

So where were most of these people headed? 

Where to Go for a Complete Health Vacation Package

According to Forbes Magazine, the following are the best medical tourism centers to head to, regardless of your medical needs.  Whether you require low cost heart bypass surgery or convenient Botox injections, this list has most of the top names in the business.  Ooo, Manila is so not going to be impressed.  

Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

It wouldn’t be medical tourism without Bangkok’s top healthcare facility.  With more than 20,000 American patients a year, a liveried doorman, and a Starbucks on campus, this big hitter is a cut above the rest. 

National Cancer Center, Singapore

One of Asia’s leading facilities for oncology, the National Medical Center is uber efficient (doctors are sent abroad to learn the latest techniques), boasts the most sophisticated equipment, and offers impressive support programs to cancer survivors.  But why would you be surprised at the high quality everything?  This is Singapore. 

Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, India

Surgeons at Escorts, like elsewhere in India, boast of mortality rates that are even lower than many of the top Stateside facilities.  Not so surprising when you consider that Escorts performs 3,500+ cardiac procedures a year.   

Ivo Pitanguy Clinic, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

This is the place to head to if you want a makeover in a spa like setting.  From liposuction to breast implants and beyond, the Ivo Pitanguy Clinic gladly provides.  

American Hospital, Dubai, U.A.E.

In 2010, Dubai Healthcare City, a collaborative effort with Harvard Medical School, is slated to make its grand debut.  Until then, the American Hospital with 60 US Board certified surgeons, and specialty clinics for obesity, cardiology and cochlear implants, will be the preferred choice for people in the Middle East.  Now, if only they could stop the locals from sneaking off to Bumrungrad. 

Prince Court Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysian health facilities are cheaper than those in Thailand, and the Prince Court Medical Center operated by the Medical University of Vienna, is the most sophisticated facility in the country.   

Bay View Private Hospital, Mossel Bay, South Africa

This hospital resembles a beachside resort more than a health facility.  An oceanfront location ensures views of frolicking dolphins, and the menu includes South African wines.  House specialties (the medical kind) include cardiac surgeries and aesthetic enhancement procedures.