Medical Tourism: Get the Medical Treatment you Need Overseas
Posted by business | travelling | Posted on May 18th, 2010
It’s hard not to be keenly aware that health care costs have skyrocketed – a week’s stay in the hospital for a few tests and treatment WITHOUT ANY PROCEDURES can cost $15,000 or more![1] So, it’s not surprising that an increasing number of people who need or want real treatment are looking elsewhere for a solution.
Where do they go? To places like India, Thailand, Panama, and Argentina. These countries have strongly emerging economies, and have correspondingly made significant investnment in their medical capabilities. That translates to quality care – second to none – at reasonable cost.
“Medical Tourism”, the name for the new practice of going overseas to receive medical treatment and perhaps get a bit of travel in on the side, is becoming a very popular option, for many.
It can make a lot of sense. Laparascopic, prostate, hernia repair, gastric banding, dental implantation, and other treatments can cost far less in say, India, than in the US – a tenth to a fifth as much. There is no delay in diagnostics and treatment, either. Diagnostics and tests are done in the same facility, the prognosis and treatment follow, immediately. Billing is easy, too – just a matter of presenting a credit card for the final bill, often determined by an up-front quote.
Of course, medical care is only as good as the doctors that perform it. There is excellent news on this front, as well. Doctors in India (again) are very active in the international medical community. Go to any major facility in the US, and you’re likely to see a large number of Indian doctors on the staff. Likewise, many Indian doctors are US trained. Doctors are constantly engaged in improving their skills, and in imparting those skills to others in the international medical community.
And, of course, the fact that you are in an exotic place, only adds to the enticement. The “tourism” aspect is a terrific adjunct – why not recover seeing the Taj Mahal, or Qtub Minar, or on the beaches of Goa? Why not, indeed. Facilities typically have arrangements to help you explore your new-found destination.
Medical treatment overseas may be just the ticket you’re looking for – if you don’t have health insurance or your insurance has determined that a wanted procedure is ‘elective’, or there are other impediments to your getting the treatment you want, it can be very much worth your while to investigate your “Medical Tourism” options.
As always, you should investigate your options and requirements as they apply to your situation. One place to do this is by participating in a forum we have set up for just such a purpose (see link in resource box.) The forum is free to all, you just need to join to participate. Treatment overseas adds one more choice to your set of options – an option that can greatly reduce costs, and give you the opportunity to explore another part of the world, while you’re at it!
[1] Source: personal experience.
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Without tourism, you would not have to look at fat, ugly people in shorts and white socks, running around proving to everyone that tourists can only speak AmeriKan and KNOW that if you YELL in someone's face, they will immediately understand AmreiKan.
They also forget how to drive.
I used to have a bumper sticker that said: "WHEN I GO ON VACATION I AM COMING TO YOUR TOWN SO I CAN DRESS FUNNY AND DRIVE LIKE A MORON."
Your question doesn't make any sense.
there no dought no matter what there gonna be the richest country even if another war happens lol there gonna be ready so liberia dont attepmt
Sierra Leone is a peaceful country now and infact we just recently had free and fair elections. There are no rebels left in the country and the country is steadily progressing. And besides Sierra Leone has some of the nicest people and best beaches in the world HANDS DOWN!!! Trust me I know!
Tourism has increased immensely with now flights to Antartica from Sydney, you do have the chance to land but mostly you just fly over and look.
yep well this vid made it look so good… i investigated a lil bit and yeah found out its realy not place u want too spend ur vacation… too bad, maybe ill go to kenya or senegal, already been in morocco, it realy is a great place, casablanca is fantastic! anyway thanks for the advice
Exactly, they are just ignorant. People it’s 2008! The place is peacefull and beautifull! Give me a break! There are no rebels anywhere to be found… It has been completely safe since at least 2002. I think it’s due to bad advertisement like BLood Diamond etc.
Hampstercrazy does not know what he is talking about. He is ignorant. It is not perfect, but no one will not cut off your arm. It is a place that you must really explore and learn a little bit of the history before visiting to get a great experience. Ignorant people should not have internet!!!!
Hi, spa packages are actually getting popular nowadys. Not just the usual spa, people are going more for the holistic and healing spas programs. Key aim of the packages should be targeting relaxation, wellness and health. You did not say where you are located, so I will not be able to offer much.
But take a look at how this is done, like in Thailand. There are spas in hotels and packages offered cover the rooms, spa treatment and dietary health advice. This can be a 1-day, 2-day or even 3-day packages. So the guests gets pampered without having to leave the comfort of the hotel or resort room.
Standalone spa may be a bit difficult as you can only offer the treatment. Try to have a nearby accommodation tied in for a total package deal.
A check on the prices shows that such spa stay cost from between US$100 up to US$500 a day, depending on the location and hotel/resort status.
I guess it will be good if you can try and experience it for yourself. Take a trip to Thailand for one of these packages.
I work with communities in developing tourism. The single biggest factor:
Whether or not the community sees tourism as an economic driver… takes it seriously. Community understanding and buy-in regarding the benefits of tourism is essential to development of the industry. Are they willing to commit financial and human resources to assist in developing the destination…
Political will by local politicians to take tourism seriously is essential. So many communities see tourism as a "last resort" (no pun intended!) and are still chasing smokestacks rather than dedicating time and energy to developing tourism.
Once this happens, obstacles can be addressed and the destination can build a plan to develop products to position themselves to attract desired markets.
Travel locally. Flying is one of the biggest producers of green house gases. And yes, Al Gore that includes you.
PS: Icon MC what oil company do you work for?
The cost of our health care is far too high. Even a falling dollar cannot make us competitive with countries like India and Thailand.
beautifull!
Tiger balm in Singapore.
CIRCULAR FLOW: Foreign tourists spend money and that money generates higher incomes, which is then spent by individuals on more products and services, meaning more income for businesses, meaning higher incomes, etc.
IMPORTS? Tourism money acts more like exports than imports, since a country is selling its resources (natural beauty) and services (hotels, restaurants) in return for foreign money.
Yea, have fun sipping your drink with the one hand you have left. The rebel RUF forces are still causing problems there and things are not that nice. Senegal or Morocco would be better for your African adventure. Sierra Leone is a beautiful place, Africa is a beautiful place, but that part of the world is so war torn over this wonderful land.
If you want to really see what Africa is like join the WFP or be a UN peacekeeper… know the truth through thruth, not vacation.
Kenya is wonderful. Tourists aren’t bothered too much, as long as you lay low and not make a big deal about your citizenship to another country or how much money you have. Have fun, and good luck!!
The war is over, and RUF is defeted.