Health N Wellness Blog

Medical tourism (traveling across international borders to obtain health care) is not a modern concept, but it is a growing one. The original medical tourism destination was Epidauria. Thousands of years ago, Greek pilgrims traveled there because the territory was deemed the sanctuary of  Asklepios, the healing God.  In 18th century England, spa towns were visited by patients from all over the world for the purported healing mineral waters.

Now, medical tourism destinations are worldwide, and the services offered are unlimited. Over 50 countries have called “medical tourism”  a national industry. The maximum well loved medical tourism destinations are places like- Argentina, Brunei, Brazil,  Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Korea, Tunisia,  and Modern Zealand. Medical tourist can get anything from a hip replacement to cosmetic surgery to psychiatry services.

Huge availability is not the only factor that has caused the medical tourism industry to expand so rapidly. Long wait lines for certain services in residence countries, certain services not being covered by insurance, lack of having medical insurance, quality of services, and comparative cost are all factors. Medical travel was once for the elite lesson that could afford luxury procedures and/or had the financial consolation to afford them medical selectivity. Now, medical travel is appealing to all classes. In fact, the price difference between well loved medical tourist destinations and residence countries is one of the maximum appealing features. 

Take Godfrey Davies for example. He needed polyp removal surgery. The cheapest price he could find in Indianapolis, Indiana was 33,127.  Davies told CNN that price was impossible for him to afford. He shopped around other countries and found that he could have the same surgery done in Wales for 2,930 USD plus $768.00 in airfare.  He claims that he saved $30,000 with medical tourism. 

According to an article in Udaily, the price difference Davies experienced is not strange at all. For example, an American $200, 000 heart-valve replacement  would only be approximately $10,000 in India.
A $3,700 American Lasik eye surgery goes for around $730 in other countries. A $20,000 American face life goes for approximately $1,250 in South Africa.  

An estimated 750,000 Americans went abroad for health care in 2007. In 2009, the number jumped to 878,000, and the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions estimates that that number will probably be doubled by 2012.

But, medical tourism is not without risk. There are many vital factors to consider- quality, safety, accreditation, legal rights, legal rights, etc..

Five Things To Consider:

1. Know The Legalities

Different countries have different laws. Whether you are a U.S. citizen that had a medical procedure done in India and have a medical malpractice suit, then your legal recourse is in India….not the U.S. Many countries have lower cost partly because of their limited medical litigation courses.  Find out what your recourse is in the case you are not pleased with the services if.

Make certain that you will be able to bring your medical records back to your residence country.

Find out whether the hospital will keep your personal and medical information private. 

2. Know That The Hospital Is Accredited

Make certain that the hospital is accredited through the Joint Commission International, an independent private sector not-for-profit organization. The commission develops nationally and internationally recognized procedures and standards that improve patient care and safety. They only accredit hospitals that meet the standard set by the organization. This is an fundamental factor in ensuring that you get quality and secure medical services.

The World Alliance for Patient Safety is too a brilliant resource to check the patient safety policy and practices for hospitals world wide. 

3. Know The Risks

For example, countries around the world all have very different infectious sickness-related epidemiology. Whether you live somewhere that you are not exposed to certain diseases and have not been able to build up a natural immunity,  then these diseases can be a genuine endanger. Complications can too occur from fair traveling after the procedure. Air flight (after surgery) can increase the risk of developing blood clots or pulmonary embolus economy lesson syndrome.  Medical tourists should be prepared to stay longer than expected. Medical complications, slow healing, etc.. can delay you from getting residence. Area safety is too an vital factor to consider.

4. Know The Doctor

Where was he educated? Was he trained specifically in the procedure you are having done? Does he have professional certifications and accreditation? What is his reputation?

5. Know The Language

Whether you are do not fluently speak the language of your destination, then you need to find out whether the hospital has a translator or speaks your language.

Medical tourism destinations tout that you get quality, secure, and cheap services. But, that isn’t always the case. It is ultimately up to you to do the research that proves the destination is not only cheaper, but too secure and providing quality services.