By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

The growing realization that high-quality healthcare is available in many parts of the world for a fraction of the cost than within the U.S., has prompted more American patients to become medical travelers. But where are the best medical tourism destinations and why? Below are some of the most recommended medical travel destinations according to Satori World Medical, as well as the most trusted consumer guide to healthcare abroad, Patients Beyond Borders – 2nd Edition, by Josef Woodman.

1. Costa Rica: According to Patients Beyond Borders, some 15 percent of Costa Rica’s international tourists visit this small country for medical services, which are predominantly cosmetic surgery and dental care. Costa Rica is one of the top five countries most visited by Americans for medical treatment. Costa Rica has hundreds of board-certified physicians, surgeons, and dentists, mostly practicing in or near San José. Costa Rica is also becoming increasingly popular for eye surgery and other elective procedures, such as bariatric surgery (for weight loss) and orthopedics. For medical travelers heading to Costa Rica for surgery, CIMA/San José, Hospital La Católica, and Clínica Bíblica are among the medical tourism industry’s top picks.

2. India: India’s medical travel industry, also according to Patients Beyond Borders 2nd Edition, is growing at an annual growth rate of 30 percent per year. Largely responsible for that growth is the increasing number of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans seeking treatment there. Particularly, India has become a hub for patients seeking cardiac and orthopedic surgeries, which are on average 80 percent less expensive when compared to the cost of treatment at home, based on estimates from Satori World Medical. In particular, India offers among the best cardiac care in the world with Centers of Excellence, such as Wockhardt Hospital (Mumbai), Apollo (New Delhi and Chennai), and the Asian Heart Institute (Mumbai) at the top of the list.

3. Turkey: For surgical procedures, ranging from orthopedic and cardiac, to cosmetic surgery, Turkey is an excellent choice. In fact, Turkey now has more than 30 Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospitals and healthcare facilities. JCI is the international arm of the U.S. hospital accrediting body, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), ensuring the highest standards in quality and patient care. Prices in Turkey are very competitive, and the quality of healthcare is consistently outstanding. Two of the top-rated hospitals in Turkey that are highly recommended are Acibadem Healthcare Group and Anadolu Medical Center.

4. Mexico: More and more American patients are opting to travel to Mexico for plastic and cosmetic surgery, dentistry, weight loss, and orthopedic surgery. Mexico is popular for medical tourists because it offers high-quality healthcare services within close proximity to U.S. and Canada. For U.S. patients who appreciate shorter flights and travel time, Mexico is an ideal choice. According to JCI, there are now eight JCI-accredited hospitals and medical facilities in Mexico. For patients seeking surgery in Mexico, two hospitals that Satori World Medical recommends are Christus Muguerza and Hospital San José Tec de Monterrey.

5. Singapore: According to Patients Beyond Borders, Singapore has been an international healthcare destination since the 1980s. In 2006, more than 400,000 international patients visited Singapore. The country offers 13 JCI-accredited hospitals and centers, specializing in a variety of practice areas, from orthopedic and spine surgery, to cardiac care and women’s procedures. Medical travelers considering Singapore as a destination will receive high quality care at any of the JCI-accredited hospitals throughout the country. Among them include National University Hospital and Parkway Group Healthcare, Asia’s second largest hospital network.

Regardless of where medical travelers choose to go for their surgical procedures, they should always first contact a professional global healthcare company, such as Satori World Medical, to coordinate every step of their trip and ensure that all important details are taken care of.