Medical tourism in Mexico
Estimations forecast a significant growth trajectory for Mexico's medical tourism industry.
In the evolving landscape of global healthcare, Mexico emerges as a burgeoning hub for medical tourism, where skilled practitioners and state-of-the-art facilities draw an increasing number of foreign patients.
Medical procedures and surgeons
Dr. Guillermo Álvarez performed over 1,000 gastric band surgeries in 2022, with 95% of patients coming from the United States.
Dr. Arturo Chayet's clinic, CODET Vision, has grown to 23 ophthalmologists, performing about 4,000 surgeries annually, attracting patients from various backgrounds.
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Economic impact and growth
In 2019, Deloitte estimated the value of medical tourism in Mexico at $8 billion annually, projecting a growth to $13.8 billion by 2030.
Despite the lack of official investments, medical tourism has organically grown in various regions of Mexico, including border cities and popular destinations like Cancun, Mexico City, and Monterrey.
Healthcare services and facilities
The Grand Hotel Tijuana redesigned rooms for medical recovery in 2009, offering a hybrid concept of a hotel and hospital with 80 rooms.
SIMNSA provides healthcare plans in Mexico for US workers, with over 500 U.S. companies offering these plans to their employees.
Cost comparison and affordability
The cost of procedures like Lasik in Mexico is significantly lower than in the United States, attracting patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Guillermo Álvarez's clinic seeks to provide competitive prices, with a gastric band surgery costing around $8,000 compared to potential costs exceeding $20,000 in the US.
Marketing and patient outreach
Mexican specialists use platforms like TikTok and Google reviews to promote medical services and attract foreign patients.
A real estate seller from Arkansas generated increased patient traffic to Guillermo Álvarez's clinic after undergoing weight loss surgery and showcasing her transformation.
Certifications and quality assurance
Companies in Mexico, like Guillermo Álvarez's clinic, aim to achieve certifications comparable to or surpassing those of US doctors to instill confidence in patients.
Logistics and accessibility
Patients from remote regions, like Northeast Arkansas, travel to Piedras Negras for medical procedures, highlighting the logistical challenges and efforts made by healthcare providers to facilitate patient journeys.
The convenience of accessing medical care in Mexico, with well-trained professionals, contributes to the attractiveness of the country for medical tourism.
