Quintana Roo is consolidating its position as one of the main medical tourism destinations in Mexico, attracting an increasing number of international patients who combine health treatments with vacation experiences. Thanks to this combination, visitors can save between 40% and 70% compared to costs in their home countries.
This boom is largely due to the state's strategic location and its air connectivity, especially with the United States and Canada. This was highlighted by Jesús Garza, executive of Sani Medical Tourism, a company that began operations in Playa del Carmen in 2020 and expanded to Cancún in 2023 due to the high demand for its services.
Unlike other medical tourism hubs such as Los Algodones, Baja California—which is primarily geared toward seniors—Quintana Roo attracts a younger audience, between the ages of 30 and 50. This segment seeks cosmetic and dental treatments, as well as outpatient surgeries, while also taking advantage of the region's tourist and beach offerings.
A representative case is that of Hospital Joya Cancún, which increased its patient intake by 300% in just two years. This growth prompted the opening of a new location in Tulum, announced during the 2025 Tourism Fair, according to Leopoldo Suárez, a hospital representative.
Currently, Joya Cancún Hospital employs between 420 and 450 local employees, with working conditions that exceed those of the public sector. Although the majority of the staff is originally from the region, some specialists have migrated from other states to join the team.
Additionally, the hospital maintains partnerships with 45 hotels in Cancún to offer comprehensive health and lodging packages.
Air connectivity with key cities on the East Coast of the United States—such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts—has driven demand for cosmetic procedures, including dental veneers and rejuvenation treatments, performed during extended stays.
Sector Challenges
Despite growth, medical tourism faces significant challenges, such as the need for greater promotion in emerging markets and price standardization to avoid unfair competition.
However, the projections are optimistic. Cancún and Playa del Carmen are emerging as key locations for investment and development of specialized medical services, driven also by the arrival of expats and digital nomads seeking quality medical care at affordable prices.
