Medical tourism is when you pack your suitcase with sunscreen and a passport, then jet off to a place where world-class doctors can fix you up – while leaving enough money in your wallet for a beachside recovery margarita.
Well, you don't have to drink alcohol. I don't. But you get the idea. My point is that being a medical tourist will save you a lot of money and you can then use all that money you save for fun adventures. Or, if you prefer, sock it away into a index fund and watch it grow.
Since I started having my medical appointments in Mexico, I've saved a small fortune. I do my dentist appointments, doctors appointments, IV therapy and skincare procedures all in Mexico.
US and Canadian citizens will often choose Mexico for medical tourism, because – with a little research and some advanced notice – the flights are comparatively fast, inexpensive and easy. See the video lower in this article.
Europeans tend to choose Thailand for their medical tourism. Australians often go to Malaysia or Indonesia for their procedures, the Chinese often choose Korea, and in Bangladesh they often go to India for their surgeries and treatments. And Turkey is currently the hair-transplant capital of the world.
But it's not just about saving a lot of money. People opt for medical tourism also because they receive better care than they would have at home.
For example, the hospital I go to in Mérida, Mexico is known for its state-of-the-art equipment and Harvard-trained doctors.

Welcome to the new world of medical tourism, where "foreign healthcare" no longer means lower standards – quite the opposite.
The Problem
Before I discovered medical tourism, I had so many doctors retire early that I lost count.
Doctors have been retiring earlier than expected because healthcare has changed so drastically.
For many doctors, their professions ending up being less lucrative (adjusting for inflation) and far more bureaucratic than they ever imagined.
Of course, every time my doctor would retire, I'd have to try to find a new primary care physician who took my insurance. I'd call offices and they would almost always say, "not currently accepting new patients."
The whole situation was becoming ridiculous.
Healthcare costs are becoming unsustainable for many people over 45.
With average procedures costing 3 (or more) times than developing nations, many are forced to delay necessary treatments or deplete their retirement savings.
This situation is more serious than most realize. Delaying medical care often leads to worse health outcomes and higher eventual costs.
The stress of managing medical expenses can itself create health problems, creating a vicious cycle.
Meanwhile, insurance premiums continue to rise while coverage decreases, leaving many feeling trapped and worried about their future.
Medical Tourism Offers A Solution
Medical tourism offers a viable escape from this healthcare trap.
By combining research, planning, and a willingness to travel, you can access world-class medical care at a fraction of U.S. costs.
The key is choosing the right destination and facility for your specific needs.
The Perfect Formula = Lower Cost + Better Care
Here's a startling truth that the U.S. healthcare system doesn't want you to know: in many cases, you can get superior medical care abroad for a fraction of the cost.
Better healthcare options are often just a flight away.
While healthcare costs in some developed countries has continued to skyrocket (with an average increase of 6.5% annually in the US, for example), the quality of care in many international destinations has surpassed.
Consider this: a hip replacement that costs $40,000 in the United States typically runs about $12,000 in Thailand, and many Thai hospitals are actually better equipped than their American counterparts.
The surgeons often trained at prestigious Western medical schools and have performed thousands more procedures than their U.S. counterparts due to higher patient volumes.
Understanding Medical Tourism: A Solution for Different Life Stages
Whether you're planning for a specific procedure or just keeping your options open, understanding the medical tourism landscape for is becoming an essential part of healthcare planning.
In what specific ways you benefit from medical tourism will depend, in part, on your age range. Here are some examples.
Early Career Professionals (age 45-55)
For those still in their peak earning years, medical tourism offers an opportunity to address health issues without depleting savings or taking on debt. Common procedures for this age group include:
- Orthopedic surgeries (particularly sports-related injuries)
- Dental work (especially complex procedures like implants)
- Preventive screenings
- Weight loss surgeries

