Medical Tourism Industry Leaders Gather in Miami

The Fifth International Medical Travel Business Summit, held during May 6–8, 2014, at the Deauville Beach Resort (Miami Beach, FL, USA), brought together more than three hundred delegates from ten countries. The summit was hosted by The Council for the International Promotion of Costa Rica Medicine (PROMED; San Jose, Costa Rica), the leading private healthcare association in Costa Rica, to encourage a greater understanding of Costa Rica’s leading healthcare facilities and health tourism opportunities.

The summit, which had been held in Costa Rica in previous years, convened this year in Miami so that a larger number of participants from the United States and Canada could attend and learn about healthcare choices available both in Costa Rica itself and elsewhere in Latin America. Attendees participated in high-level medical tourism educational seminars and workshops designed to encourage new business opportunities. Among the subjects discussed were international patient management, insurance billing, and medical tourism marketing. Structured networking meetings, as well as casual social events, allowed the participants to meet and discuss the future of medical tourism in Latin America.

As a result, companies based in the United States had the opportunity to meet the leaders of key Latin American medical organizations, as well as doctors, dentists, and many other professionals that could provide them with high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions leading to dramatic healthcare savings and increased service offerings through partnerships in Latin America. In fact, Costa Rica is considered a pioneer and global leader in providing quality medical and dental services, at prices that are often 50%–80% less than comparable care in the US and Canada.

When the cost for quality medical care in the US and Canada becomes out of reach for most average middle class families, they are forced to turn elsewhere. As a result, affordable medical and dental tourism has become a viable solution for the 52 Million Americans that have no or very limited medical insurance, and the 142 Million Americans with little or no dental insurance. Insurance companies, self-insured companies, benefits administrators, and other entities have recognized this need, and are forging powerful partnerships that provide affordable care options for their insured members.

Related Links:
International Medical Travel Business Summit
The Council for the International Promotion of Costa Rica Medicine