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Kazakhstan Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Kazakhstan. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Kazakhstan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Kazakhstan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Kazakhstan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Kazakhstan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Kazakhstan may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Kazakhstan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Kazakhstan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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• Exorbitant healthcare costs in industrialized nations
• Long waiting lists for surgery in countries offering socialized healthcare
• Ease and affordability of international travel
• Favorable currency exchange rates in foreign countries resulting in low cost surgery
• Rapidly improving technology and standards of care in many countries
• Proven safety of healthcare in select foreign nations
• International accreditation of foreign hospitals
• U.S., U.K. and Australian board certified surgeons operating in select foreign countries
• 47 Million Uninsured Americans
• 250 Million Insured Americans with restricted coverage due to pre-existing conditions, resulting in out-of-pocket expenses
• 34 Million Canadians receiving socialized medicine and enduring long wait lists for many popular surgeries
• Potentially, 330 Million North Americans seeking elective cosmetic and/or dental surgery

More and more people are seeking the expertise of  medical tourism companies to travel abroad as an affordable, enjoyable, and safe alternative to having medical, dental, and cosmetic surgical procedures done in their home countries.    Currently medical tourism patients are traveling in large numbers to Argentina , Brazil , Costa Rica , El Salvador , India , Malaysia , Mexico , South Africa , Thailand and Turkey - places where the quality of affordable healthcare is equal to anywhere else in the world and yet the cost is significantly lower. These regions also offer numerous options for touring, sight-seeing, shopping, exploring, and relaxing. Here are the most common terms used to describe this relatively new industry:

Medical Tourism     Medical Outsourcing      Medical Travel      Health Tourism

It has been mentioned that overseas healthcare, sometimes referred to as medical tourism , medical travel , health tourism , or medical outsourcing is expected to become a multi-billion dollar industry by 2012. Whether you call it medical tourism, medical travel, health tourism, or medical outsourcing, the concept is the same. It appears as though this concept of traveling abroad to receive health care is going to become a viable option for many years to come.

Medical Tourism        Medical Outsourcing        Medical Travel        Health Tourism

Although "medical tourism" has been the descriptor for this new emerging industry, it is important to know that MedRetreat has a different philosophy on the concept of traveling abroad to receive your surgery. We understand the seriousness of receiving high quality medical care and then allowing your body to recuperate from the surgery. No gimmicks...no marketing hype. The tourism part of the process is viewed as the least important factor and should only be considered once you are fully recuperated.

Medical Tourism           Medical Outsourcing           Medical Travel           Health Tourism

Many companies are using the term "medical tourism" as a motivator to attract clients into this new emerging concept of overseas medical care, we do not. To effectively become the leader in providing healthcare abroad, our emphasis is placed on the efficacy of our hospital partners regardless of the physical location of their facility. In this respect, we will remain the leader of facilitating global healthcare in a safe and affordable manner.

Medical Tourism             Medical Outsourcing             Medical Travel             Health Tourism

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MedRetreat would like to thank you for visiting our medical tourism website. We hope you have found our medical travel services useful in exploring the possibilities of your personal health tourism needs.

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Why Kazakhstan?

In the list of services most popular among medical tourists in Almaty are in vitro fertilization and dentistry. Foreigners are satisfied with the price and quality of the issue. For example, the cost of IVF procedures in Kazakhstani clinics starts from 2,000 USD, while in European medical centers, it will cost about 15,000 USD, and in clinics in the USA and Canada, it is much more expensive. For example, the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures in Kazakhstani clinics starts from $2,000 USD, whereas in European medical institutions, it can be around $15,000 USD, and in clinics in the United States and Canada, it’s even more expensive.

At the same time, surrogate motherhood, sperm and egg donation, and cryopreservation of sex cells and embryos are legally permitted in Kazakhstan. And in Turkey and Italy, the issue of surrogacy is still prohibited. As well as donations. Similarly, surrogacy and cryopreservation are not legally recognized in Germany.

EXCERPT./ EXCLAMATION:

Various sources estimate the number of medical tourists traveling globally each year to be between 5 and 16 million.

Reproductive Medicine

Among the leaders in the field of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) in Almaty is the Institute of Reproductive Medicine (IRM). Interestingly, this is the first (and therefore the most experienced) IVF laboratory in Kazakhstan.

65 doctors 

2 professors 

2 Doctors of Medical Sciences 

9 Candidates of Medical Sciences 

70 members of the nursing staff/ representatives of middle medical personnel

38 members of the junior medical staff

Number of visits per shift: 600 people

However, the best recommendation for IRM is the clinic’s high success rates, which have already attracted patients from over 40 countries around the world. People come for treatment from both nearby and distant countries / far abroad.

In recent years, the flow of patients from Germany, Turkey, Italy, China, and the USA has increased. The main thing that foreign couples emphasize in the work of IRM is the high level of service provision. Everything is in line with international standards.  Add to those high results, modern equipment, and the professionalism of specialists.

