Why Cosmetic Surgery is Surging in Medical Tourism

Cosmetic surgery is one of the most sought after procedure Medical Tourism. Developing countries are now attracting even more patients from abroad by building state-of-the-art facilities with highly trained doctors while offering competitive prices. Currently, about 60% of medical travelers seek cosmetic surgeries and treatments. And that trend is expected to grow.

There are many reasons why people from the U.S. specially are traveling abroad for cosmetic surgeries:

  1. Cosmetic surgery and other elective surgeries are not covered by medical insurance. Because patients usually have to pay 100% of the cost, they “shop around” to find lower costs and save money.
  2. Healthcare costs are rising. The cost of health care per person has been growing at a rate 3 – 6% each year. While the growing number of cosmetic surgery clinics abroad offer ever-more competitive prices.
  3. People are living longer. The aging population are looking for ways to stay “looking young.” More people are getting Botox and facelifts, and even more are getting them at a younger age to “prevent” wrinkles.
  4. Minimally invasive procedures have less risks and complications, so travelers have less worries.
  5. Cosmetic surgeries abroad offer patients more privacy about the procedures they underwent and during recovery.

Medical Tourist Destinations in Southeast Asia and Average Cost of Procedures Compared to the U.S.

  • Singapore costs are 50% of U.S. costs
  • South Korea costs are 40% of U.S. costs
  • Thailand costs are 30% of U.S. costs
  • Taiwan costs are 25% of U.S. costs
  • Malaysia costs are 25% of U.S. costs
  • India costs are 20% of U.S. costs