People have been traveling around the globe in search of cures for as long as there have been cures to be found. In recent years, with ease of travel, globalization, and technological advancements in devices and telehealth, new doors have opened for patients to travel to get medical care. Medical tourism websites have flourished and promise a vacation-like recovery with procedures at lower cost, with less wait time and doctors who look at patients as a whole. The decision to travel abroad for medical care can be based on lower cost, finding the best doctors and availability of scheduling or finding procedures that are not covered by insurance in the home country. In addition, research is showing that the experience of traveling is valuable in itself. When embarking on medical tourism, it is essential to balance the benefits and risks for older adults who are navigating in foreign territories. With advances in machine learning, companies can use technology to tailor both the travel and the medical experience. Extracting the necessary data from the patient’s medical history and providing it to the overseas caregivers can be streamlined. Follow-ups can be identified and managed in order to decrease the risk of complications and recovery time. This is a promising shift in the industry that will mitigate the risks and bring about a safe and memorable outcome for older adults and their companions.

Health Journeys, Accessible at Any Age

Medical tourism has transformed from a niche market to a global industry, with increasing numbers of patients traveling to countries such as Thailand, Spain, Turkey, and Hungary for medical procedures. According to the global non-profit Medical Tourism Association, the industry was expected to be worth $29.26 billion in 2024, and to grow to $137.71 billion in the next eight years (Fortune Business Insights, 2024), driven by high quality, cost-effectiveness of care, and the desire to combine medical treatments with leisure and cultural experiences in these destinations. The Middle East, particularly Turkey, has emerged as a leader in advanced procedures like hair transplants, dentistry, eye surgery, and bariatric surgery. Thailand and India offer a wide range of medical services, from cardiac care to fertility treatments, often at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries. Advances such as minimally-invasive surgical techniques and robotic surgeries have helped reduce recovery time for many procedures, making them more suitable for a traveler, while the broad acceptance of telehealth means that patients are not limited to consulting with doctors close to home. In addition, the United States faces a growing shortfall of physicians, and especially surgeons. This shortage is predicted to be as high as 19,000 surgeons by 2036 (Newman, 2024). Those who are able to travel may find it easier to find a physician to meet their needs in another country.

The concept of active and healthy aging is meant to combat the decline of physical and physiological health in later life. Several studies have shown that tourism positively influences older adults’ subjective well-being and the level of social engagement by enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. Medical tourism therefore can help to improve the overall health of all older adults, including their physical and mental health, through activities that stimulate active aging (Qiao et al., 2022). Traveling for medical purposes provides new experiences and a sense of adventure that can improve overall mood and cognitive function and reduce stress. Increased physical activity such as exploring local attractions on foot, healthy diets that include eating fewer processed local foods, and participating in various customs such as meditation, bathing, or spa treatments, also promote well-being.

A 2021 survey by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) found that approximately 33% of U.S. adults used some form of complementary health approach in 2020, and yet most insurance plans do not cover alternative care. Approaches such as acupuncture, massage, herbs and supplements, dietary changes, and meditation are being used to address health issues related to pain, stress management, immunology, and even cancer management. Some destinations offer access to comprehensive Western-style health check-ups, preventive treatment, physical therapies, and traditional medicine practices in a combination that appeals to travelers looking for long-term overall wellness and health management. For example, Eangelica—the founder of our company, JSU—was traveling in Istanbul in the spring of 2024 when a dental emergency arose. She contacted her regular dentist in Boston and was told she would need to wait several weeks after returning from her trip before an appointment would be available and was quoted a price of $4,500. With the help of a website that connects patients to certified clinics, she was able to see a dentist in Turkey within days, on a weekend, and had a dental implant installed for only $800. Eangelica not only saved $3,700, but also felt completely heard and understood by the attending physician. The procedure was done with no complications, and she was able to return to eating the Turkish food she enjoyed so much.

