“Americans kidnapped in Mexico”… This is the headline of some news headlines that quickly spread weeks ago, thus causing viewer outrage. Some sources claimed that those involved in this unfortunate event were traveling for medical attention. But is this an isolated case? Is surgery in Mexico safe? Today we will talk about this significant issue.
- Why do foreigners travel to Mexico for surgery?
- Some dangers of traveling to Mexico
- Five things to keep in mind if you were traveling to Mexico for surgery
- Choose to travel safely to Mexico
Why do foreigners travel to Mexico for surgery? Is surgery in Mexico safe?
Medical tourism in Mexico is an alternative that offers high-quality medical treatments and medical facilities. It is among the most visited health tourism destinations for two main reasons. The first is that Mexico has a privileged geographical location due to its proximity to the border with the United States. To enter the country, medical tourists require essential documentation, such as a passport.
The second reason is economic benefits. Mainly, those who come are from countries where the value of their currency is higher than the Mexican currency. Besides, their health insurance does not cover procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and cosmetic surgery. Therefore, patients have to pay for it out of their pocket. However, exchanging Mexican currency against the dollar allows foreigners to save up to 80% in total costs.
The services offered by health tourism range from general surgery to other specialized procedures, such as slimming surgery in Mexico or the fertility center in Tijuana, for those seeking treatments such as IVF. Here are some different common types of surgery through medical tourism services:
- Plastic surgery: surgery such as facelift, tummy tuck in Mexico, breast augmentation, liposuction, nose surgery, mommy makeover, and hair transplant, among others.
- Bariatric surgery in Mexico: gastric sleeve, gastric balloon, a bypass in Mexico, revision surgery, and more.
- Orthopedics: Knee replacement, hip replacement, spinal fusion, etc.
Is surgery in Mexico safe: Facts about traveling to Mexico
Is Mexico a dangerous place to travel? This is a widespread myth. Misinformation and the dissemination of sensationalist information have made some foreigners doubt safety regulations and consider that traveling to Mexico is highly dangerous or that due to the low cost, there is a risk of failed surgeries. Of course, there is no denying that, just like around the world, including first-world countries, crime, robbery, and other criminal acts exist. There are also both excellent and inadequate medical services.
However, are foreigners the main target of these situations? To answer it, consider that statistics made by essential entities such as the World Tourism Organization indicate that in the last 3 years, Mexico has been among the top 5 most visited tourist destinations worldwide. The ascent in this list has been constant even before and after the pandemic. This makes many convinced that it is safe to get a mommy makeover in Mexico, as well as vacation. It has recorded more than 3 million visits by foreigners per year, of which few have been crime victims.
While it is true that there are events such as shootings, kidnappings, or robberies, these are usually linked to organized crime and cartels and are typically centralized in certain areas of each city. However, tourist areas tend to have greater surveillance and security. In fact, many foreigners consider Mexicans to be warm and friendly people who insist on making travelers feel like they’re at home. On the other hand, malpractice cases are caused by choosing a board-certified surgeon or unreliable facilities.
Five things to keep in mind if you were traveling to Mexico for surgery
Now, although there are many things we cannot control when traveling, either for vacation or medical tourism, there are practical measures that travelers can take to make their trip much safer. It should be noted that when it comes to medical tourism, thousands of foreign travelers have obtained professional treatments that satisfy them.
These are 5 important aspects that those who have already traveled have taken into account:
- Medical care center and surgeon in Mexico
Experiences of malpractice or failed surgeries are because the person who performed them did not have the appropriate facilities or certification. Therefore, choose a board-certified surgeon and a hospital center that meets proper safety and hygiene protocols to make surgery in Mexico safe. Whether you are looking for bariatric, plastic, orthopedic, or other specialist surgeons, agencies such as Health & Wellness Bazaar offer a network of qualified doctors with excellent medical reputations.
- Communication
Traveling to a foreign country can be very challenging if you completely don’t know the language. Currently, there are practical applications that allow you to translate the ideas you want to communicate. However, it is best to choose services that offer bilingual care when it comes to health. If the support staff and medical professionals speak English and Spanish, you will feel much safer during your treatment and stay.
- Plan ahead
Planning a medical tourism trip lets you anticipate and make better accommodation, transportation, and activities decisions. So, before your trip, it is good to research and see the reviews of the places and facilities in Mexico where you will go. Often, a medical tourism agency will provide an itinerary of your treatment’s last days.
- Safe areas
Mexico offers excellent options to visit, have fun, and get to know. However, if this is your first time traveling to a city, determine which areas are safe and the best times to leave. It is often advisable to avoid walking alone late at night. Ask your travel advisor what activities are recommended. You may be provided with transportation from the hotel to the medical center and the airport in some services. This type of private service may be safer than public transport.
- Belongings
Expensive items in sight can attract thieves. So be discreet and selective about what kind of items or jewelry will travel with you. Usually, a health tourism trip will last two or three days, so bringing the basics for your personal care is advisable. Always keep your wallet, bag, or phone with you.
Is surgery in Mexico Safe? Yes! Come and find out for yourself!
So after reading all this information, is surgery in Mexico safe? Yes! We are here to help you. Did you know that Health & Wellness Bazaar offers personalized and safe services to its customers? This tourism agency aims to make its clients feel safe and cared for during their trips.
If you are looking for slimming programs, you want to know why more and more people choose their services, do not hesitate to contact us directly through [email protected] or call (858) 779 2552. So, is surgery in Mexico safe? Yes, come and see why numerous plastic and bariatric surgery patients have enjoyed a safe and successful medical experience!
