There has always been a common misconception amongst people that travel in general does a person much good.
Lately, this has been taken literally with the advent of medical tourism. This refers to traveling across borders for the purpose of health care.
A medical tourist may get any kind of procedure. The most common procedures medical tourists have include bypass surgery, joint replacement, and cosmetic surgery.
Best Countries for Medical Tourism in 2024
When it comes to choosing the best countries for medical tourism, affordability is only part of the equation. Countries like Thailand, India, Mexico, and Turkey are highly sought after for their advanced hospitals, internationally certified surgeons, and competitive pricing.
For cosmetic surgery abroad, these destinations have established reputations for quality care and recovery-friendly environments.
Many medical tourists report savings of up to 70% compared to procedures in the U.S., while still receiving world-class treatment in accredited facilities.
Facts and Statistics
It is estimated that at least 1 million Americans travel overseas annually seeking medical attention. Current estimates show that the medical tourism industry is worth approximately $20 billion.
The four most common reasons people give for going abroad in order to seek medical attention are:
• that facilities in other countries are more technologically advanced;
• patients believe that healthcare quality is better elsewhere;
• it is their opinion that their medical needs will be attended to more quickly abroad; and
• medical services in other countries are cheaper.
Parts of the globe that are currently doing well in the medical tourism industry include; Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, India, South Africa, Latin America, and Mexico.
Planning Your Trip
Due to the growth of medical tourism, companies and associations have been founded to offer the patient information on global medical resources as well as reasonable medical tourism vacation packages.
These vacation packages typically include the following services; counseling on what kind of procedures the patient needs, guidance in choosing the appropriate destination, finding a suitable doctor for the patient, a concierge during the trip, as well as planning and overseeing the patient’s recuperation.
Medical Travel Insurance and What to Know Before You Go
One of the most overlooked aspects of planning a medical trip is medical travel insurance. Unlike standard travel insurance, this type of policy is designed to cover complications or emergencies that may arise from your surgical procedure abroad.
Patients should look for plans that include coverage for surgery cancellation, hospital readmission, or post-op complications. Verifying coverage before departure is one of the most important safe medical tourism tips for avoiding unforeseen costs.
Concerns Regarding Medical Tourism
With the people’s show of interest in cosmetic procedures today, concern for patients’ safety and security has been growing in professional medical communities around the globe.
Medical tourists can be easy targets for fraudulent healthcare providers. Some cosmetic procedures are fairly easy to perform, and such may be offered by non-certified doctors in exchange for a cheaper deal.
Such examples of medical tourism pit falls are likely to jeopardize the patient’s health, or worse; endanger the patient’s life.
International Associations
In order to prevent these kinds of situations from happening, doctors all over the world have formed associations that aim to provide patients with extensive information about their medical options. One such association is the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
ISAPS has been around for 40 years. It aims for the homogenization of plastic surgery standards world wide. ISAPS has been responsible for facilitating the exchange of new knowledge in the field of cosmetics, particularly in the area of disseminating new technological know-how to developing countries involved in medical tourism.
The ISAPS website offers people information on all kinds of cosmetic surgery. It educates patients on the benefits as well as the possible risks of undergoing a certain procedure.
ISAPS also ensures prospective patients of the qualifications of its members. Doctors and surgeons that are part of the organization are guaranteed to be trained and certified medical practitioners in their respective countries.
How to Vet Clinics for Safe Medical Tourism
To ensure a safe and successful medical tourism experience, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the clinic and physician before booking.
Look for international accreditations such as JCI (Joint Commission International) or certification by organizations like ISAPS for cosmetic surgery.
You can also request before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and video consultations with the surgeon.
A reputable medical tourism provider will also help coordinate your records, offer transparent pricing, and include post-operative care in their package.