The highest innovative achievements of the IRM team in recent years can be considered the use of the Japanese method of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in cancer patients in order to preserve reproductive function, which will allow them to have their own children in the future after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. With the help of modern high-tech equipment, an embryo with a normal set of chromosomes can be selected, which will prevent the birth of a child with genetic diseases.

Another reason why tourists choose Almaty is the Orthodontic and Implantology Center “Doctor-Stom.” The center was founded in July 1998. Its team has more than twenty years of successful work on its account. It occupies a leading position in the market of dental services in the city and the country.

Moreover, the clinic has a comfortable, ergonomic layout and its own car park. The work is carried out with modern equipment, including a sterilization room with five levels of control.

EXCERPT/ EXCLAMATION:

Over 17,000 satisfied patients and a great reputation. Over 5,000,000 successfully placed dental implants. The center has been awarded with state diplomas and awards in the field of medicine. 

Today Doctor-Stom provides foreign patients with all types of dental services. From surgery – tooth extraction of any category of complexity, prevention and hygiene, correction and plasty of frenulas of the tongue, lips, and soft tissues of the oral cavity. To implantation – installation of the best premium-class implant systems: Straumann from Switzerland and Aifa-Bio from Israel. Implantation is performed painlessly, without blood, incisions, swelling, or the need for stitches.

The clinic also specializes in orthodontics, offering correction of any complexity of bite using the latest generation self-ligating braces. They can also provide you with the Invisalign clear aligner system, along with 3D modeling of your future smile. In orthopedics, they offer ceramic veneers, crowns, bridges, and inlays made of zirconia dioxide. In the field of therapy, they provide treatment for cavities and their complications, teeth whitening, and dental restoration. In periodontics, they offer treatment and prevention of gum diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis, as well as professional oral hygiene.

ATP 250 Almaty Open will be held from October 13 to 20 at the Almaty Arena. Tennis week in Almaty…

Medical Tourism Association of the city The main goal of the Almaty Medical Tourism Association is to implement and develop…

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Why Patients Are Turning to Medical Tourism

Statistics, Benefits, and Risks

Planning Ahead

Frequently asked questions.

Medical tourism is a term that refers to traveling to another country to get a medical or dental procedure. In some instances, medical tourists travel abroad seeking alternative treatments that are not approved in the United States.

Medical tourism is successful for millions of people each year, and it is on the rise for a variety of reasons, including increasing healthcare costs in the United States, lack of health insurance, specialist-driven procedures, high-quality facilities, and the opportunity to travel before or after a medical procedure.

According to a New York Times article from January 2021, pent-up demand for nonessential surgeries, as well as the fact that many Americans lost their health insurance during the coronavirus pandemic led to a surge in medical tourism once other countries re-opened.

However, there are specific risks that come with traveling overseas for surgery. If you're thinking of pursuing a medical procedure in another country, here's what to know about the benefits and the risks.

Medical Tourism Benefits

The most common procedures Americans go abroad for include dental care, cosmetic procedures , fertility treatments, organ transplants , and cancer treatment.

This is not to be confused with having an unplanned procedure in a foreign country due to an unexpected illness or injury.

Among the reasons a person might choose to go abroad for a medical procedure are:

Lower Costs

Medical tourists can save anywhere from 25% to 90% in medical bills, depending on the procedure they get and the country they travel to. There are several factors that play into this:

• The cost of diagnostic testing and medications is particularly expensive in the United States.
• The cost of pre- and post-procedure labor is often dramatically lower overseas. This includes labor costs for nurses , aides, surgeons, pharmacists, physical therapists , and more.
• High cost of malpractice insurance—the insurance that protects medical professionals against lawsuits—in the United States.
• Hospital stays cost far less in many overseas countries compared to the United States. In other words, quality care, hospital meals, and rehabilitation are far more affordable abroad for many people.

For someone who doesn't have insurance , or someone having a procedure that is not covered by insurance , the difference can be enormous.

Popular Countries for Medical Tourism

Dominican Republic

South Korea

Culture and Language

Many immigrants prefer to have treatments and procedures done in their country of origin—a sensible decision, considering just how much language barriers alone can affect the quality of their care.

Furthermore, at least 25% of immigrants and noncitizen residents in the United States are uninsured, compared to 9% of American citizens. Children with at least one noncitizen parent are also more likely to be uninsured.

Practicalities aside, many people choose to have their procedure done in their country of origin simply because it allows them to be close to family, friends, and caretakers who can assist them through their recovery .

Insurance Incentives

Some insurance companies have started promoting medical tourism. The reason behind this is simple: savings for the insured means savings for the insurance provider and vice versa.

Several insurance providers, including Aetna have programs specifically geared at promoting safe medical tourism. Some insurance providers even offer financial incentives for medical tourism, like discounts on medical bills .

That said, many insurance companies will not pay for surgery performed outside of the country unless it is an emergency.

