Complete Guide to Medical Tourism in Mexico

Mexico has recently become a popular destination for medical tourism (the act of seeking medical care in a foreign country) due to its affordable medical services, high-quality healthcare facilities, and proximity to the U.S. and Canada. In 2024, between 1.4 and 3 million tourists visited Mexico for medical care, with around half coming from the United States.

If you’re considering traveling to Mexico for affordable medical care, why not invest your cost savings in a vacation? Whether you need a comfortable, relaxing place to recover from an intensive surgery or simply somewhere to unwind and have fun before heading home — a spacious and luxurious vacation rental is the perfect “home away from home” for medical tourists in Mexico.

Why Do Americans Travel to Mexico for Medical Care?

International tourists travel to Mexico for healthcare for the following reasons:

• Affordability — Americans and foreign patients from other countries can save up to 40–60% on popular medical procedures by traveling to Mexico for healthcare. Some can even save more, depending on the cost of the procedure and their health insurance coverage back home.
• Quality — Mexico offers many top-tier hospitals and medical facilities that meet or exceed international standards with qualified medical professionals who have often received additional medical training in the United States or Europe. Many state-of-the-art hospitals in Mexico are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), and others are affiliated with well-known American healthcare organizations, like the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
• Convenience — Since most destinations in Mexico are a short flight or drive across the border, medical tourism in Mexico is a quick option for residents of the United States. Getting to and from Mexico is also affordable and convenient for patients requiring follow-up visits.
• Relaxation — Medical tourists in Mexico can enjoy the best of both worlds: high-quality healthcare and a world-class vacation destination! You can plan to spend a few days (or more!) relaxing at the beautiful beaches and experiencing the top cultural attractions in Los Cabos before or after your non-emergency procedure in Mexico.

Top Medical Procedures and Healthcare Services in Mexico

Dental Procedures

Dental care is the top reason for medical tourism in Mexico, with dental work like crowns, root canals, implants, and veneers topping the list of the most popular procedures. Generally speaking, dental work is 70% more affordable in Mexico than in the United States.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery (known as plastic surgery) is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing industries for medical tourism. Popular procedures such as rhinoplasty, liposuction, and breast augmentation surgeries can be performed in Mexico for up to 75% less than in the United States.

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery (known as weight loss surgery) is another common reason people travel to Mexico for medical care. Though gastric bypass surgery is the most popular procedure, sleeve gastrectomies and adjustable gastric banding (lap banding) are also performed in Mexico. Americans can save up to 80% on bariatric surgeries performed by certified bariatric surgeons in Mexico.

Other Treatments and Procedures

Though dental work, cosmetic procedures, and weight loss surgeries are the most common reasons people travel to Mexico for medical care, other popular reasons for medical tourism include orthopedic surgeries (particularly hip and knee replacements), fertility treatments (including IVF), cancer treatments, and cutting-edge stem cell therapy treatments.

Most Popular Destinations for Medical Tourism in Mexico

Medical tourism tends to be most common in large cities and developed tourist destinations in Mexico, including the following:

• Los Cabos — For the perfect blend of high-quality medical care and relaxation in paradise (especially for travelers on the West Coast!), Los Cabos is a beautiful, affordable, and safe place to travel for dental work, cosmetic surgeries, or bariatric procedures.
• Mexico City — As the largest and most populated city in Mexico, Mexico City offers world-class doctors and state-of-the-art medical facilities, including hospitals that are members of the Mayo Clinic Care Network and are ideal for more intensive and invasive surgeries.
• Cancun — Cancun is a convenient (and beautiful!) medical tourism destination for East Coast travelers, offering dental care, cosmetic surgeries, and other procedures.
• Tijuana — A border city just south of San Diego, Tijuana is emerging as a hotspot for medical tourism, particularly dental work and cosmetic or weight loss surgeries. It is a short drive from the Southwest USA and offers multiple clinics catering to international visitors.
• Monterrey — Located conveniently across the border from South Texas, Monterrey is quickly becoming a top destination for medical tourism and cancer treatments in Latin America, as it offers both world-class medical facilities and highly-trained doctors.

Quality Check — Is Medical Tourism in Mexico Actually Safe?

It’s understandable to feel skeptical about traveling to another country for medical care… after all, what if there are medical complications? Or what if there is a significant language barrier between you and the medical staff? These are all valid concerns!

Just like in the United States and Canada, some medical facilities in Mexico are better than others. However, if you do extensive research before traveling to Mexico for medical care and find a reputable healthcare provider and top-tier hospital (just like you would at home!), you can feel confident about the quality of care you’ll receive in Mexico. Many medical tourists with these concerns prefer to look for English-speaking healthcare providers at state-of-the-art medical facilities in popular tourist areas like Los Cabos, Cancun, or Mexico City.

Medical Tourism Checklist: Quick Things to Consider Before Heading to Mexico for Health Care

• Get Travel Health Insurance — For added peace of mind, consider purchasing international travel health insurance that covers emergency evacuation back home before traveling to Mexico.
• Bring Your Medical Records — Medical tourists should always bring copies of their medical records and a list of current medications (with brand names, manufacturers, and dosages).
• Plan for Recovery Time — Some medical services, like dental care, are simple outpatient procedures, while others, like cosmetic surgery, require weeks of recovery. If needed, make arrangements ahead of time and book a comfortable vacation rental where you can rest, relax, and bring along a friend or family member who can care for you during recovery.

Experience a Blend of Relaxation, Recovery, and Fun at a Luxury Vacation Rental from Cabo Rentals by Jane

If you’re considering traveling to Los Cabos for a medical procedure and are looking for a relaxing, peaceful place to rest and recover, we would love to host you in one of our stunning oceanfront villas or beautiful beachfront vacation rentals with Cabo Rentals by Jane!

Not only do our rentals offer privacy, “home-like” amenities (like a kitchen and living room), and plenty of extra room for family members and caretakers, but they also offer access to all the high-end amenities at Villa La Estancia Resort, so when you’re feeling well enough, you can soak up the sunshine on the beach, lounge around by the swimming pool, or explore all the fun activities that Los Cabos has to offer. Browse our properties to find the perfect place to stay in Cabo San Lucas, and contact us with questions about long-term accommodations for medical tourism.