You may have insurance, but if you do the math, you will realize you still have to pay quite an amount from your own pocket. What will you do? Insurance is a good idea, but as everyone knows, insurance only covers so much. You still have to pay the balance, which certainly won’t be a small amount. Sometimes even if you do have insurance, the treatment you want may not be covered in the plan. People who don't have insurance are in an even deeper problem. Healthcare costs in the west are high and there have even been patients who have declared bankruptcy in the process of paying for their surgeries.
The answer to your problem is the global health care delivery system or health tourism. You might be wondering...
- Why should you consider going abroad to get your medical and surgical needs fulfilled?
- Why should you go to a foreign country and put your life in the hands of a doctor you've never met before?
- What will be the healthcare quality like?
- Why should you spend extra on air tickets and lodging when there are healthcare providers closer to home?
There are many reasons why people go to medical facilities and medical providers abroad for treatment. Some of these reasons are very compelling, and will help you make an informed decision.
1. The huge savings
Depending on the destination you are visiting for your surgical procedure, dental or medical treatment, and the cost of the operation back home, you can save up to 50%-70% after low cost treatment. For example, heart surgery costs a fortune and can leave you bankrupt in the US or the UK, but the same operation done in India will only set you back by a few thousand dollars.
It is not only the cost of the procedure, but also other costs such as accommodation, food and beverages, travel, post operative care that are cheaper. Just think about all the savings you can realize. Patients availing healthcare abroad realize that even after they pay hospital charges and other expenses such as food, accommodation and travel costs, the savings are still huge. Compare this to the expenses you will incur if you opt for medical care in your own country and it makes sense to explore health care options abroad.
2. Excellent healthcare quality
Medical tourism destinations are known for their world class facilities and advanced patient care. In the best corporate and accredited hospitals, you will find all the latest technologies and quality facilities you would have found in your own country. The highest professional standards are maintained. Some hospitals even keep international patient desks, for the convenience of their foreign patients. These desks will take care of all your translation, hospitality and travel procedure needs.
3. No waiting for your turn
Waiting for your turn to get medical treatment when you are seriously ill and need emergency services can be very frustrating. If you are in terrible pain and under medication as sometimes is the case, then it is even worse. Some patients have even passed on in the time it takes for them to reach their turn. When you go abroad for medical services, you will find that there are short or in many cases no wait lists. You will be given immediate attention as opposed to the long wait lists in some hospitals in the western world.
4. World class healthcare facilities
Many a times, patients are not able to avail some facilities because they cannot afford them or their insurance plan doesn't cover them. In the end, patients still end up paying out of their nose. But international healthcare service providers will offer you luxurious accommodations, 24x7 hospitality services, and private rooms that are spacious and well-maintained. The services are world class and you will not have infections to worry about.
5. Latest technology access
Some corporate hospitals abroad have imported the latest healthcare technologies and service delivery is not a problem. Trained manpower operates these machines. These tools will insure that you recover from your surgery or treatment quickly. Surgeons and other specialist physicians regularly attend conferences and seminars where they update themselves on the latest developments in the field. You can be rest assured that your life is in expert hands.
6. Highly trained surgeons and physicians
Many surgeons, including cosmetic plastic surgeons working with hospitals and clinics abroad have international exposure and a string of qualifications. Many doctors have been trained in the west and they have certifications from the US or Europe to back it up. They have years of experience and may have performed hundreds of operations of a similar nature. They have colleagues around the world and visit seminars and conferences to keep themselves updated about the newest developments in their fields. They are highly professional and don't be surprised if they know your doctors back home.
7. Personalized service
Many people who have returned after receiving treatment abroad have only positive things to say about the quality of health care abroad and the care and affection they received from their healthcare providers. There is a low staff to patient rate that makes more personal attention possible. The costs of labor in these countries is low and so hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare establishments can afford to hire highly trained staff without it eating into their profits.
8. You can stay in the hospital longer
Hospital stay is usually expensive and that prevents many patients from staying in the hospital for longer. This is a dangerous practice since some surgical procedures and treatments require hospitalization for longer periods. One of the advantages of going abroad for your health care services is that you get to stay in the hospital for a longer duration. You can remain under the supervision of your surgeon or your doctor the whole time ensuring that you leave the hospital a healthy person.
9. It is convenient
International medical travel has become very easy. The best hospitals, clinics and facilities are usually situated in popular destinations that are well connected through flight. There are many low cost airlines whose economical tickets will further reduce your trip costs. Some clinics and hospitals even send chauffeurs to the airport. So even if you are visiting the country for the first time, you needn't worry. You won't even have to leave your house, until you are due for surgery. You see your surgeon or doctor through the internet, send medical records, plan your visit through the internet and so on. If you want help with the process there is the option of taking the assistance of a medical tourism agency or a facilitator. These agencies will plan your itinerary and coordinate with the hospital on your behalf, making your job so much simpler.
10. Tourism opportunities
Affordable healthcare tourism is often not the only incentive to medical tourists. Many global health care destinations are also well-known tourist destinations. There are a lot of historical and cultural places you can visit when you make a trip abroad to get treated. If your surgeon or physician allows you, make sure that you take some time off to visit these places. Even if you are not allowed to, you can always relax and recover in a resort.