Modern Healthcare – August 19, 2019

August 19, 2019 | Modern Healthcare 33

Traveling for treatment

United Arab

Emirates:

15.8%

United

Kingdom:

12.4%

U.S.: 27.7%

Egypt: 12.05%

Oman: 12%

Germany:

10.1%

Kuwait: 10%

Reasons for travel

Orthopedic/

spine 72%

Oncology/cancer

treatments 72%

Cosmetic/

plastic surgery/

aesthetic 60%

Cardiovascular/

cardiology 54%

Neurology/

neurosurgery 52%

U.S.: 40%

Germany:

United 16%

Kingdom:

9.6%

United Arab

Emirates:

5.8%

Turkey: 12.2%

India:

10.5%

Thailand: 5.9%

Average savings for

patients seen in these

countries based on

U.S. costs:

India 65%-90%

Malaysia 65%-80%

Thailand 50%-75%

Turkey 50%-65%

Costa Rica 45%-65%

Mexico 40%-65%

Taiwan 40%-55%

South Korea 30%-45%

Singapore 25%-40%

Brazil 20%-30%

* U.S. isn't in the ranking because that is where the respondents live.

Sources: Global Healthcare Resources, Medical Tourism Association, Patients Beyond Borders

The Medical Tourism Index measures

a country’s “attractiveness” as a medical

tourist destination using criteria grouped

into three categories: destination

environment, medical tourism industry,

and quality of facilities and services.

Top five destinations* for 2016 and their rating

Canada

76.62

United

Kingdom

74.87

Israel

73.91

Singapore

73.56

India

72.1

In the battle to save money on healthcare costs, some employers are sending workers to foreign lands

for medical care. Ashley Furniture Industries reportedly waives copays or deductibles for some procedures

done outside the U.S. State workers in Utah get travel covered if they head to Mexico to buy less-

expensive drugs. By some estimates, the medical tourism market could reach $28 billion by 2024.

... traveling

patients live in

... and go here

for medical care

A survey of global buyers of healthcare services—individuals or companies that either refer

patients to healthcare destinations or are involved in the selection of providers for the networks

offered to patients—found that ...