As part of its comprehensive analysis of health care consumers
The “2010 Survey of Health Care Consumers,” from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, asked respondents across the demographic board their views about medical tourism – that is, travel outside their local area for treatment.
The survey results were revealing. Many of the apparent differences in consumer attitudes and approaches break down along lines of income, the extent, and source of insurance coverage and the age of respondents. Wealthier respondents express greater interest in medical tourism, as do those enrolled in public health plans. Younger consumers are least interested in traveling for medical treatment, however, in the past 12 months, Generation Y consumers were more likely to have traveled outside their local area for medical services, compared to Generation X consumers and Baby Boomers.
Gender plays virtually no role in whether a patient decides to travel for care or not, according to the survey. Men are just as likely as women to do so.
Among the key findings pertaining to medical tourism
Generation Y respondents – those consumers identified as being between the ages of 17 and 28 – are least interested in traveling for treatment; those over 65 are more willing.
Generation Y – 35.1 percent
Seniors – 47.4 percent
U.S. average – 41 percent
Those without medical coverage are least likely to travel for medical treatment on a doctor’s recommendation.
Uninsured – 38 percent say “no”
Insured – 22.8 percent
U.S. average – 24.6 percent
Individuals covered by Medicare are more likely to follow a doctor’s recommendation and travel outside the area for treatment.
Medicare – 47.9 percent
U.S. average – 41 percent
Nearly half of consumers who say they earn upper-income annual salaries are willing to travel for treatment.
Between $75,000-$100,000 – 46.1 percent
More than $100,000 – 45.7 percent
U.S. average – 41 percent
