According to a study by Calvet & Asociados, the most developed country in the region in this sector is Costa Rica, where 100,000 American tourists arrive each year to recieve medical and preventive treatments, generating revenues of $300 million.

According to Raul F. Calvet, president of the aforementioned company, Nicaragua in 2020 could receive about $27.2 million from this type of tourism, including charges for lodging, meals and tours undertaken by patients, who in most cases travel in order to undergo plastic or ophthalmologic surgery, or cancer treatment and general medicine.

According to an article by ProNicaragua, among Nicaragua's advantages are its low costs for medical services and direct flights to several U.S. cities.

Source: ProNicaragua

More on this topic

More Medical Tourism in Guatemala

January 2013

During 2012 the health tourism industry reported revenues of $8.5 million, having increased by more than 13% compared to the previous year.

A statement from the Tourism Commission of Health and Welfare of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) states that "The sector is in a state of constant growth, having increased by 13.3% compared to 2011, with a closure of 8, $5 million in export of medical and welfare services. "

Boom in Medical Tourism

October 2011

More and more Americans are traveling to destinations in Central America and other areas in order to receive medical treatment

Doubts about the medical treatment offered in Latin American countries that existed some years ago have disappeared.

Currently Americans perceptions regarding the quality and prices of medical services offered in countries such as Costa Rica has changed significantly.

Rising Medical Tourism in Costa Rica

May 2011

A foreign visitor coming to the country to undergo medical treatment generates four times more revenue than a conventional tourist.

Medical tourism in Costa Rica is growing by leaps and bounds. Dentistry, plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments are among the most sought after by foreigners, who pay about 70% less than they would in their home countries.

Guatemala Commits to U.S. Medical Tourism

October 2010

Out of Americans who seek medical care and welfare in 2012, the country expects to attract about 5,000 patients.

According to a study made by Deloitte Report, supported by the Medical Tourism Association, it is expected for 9 million Americans to seek medical care in Latin America in 2007.