Luxury and Privacy

Medical tourism is a lucrative business for many countries, and much of the money brought in by medical tourists is reinvested into the local economy and health infrastructure.

The effect of this is apparent in the spa-like luxury that some foreign hospitals offer, providing medical tourists the opportunity to be pampered during their stay for a fraction of the cost they would pay at home.

Some facilities offer hospital rooms that are more like a hotel suite than a traditional hospital room. Other hospitals offer one-on-one private nursing care, which is far more generous and attentive than the staffing ratios that most hospitals allow.

Medical tourists who seek that added layer of privacy can find it abroad. Many can return home from their "vacation" without anyone knowing they had a procedure at all.

Vacation in a Foreign Country

Medical tourists often take advantage of their stay in a foreign country to travel for pleasure by scheduling a vacation before or after their procedure.

This is an especially inexpensive way to travel to a foreign country, especially if their insurance provider is paying for the flight and the cost of staying is low. 

While it seems logical to recover on a beach or in a chalet by the mountains, keep in mind that it's important not to jeopardize your recovery.

Swimming isn't recommended until your incisions are completely closed. You may not feel up to doing much more than napping in the days following your procedure, either.

Don't let your vacation disrupt your recovery. Any time you have a procedure done, especially a surgery, it's important to listen to your body, take your medications as directed, and follow your doctor's recommendations closely.

Bypassing Rules and Regulations

Some travelers seek surgery abroad to bypass rules that are set in place by their own government, insurance company, or hospital. These rules are typically in place to protect the patient from harm, so getting around them isn't always the best idea.

For example, a patient may be told that their weight is too low to qualify for weight loss surgery . A surgeon in a foreign country may have a different standard for who qualifies for weight loss surgery, so the patient may qualify overseas for the procedure they want.

Talented Surgeons

Surgeons in certain countries are known for their talent in a specific area of surgery. For example, Brazilian surgeons are often touted for their strong plastic surgery skills .

Whereas in the United States, insurance companies might only cover cosmetic procedures if it is medically necessary, cosmetic surgery is often free or low-cost in Brazil's public hospitals—giving cosmetic surgeons there ample practice.

Thailand is reported to be the primary medical tourism destination for individuals seeking gender reassignment . It is often easier to qualify for surgery and the cost is significantly reduced. Surgeons are performing the procedures frequently, and as a result, many have become quite specialized in them.

It is often surprising to many medical tourists that their physician was trained in the United States. Not all physicians are, of course, but a surprisingly high percentage of them working in surgery abroad are trained in English-speaking medical schools and residency programs and then return to their home country. These physicians often speak multiple languages and may be board certified in their home country and a foreign country, such as the United States.

Medical tourism isn’t limited to countries outside of the United States, either. Many people travel to the United States for medical care due to the country's cutting-edge technology, prescription medication supply, and the general safety of healthcare.

Medical Tourism Risks

The financial and practical benefits of medical tourism are well known, and you may even know someone who had a great experience. Nonetheless, the downsides of medical tourism can be just as great if not greater. Sometimes, they can even be deadly.

If you are considering a trip abroad for your procedure, you should know that medical tourism isn't entirely without obstacle and risks. These include:

Poorly Trained Surgeons

In any country—the United States included—there will be good surgeons and bad. And just as there are great surgeons abroad, there are also some surgeons who are less talented, less trained, and less experienced.

Regardless of what procedure you are getting or where, you should always do some preliminary research into the surgeon or physician who will be treating you as well as the hospital you will be treated at.

In the United States, it is fairly easy to obtain information about malpractice lawsuits , sanctions by medical boards, and other disciplinary actions against a physician.

Performing this research from afar can be challenging, especially if you don't speak the local language. Yet countless people take the risk anyway, without knowing whether the physicians who will treat them are reputable.

A physician should be trained in the specific area of medicine that is appropriate for your procedure. For example, you should not be having plastic surgery from a surgeon who was trained to be a heart doctor. It isn’t good enough to be a physician, the physician must be trained in the specialty .

Prior to agreeing to surgery, you should also know your surgeon’s credentials : where they studied, where they trained, and in what specialty(s) they are board-certified. Do not rely on testimonials from previous patients; these are easily made up for a website and even if they are correct, one good surgery doesn’t mean they will all be successful.

Quality of Staff

Nurses are a very important part of healthcare, and the care they provide can mean the difference between a great outcome and a terrible one.

A well-trained nurse can identify a potential problem and fix it before it truly becomes an issue. A poorly trained nurse may not identify a problem until it is too late. The quality of the nursing staff will have a direct impact on your care.

Once again, it's important to research the hospital staff where you will be having your procedure done. Read the reviews but don't trust them blindly. If you can, seek out a recommendation from someone who can vouch for the medical staff where you will be going.

Quality of the Facility

While researching healthcare facilities for your procedure, you want to learn not just about the quality of the facilities themselves, but about the country's healthcare system as a whole.

