| Today, cheap yet world-class surgeries are just a | | | | Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, Belgium, and Argentina |
| flight away. But the deluge of information available | | | | amongst others. Some of these countries are |
| out there can overwhelm anybody. So, here is a | | | | considered best for cardiac surgery, others for |
| quick guide to medical tourism to answer most of | | | | orthopedic surgery and yet others for cosmetic |
| your questions about the phenomenon. | | | | surgery. You should base your selection on: |
| WHAT IS MEDICAL TOURISM? | | | | quality, distance and cost. |
| Medical Tourism is the process of traveling abroad | | | | CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROVIDER |
| to receive superior medical, dental and cosmetic | | | | When choosing a provider, don't get swayed by |
| care by highly skilled surgeons at some of the | | | | attractive packages and fancy websites. Read |
| most modern and state-of-the-art medical facilities | | | | and watch what others are saying about the |
| in the world...all at a fraction of the price in the US, | | | | particular hospital, clinic or surgeon. Check out the |
| UK and Canada. | | | | facility pictures and videos. Consider the provider's |
| MEDICAL TOURISM OFFERINGS | | | | accreditation, awards and recognitions, facility and |
| 1. Incredible Savings: Compare a $7,000 hip | | | | equipments, statistics like success rates, etc. |
| resurfacing in India with a $48,000 one in the US. | | | | WILL MY HEALTH INSURANCE PAY FOR IT? |
| In general you are able to save 50% to 90%. | | | | Insurance companies are keenly looking into |
| 2. Excellent Quality: Many international providers | | | | medical tourism as an option though most haven't |
| are accredited by JCI, JCAHO and ISO or by local | | | | adopted it into their plans yet. So check with your |
| accrediting organizations. They have world-class | | | | health insurer for details. |
| facilities, have access to the latest technology and | | | | SHOULD I COMBINE "SUN, SAND, AND SEA" |
| provide personalized service. If in doubt, read | | | | WITH SURGERY? |
| testimonials by patients who have experienced | | | | That depends. Usually after a cosmetic surgery, |
| treatment overseas. | | | | you are advised not to expose your body to the |
| 3. Surgeon Expertise: Most surgeons catering to | | | | sun or to sea water. But, you can always choose |
| international patients have either been educated | | | | to enjoy them before your surgery. |
| or have received professional training at top | | | | With certain other medical procedures, it's best |
| schools in the US, UK or in other countries in | | | | for you to stay indoors and relax after your |
| Europe. | | | | surgery. In any case, you should always consult |
| 4. No Wait-Lists: Access to immediate service is | | | | your surgeon if you have travel or tourism on |
| what attracts those from countries that have | | | | your mind. |
| public health care system towards medical | | | | WHAT ARE MEDICAL TOURISM |
| tourism. | | | | FACILITATORS? |
| 5. Longer Hospital Stay: You can have a longer | | | | Medical tourism facilitators like Healthbase are |
| hospital stay than possible in your local hospital | | | | specialized facilitators that connect you with the |
| back home under the supervision of your surgeon | | | | hospital of your choice while providing all or some |
| and physical therapist. | | | | other valuable services like detailed information |
| 6. Travel Opportunities: While the primary | | | | about various procedures, detailed hospital profiles |
| motivation for most customers is affordable | | | | and surgeon profiles, medical records transfer, |
| surgery, the opportunity to visit exotic | | | | free surgery quote, pre- and post-consultation |
| destinations is an additional draw for some. | | | | with the overseas hospital, feedback and |
| WHO SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN MEDICAL | | | | testimonials from previous patients, medical and |
| TOURISM? | | | | dental loan financing, passport and visa, airport |
| In general, most medical tourists are either | | | | pick-up and drop-off, hospital escort, tickets, |
| uninsured, underinsured or those seeking elective | | | | travel insurance, hotel booking, tourism services in |
| surgeries. Others resort to medical tourism due to | | | | the destination country, etc. |
| the long wait-lists in their country. | | | | This medical tourism guide is just a starting step. |
| WHICH COUNTRIES OFFER THE BEST | | | | You should do the proper required research |
| SERVICES? | | | | before you fly to your medical tourism |
| The most popular travel destinations are India, | | | | destination. |
| Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Mexico, | | | | |