Who Are the Medical Tourists?
Although widely used by the media and commercial interests, the term medical tourism is misleading. In truth, patients combining surgery with a sunny vacation are rare. The great majority of medical travelers fall into three categories:
- Value patientstravel from developed nations such as the United States, where health care is expensive and health insurance coverage is limited. Eighty-five percent of patients in this group are over 50 and have conditions that require expensive medical care. These patients are often uninsured or underinsured, or need procedures that are not dependably covered by insurance, such as weight loss surgery and dentistry. The pervasive emphasis on youth and appearance in many developing countries adds to the demand for affordable plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology.
- Access patientsare from places where the availability and quality of health care services are limited. Many of these patients originate from countries with less developed health care systems that are unable to meet the rapidly rising demands of their newly affluent populations. Some patients from areas with overburdened public health systems, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, are seeking more immediate health care than they can obtain at home.
- Quality patients are traveling to find exceptional specialty care—the latest therapy or innovative treatment protocol, the most respected physicians, the best outcomes, the plushest experience. Quality patients are frequently seeking critical care and are not as limited by cost considerations as other medical travelers.
Health care abroad
Health care abroad
There are many reasons for seeking healthcare abroad including shorter waiting times for treatment, reduced cost, the perception that the treatment is better, and the ability to access treatment not available in the home country e.g. unapproved treatments such as stem cell therapies.
Health services for medical tourists are worldwide including India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Dubai, South Africa, and countries in South and Central America, and Europe. The close proximity of European countries and ease of movement between nations allows transfer of services both outbound and inbound to the UK.
Most medical tourism is funded by the… Continue reading
Important International Health Care Tips for Travelers
International travelers that are planning to travel abroad to another country must make enough preparations for their health so that they won’t face any problem while at the foreign country. If you are going to a third world country, it is important that you get yourself immunized against all kinds of illnesses. By getting the proper immunizations, you will be able to protect yourself from illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, cholera, and etc. You can get all your immunizations from the local doctor. Even if you have already received immunization when you are young, you still should get immunization… Continue reading
Guide to International Health Care
International travelers must take several steps to keep themselves healthy on their trip to the foreign countries. By taking the steps to keep yourself healthy prior to traveling, you will be able to have an enjoyable stay at the destination country. Before traveling, you should get immunizations. Children and adults must get proper immunizations depending on which country you are going. There are immunizations for various kinds of diseases including tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and malaria. If you want to find out what kind of immunizations you need to take, you should consult your doctor. Your… Continue reading
Basic Facts about International Health Care
If you are planning to visit a developing country, you need to make sure that you are well prepared. There are many thing documents that you are required to bring. You must make sure that a copy of the medical history is with you. The medical history report contains information about the illnesses and diseases you are suffering. You should also keep a note about all the food and drug allergies. If you suffer from heart attack, it is recommended that you go for an electrocardiogram exam. You must have backup plans for emergencies. Emergencies can happen at any time.… Continue reading
International Health Care – How Travelers Can Take Care of Their Health?
Travelers who want to travel to foreign countries should take several health safety precautions. There are many ways you can protect your health when you are traveling abroad. You can get yourself immunized against all kinds of diseases. It is important that you get immunization for various illnesses and diseases. There are many types of vaccines you can take to protect your health. Before embarking on an international trip, it is important that you meet with the doctor first. It is important that you always look after your health while in the foreign country. This is because the foreign country… Continue reading