In some countries, there is a marked distinction between public hospitals and private hospitals. In Turkey, for example, private hospitals are considered on-par with hospitals in the states, while many locals will advise you to steer clear of public hospitals if you can.

You will also want to seek out facilities that are internationally accredited. In the United States, the Joint Commission evaluates hospitals and certifies those that provide safe, quality care. The international division does the same for hospitals outside the United States.

Once you have a few options for potential facilities, you can start to investigate specifics. For one, you should find as many pictures and reviews of the facility as you can. Ask yourself whether the facility is state of the art or whether it seems dirty and outdated.

You will also need to find out if the facility has ICU level care available, in case something goes wrong. If not, there should be a major hospital nearby so that you can be transferred quickly.

To learn more about a healthcare facility, consider joining expat groups on social media for the city or country you will be traveling to. Ask the group for recommendations, or inquire about any positive or negative experiences they may have had at a particular facility.

Flying Home After Surgery

Any surgery comes with risks, including infection and blood clots . Flying home increases the risk of blood clots, especially on long-haul flights that are longer than four hours.

Try to avoid flying home in the days immediately after surgery; waiting a week will decrease the chances of developing a blood clot or another serious complication during the flight.

For longer flights, plan on getting up and walking up and down the aisles each hour to improve blood flow in your legs. You might also benefit from wearing compression socks with your doctor's approval.

If you are taking blood thinners or are at-risk of blood clots , be sure to talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your risk of blood clots after your procedure and while traveling.

Furthermore, you should know the symptoms of blood clots and stay alert.

Unplanned Illness

Any time you travel abroad, you run the risk of catching an illness that you have never been exposed to or that your body is not prepared to fight off. This is especially a concern when spending time in a foreign hospital.

If you have a sensitive stomach, you may also want to think long and hard about having surgery abroad. The food is often very different in foreign hospitals, and in some areas, there is a risk that even the water will be upsetting to your body.

Having diarrhea or postoperative nausea and vomiting makes for a miserable recovery experience, especially if you do not have a friend or family member nearby who can help you through it.

Before you travel abroad, check with your doctor to see if you need any vaccines to travel to your destination or if there are any foreign illnesses you should be aware of. Picking up an illness abroad, particularly after your surgery, can potentially be life-threatening.

Language Barriers

If you are having surgery in a country where English is not the primary language, you will need to make preparations in order to be able to communicate with the staff.

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that the staff speaks your primary language well. If not, then you will need to consider how you will make your wishes and needs known to the surgeon, the staff, and others you will meet.

Whether you are at home or abroad, remember to speak up and advocate for yourself to make sure your needs are met. If you don't speak the local language, download a language translation app on your smartphone and don't hesitate to use it to communicate your needs. Hiring a translator is another option.

A Word About Transplant Tourism

Transplant tourism is one area of medical tourism that is strongly discouraged by organ and tissue transplant professionals in multiple countries. Most international transplants are considered “black market” surgeries that are not only poor in quality, but ethically and morally wrong.

China, for example, the country that is believed to perform more international kidney transplants than any other country, is widely believed to take organs from political prisoners after their execution.

In India, living donors are often promised large sums of money for their kidney donation, only to find out they have been scammed and never receive payment. Selling an organ in India is illegal, as it is in most areas of the world, so there is little recourse for the donor.

Then there is the final outcome: how well the organ works after the surgery is complete. With black market transplants, less care is often taken with matching the donor and recipient, which leads to high levels of rejection and a greater risk of death. Furthermore, the new organ may not have been screened for diseases such as cytomegalovirus , tuberculosis , hepatitis B , and hepatitis C . It is often the new disease that leads to death, rather than the organ rejection itself.

Finally, transplant surgeons are often reluctant to care for a patient who intentionally circumvented the donor process in the United States and received their transplant from an unknown physician.

It is important to arrange your follow-up care prior to leaving your home country.

Many physicians and surgeons are hesitant to take care of a patient who received care outside the country, as they are often unfamiliar with medical tourism and have concerns about the quality of care overseas.

Arranging for follow-up care before you leave will make it easier to transition to care at home without the stress of trying to find a physician after surgery .

Just be sure to inform your follow-up care physician where you are having your procedure done. After you return, they will also want to know what prescription medications you were given, if any.

What are popular countries for medical tourism? 

Mexico, India, Costa Rica, Turkey, Singapore, Canada, and Thailand are among the many countries that are popular for medical tourism.

How safe is medical tourism?

Medical tourism is generally considered safe, but it's critical to research the quality of care, physician training, and surgical specialties of each country. There are several medical tourism organizations that specialize in evaluating popular destinations for this purpose.

What countries have free healthcare? 

Countries with free healthcare include England, Canada, Thailand, Mexico, India, Sweden, South Korea, Israel, and many others.

World of Medical Tourism: Discover Healthcare Abroad

Medical tourism , or health tourism , means traveling abroad for medical reasons. People do this to save money, get better care, or have treatments they can’t find at home. Medical tourists may seek a wide range of services, including elective surgeries, dental treatments, fertility treatments, cosmetic procedures, and more. Medical travel often combines medical treatment with tourism or leisure activities.

