Once reserved for the uninsured or very wealthy, medical tourism is increasing in popularity and broadening in scope. More than 648,000 U.S. residents traveled abroad for care last year, and that is expected to increase to 1.6 million by 2012, according to the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, a consulting firm that tracks medical tourism trends.

And while many medical tourists travel for cosmetic procedures such as face lifts and tummy tucks, an increasing number are going abroad for hip and knee replacements, cardiac procedures and major dental work.

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