As much as 80% of medical tourism demand is driven by a desire to save money, according to a recent report by the US-based Medical Tourism Association (MTA) and George Washington University. The 2013 MTA Medical Tourism Survey Report, which examined medical tourism demand in the US, also found that Asia and South America are the top regions for American medical travellers, with India and Mexico the two most popular countries.

Plastic surgery tops the list for those leaving the country for medical treatment, representing 38% of medical tourism procedures from the US. The average spend per trip ranges between £4,811 (US$7,475) and £10,190 (US$15,833), with the overwhelming majority of medical travellers, 92%, spending less than £19,337 (US$30,000) overall. 

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