Historical Origins

The historical origins of medical tourism date back thousands of years, with early examples found in ancient civilizations like Greeks and Romans . These societies often sought healing and health treatments in other regions, laying the foundation for the modern practice of medical tourism.

Over centuries, the concept evolved, and in recent decades, globalization and advancements in healthcare have fueled the growth of medical tourism into a global industry. Understanding this historical journey sheds light on the roots of a phenomenon that continues to impact health services worldwide.

Early Instances of Medical Travel

Early instances of medical travel , which can be considered precursors to modern medical tourism, can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome . Here are some key early instances:

• Ancient Greece : The city of Epidaurus in ancient Greece was famous for its healing havens, devoted to the god of medicine, Asclepius . People from various regions would travel to Epidaurus seeking cures for their ailments. Temples like Epidaurus offered a form of religious medical travel, where patients hoped for divine healing.
• Roman Baths : The Romans had fancy bath houses that weren’t just for relaxing but also for people seeking relief from health issues. These Roman baths , such as those in Bath, England, and Aquisgranum (Aachen) in present day Germany, attracted visitors in search of medical benefits.
• Islamic Medicine : During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th centuries), cities like Baghdad and Cordoba became famous centers for medical knowledge and practice. People traveled from distant lands to access the expertise of Muslim physicians and scholars.
• Spa Towns in Europe : In Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, spa towns like Bath in England , Baden-Baden in Germany , and Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic became popular destinations for people seeking the therapeutic benefits of mineral springs and hydrotherapy.
• Colonial Medical Tourism : In the colonial era, people from colonies often traveled to the colonial powers’ home countries for medical treatment. They sought care that wasn’t available or was of lower quality in their own regions.

Ancient medical travel was based on beliefs in healing places, water, or religious sites. This set the stage for modern medical tourism , where people go abroad for reasons like saving money, getting advanced care, and faster treatment. Today, people travel globally for medical treatments, including surgeries, special procedures, and wellness programs.

Emerging Trends in Modern Medical Tourism

Modern medical tourism is witnessing a shift as emerging trends reshape the industry. These changes are transforming how patients get health care, travel for treatments, and focus on their well being. Several factors and trends are reshaping the world of medical tourism:

• Telemedicine and Virtual Consultations: The COVID-19 pandemic sped up the use of online medical consultations . Medical tourism providers now offer remote discussions about conditions and treatments. This makes it easier to access care without in-person visits.
• Medical Tourism Agencies: Medical travel companies make things easier for patients. They offer comprehensive services, handling travel, lodging, treatment scheduling, and aftercare. Their goal is to simplify the experience for medical tourists, making it more convenient and less stressful.
• Wellness Tourism : Medical tourism is expanding beyond procedures to include wellness and prevention . Health-conscious travelers look for services like check-ups, rejuvenation therapies, weight management, and holistic wellness programs. These packages often blend medical care with relaxation and lifestyle improvement.
• Quality and Accreditation: Accreditation and quality assurance programs are more important now. International bodies and certifications help medical tourists find reputable hospitals and clinics. Many patients prefer facilities with recognized quality certifications for safe and effective care.
• Insurance Coverage: Certain insurance firms now provide coverage for medical tourism costs . This adds credibility to the practice and eases worries about unexpected issues or extra medical requirements.

Popular Medical Tourism Destinations

Medical tourism has gained immense popularity in recent years, with people traveling to foreign countries in pursuit of affordable, high quality health services and medical procedures. Here are some of the most desired medical tourism destinations:

• Medical Tourism in Mexico : The country draws patients from the United States and Canada for dental work, plastic surgery , weight loss surgery and orthopedic surgery . For medical travelers, Tijuana is a leading destination in Mexico.
• Medical Tourism in Turkey : Gaining popularity for its high quality medical care, especially in cosmetic surgery , hair transplants, and weight loss surgery .
• Thailand: Known for its affordable medical procedures, particularly in cosmetic surgery and dental care.
• India: Offers a wide range of medical treatments, including cardiac surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and advanced cancer treatments.
• Malaysia: Known for its modern medical facilities and highly skilled health care professionals.
• South Korea: Known for its advanced cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures.
• Singapore: Offers top notch medical facilities and is a hub for medical tourists seeking treatments in various specialties.
• Costa Rica: Known for its dental work and cosmetic surgery.
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Attracts medical tourists for procedures such as orthopedic surgeries, dermatology, and fertility treatments.
• Brazil: Famous for its cosmetic surgery, particularly in the field of plastic surgery and body sculpting.

Please note that the popularity of medical tourism destinations can change over time, and the choice of destination often depends on the specific medical procedure and individual preferences. It’s essential to thoroughly research and choose a destination that meets your medical needs and safety standards.

