Medically Reviewed By: Dr. David Warmflash (MD), Dr. Shelley Janssen (MD)
A Quick Guide to Stem Cell Procedures Abroad
Stem cell procedures abroad treat many diseases but remain costly in the US.
Learn about costs, procedures, top destinations, and the latest in regenerative medicine.
Find out how global options could be the solution you need!
Continue reading!
Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis: Patient Testimonial
What Is the Cost of Stem Cell Therapy Globally?
The cost of stem cell therapy abroad ranges from $1,000 to $20,000.
In contrast, in the US, it can reach up to $40,000.[1]
The cost varies by condition, stem cell type/source, and procedure specifics.
Cost Comparison Between Other Countries and the US
In Mexico, Costa Rica, and India, stem cell therapy usually costs less than in the US. However, the quality of the treatment remains excellent.
Here is a table showing the cost of stem cell therapy (in USD) across the globe:
Treatment | Cost in Mexico | Cost in India | Cost in Costa Rica | Cost in the US |
Stem Cell Therapy | $4950 - $18,000 | $1000 - $20,000 | $5000 - $15,000 | up to $40,000 |
**Costs provided are subject to change**
Procedure for Stem Cell Therapy
Here is a simple description of how the procedure works:
- The initial stage is known as the mobilization stage.
- Infusion of drugs to move the stem cells from the bone marrow to the bloodstream.
- Once the blood test shows enough stem cells, harvesting takes place.
- This usually happens about ten days after mobilization.
- Alternatively, bone marrow can be drawn and stem cells harvested from it.
The hospital then stores the stem cells in a freezing environment for later use.
- In this stage, your body undergoes conditioning chemotherapy to destroy damaged cells.
- It aims to destroy the damaged cells.
- The final stage involves implanting harvested stem cells back into the body.
- The process takes place after a few days of conditioning chemotherapy.
Note: Reimplanting the stem cells takes 2-3 hours, similar to a blood transfusion. The new cells may take 10-30 days to start generating new cells.
Overview: Stem Cell Therapy Abroad
Before exploring top stem cell therapy locations, let’s understand what it is.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
- Stem cell therapy involves generating healthy cells to replace diseased ones.
- The procedure uses stem cells or their derivatives for treatment.[2]
Stem cells have a variety of proposed uses, including:
Repairing or replacing damaged tissues for heart disease and spinal injuries.
Therapies for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MS involve generating healthy neurons.
Enhancing bone marrow transplants and developing targeted therapies for various cancers.
Creating insulin-producing cells to potentially treat type 1 diabetes.
Types of Stem Cells
Check out the following types of stem cells that have different purposes.[3]
Type | Source | Information |
---|---|---|
Embryonic Stem Cells | 5-6 day embryo (Blastocyst)
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Adult Stem Cells | Developed organs and tissues in the body like bone marrow or fat cells
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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) | Genetically altered adult stem cells
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Cord Blood Stem Cells | Umbilical cord after childbirth
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Did you know?
The best stem cells for knee pain and function loss come from the patient's fat cells.
Why Consider Stem Cell Therapy Abroad?
- Slow approval processes may limit stem cell procedure availability in your country.
- Other countries are speeding up research and global trials to test new approaches.
- Many people solve their health issues using this safe and legal procedure abroad.
If you choose to get this therapy abroad, the benefits are:
- Overseas hospitals offer advanced infrastructure.
- Treatments are affordable and with use of latest technologies.
- You will be looked after by top medical professionals.
Mexico, Costa Rica and India have legal and certified clinics.
- COFEPRIS regulates GIOSTAR in Mexico.
- In Costa Rica, CONIS ensures stem cell clinics meet established standards.
- In India, GIOSTAR holds accreditations by GMP and the ISO.
- Healthcare in Mexico, Costa Rica, and India costs a fraction of what it does in America.
- The treatments can cost you nearly 70% cheaper than in the USA. [4]
- Mexico has virtually no wait time for most surgeries. [5]
- You can address issues in days or even the same day, reducing physical and mental strain.
Countries That Offer Stem Cell Therapy
Finding a reliable clinic in a foreign country can be difficult. We're here to help you choose the best options for your treatment.
