Medical Tourism: Before you travel

Are you considering going for medical tourism? Before you make this decision, it is important that you already understand everything involved. Including the processes, the risk and advantages involved.

In the event that you don’t follow the right procedure, you may end up stranded and spending extra money. Hence, it is important that you do a thorough research and follow the right steps.

This article will serve as a guide to help you make the right decisions.

Why Go Abroad

One of the reasons people opt for medical tourism is the high cost of doing it at home. Cost is not the only reason but essential.

Some countries may have more affordable medical policies.

Another important factor to consider is the efficiency. Some hospital/clinics abroad have reputation for providing excellent treatment to some aliments. These are better equiped.

Apart from cost and efficiency, another reason why people go abroad for treatment is because of limited or no health insurance. Most people who don’t have health insurance coverage can consider looking for other more affordable options. One of which is travelling abroad.

You will be amazed by how affordable some medical procedures are abroad. Especially in countries like Spain, India and Singapore. You may feel it not worth it considering the extra cost on transportation and cost of taking a companion.

You will be surprised to know how much extra you can save.

For instance, a procedure that cost about $40,000 in the United States, could cost only $7,000 in Thailand. The extra $33,000 will make the entire process affordable. Even after throwing in cost of transportation, accommodation and even hosting a companion. So, yes there are lots of advantages of going on medical tourism.

You will be amazed by how affordable some medical procedures are abroad. Especially in countries like Spain, India and Singapore.

Advantages of Going Abroad for Treatment

1. Lesser Waiting Time

In your home country you could sometimes be made to wait for months. This could be done in less than a month in some countries abroad. So why wait when you can travel abroad for a more prompt treatment.

Over the years going on medical tourism is easier. You don’t have to worry about the stress of getting a Visa. Visa’s for medical tourism are one of the easiest to get.

2. Efficiency

There are some medical procedures that are either not offered in your home country. Or are better offered abroad due to reasons many reasons. If what your need is not offered in your home country, why not seek other options abroad?

3. Affordability

This is a major reason why people travel abroad. You may end up saving within 30% to 80%. Especially if you stay in countries were medical expenses are high.

This amazing cut in price might seem too good to be true.

But most of these countries are trying to boost medical tourism in their countries by providing quality service for a very affordable price. That their treatments and surgeries are cheap that should not undermine the quality of service that they offer. In such countries they operate with well trained experts and state-of-the-art equipment.

4. The Ease of booking flights and Communication Services

It is now very easy to book ticket. With your mobile phone you will be able to book flights and schedule your treatment.

There are many online travel companies. These includes Expedia, Google Flights, Edreams, Kayak and a lot more. This easy step involves you making all your bookings online and travel when your appointment is already in place.

Also there are many ways to contact your doctor or hospital abroad. You can even use medical facilitators. With this flexibility, you don’t need to be physically present in the hospital/clinic for assessment. They can even organise everything for you.

5. Tourism Opportunity

When we say medical tourism, we cannot overlook the tourism part. You will have the opportunity of visiting another country, travelling overseas, meeting a new culture and language. This is a bonus package attached to your medical care. Some clinics offer more packages which may include city tour.

Over the years going on medical tourism is easier. You don’t have to worry about the stress of getting a Visa. Visa’s for medical tourism are one of the easiest to get.

Risks

There are a lot of advantages in going on medical tourism. You will be getting health care as well as the tourism experience. Also you will be visiting a new country and most times with less stress than the regular tourism.

This does not go without risk. Before going abroad it is important that you consider the risk involved. You should weigh your options very well. The journey from your home to your local hospital can be stressful. Now imagine travelling thousand of miles for treatment.

Travelling abroad can be discomforting especially if the aliment is severe.

Some of the risks are:

1. It is going to be a strange land

Remember that with your health situation in a new land, you will be subjected to different culture. Including food, drinks, language and an entirely new type of currency.

If you are seriously sick, you don’t have to go through all these stress again. Imagine not being able to communicate with your nurses and doctors.

2. Emergency Complications

Due to complications you may spend extra time than your initial plan. If not properly insured you will be spending more. You could even have problems with accommodation and visa. If you are not well insured for this, you will still have to spend extra. Even if you are insured, your companion´s expenses still need to be taken care of.

Before going abroad it is important that you consider the risk involved. You should weigh your options very well.

Learn more about Risks of Treatment Abroad

Before you travel

Medical tourism is not a new industry. It has been there for centuries. Over the past decade it has seen steady growth, estimated about 15-25% every year.

If you want to join the train of people seeking treatment abroad, you have to consider some very important things. Travelling abroad is not something you can just do hastily.

Here are some factors you should put into consideration:

1. Do Your Home Work

Thorough research is necessary. Choosing the right hospital/clinic is essential. You should choose a country not because you fancy it, but because it can provide all your needs. Take your time; ask around, visit valuable websites.

2. Take someone along

You should know that since you are sick you I’ll need someone to take care of you. Although you can travel alone, it is best that you go with a support. You will need someone to be there for you through out the process both physically and emotionally. So when budgeting, involve the cost of travelling with a partner.

3. Consider Recovery Time

The seriousness of your aliment will determine how long you will be staying overseas. It could be an issue of days, it could be months, it could even last for a year. Your doctor is in a better position to tell you how long it will take for the entire treatment process.

And if you have a to stay longer than expected, due to further complications, don’t hesitate to stay back. Communication is fundamental.

4. Sort Your Finance

Most insurance plans (see below) and health coverage make it easy to cover your expenses. But on the off chance that you are travelling for cosmetic procedures, it may not be easy to get health insurance coverage.

Hence if you are travelling abroad, for treatments that are not covered, you should be ready to carry the financial constrain.

Before such journey, ensure that you have source for funds. Have a talk with your doctor to know were you stand. If your health plan covers, fine, if it don’t, then you have to source for money. It is important that you know if only basic treatment will be covered.

5. Set up an Insurance plan

You have to set up an insurance plan for your journey. It is important you understand that health coverage type of insurance is different from the regular travel insurance coverage. The basic difference there is that with your medical travel insurance, you are covered in case you stay longer due to complications. It covers you until you are healthy again.

6. Know more about your preferred destination.

Choosing a destination shouldn’t be the first decision you make when embarking on medical tourism. This can cause sentiments. For instance, if you are in love with the UK, it might not be the right destination for your treatment. Other factors like the right hospital/clinic should come first.

You should be guided by these factors:

– Cost of transport,

– Language barrier,

– Visa availability, etc.

These should be what will affect your choice of destination.

Thorough research is necessary. Choosing the right hospital/clinic is essential. You should choose a country not because you fancy it, but because it can provide all your needs.

Finally…

When you consider tourism, then you are willing to try other options for good and affordable healthcare service. Over the years more and more people are now interested in going abroad.

Each year there is an increase in the number of people. With all involved in going abroad, including the risk and advantages, it gives everybody equal access to quality health care service. Imagine coming from a developing country with no good health care.

With medical tourism, everyone now has an access!

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