• Medical tourism is on the rise with millions of Americans taking advantage of lower medical fees by crossing the border or taking a short plane ride to get the care they need.
• Bitcoin can boost the medical tourism sector, making international transactions easier and ensuring that everyone gets a fair deal.
• Common medical tourism destinations include Canada, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, but the CDC warns of the risks associated with medical tourism, such as deep vein thrombosis and bacterial infection exposure.
Medical tourism is becoming more and more popular as Americans look for more affordable healthcare options. With the cost of medical care rising, many are willing to take the risk of traveling abroad for medical treatments, such as cataract surgery, to save money. With the invention of Bitcoin, the medical tourism sector is set to receive a boost and make international transactions easier and fairer.
Medical tourism is defined by the CDC as the practice of traveling to another country for medical care. Millions of Americans save between 40-80% in medical fees by crossing the border or taking a short plane ride to receive the care they need. Common medical tourism destinations include Canada, as well as countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Treatments that have shorter recovery times, like cataract surgery, are particularly popular, as patients can usually drive the day after the procedure.
However, medical tourism does come with risks. Flying shortly after surgery increases the patient’s risk of deep vein thrombosis. Those who travel abroad for medical treatments may also be exposed to bacteria that they have no immunity to. The CDC warns travelers to research any care providers thoroughly before going through with treatment.
Bitcoin can boost the medical tourism sector and make international transactions easier. Bitcoin can be used to make payments in any country, removing the need for currency exchange and avoiding the risk of fraud. Furthermore, Bitcoin transactions are anonymous, which can help protect the privacy of medical tourists.
The medical tourism sector is set to grow as more people look abroad for shorter wait times, better service, and lower fees. With the help of Bitcoin, medical tourists can get the treatment they need at a price they can afford, while protecting their privacy and getting a fair deal in the process.