Emerging Destinations

Emerging destinations for medical tourism are gaining recognition for their health services, competitive pricing, and quality care. Some of these emerging destinations include:

• Colombia: Known for its skilled medical professionals and modern facilities, Colombia offers affordable healthcare with a focus on cosmetic and plastic surgeries.
• Poland: Rising in popularity for its dental treatments and orthopedic surgeries, Poland attracts patients seeking cost effective medical care in Europe.
• Hungary: Budapest, in particular, is celebrated for dental tourism, offering high quality dental treatments at lower costs compared to many Western countries.
• Greece: With its rich history and health services knowledge, Greece is becoming a destination for various medical procedures, including fertility treatments.
• Tunisia: Known for its cosmetic and plastic surgeries, Tunisia offers a blend of quality care and Mediterranean beauty.
• Ukraine: Emerging as a destination for fertility treatments and surrogacy, Ukraine provides advanced medical services.
• Jordan: Recognized for its medical experts and state-of-the-art hospitals, Jordan offers treatments across multiple specialties.
• Malta: Combining medical care excellence with a Mediterranean lifestyle, Malta attracts patients seeking various medical procedures.
• Czech Republic: Prague is becoming a hub for medical tourists seeking cosmetic surgeries and other treatments.
• Philippines: Known for its medical services professionals and cost effective procedures, the Philippines offers a range of medical services.

These upcoming locations are ready to play a significant role in the worldwide medical tourism sector. They offer various choices for people looking for high quality health services abroad.

Medical tourism has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations and has now evolved into a thriving global industry. Well-known places like Mexico , Turkey , Thailand , and India offer affordable health care, while rising destinations like Colombia and Poland provide appealing options.

Modern trends like telemedicine and wellness tourism are transforming the way patients access medical services abroad. As the industry keeps growing and changing, it gives patients more options to focus on their well being across borders.

Jet Medical Tourism® helps patients access affordable laparoscopic bariatric surgery in Mexico and plastic surgery in Tijuana. We coordinate innovative and safe weight loss surgery in Tijuana Mexico. We also provide educational information on different topics related to medical tourism.

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Agency of medical tourism from Moscow (Russia). Treatment in Russia, CIS countries and worldwide

Company MedicaTour Ltd. is one of the leading medical tourism companies in the world. It is based in Moscow (Russia) and is engaged in the organization of treatment in Russia, CIS and around the world. Company works with the best hospitals of the world and leading doctors and can select quality treatment for any budget.

• All areas of medicine
• Both classic and innovative treatments
• Large government medical centers and private clinics around the world
• Selection of a medical institution for any budget

Our experts will provide you information about medical institutions in different countries and help you make an effective and safe choice of treatment.

• orthopedic operations (spine, joints, hernias, etc.)
• heart surgery
• cancer treatment
• diabetes treatment
• hepatitis C treatment
• all procedures for aesthetic and plastic surgery
• organ transplantation
• removal of stones from the kidneys, gall bladder, bladder
• all ENT diseases
• a ll types of eye surgery and ophthalmic procedures
• infertility treatment, IVF
• rehabilitation programs
• childbirth organization
• treatment of female diseases
• treatment of male diseases
• treatment of alcohol, drugs and other addictions
• chronic diseases
• healing spa
• detox programs
• anti-aging programs
• diagnostic programs
• weight loss programs

We also work with children's medical centers.

If you are diagnosed and have any doubts about this, we strongly recommend that you get a second opinion (second opinion of a specialist) from another country, or even from several countries.

Innovative treatments

The company is constantly monitoring the medical services market around the world and is aware of the emergence of new innovative treatment methods:

• stem cells treatment
• prostatectomy by Robot da Vinci;
• dendritic cells cancer treatment
• non-surgical treatment of the spine
• virotherapy of cancer
• CAR T-cells treatment of leukemia
• TIL therapy for ovarian cancer
• Vacuum aspiration biopsy (non-surgical removal of breast lesions)

Large state medical centers and private clinics

The main advantage of our services is that we offer you only well-studied and verified data on medical institutions, doctors and surgeons from Asia to the Middle East, Latin America and Europe, Moscow and the near abroad. In many institutions, our specialists visited themselves on study visits.

Contact us - call, send your requests  - we will provide you with the best options and answers. And then the choice is yours.

On June 22, the autograph session of the Founder and CEO of MedicaTour Tatiana Sokolov was successfully held on the occasion of the release of her first fiction book "The Way to Dehradun". At the meeting, the author was asked questions in an informal setting, all participants signed books with wishes and an autograph by Tatiana Sokolov.

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Medical Tourism Patient Survey

The Medical Tourism Association, in collaboration with the International Healthcare Research Center, has gathered critical insights into why patients are increasingly choosing to travel for medical care. This comprehensive 31-page report sheds light on the decision-making process, motivations, and concerns of medical tourists, focusing on aspects like the search for superior medical expertise, trust in healthcare providers, cost-effectiveness, and the appeal of innovative treatments. These findings are crucial for healthcare providers looking to tailor their services to meet the evolving needs and expectations of patients globally, ensuring not only the highest standards of care but also building the essential trust and confidence that underpins the decision to seek medical treatment abroad.

