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.

ITIJ Interviews Baptist Health Vice President Allen Brenteson

The International Travel Insurance Journal (ITIJ) interviewed the Corporate Vice President of Baptist Health, Allen Brenteson, in the February 2009 issue.

Allen Brenteson spoke to ITIJ about the ways in which Baptist Health hospitals handle medical tourism and international patient services.

With ten years of experience, Baptist Health has gained extensive knowlege of the international market. The hospital's international department is well staffed and offers accurate pricing for medical procedures. Baptist Health also has an internal insurance specialist and finance team who work with foreign insurance providers in order to make the process run smoothly.

Allen Brenteson reminded ITIJ of Baptist Health's philosophy - to provide cutting-edge medical care at the best price. The hospital's pricing policy is fully transparent to avoid price descrimination.

Mr. Brenteson also told ITIJ of his previous employment experiences, his passion for golf and his educational background.

Get More Out Of Your South Florida Vacation

Florida has long been a tourist destination for travellers of all ages from around the world. Our beaches and attractions are some of the most famed destinations for those looking for sand, sun and Disney fun. 

But South Florida is now becoming one of the top destinations for Medical Tourism, especially for residents of Latin America. Whether it is for a yearly checkup or a high tech surgical procedure, the world class medical care offered at Baptist Health in South Florida will make the trip well worth it. 

On top of the care you receive at our South Florida International Hospitals, you can also enjoy all that South Florida has to offer. Enjoy a relaxing week at the beach after your recovery, or spend a few days with your family at Disney World Orlando. 

Of course, this is supposed to be a vacation, that's why Baptist Health International will do everything possible to make your stay enjoyable, comfortable and relaxing. We will arrange your transportation and accommodation for your stay and offer 24 hour emergency on-call services to international patients.

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.