Health and Medical Tourism in Mexico - Latin American Medical and Health Tourism Congress

The first Medical and Health Tourism Congress in Latin America took place in Monterrey with the participation of specialist from all over the world and the presence of 25 countries. Jonathan Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association (MTA) highlighted that in the year 2017 the sector will register almost 80 billion dollars from US patients only.

"This is a great opportunity for Mexico and the northern states of the country due to their geographical location and the medical infrastructure, the use of the latest technology and the difference in prices with the US. Patients can receive the same quality treatment o even more advanced one that what people can find in their location, but a lower cost.” Edelheit said.

In the case of a surgery the costs in Mexico can result up to 60% under US hospital prices. Inside the Medical Attention Sector, the medical and health tourism are the fastest growing sectors in the world and many US insurance companies are beginning to contemplate and include it on their insurance plans. Companies such as Aetna, Wellpoint, Swiss Re and USNOW have launched medical tourism pilot programs.

A 2007 report from Deloitte stated that more than 750,000 Americans traveled outside the US doing medical or health tourism. This number is expected to grow up to 23 million in the year 2017 with almost 80 billion dollars in expenses.

Edelheit also said that the US Congress is going to include high level informative sessions to include medical tourism in the insurance programs and plans.