What is medical tourism and why it may be a fit for you
In this article we explain what medical tourism is and who it is for. We also seek to be blunt about its benefits and drawbacks.
1- What is medical tourism?
The CDC defines “Medical tourism” as the act of traveling to another country with the intention of seeking medical care. In a study by the American Journal of Medicine, 1.5 million Americans travel abroad from the USA to receive surgical or medical treatment every year (although this number decreased significantly during 2020 and 2021 during the COVID pandemic). Finally, more than 800 facilities across the world have received a meaningful form of accreditation that certifies them as essentially fit healthcare providers.
2- Is medical tourism for me?
This is an excellent question. And one that we would like to help answer. The first step, before even considering traveling for treatment, should be to obtain a confirmed medical diagnosis from your medical provider on a condition you may have and the recommended course of treatment. You should determine what the objective of the treatment is and what its objective and outcomes generally are. The more information you have on hand, the better.
As a general rule, the ideal location for medical treatment is the closest to your home. However, some factors may push patients to seek treatment in a different location other than their own city or country. Usually the cost of a particular procedure is the main driver behind the decision to seek treatment abroad. The second most common reason to seek treatment abroad is the availability of the treatment –it may not be available near you.
When requiring medical treatment, you should start by considering the two factors previously discussed. After having consulted with an accredited medical provider, you may agree that you need the treatment but are unable to afford it. Or the treatment may not be available near you. If you find yourself in this position, medical tourism may be for you. Even if you can access and afford the treatment, you may consider medical tourism if you can find a provider abroad with better quality and more affordable care. However, it is important to keep in mind that even if the cost of a treatment abroad may be lower than what you have been offered near you, there are additional costs (travel, housing, travel insurance…) to consider. These additional fees may offset any cost reductions of the treatment itself.
In any case, before reaching a decision, you should gather enough information and have all your questions answered. You should not proceed if you do not feel fully confident and happy with your decision.
3- What are the benefits?
When traveling abroad for medical treatment, you will find that a significant amount of medical providers can offer you the highest standards of care at rates that are considerably lower than those found in the USA. This is usually the main attractive of medical tourism.
Patients abroad may also find treatment options not available to them in their home countries. Access to novel procedures or simply better-equipped facilities are also reasons for which you will find patients travel abroad.
When done properly, medical tourism will help you obtain the treatment you want at very affordable rates. It can become even a pleasant experience. But it is important that it be planned well.
Finally, many patients take advantage of their medical treatment to spend time doing actual tourism while recovering from their procedure. Some places offer a pleasant and interesting setting to visit and dilute some of the stress that the entire medical procedure is sure to have caused.
4- What are the drawbacks?
Medical tourism does have drawbacks, and it is important to consider all of them before deciding on seeking treatment abroad. It is important to remember that you are traveling for medical reasons and that this limits your physical abilities as well as subject you to a heightened stress level.
By traveling abroad, you will be apart from your family, friends and your home environment. It is likely that being in a different cultural setting, hearing a foreign language, you will invariably experience increased stress. If your providers are unable to assist you in bridging these gaps, patients may end up needing to solve small-time logistics issues while still requiring treatment.
In some cases, it may be difficult to properly vet and do due diligence on the medical professionals offering treatment. Identifying good medical providers and staying clear from inadequate offerings may also be complicated. Patient reviews may offer some information but not paint a full picture.
Cost is a big advantage with medical tourism. One of the biggest disadvantages is distance and time. You will be traveling for many hours, usually by plane to faraway places. It is important for patients to consider whether their medical condition allows them to withstand long travel times. Along with travel times, you should consider how long your medical provider will ask you to rest before you can go back home.
Aftercare and follow-up procedures may be difficult to obtain from your foreign provider. In case of complications, you may not be offered the same patient protections by a foreign provider as the ones you would expect to receive from a US-based medical professional.
5- Conclusions
Medical tourism is a great option for those requiring treatment options and want an affordable way of getting it. To be successful, you should have your medical team provide you with a diagnosis and a recommended treatment. You should be well informed of your medical needs and of the cost profile your treatment entails. Carefully choosing a foreign care provider is important. Usually, it is best to be helped by a professional agency to help you organize the details of your travel and treatment. And it is important that you are aware and well informed of all the elements pertaining to your health.
Medical tourism can be a great solution for you.