Many people travel to other countries so that they do not have to wait for their procedures or pay high prices. In one study, 70% of people who had dental work done outside the United States reported it was due to cost (Stoney et al., 2022). According to data published by the International Trade Administration, the average medical tourist can save 25% to 75% on several procedures and treatment options. For instance, the worldwide average cost for a heart bypass surgery is $13,000, which is nearly nine times less when compared to the U.S average ($113,000; Fortune Business Insights, 2024). Not all of the procedures sought by travelers are as essential as emergency dental work. Many people choose to have elective surgeries while on vacation, both for the lower cost and to have more of the recovery period completed before going back to work at home. Cosmetic procedures such as hair transplants, face lifts, dental veneers, and liposuction are increasingly popular, especially with the rising workplace use of video conferencing and the explosion of social media. These types of surgeries are not limited to the young, either: in 2022, 42% of the cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States were on people over age fifty (Yang, 2024). A study by Vanderbilt University showed that people over sixty-five did not experience any more complications than their younger counterparts when undergoing plastic surgery, even taking their increased underlying risk factors into account (VUMC News, 2014). For example, imagine the story of Helen, a seventytwo-year-old retiree from Canada, who had long been self-conscious about the deep wrinkles and sagging skin on her face. After years of contemplating a facelift, she decided to explore her options abroad. Turkey, known for its advanced cosmetic surgery techniques and high standards of care, caught her attention. Helen booked a consultation with a renowned plastic surgeon in Istanbul. The clinic’s reputation for excellence and the significantly lower costs compared to North America convinced her to proceed. The experience was exceptional from start to finish. The clinic staff were attentive and professional, ensuring Helen felt comfortable and well-informed throughout the process. Post-surgery, Helen spent a few weeks recovering in a serene guesthouse, enjoying the local culture and cuisine. The results exceeded her expectations, giving her a rejuvenated appearance and a boost in confidence. Helen returned home not only looking years younger but also with fond memories of her time in Turkey. 
Many countries are actively working to attract foreign patients, not only through low costs but also through additional resources dedicated to making the process easier on patients. For example, in June 2024, Elise Bryn shared a TikTok video describing her experience at a Memorial Group hospital in Turkey, during which she had a personal translator assigned to assist her with over 35 tests in a comprehensive health scan for a total cost of $810. The video has over 2 million views, with many comments from Americans about the high costs of their own health care. 

Considerations

There are inherent risks and challenges to receiving health care in another country, including complications from the procedure itself, the potential for adverse effects related to travel, language barriers, and the potential for inadequate follow-up care. While medical tourism can offer a plethora of benefits, it can also bring some infection risks. Depending on the destination, both hospital- and procedure-related infections as well as endemics should be carefully considered. Although healthcare-associated infections are substantially higher in developing countries, the prevalence is similar between Europe and the United States (Allengranzi et al., 2011; Chen & Wilson, 2013; Green, 2008). In addition, compensation for medical malpractice can differ in other jurisdictions, and patients may have limited recourse if something goes wrong. To mitigate these risks, thorough research and careful planning are essential. Older adults and their companions should look for a medical tourism broker that works with doctors and clinics accredited by an organization like the Joint Commission International (JCI), offers pre-travel consultations with healthcare providers, and assists in arranging followup care as needed in their home country. An essential part of any successful medical intervention is making sure the doctor performing the procedure knows all the relevant details of the patient’s health history, including recent tests, related diagnoses, and any conditions that might affect the recovery process. An equally essential part is careful follow-up, including post-operative checkups with an empathetic doctor, regular attendance at physical therapy sessions, and ensuring the primary care physician receives all related records. A HIPAA-compliant website is the best choice for transferring medical records from a patient’s home doctor to a specialist abroad, and back again. Emerging technology such as machine learning makes all of these elements simpler. Robust customer care is also a crucial part of the health care journey. Older patients often require additional support, including assistance with translation, travel arrangements, and arranging accommodation, as well as navigation of the healthcare system itself. High-quality customer care teams can provide personalized support, address concerns, and ensure a smooth overall experience. As older adults extend their active years and health care becomes increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain in the United States, a growing cohort of specialized doctors and innovative technologies are making medical tourism a great option for older people who want to take control of their own health care journey. Travelers can access surgery on demand, specialized or elective procedures, alternative therapies, and the benefits of travel itself as part of an overall vacation experience. High quality medical care is not limited by geography or age, and an active person should feel comfortable seeking out personalized care wherever their budget and travel desires take them. 

Lin Swanson and Dr. Dorottya Turu (Clinica Ruesch,
Naples, Italy) are writing for JSU. JSU.Health bridges
physical rehabilitation, wellness, and personalized treatment to help you JustShowUp for a better life. Our convenient digital solution uses biometrics together with habit change
and provider empathy to easily connect your personalized health
choices throughout your recovery. Our seamless integration of technology and medicine means that patients reap the benefits of inperson appointments without ever leaving their home.