US Medical Tourism Statistics

A study by Deloitte LLP has found that more than 400,000 non-U.S. residents obtained medical care in the United States in 2008. It has also forecasted an annual increase of inbound medical tourism of 3%.

Deloitte states, "inbound medical tourism is primarily driven by the search for high-quality care without extensive wating periods. Foreign patients are willing to pay more for care within the United States if these two factors play a large role."

This is indeed the case, as 3.5% of inpatient procedures at U.S. hosptals in 2008 were performed on international patients. Many of these international patients were from Canada and were looking for a shorter waiting period for care.