MEXICO
1. Booming Medical Tourism
- Mexico is a famous medical tourism destination.
- In March 2020 alone, around 728,000 people visited Mexico for medical treatments.[6]
Cancun, Mexico
2. Legal Procedure
- Stem cell therapy in Mexico is safe and legal. The COFEPRIS overlooks stem cell procedures in Mexico.[7]
- Increased awareness of regenerative medicine has sped up stem cell research in Mexico.
- This framework has made these therapies accessible to people around the world.
3. Treatments
You can seek stem cell therapy for many health conditions.
- For Pain Management: Knee Pain, Spinal Cord Injury, Back Pain, Hip Pain, and Shoulder.
Stem Cells for Chronic Pain
- For Anti-Aging and Performance
- Diseases: Parkinson's, COPD, Erectile Dysfunction, MS, Arthritis, and more.
4. Cost-Effective
- The cost of the treatment will depend upon the disease and the type of treatment.
- Treating knee joint pain with stem cells at GIOSTAR Mexico costs around $12,000.
5. Travel
There are many travel options to reach Mexico, including flights, buses, and cars.
Mode of Transport | Information |
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Flights |
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Bus |
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Road (Car) |
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6. Accommodation
Planning a trip to Mexico but worried about accommodation costs? Don't worry!
- Hotels in Mexico are not costly. At lower prices, you can get accommodations with incredible comforts.
- We recommend staying close to the clinic when considering treatment at GIOSTAR, Mexico.
- Nearby hotels: Cielito Lindo, California Comfort & Suites, Hacienda Los Algodones.
Discover stem cell therapy in Mexico with our guide: http://mtctheme.medicaltourismco.com/stem-cell-therapy-mexico-3/
INDIA
1. Quality of Healthcare
- India is ranked 10th out of 46 countries in the 2020-21 Medical Tourism Index.[8]
- The nation stands out for its high-quality healthcare with the latest technologies.
2. Low Cost of Treatment
- The cost of stem cell therapies in India is much lower than in the USA and Canada.
- Treatment costs range from $1,000 to $20,000, saving up to 70% compared to the USA.
- However, lower prices do not affect the quality of the treatment provided to you.
3. No Language Barrier
Language barriers and communication gaps should take a back seat in your list of troubles.
- India has a large highly skilled English-speaking workforce.[9]
- Many doctors and nurses speak English fluently. Moreover, our hospitals can also provide translator services if needed.
4. Approved Treatments
- In India, bone marrow transplants are approved for blood cancer and related diseases.
- Doctors also use stem cell therapy for treating diabetes,[10] COVID-19,[11] and osteoarthritis etc.
- Moreover, GIOSTAR, India is compliant with regulatory authorities like GMP and ISO.
Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes in India
5. Treatments Available
- India offers approved stem cell therapies for many diseases.
Stem Cell Therapy for Hair Loss
- Treatments for hair loss, COPD, diabetes, knee injuries, liver disease, and more.
- GIOSTAR uses autologous stem cells from the patient, which are safe and effective.
6. Travel Options
Traveling to India is not as expensive as you may think.
- Book international flights early to secure lower ticket prices.
- There are many flights connecting the USA to India.
- United Airlines, Emirates, and Air India offer flexible cancellation policies.
We can help you choose airlines and times that suit your needs.
City | Airport Code | Category | Flight Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Delhi | DEL | Non-Stop | 14h 05m+ |
Bangalore | BLR | One-Stop | 20h 35m+ |
7. Accommodation
India's living costs are very low compared to the USA and Canada.
- Many hotels provide 24-hour nursing and care with great amenities and services.
- You can also stay at various retreat facilities to relax after your treatment.
We can help you book comfortable hotels within your budget.
COSTA RICA
1. Leading Destination for Medical Tourism and Healthcare
- Costa Rica ranks 7th globally in the Medical Tourism Index.
- It ranks 1st among countries in the Medical Tourism Industry.[12]
- The WHO ranks Costa Rica 36th in healthcare, ahead of the US, Cuba, and New Zealand.[13] placing it ahead of the US, Cuba, and New Zealand.
