Many people believe that medical tourism in Mexico is a new and innovative concept. However, in actual fact, the roots of medical tourism date back to around 6000 years ago.

4000 B.C. – The Sumerians created the first health spas built around hot springs, temple baths and pools. Historical accounts have documented Indian, Egyptian and Chinese cultures discovering the therapeutic effects of these springs and temple baths.
2000 B.C. – During the Bronze Age, hill tribes found that drinking and bathing in iron-rich mineral water had healthy benefits.
1000 B.C. – Medical tourism was thoroughly established by the Ancient Greeks when they developed the first health centres in temples that were in honor of the god of medicine, Asclepius. People traveled for thousands of miles to reach these temples and find cures for their illnesses.

Medical tourism emerged in India around 5000 years ago when the healing benefits of alternative medicines such as Ayurvedic, spirtitual enlightenment and Yoga were discovered. Medical travelers and spiritual students traveled to India from all over the world in search of cures for any ailment. Rome also soon became a popular destination for the rich and upper-class medical tourists. The hot water baths and springs became popular healthcare complexes as well as commercial and social networking centres.

Medical tourism today.

Today, in countries such as the USA, UK and Canada, there are often long waiting lists for certain treatments and procedures. Some patients may turn to private health care, however, prices can be unaffordable resulting in them not receiving the medical attention they need quick enough.

Throughout history people have traveled to seek top medical treatment. In the past medical tourism was restricted to the wealthy. However, today the physical, economic and cultural barriers that used to separate countries are now disappearing. Medical providers in a huge range of destinations are embracing the concept of medical tourism, welcoming international patients and striving to meet their needs.

Hot spots for medical tourism

Affordable travel costs enable patients to experience high quality treatment abroad at significantly reduced rates. Cancun and Tijuana Mexico are on tourist routes and have become popular destinations for patients from the USA who find it difficult to receive affordable treatment due to inflated health care costs. Mexico is the best example of a fashionable destination for medical tourists where top medical schools generate highly qualified doctors and nurses.

Benefits of medical tourism

As well as cost and waiting time, another huge benefit of medical tourism is the quality of service. Medical tourists are frequently surprised at the quality of care they receive, often finding that it was better than what they had experienced at home. Medical providers abroad often utilize advanced forms of the latest medical technologies and developments, such as stem cell therapies. This enables patients to receive treatments that may not be available to them at home.

Mexico has more to offer than just high quality health care. Therefore, some patients chose to combine their treatment with a relaxing and affordable holiday. Recovering by and pool or on hot sandy beach is undoubtedly more appealing than returning home straight after treatment. International Patient Facilitators frequently offer packages to international patients, including travel, accommodation and site seeing.

How International Patient Facilitators can help patients

International Patient Facilitators understands that the concept of traveling abroad for treatment can seem daunting. Therefore, we endeavor to ensure that patients have access to the right information at all stages of their medical tourism journey. Our newsletters aim to provide patients with information they need to make choices about their treatment pathway.

International Patient Facilitators provides patients with access to a network of medical providers making the route to prompt, affordable, high quality treatments as stress free an experience as possible.

International Patient Facilitators feel passionate about ensuring excellent outcomes for patients. The concept of medical tourism is not a new one, indeed since 4000 B.C it has been acknowledged as an effective means of receiving the latest treatments. However, we are aware that the process of medical tourism is very different today then it was 6000 years ago. We aim to keep up to date with the latest news and developments in the medical tourism world so that patient needs are always met. Medical Tourism today is about people travelling outside their neighborhood but within their comfort zone.

Today, with the increase in countries participating and the huge range of treatments that are readily available to patients, medical tourism is becoming a globally established method of delivering and receiving health care. International Patient Facilitators believe that its benefits extend beyond improving physical health as it can quite literally expand patient horizons.

Sheri Burke / CEO / International Patient Facilitators  1 800 210 5124  or  561 598 8758