Medical tourism

Medical tourism refers to people traveling to a country other than their own to obtain medical treatment. In the past this usually referred to those who traveled from less-developed countries to major medical centers in highly developed countries for treatment unavailable at home. However, in recent years it may equally refer to those from developed countries who travel to developing countries for lower priced medical treatments. The motivation may be also for medical services unavailable or illegal in the home country.

Medical tourism most often is for surgeries (cosmetic or otherwise) or similar treatments, though people also travel for dental tourism or fertility tourism. People with rare conditions may travel to countries where the treatment is better understood. However, almost all types of health care are available, including psychiatry, alternative medicine, convalescent care, and even burial services.

Health tourism is a wider term for travel that focus on medical treatments and the use of healthcare services. It covers a wide field of health-oriented, tourism ranging from preventive and health-conductive treatment to rehabilitational and curative forms of travel. Wellness tourism is a related field.

Medical tourism 

Pros and cons of medical tourism

People are crossing borders and leaving their familiar surroundings to get healed in another country. This international phenomenon is termed as medical tourism and it is fast gaining popularity among urban and sub-urban residents of developed countries. Every new thing or trend is doubted and questioned and medical tourism is also being analyzed and criticized. A deeper and better understanding of medical tourism can be achieved if we measure the pros and cons of travelling for treatment. It is also important to check out why people who have travelled to a faraway country, for getting their knee replaced or their liver transplantation, have done so when medical facility was available in their home town. Economy is the main reason why medical tourism has become a popular alternative among First World citizens.

Advantages of medical tourism

The first and most prominent benefit of medical tourism is definitely the fact that it can be attained at lower prices. Treatment costs have risen so much that intricate surgeries cost more than travel, accommodation and treatment abroad. Traveling lets the patients choose the nursing home and country where they would like to travel. Saving money is crucial for people because the financial circumstances are quite unstable. There are many treatments and surgeries that do not fall under the general medical insurance. Breaking your bank for surgery can put you in severe financial crunch and that’s why people prefer medical tourism. Another advantage is that patients get treatment immediately. The post operative care is also taken care of in some hospitals. Getting to see a new country is also a great experience. Patients get sufficient privacy and can opt for unconventional surgeries like butt enhancement or fat reduction.

Disadvantages of medical tourism

One of the main problems is that the patient and their family members are often not sure about the qualification and have to venture in a new country trusting the medical tourism facilitators. Misinformation can lead to bad, inefficient treatment and wastage of resources. Pre-operative and post operative care is not available at many of the hospitals abroad. Sometimes the cost of the whole trip amounts to more than the estimated amount at the end and the patients encounter a financial setback. Problems can stem from legal permits and paper works as well. A change of place can make the patients nervous and anxious due to the difference in culture and language barrier.