2. Affordable Quality Healthcare
- Get top stem cell treatments in Costa Rica at a fraction of the US cost.
- Costa Rican healthcare offers top care with strict accreditation, saving time and money.
Is Stem Cell Therapy in Costa Rica Safe?
3. Legal and Safe Procedures
- Under CONIS, Costa Rica's Health Ministry ensures compliance in stem cell therapies. [14]
- Their framework ensures patient safety, transparency, and regulates stem cell treatments.
4. Approved Treatments
- Approved therapies use adult stem cells from peripheral and umbilical cord blood.
- Treatments include arthritis, diabetes, lungs, liver, kidneys, and autoimmune disorders.
5. Clinic
- Cellebration Wellness partners with a top stem cell firm for advanced treatments.
- Its medical team includes twelve pioneering researchers from top global medical colleges.
- The center officially provides stem cell treatments for the Retired NFL Players Congress.[15]
6. Travel
- Costa Rica is easy to reach from the US and Canada and has frequent flights.
- US, Canadian, and European citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
- Passport must be valid for 30 days.
7. No Language Barrier
- Spanish is the main language, but English is common at tourist spots and hospitals.
- The US dollar is also widely accepted.
8. Accommodation
Planning a trip to Costa Rica and worried about accommodation costs? Don’t stress!
- Hotels in Costa Rica are budget-friendly and provide excellent comfort.
- You can stay at InterContinental, Sheraton San Jose, or Costa Verde Inn.
Recent Developments in Stem Cell Therapy
2023 saw major advancements in stem cell therapies, marking a groundbreaking year.
- In March 2023, cord blood stem cells helped a woman with HIV achieve remission. [16]
- A trial is testing neuronal stem cell transplants for Parkinson's safety. [17]
- In February 2023, a major heart failure trial showed promise with mesenchymal stem cells. [18]
- The UK Stem Cell Bank is exploring automated robotic technology for growing stem cells.
Did you know?
The global stem cell therapy market is expected to hit $928.6 million by 2031. [19]
Conclusion
Stem cell procedures abroad offer certified, effective therapies to improve your life.
Our expert team can help you find personalized therapy abroad that meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Costa Rica, Mexico, India, Spain, and Thailand have legal stem cell treatment facilities.
Stem cell therapy is not covered by insurance due to limited awareness of the treatment. But, we’re happy to guide you through the costs and payment options over a phone call.
The success rate of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis is very promising. Research has shown that stem cell therapy can clinically improve this condition.[20]
Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, infections, injection site reactions, and bleeding.
References
- CYTOTHERAPY: Unproven cell therapies and the commercialization of cell-based products
- Mayo Clinic: Stem cells: What they are and what they do
- Healthline: Stem Cell Research
- Ecole des Commerces: Why is surgery cheaper in Mexico?
- Mexlaw: Expats Have Access To Healthcare in Mexico on 3 Levels
- PR Newswire: Medical Tourism Mexico: High Quality, Affordable Prices
- GIOSTAR: Stem cell therapy safety and legality in Mexico
- Financial Express: What makes the country a leading Medical Tourism Destination
- Harvard Business Review: As Covid-19 Disrupts Global Supply Chains, Will Companies Turn to India?
- Cision PR Newswire: GIOSTAR Launches Stem Cell / Cancer Research and Therapy Center in Chandigarh, India
- The Mint: Coronavirus: Stem cells offer a ray of hope in battle against covid-19
- Medical Tourism Index: Overall MTI Ranking
- The Journal of Global Health: An Analysis of Health Care Systems in Two Countries Through Determining Public Satisfaction
- Library of Congress: Regulation of Stem Cell Research
- Cellebration Wellness: Cellebrate your best life
- Cell: HIV-1 remission and possible cure in a woman after haplo-cord blood transplant
- National Library of Medicine: A Trial to Determine the Safety and Tolerability of Transplanted Stem Cell Derived Dopamine Neurons to the Brains of Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Randomized Trial of Targeted Transendocardial Mesenchymal Precursor Cell Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure
- European Pharmaceutical Review: Recent developments in stem cell therapies
- Journal of Orthopaedic Research: Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation on the outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis