Scott MacStravic, Ph.D.
The “medical tourism” market used to reflect the number of people, usually wealthy royalty, politicians, and business executives, who were willing and able to travel from foreign countries to the U.S. for medical care. This market took a severe hit, particularly among those from Islamic countries, after 9/11 when visa requirements became far more stringent, and often produced delays longer than patient prospects cared to wait. Moreover, less expensive and competitive quality options have increasingly become available in other countries, including Brazil, Thailand, and India.
One newer category of medical tourists is people within the U.S. who are willing to travel to distant cities, even to other states, in pursuit of the best care they can find.
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