Medical tourism is a growing industry that involves individuals traveling to other countries to receive medical care. It has been estimated that between 1 and 2 million people travel internationally each year for medical care. While medical tourism can provide access to high-quality care at a fraction of the cost of care in the United States, it can also have a negative impact on health equity. Health equity is defined as the ability of all individuals to access quality health care regardless of their social, economic, or geographic location. Medical tourism has been found to create disparities in health care access and quality, as those who can afford to travel for medical care are often able to receive higher quality care than those who cannot afford to travel.

In addition, medical tourism can lead to an increase in the cost of care in the country of origin, as medical professionals may be drawn away from their home country to practice in a foreign country. Medical tourism can also lead to an increase in the spread of infectious diseases, as travelers may be exposed to new diseases in the foreign country and bring them back to their home country. Additionally, medical tourism can lead to a decrease in the quality of care in the country of origin, as medical professionals may be incentivized to provide care to those who can afford to travel for medical care, rather than those who cannot.

Finally, medical tourism can lead to a decrease in the quality of care in the country of origin, as medical professionals may be drawn away from their home country to practice in a foreign country. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of care available in the country of origin, as medical professionals may be more likely to prioritize patients who can afford to travel for medical care. Overall, medical tourism can have a negative impact on health equity.

It can lead to disparities in access to care, an increase in the cost of care in the country of origin, and a decrease in the quality of care available in the country of origin. It is important for governments to recognize the potential negative impacts of medical tourism and take steps to ensure that all individuals have access to quality health care, regardless of their ability to travel for medical care.