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.

Inbound Medical Tourism to Florida

Inbound medical tourism to the United States can offer higher quality health care than would be available in another country. International patients travel to the U.S. for access to procedures that are not available in their home country, freedom from long lines or waiting lists, lower cost care and the ability to combine tourism with medical care.

Florida is the optimal medical tourism location in the United States because of the already robust tourist attractions. South Beach in Miami, Disney World in Orlando and Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral draw tourists from all over the world and will only supplement the amount of people traveling to Florida for medical procedures.

Baptist Health International in Miami is one of the most popular destinations for international patients, treating over 12,000 international patients from 100 countries in 2008. Foreign patients are attracted by the concierge and language assistance services offered by Baptist Health International. Patients are picked up at the airport, assisted with travel and accommodation reservations and offered medical information in their native language.

Medical tourism will also benefit locals by stimulating the declining economy in the much needed area of tourism and by upgrading the medical services offered in order to compete on a global scale.

Florida's Medical Tourism is Thriving

Florida's medical facilities are helping foreigners seeking healthcare services which are too costly or have a long waiting list in their home country. 400,000 foreign residents visited the U.S. for medical tourism in 2008. Collectively, these foreign patients spent $5 billion on treatments which would have been more expensive or unavaliable in their country. 

Many Florida hospitals are beginning to offer special services for international patients, including help applying for tourist visas, scheduling flights and booking hotels. 

Baptist Health of Miami treats 12,000 foreigners per year. Most of these foreign patients are seeking treatment from specialists in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and gastroenterology. 

Baptist Health of Miami is working to provide healthcare for those who need it, even if the services are not offered in the patient's home country.