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Your digital destination for medical tourism.

MedicalTourism.com is a free, confidential, independent resource for patients and industry providers. Our mission is to provide a central portal where patients, medical tourism providers, hospitals, clinics, employers, and insurance companies can all find the information they need. Our site focuses on patients looking for specific knowledge in the fields of medical tourism, dental tourism, and health tourism.

• Get a quote on healthcare procedures
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Based on your criteria, we recommend the best hospitals or providers

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Finalize your treatment with the hospital/provider of your choice

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MedicalTourism.com has a list of providers from all over the world. Click the button below to get started and browse providers.

Interested in a particular destination? Check out our destinations guides with detailed information: from tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels to top-ranked healthcare providers and doctors.

Looking for a specific treatment? Check out our list of up to1,000 available treatments all over the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your particular lifestyle, the medical tourism destination, and the type of medical tourism procedure you will be undergoing will dictate, to a large degree, how much money you will be spending. In general, the farther away your medical tourism destination the more you will pay for airfare. So, for example, expect to pay more if you are flying from Dallas to Bangkok, Thailand, than you would for a flight to Monterey, Mexico. At the same time, you also need to take into account that some medical tourism destinations are more expensive than others. So even if a particular country is cheaper to travel to, you will need to factor in the relative cost of “living,” in comparison to another medical tourism destination.

What about your lifestyle preferences? Do you plan to stay at a five-star hotel or are you comfortable “roughing” it at a local bed and breakfast? Some adventurous souls prefer to immerse themselves in the local culture and will literally live on a shoestring budget. Most everyone else though will tend to fall somewhere between the Holiday Inn and Club Med. The type of medical tourism procedure or medical tourism treatment you are undergoing will also play a large part in your decision of where to stay and what you will do. A medical tourism patient undergoing open heart surgery or a knee replacement will require extra care and very comfortable conditions after leaving the hospital. Not the case for someone coming for a dental bridge or an eyelid lift. Wherever you decide to stay, make sure it serves your needs as a medical tourism patient.

Many of the expenses of a medical tourism trip will be the same as those of a “normal” trip or vacation. At the very minimum you will need to budget for airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation requirements and meals. Sightseeing tours and souvenirs are also a real possibility, particularly if you are traveling with a companion.

Although there are many benefits associated with medical tourism, there are also certain risks that must be weighed before making a final decision to travel abroad.

Varying standards and Medical Tourism

Varying standards with regards to hospitals and physicians can be a problem if you are searching for options within multiple countries with dozens of hospitals. Each country will have its own licensing and certification protocols which may vary significantly from your own country. As you have no way of actually visiting the hospital or meeting the physician prior to your trip, you will have to do research to make sure hospitals are accredited and surgeons are licensed. MedicalTourism.com offers a wealth of information and tools that will make this job much easier.

Travel after surgery

Traveling long distances after surgery also poses certain risks such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. DVT may be defined as a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. If the blood clot breaks off and travels through the blood stream to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism may occur which is potentially fatal. Using simple preventive measures, however, medical tourism patients can reduce the chance of blood clotting and increase their likelihood of surgical success.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:

• Getting up and walking around every 2 to 3 hours.

• Exercise your legs while you’re sitting

• Drink plenty of water, and avoid drinking anything with alcohol or caffeine in it.

Additionally, medical compression stockings and anti-clotting medications such as Warfarin and Heparin, may be prescribed by physicians for high risk medical tourism patients.

Minimal legal recourse in case something goes wrong

It is important to remember that if you do have a serious complication, other countries' malpractice and liability recourses may be different from those in your own country. Also keep in mind that some hospitals may require a medical tourism patient to sign a legal waiver stating that if they do file a lawsuit over the surgery, the lawsuit must be adjudicated in the country where the medical procedure was performed.  

Coordinating appropriate aftercare once you come home

This is one the biggest concerns for medical tourism patients considering traveling abroad for surgery. What happens if I have a complication once I return home? Who will I turn to? Will my doctor even see me? These are valid questions that must be addressed by the hospital you are seeking care at.

Make sure to inform your primary physician that you will be going overseas and try to get him or her involved in the process. You may also want to try and schedule a call between your primary physician and your international doctor to discuss your case.  This is wise not only at a medical level (you want your international physician to know as much as possible about your case history), but also has the potential to establish trust between both parties, making your physician empathetic toward your situation and wanting to be an active participant in the success of your procedure.

Presently, and in order to minimize potential complications, many international hospitals and physicians do maintain close contact with their medical tourism patients once they have returned home. Therefore, you should not feel shy about contacting them if you feel something is wrong. At the very least your overseas physician can offer recommendations about what medications to take, who to see, or possibly even explain details of your condition to another doctor.

