Tijuana Medical Tourism Guide: What Patients Should Know
Quick Answer
Tijuana is one of the most established medical tourism destinations for Americans, offering faster access and lower self-pay costs for dental, bariatric, and surgical care. When patients choose licensed physicians working in COFEPRIS-regulated facilities and allow proper recovery time, outcomes can be comparable to U.S. care for many elective procedures.
Updated December 2025
Why do Americans go to Tijuana for medical care?
Tijuana’s role in medical tourism is primarily structural, not promotional. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , Mexico is the most common destination for U.S. residents seeking medical care abroad, driven by proximity, cost differentials, and the growth of private clinics serving international patients.
Located directly across the border from San Diego, Tijuana allows patients to access care without long international flights or complex visa requirements.
Research published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Americans face some of the highest out-of-pocket healthcare costs globally, particularly for dental care, bariatric surgery, and elective procedures that insurance often excludes or restricts. At the same time, appointment-wait-time surveys summarized by AMN Healthcare show median waits of several weeks for many specialties.
For patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing long delays, Tijuana offers:
- Near-immediate scheduling
- Transparent pre-travel pricing
- Proximity to California airports and border crossings
- Clinics designed specifically for cross-border patients
Popular medical procedures in Tijuana
Patterns described in CDC medical tourism guidance and reviews published in the Journal of Travel Medicine show that U.S. patients most often travel abroad for procedures that combine high U.S. self-pay prices with predictable outcomes.
Dental and oral surgery
Dental care is the single most common reason Americans travel to Tijuana. According to cost analyses summarized by PlacidWay and Beyond Borders Dental , patients most frequently seek:
- Dental implants and implant-supported bridges
- Crowns and veneers
- Full-arch restorations (All-on-4 / All-on-6)
Dental tourism is driven by the fact that U.S. dental insurance often caps annual benefits far below the actual cost of complex restorative work.
Bariatric and metabolic surgery
Tijuana stands out as one of the world’s most dynamic centers for bariatric surgery. International demand for gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures is well documented in analyses published by BMJ Global Health and OUP Academic .
- Cost-effectiveness: Bariatric prices are dramatically lower than in the U.S.
- Accessibility: Lower pricing improves access for uninsured or underinsured patients.
- Procedure popularity: Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are the most frequently sought procedures.
Plastic and aesthetic surgery
Patients seek a wide range of aesthetic procedures, driven by cost, surgeon availability, and shorter wait times.
- Body contouring: Liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Breast surgery: Augmentation, lifts, and reduction
- Rhinoplasty: Cosmetic and functional nasal surgery
- Revision procedures: Corrective surgery after prior complications
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons , many of these procedures are fully elective and entirely self-pay in the U.S., making cross-border care a financially motivated alternative.
Other specialties
- Orthopedics (sports injuries, joint procedures)
- Ophthalmology (LASIK, cataract surgery)
- Fertility and women’s health services (in selected clinics)
How much does medical care in Tijuana typically cost compared with the U.S.?
Exact prices vary by provider and complexity, but published listings give a reliable sense of scale.
Indicative self-pay comparisons (non-binding)
| Procedure | Tijuana (typical ranges) | U.S. self-pay ranges |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric sleeve | USD 4,000–6,000 | USD 15,000–25,000 |
| Single dental implant | USD 900–1,500 | USD 3,000–5,000 |
| Full-arch dental restoration | ~45–70% less | USD 25,000–40,000+ |
| Rhinoplasty | USD 3,000–5,500 | USD 8,000–15,000+ |
These ranges align with pricing summaries published by CostAnswers , PlacidWay , and bariatric-surgery cost analyses referenced by BMJ Global Health .
Is medical tourism in Tijuana safe?
Safety depends on who provides care, where it is delivered, and how recovery is handled—not on the city itself.
The CDC stresses that patients face higher risk when care is delivered in:
- Unlicensed facilities
- Informal office-based operating rooms
- Rushed “fly-in, fly-out” timelines
Peer-reviewed analyses in Journal of Travel Medicine and The Lancet show that complications are disproportionately associated with providers operating outside formal regulatory frameworks—not with accredited clinics treating international patients.
How can patients avoid scams or unsafe clinics in Tijuana?
Best practices
- Verify physician licensure and specialty training
- Confirm the clinic is COFEPRIS-regulated
- Request written treatment plans and itemized pricing
- Ask where surgery will actually take place
Red flags
- Prices far below market norms
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Refusal to provide credentials in writing
- Operating rooms located in apartments or non-medical buildings
What does the patient journey in Tijuana usually look like?
- Remote consultation and medical-record review
- Written quote and treatment plan
- Travel to San Diego and ground transfer to Tijuana
- In-person evaluation and procedure
- Local recovery period
- Documented discharge and follow-up instructions
For dental care, stays may be only a few days. For bariatric or surgical procedures, Journal of Travel Medicine reviews suggest planning 7–14 days locally, depending on procedure and patient health.
Can patients pay in installments or finance care in Tijuana?
Historically, many clinics relied on cash or wire transfers. That is changing. Health-system research from the OECD shows that international providers increasingly adopt digital payments and financing.
Many doctors now integrate platforms like heva to accept digital payments, offer financing for eligible patients, and streamline coordination.
Considering medical care in Tijuana?
If you are exploring dental work, bariatric surgery, or other procedures in Tijuana, focus on verified clinicians, regulated facilities, and structured recovery planning—not just headline prices. You can connect with verified providers using heva here .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tijuana the most common destination for U.S. medical tourists?
Yes. According to the CDC, Mexico is the most common destination for U.S. residents seeking medical care abroad, with Tijuana serving as a major hub.
How long do patients usually stay in Tijuana?
Dental care may require only days. Bariatric and surgical care often requires 7–14 days locally, depending on procedure and recovery needs.
Are doctors in Tijuana licensed and regulated?
Licensed physicians must practice in COFEPRIS-regulated facilities. Patients should verify credentials directly.
Do I need insurance for medical care in Tijuana?
In most cases, no. According to the CDC, elective medical tourism is typically self-pay, and U.S. insurance rarely covers planned procedures abroad.
Does using heva guarantee outcomes?
No. heva supports coordination, payments, and access to verified providers, but outcomes depend on clinical care and patient factors.
Is financing available?
Increasingly, yes. Many providers now offer digital payments and financing through integrated platforms, subject to eligibility. Always prioritize using official platforms that protect your data and provide payment confirmations.
Disclaimers
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about medical tourism safety considerations. It is not medical advice. heva is a healthcare coordination platform connecting patients with providers—we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All medical and travel decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
Safety Information: Safety recommendations are based on best practices and expert guidelines. Individual circumstances may require additional precautions. Patients should continue to conduct their own research and verification of providers and facilities for good measure. heva facilitates connections but does not guarantee results or safety outcomes.
Insurance Information: Insurance recommendations are general guidance only. Specific coverage needs vary by individual circumstances and procedures. Patients should consult with insurance professionals to determine appropriate coverage levels and providers.
International Healthcare: International medical care involves inherent risks and additional considerations including emergency protocols, legal differences, and care coordination. Patients should thoroughly research all aspects and maintain realistic expectations about cross-border healthcare.