The average savings for these procedures ranges from 40-80% compared to U.S. prices, allowing you to maintain your career momentum without sacrificing health.
Active Retirees (55-70)
This group often faces the challenge of managing healthcare costs during the gap before Medicare eligibility or seeking treatments that Medicare doesn't fully cover. Popular options include:
- Joint replacements
- Cardiac procedures
- Dental restoration
- Vision correction
- Anti-aging treatments
With potential savings of $15,000-50,000 per procedure, medical tourism can help stretch retirement savings significantly.
Mature Seniors (70+)
For those requiring more complex medical care, international options can provide:
- Advanced cardiac care
- Cancer treatments
- Long-term rehabilitation services
- Comprehensive wellness programs
Many facilities offer luxury recovery accommodations that feel more like high-end resorts than hospitals, often at lower costs than basic U.S. hospital rooms.
The Mérida Advantage: A Case Study in Modern Medical Tourism
Mérida, Mexico has emerged as a premier destination for medical tourists, particularly from the United States and Canada. Here's what makes it special:
Infrastructure and Accessibility
- Multiple JCI-accredited hospitals
- Direct flights from major U.S. cities
- Modern medical facilities with state-of-the-art equipment
- English-speaking medical staff
- First-world amenities in a colonial setting
Popular Procedures and Costs
- Dental implants: $1,800 (vs. $4,500 in U.S.)
- Hip replacement: $12,000 (vs. $40,000 in U.S.)
- LASIK surgery: $1,200 per eye (vs. $2,500 in U.S.)
- Comprehensive health screenings: $500 (vs. $2,000 in U.S.)
Practical Tips for Mérida Medical Travel
- Best time to visit: November to March (cooler weather)
- Recommended stay: 2-3 weeks for major procedures
- Top medical facilities: Centro Médico de las Américas, Clínica de Mérida, Faro
- Average daily costs: $100-150 for quality accommodations and meals
- Transportation: Uber is widely available and reliable
Beyond Traditional Medicine: The Wellness Tourism Boom
The medical tourism industry has expanded to include wellness tourism, offering holistic healing centers, alternative medicine treatments, luxury spa retreats, stress management programs, and anti-aging therapies.
I've had many procedures in Mexico that I wouldn't have in the US because either they don't offer them or they're prohibitively expensive. This includes intravenous stem cell therapy and also face treatments such as plasma fibroblast therapy, Profhilo, and salmon DNA. I also get a complete ultrasound yearly. And I have two doctors, one for my yearly physical, and the other for a second opinion.
Many facilities in Mexico combine traditional medical procedures with wellness services, providing a comprehensive approach to well-being and recovery.
Lesser-Known Facts About Medical Tourism
There are some surprising truths about medical tourism that challenge common misconceptions. See the video:
Many international hospitals have lower infection rates than U.S. hospitals due to stricter protocols and newer facilities.
Several countries (including Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia) have special medical visa programs that make extended stays for treatment easier than most people realize.
Some U.S. insurance companies now cover international procedures, recognizing the cost benefits and quality of care available abroad.
Medical tourism isn't just for major procedures – many people combine routine check-ups and dental work with vacation time, effectively getting free travel when factoring in the medical savings.
Planning Your Medical Tourism Journey
- Research and Documentation
- Verify hospital accreditations
- Check physician credentials
- Obtain detailed cost estimates
- Research visa requirements
- Gather medical records
- Logistics Planning
- Schedule consultations
- Arrange transportation
- Book recovery accommodation
- Plan for companion travel
- Consider travel insurance

- Recovery and Follow-up
- Allow adequate recovery time
- Plan for potential complications
- Arrange for home country follow-up
- Document all procedures and medications
Final Thoughts
Medical tourism isn't just a trend – it's a revolution in how we think about healthcare. For adults over 45, it offers an opportunity to receive excellent medical care while maintaining financial stability.
The key is to approach it with thorough research and realistic expectations. When done right, medical tourism can provide access to world-class healthcare at prices that won't jeopardize your financial future. As more in developed countries discover this option, we're likely to see it become an increasingly mainstream choice for medical care.
Your health is your most valuable asset. Medical tourism offers a way to invest in that asset without sacrificing your financial security.
The world of healthcare is changing – it may be wise to change your approach to it and consider new solutions.