Some Facts and Figures
Almost 45 million Americans, or slightly more than 15 percent of the population, are currently uninsured, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics from 2005, the latest available.
It is estimated that more than 150,000 Americans traveled abroad for health care in 2006. The number is projected to double in 2007.
150,000 number is a conservative number "It may be 400,000. The top destinations - Southeast Asia and Mexico.
Medical tourism companies, in collaboration with special "health travel agents," have sprung up across the country.
Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, treats more than 400,000 international patients every year.
A heart bypass in the United States costs $130,000, but just $10,000 in India and $11,000 in Thailand. A hip replacement in the United States would cost $43,000 but just $12,000 in Thailand or Singapore. Hysterectomy costs are about $20,000 here but $3,000 in India.
evolved, she said, a physician is not likely to automatically rule out the idea.
Why Medical Tourism is Growing
It is estimated that more than 150,000 Americans traveled abroad for health care in 2006. The number is projected to double in 2007.
150,000 number is a conservative number "It may be 400,000. The top destinations - Southeast Asia and Mexico.
Medical tourism companies, in collaboration with special "health travel agents," have sprung up across the country.
Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, treats more than 400,000 international patients every year.
A heart bypass in the United States costs $130,000, but just $10,000 in India and $11,000 in Thailand. A hip replacement in the United States would cost $43,000 but just $12,000 in Thailand or Singapore. Hysterectomy costs are about $20,000 here but $3,000 in India.
evolved, she said, a physician is not likely to automatically rule out the idea.
Why Medical Tourism is Growing
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