In medical tourism, a Familiarization Tour or Fam Trip is a trip organized by a public or private entity seeking to showcase the healthcare and tourism assets in a certain region, country or city, in order to attract new business (usually in the form of patients). Fam trips are often organized by the tourism board, medical tourism cluster, or by a Destination Management Organization (DMO) representing a destination. Participants in the Fam trip are typically buyers of medical tourism services such as foreign governments, insurance companies, employers and medical tourism facilitators. They are vetted in advance and usually have all their travel, accommodation and maintenance fees covered during the trip.

Sometimes referred to as medical tourism agencies, or a medical travel facilitator, these are companies that, as their name suggests, act as facilitators or intermediaries for patients seeking treatments in other countries or regions.

Medical Tourism Facilitators have played an important role in promoting the growth of medical tourism, and for many medical tourism patients, represent their first face to face contact with the concept of medical tourism.

Over the last 10-15 years, thousands of these companies have popped up, most sporting names synonymous with health and travel. They function much like a travel agency, requesting and obtaining passports, booking flights, and arranging a medical tourism patient’s lodging, transportation and tours. The key difference, of course, is that they also serve as the liaison or mediator between you and the international hospital and doctor. In effect, it is the facilitator’s job to repackage the medical provider’s service offering, make it more appealing, and then guide you along the medical tourism process.

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We provide world class tailored treatment plan for each patient.

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At least one million people from around the world travel to Turkey each year for high quality, reliable, fast and affordable medical care.

From initial inquires, questions and concerns about medical treatment we are here to serve you during all phases of your care, in your own language. In order to ease the process of having a treatment in a foreign country, our support program begins before your stay to ensure you are fully informed about our facility.

Prior to your visit, our International Patient Programs Department will provide you with detailed information about the projected treatment plans, cost estimates, appointment scheduling, interpretation services, transportation, accommodation and insurance eligibility.

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As Medical Travel Tourism, we work with Ankara Güven Hospital.

High-quality services that Güven Hospital provides in all aspects not only increase the number of their patients, but also boost the responsibility that they carry for their patients.

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Patient services, we are here to.

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New Mexico starts building an abortion clinic to serve neighboring states, train medical students

Construction is getting underway on a state-funded reproductive health and abortion clinic in southern New Mexico that will cater to local residents and people who travel from neighboring states such as Texas and Oklahoma with major restrictions on abortion

SANTA FE, N.M. — Construction is getting underway on a state-funded reproductive health and abortion clinic in southern New Mexico that will cater to local residents and people who travel from neighboring states such as Texas and Oklahoma with major restrictions on abortion, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Thursday.

Construction of the clinic will draw upon $10 million in state funding that was set aside by the governor under a 2022 executive order. New Mexico has one of the country’s most liberal abortion-access laws.

Lujan Grisham, a second-term Democrat who can’t run again in 2026, reiterated her commitment to shoring up abortion access in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and revoked universal access to abortion.

“Access to reproductive healthcare should be a fundamental human right,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “Once completed, this clinic will stand as a testament to our state’s commitment to reproductive freedom for residents of New Mexico, and also those who travel here from out-of-state in need of this care.”

New Mexico accompanies Democratic-led states from California to New Jersey that are underwriting efforts to bolster abortion services and protections.

New Jersey last year awarded $15 million in zero-interest loans and grants to health care facilities that provide abortion services for facility improvements and increased security. In 2022, California legislators approved $200 million in new spending to bolster the state’s already robust abortion protections.

The governor’s announcement in New Mexico thrusts public policy on abortion back in the spotlight in the runup to the November general election, with the entire state Legislature up for reelection as Democrats defend their state House and Senate majorities.

Republican contenders for a U.S. Senate seat and a congressional swing district in southern New Mexico have said they won’t support a federal abortion ban, amid Democratic-backed political ads that highlight the potential for further federal restrictions.

The Republican Party of New Mexico on Thursday condemned public spending on an abortion clinic that caters to out-of-state visitors as an example of misplaced priorities among Democrats.

In 2021, New Mexico state lawmakers repealed a dormant 1969 statute that outlawed most abortion procedures as felonies, ensuring access. But opposition to abortion runs deep in New Mexico communities along the border with Texas, which has one of the most restrictive bans in the U.S.

Several New Mexico cities and counties have approved abortion-ban ordinances that are on hold while the state Supreme Court weighs whether local governments have the right to back federal abortion restrictions under a 19th century U.S. law that prohibits the shipping of abortion medication and supplies.

The new clinic is scheduled for completion within 18 months to provide services ranging from medical and procedural abortions to contraception, cervical cancer screenings and education about adoptions.

The health branch of the University of New Mexico says it broke ground on the clinic in a partnership with groups including Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.

The project was designed to improve health care access and create new training and residency opportunities beyond Albuquerque for University of New Mexico School of Medicine students, the University of New Mexico said in a statement.

The public university’s board of regents approved the acquisition of land for the project in May.