Medical tourism is becoming increasingly popular, and it is important to understand why consumers might seek medical care outside of their home countries. Consider Maria, a 68-year-old female who lives in the United States. Her doctor has recommended a hip replacement, but because it is not life-threatening she is put on a wait list for surgery. Medical tourism is an alternative for Maria, but she has never even considered the possibility of traveling to another country to seek medical care. 

How might you market medical tourism to patients like Maria? For this Discussion, you examine benefits and barriers to medical tourism and recommend marketing strategies for consumers. Identify benefits of and barriers to medical tourism. Reflect on reasons consumers may or may not seek medical care outside of their home country.

Consider marketing strategies to help consumers overcome potential barriers.