Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 18: As healthcare costs in the United States continue to rise, more Americans are seeking treatment abroad, with new tariffs on medical imports playing a significant role in driving this shift, according to a report by GlobalData.
Recent changes in US trade policy, especially the imposition of tariffs on medical goods imported from China, are having unintended ripple effects across the healthcare sector. Tariffs now apply to essential items such as syringes, surgical gloves, and facemasks — all critical to daily medical operations.
“These items are integral to a wide variety of medical procedures and daily healthcare operations. The imposition of tariffs on such goods has disrupted supply chains, constrained hospital procurement strategies, and driven up the cost of healthcare delivery across the US,” the report said.
With the resulting rise in healthcare delivery costs, more patients — particularly the uninsured or underinsured — are exploring medical tourism to access affordable, high-quality care. Countries like Mexico, India, Thailand, and Costa Rica are increasingly popular due to their competitive pricing and internationally accredited hospitals.
To illustrate the cost disparity: a knee replacement in the US may exceed $50,000, while the same procedure in India or Mexico can be completed for between $8,000 and $12,000.
Tariffs on surgical tools, diagnostic equipment, and personal protective gear are also adding to the burden on US healthcare providers, making it harder to maintain affordability. This widening gap in medical expenses is pushing more Americans to look overseas for care.
“While the intended impact of tariffs may not have been to effect healthcare, they do shape patient behaviour. The rise in the cost of medical devices ultimately leads to more out-of-pocket expenses for patients,” said Alexandra Murdoch, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData.
This trend underscores how shifts in trade policy can have far-reaching effects beyond their initial scope. As tariffs continue to affect the medical supply chain, the economic pressure on the US healthcare system is expected to fuel further growth in outbound medical tourism.