Author: Healthbase
Today, cheap yet world-class surgeries are just a flight away. But the deluge of information available out there can overwhelm anybody. So, here is a quick guide to medical tourism to answer most of your questions about the phenomenon.
WHAT IS MEDICAL TOURISM?
Medical Tourism is the process of traveling abroad to receive superior medical, dental and cosmetic care by highly skilled surgeons at some of the most modern and state-of-the-art medical facilities in the world…all at a fraction of the price in the US, UK and Canada.
MEDICAL TOURISM OFFERINGS
1. Incredible Savings: Compare a $7,000 hip resurfacing in India with a $48,000 one in the US. In general you are able to save 50% to 90%.
2. Excellent Quality: Many international providers are accredited by JCI, JCAHO and ISO or by local accrediting organizations. They have world-class facilities, have access to the latest technology and provide personalized service. If in doubt, read testimonials by patients who have experienced treatment overseas.
3. Surgeon Expertise: Most surgeons catering to international patients have either been educated or have received professional training at top schools in the US, UK or in other countries in Europe.
4. No Wait-Lists: Access to immediate service is what attracts those from countries that have public health care system towards medical tourism.
5. Longer Hospital Stay: You can have a longer hospital stay than possible in your local hospital back home under the supervision of your surgeon and physical therapist.
6. Travel Opportunities: While the primary motivation for most customers is affordable surgery, the opportunity to visit exotic destinations is an additional draw for some.
WHO SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN MEDICAL TOURISM?
In general, most medical tourists are either uninsured, underinsured or those seeking elective surgeries. Others resort to medical tourism due to the long wait-lists in their country.
WHICH COUNTRIES OFFER THE BEST SERVICES?
The most popular travel destinations are India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, Belgium, and Argentina amongst others. Some of these countries are considered best for cardiac surgery, others for orthopedic surgery and yet others for cosmetic surgery. You should base your selection on: quality, distance and cost.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROVIDER
When choosing a provider, don’t get swayed by attractive packages and fancy websites. Read and watch what others are saying about the particular hospital, clinic or surgeon. Check out the facility pictures and videos. Consider the provider’s accreditation, awards and recognitions, facility and equipments, statistics like success rates, etc.
WILL MY HEALTH INSURANCE PAY FOR IT?
Insurance companies are keenly looking into medical tourism as an option though most haven’t adopted it into their plans yet. So check with your health insurer for details.
SHOULD I COMBINE “SUN, SAND, AND SEA” WITH SURGERY?
That depends.
Usually after a cosmetic surgery, you are advised not to expose your body to the sun or to sea water. But, you can always choose to enjoy them before your surgery. With certain other medical procedures, it’s best for you to stay indoors and relax after your surgery. In any case, you should always consult your surgeon if you have travel or tourism on your mind.
WHAT ARE MEDICAL TOURISM FACILITATORS?
Medical tourism facilitators like Healthbase (http://www.healthbase.com) are specialized facilitators that connect you with the hospital of your choice while providing all or some other valuable services like detailed information about various procedures, detailed hospital profiles and surgeon profiles, medical records transfer, free surgery quote, pre- and post-consultation with the overseas hospital, feedback and testimonials from previous patients, medical and dental loan financing, passport and visa, airport pick-up and drop-off, hospital escort, tickets, travel insurance, hotel booking, tourism services in the destination country, etc.
This medical tourism guide is just a starting step. You should do the proper required research before you fly to your medical tourism destination.
You can learn more about the growing trend of medical tourism, international healthcare facilities and surgeons and the details of the medical tourism process by logging on to http://www.healthbase.com. Healthbase.com is a medical tourism facilitator committed to providing low-cost high quality medical travel services to the global medical consumer.
SOurce: articlesbase.com
Author: Suzanne Macguire
Medical tourism industry in India as well as in several Asian countries has been registering a sky-high growth over the past few years. In India, it is reported to have been growing by 30% every year, with more and more patients from the West. Not just that, reports suggest that many fitness freaks are lured by the Indian Vedic way of life and are keen on rejuvenating their health through Ayurveda medication and therapies. People from the US, Europe and the Middle East are seeking the aid of Indian healthcare centers and hospitals as a cheap and reliable alternative. To top it all, medical tourism industry in these countries offer a wide variety of packages that are sure to lure patients worldwide. Attractive medical tourism packages of these countries also account for the outpouring number of patients every year.
Medical tourism packages are chiefly designed to offer patients a complete cure and revitalized experience. These packages allow patients not only complete healthcare facilities but also excellent tour options as well. The medical tourism packages are implemented through successful partnerships among some of the best tour operators, well established healthcare centers, hospitals and travel service providers. Aimed to stand up to the expectations of international patients, medical tourism packages encompass all-possible facilities within their purview- be it diagnostic, surgical, holistic or any other complementary treatments. These packages enable foreign patients not only to undergo medical treatment but also to discover the rich cultural heritage of the countries they visit.
This combination of healthcare and tourism facilities at an affordable price serves as a magnet to attract patients from all over the world. Not only are patients provided with world class facilities but are also let to travel around the country and have a glimpse of its social life and culture. Besides, recent successes of Indian doctors treating overseas patients has also inspired more and more foreign patients to opt for these destinations.
Besides, patients do not have to wait long to undergo any complicated surgery or treatment in these medical tourist destinations in contrast to the long waiting list in Western countries. Such a long waiting list can even cost a patient’s life! This is another reason for the constant insurgence of foreign patients in the Asian medical tourism sector.
The medical tourism industry has thus found an effective strategy to boost up its market by offering a wide range of medical tourism packages. Medical tourism services provide detailed information on all different medical tourism packages along with some valuable suggestions as well. With hospitals, hotels, conveyance facilities meeting international standards, medical tourism packages are set to make their target customers sit, relax and enjoy a rejuvenating experience!
Source: articlesbase.com