Medical Tourism Tourism in Costa Rica

costa rica, cuba, mexico, panama, colombia, brazil, , chile, among latin america countries have become popular destinations medical tourism. in 2009 costa rica received 30,000 international tourists seeking medical treatment, , spent around us$250 million. medical travelers came united states , canada. during 2010, number of patients rose 36,000 international tourists, 40% of them receiving dental care services. in 2011, number continued rise, reaching 46,474.

costa rica particularly attractive american tourists because of proximity , short flight, quality of medical services , health care system, , lower medical costs. country has 20 medical centers, including small clinics , private hospitals, international certification, including 2 hospitals accredited joint commission international.

americans tourist prefer costa rica, mexico , panama, dental services or cosmetic surgeries. costa rica offers 30% 50% savings compared u.s. costs quality dental , cosmetic surgery services, , attractive u.s. citizens without health insurance or seeking procedures not covered health insurance plans. foreign patients find lower-priced nonsurgical procedures , tests, example, magnetic resonance imaging (mri) in costa rica costs $200 $300, compared more $1,000 in united states. in average medical costs 70% lower in u.s. due country s natural attractions, many health tourists combine treatment ecotourism , offer opportunity family or companions entertained while patient undergoes medical procedure.