Elizabeth Ziemba shared insights with CNN about the risks and benefits of medical tourism following the senseless kidnapping of Americans traveling to Mexico for treatment. Minimize risk by careful research, look for accredited hospitals, travel insurance options.
"Medical tourism to Mexico is on the rise, but it can come with risks," Jacqueline Howard and Janelle Chavez, CNN, March 8, 2023
“People travel because there may be a long waiting time, wait lists or other reasons why they can’t get treatment as quickly as they would like it. So they explore their options outside the United States to see what’s available,” said Elizabeth Ziemba, president of Medical Tourism Training, which provides training and accreditation to international health travel organizations.
Also, “price is a big issue in the United States. We know that the US health care system is incredibly expensive,” she added. “Even for people with insurance, there may be high deductibles or out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by insurance, so that people will look based on price for what’s available in other destinations.”