Cancun targets Canadian medical tourism
Medical tourism in Quintana Roo holds potential for 25,000 patients annually, though there are no clearly defined packages yet. Since 2020, Canada has faced a backlog of around 3 million hip surgeries due to the pandemic, with many patients lacking insurance. This has created a significant opportunity for destinations like Cancún, where patients can find more affordable and accessible treatment options.
Andrés Jurado, head of Coparmex’s Medical Tourism Commission in Cancun, explained that many Canadians in need of orthopedic and spinal surgeries endure chronic pain and are willing to travel abroad. With U.S. surgeries costing up to $150,000, Cancun presents a more affordable option.
One example is a 56-year-old Canadian patient suffering from mobility issues due to cervical spondylosis, who faced an 18-month wait for surgery. She underwent a cervical fusion in Cancun performed by certified specialists, and her case represents one of 130,000 delayed surgeries that could be captured by Cancun, where costs are more than 80% lower.
Despite this potential, there are no well-defined products for travel wholesalers like Orbitz or itravel2000 to sell in the Canadian market, which has historically limited its reach. Alejandro González Molina, business manager at itravel2000, emphasized that medical tourism remains an untapped opportunity for Quintana Roo, even as it gains popularity among Canadians.
The most important dates when medical tourism arrives in Cancun
The medical care tourism season in Cancún typically peaks during the fall and winter months, aligning with the colder seasons in Canada, when many patients seek to escape harsh weather and combine their treatments with a warm vacation.
This period, from November to March, sees an increase in the number of medical tourists, including those undergoing orthopedic surgeries, dental work, and cosmetic procedures.
Moreover, patients often schedule their treatments to coincide with holidays or long breaks to allow for sufficient recovery time while enjoying the region’s resorts and natural beauty.
Benefits of medical tourism in Cancun
Medical tourism has become a vital economic engine for Cancún, benefiting the region in several ways. Firstly, it attracts high-spending visitors who not only seek medical treatments but also extend their stays for leisure, boosting hospitality, transportation, and service industries. This influx of medical tourists provides year-round business, reducing tourism seasonality.
Local companies, including hospitals,clinics, and recovery centers, are increasingly adapting to the demands of international patients. Many facilities are improving infrastructure, obtaining international certifications, and partnering with medical travel agencies to offer comprehensive packages that combine treatments, accommodations, and aftercare. These packages cater specifically to foreign patients, providing seamless medical experiences with top-quality services.
Additionally, companies in the hospitality sector are adjusting by training their staff to meet the needs of medical tourists, such as providing comfortable accommodations during recovery and transportation to and from medical facilities. Some resorts even offer specialized recovery services like in-house nurses or wellness packages for post-treatment relaxation.
By preparing strategically, Cancún is not only enhancing its healthcare standards but also positioning itself as a global hub for medical tourism, which fosters a positive impact on the local economy and further strengthens its reputation as a world-class destination.
Many local transportation companies have also prepared for the season, as many have implemented special transportation for medical tourism in Cancun. One of the main companies that have ventured into this segment of tourism is Caribbean Transfers.
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