Patients Beyond Borders: Monterrey, Mexico Edition

IntRodUctIon
the Phenomenon of Medical travel
My research, including countless interviews, has convinced me that with
diligence, perseverance, and good information, patients considering traveling
to Monterrey or any other place for healthcare indeed have legitimate,
safe choices, not to mention an opportunity to save thousands of
dollars over the same treatment in their home country. Depending upon
the country and type of treatment, uninsured and underinsured patients,
as well as those seeking elective care, can save 50–70 percent of the cost
of treatment in their home country. For example, a knee replacement that
costs $34,000 in the US may cost $10,000 in Monterrey.
Estimated costs
in Us dollars
xiv Patients Beyond Borders
Heart
Bypass
Hip
Replacement
Facelift gastric
Bypass
Monterrey, Mexico* $36,000 $14,400 $5,500 $12,000 $24,700
United States** $88,000 $33,000 $11,000 $25,000 $49,000
*Monterrey costs are averages based on data reported as of 2010.
Robotic-assisted
Prostatectomy
**US costs vary widely depending on location, materials and equipment, and individual requirements.
Rates are averages and reflect discounts available to uninsured patients.
But cost savings are the not the only reason to travel for healthcare.
Others include:
Better quality care. Veteran health travelers know that facilities, instrumentation,
and customer service in treatment centers abroad often equal
or exceed those found in their own country.
Excluded treatments. Many people don’t have health insurance. Even
if you do, your policy may exclude a variety of conditions and treatments.
You, the policyholder, must pay these expenses out of pocket, so having
the procedure in a place where it’s more affordable makes economic sense.