Health Traveler
Definite Guide to Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism Destinations - Guatemala

Medical tourism has been booming for some time in Central and South America but Guatemala is a recent newcomer to the industry. That doesn't mean this beautiful country isn't a great destination for low cost health care treatment abroad because what it may lack in history it has quickly made up for in the quality of care offered. Over the past decade the medical care providers of Guatemala have invested millions of dollars in the medical infrastructure of the country.

This small, culturally diverse, country offers many reasons to choose it as your medical tourism destination. Many of the doctors of both Guatemala City and Antigua received their board certification in the Unites States and there are a number of modern, new hospitals and out-patient clinics specifically designed to accommodate medical tourists. Due to favorable currency exchange rates the cost of treatment can be as much as 60 percent less than in the US and Candida. Some of the procedures tourists come to this Central American country to seek include ophthalmology, dermatology, orthopedic, cosmetic surgery, oncology, bariatric, fertility, and dental.

One of the things that have made medical tourism so popular is the chance to find significant savings on medical procedures combined with some time for rest and relaxation while away from home. With its Mayan heritage, beautiful mountains, and rich culture, Guatemala is a perfect choice. The country is one of the richest biological assets in the world as it is home to 10 percent of all the species registered on the planet! Hundreds of caves offer guided tours to nature's beauty and the amazing underworld of the Maya culture.

Medical Care

Most of the doctors who practice in the major hospitals are trained in the United States and are board certified. Many if the rooms are more like in a modern hotel than in a hospital, with a TV, minibar, Internet hookup and 24-hour room service, all for $55 a day for a private room and $85 for a suite. Almost every medical service comes at a fraction of the cost compared to the United States. An MRI that costs $1,500 in the US is $240 (daytime) or $100 (evening). Gastric bypass surgery costs $8,000 as compared to $25,000 in the States. Guatemala has been a pioneer in the laparoscopic insertion or Lapband surgery. So much so that American surgeons specializing in bariatric surgery are often trained in Guatemala.

Getting There, Staying There

Guatemala is a country in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, El Salvador to the Southeast, and, Honduras and Belize to the East. Not only is it a beautiful country, but it is well-suited geographically for people living in Canada and the United States. From most locations in the US it is only a two to six hour flight with round-trip air fares often less than $400.00, making it perfectly suited for inexpensive health travel. Many medical tourism agencies offer far lower fares to those coming to Guatemala for medical treatment. US and Canadian citizens must have valid passports but if you are staying less than 90 days a visa is not required. Should your medical care require you staying longer, an extension of an extra 90 days can be obtained through the Immigration Office without having to go through the visa process.

While staying in the country, both rooms and meals are relatively inexpensive. Rates for rooms range from $9 to $30 per person for budget hotels to between $50 and $135 in a three star hotel. Luxury, five star, hotels are also available in both Guatemala City and Antigua beginning at $120 per night.

Destinations

Guatemala City - the capitol is a bustling city with a number of top rate hospitals and clinics. Tourists should be aware that, like any large city anywhere in the world, certain precautions are advised to protect oneself from crime. Your best bet is to only use transportation and services arranged through a travel agent or the medical facility you are visiting. Guatemala City is the largest City in Central America and center to the country's wealth, politics, and power. The historic center has trendy cafes and bars along with restored buildings that attract large groups of tourists and students alike. The city is also home to Jardin Botanico (Botanical Gardens), a great place for all to see.

Antigua – Located 30 miles from the capital this beautiful city had strict building codes, underground power lines, and a generally clean and aesthetically pleasing personality. The city is packed with students attending the language schools and colonial-chic hostels. Anyone who has visited the county often will tell you that Antigua also has the best food in the country. Add to that it's setting, located between three volcanoes, and Antigua with its first rate medical care can't be topped.

Antigua was picked as Best Tourist Destination among 630 other cities by the English magazine Wanderlust in 2009. Before your medical procedure or while recovering some of the attractions of the area include golfing, bird-watching, participating in coffee tours, horseback riding or the adventuresome, hiking to Volcano Pacaya. Antigua is a hub for travel to other sections of the country like the Pacific Beach, Lake Atitlan with, the Coban rainforest, the archeological centers of Tikal and Coba, and the Lake Amatitlan thermal Spa.

Some other factors that make this city a perfect choice for medical tourists include:

• Affordable Accommodations: There are a variety of affordable colonial hotels, small studios and guesthouses, and luxury hotels offering a number of choices depending on taste and budget.
• Nurse Assistance: Nurses cost approximately $50 for 24hrs, or $35 per night.
• Inexpensive Medical and Wellness Services: Antigua is known for its superior dental and eye care.

All things considered, Guatemala is a logical choice as a medical tourism destination. If you can't take much time, three days will get from your destination to the country for outpatient surgery and back home, with time to spares to take in some of the sights. With a favorable currency exchange rates, English spoken in most medical facilities, and beautiful surroundings, either Guatemala City or Antigua or both worth looking in to.