Over the years, sanitariums and spa towns were also built and became the early types of medical tourism. Patients visited the spa towns during the 1700s to get mineral water that is believed to boost health and treat problems like bronchitis, gout and liver conditions. Becoming Popular Several factors triggered the vast popularity of medical tourism. Some of the popular procedures done in the country include dental work, plastic surgery and heart surgery. Korea and Singapore Korea is one of the hottest medical tourism destinations today. Japanese patients usually go to Korea to avail of cheaper prices and the modern medical equipment and facilities. Medical Tourism: The Types of Cosmetic Treatments Before, first world countries like the United States and the United Kingdom were the only safest places where you can get cosmetic treatment without the known risks. The growth of medical tourism recently has allowed people to get cheaper surgery without the risks posed by inadequate technology and facilities. Also study the different countries and try to go to places you've always dreamed of visiting like Thailand, China or the Philippines. Getting Screened You need to go through a full physical assessment and have diagnostic tests first before going abroad. Your condition can get worse or you may develop complications from traveling or staying cramped in an airplane for several hours. Patients who travel abroad can expect to pay only 10% to 40% of the cost they are charged in the States. What kind of treatments can I receive? Medical tourism now includes virtually any type of treatment, provided that the institution or hospital has adequate facilities, equipment and staff to supervise and conduct the treatment. Thailand Thailand is the number one choice of most medical tourists because of its wide range of medical expertise and the several available tourist hotspots all over the country. Medical tourism has significantly grown in Thailand in the past few years. A single hospital in 2005 admitted 150,000 foreign patients.