Medical Tourism: All You Need To Know About It

While most tourists visit other countries to enjoy attractions and vacations, others travel to undergo surgery and treatments. The latter is called medical tourism, and it involves a spectrum of procedures. Examples include dental cure, fertility assistance, psychiatry, and folk medicine.

Medical tourism presents a notable trend in the healthcare industry today. Before, capable people from poorer countries would go to highly developed nations because their medical conditions required advanced and highly researched treatments unavailable in their home country. But now, people from wealthier places outside their countries for cheaper or non-licensed procedures and therapies. This trend happens partly due to different regulations and policies imposed by the national medical agencies.

This article will help you learn all you need to know about medical tourism, including its history, progress, and top destinations.

The history of medical tourism

Medical tourism in ancient civilisations

Even in the earliest civilisations, people travelled large distances for necessary treatments unavailable in their hometowns. We can trace the first forms of medical tourism as early as the ancient Mesopotamian societies. The Sumerians built temples with pools near hot springs. According to archaeological records, as early as the fourth millennium B.C., priests could tend to pilgrims who needed cures and religious rituals for their sicknesses.

Their distant neighbours in India developed religious literature and rituals during that period. Ancient Indians visited sages and sites with healing methods. Their courses also involved healing ceremonies.

Medical tourism during the classical antiquity

Likewise, the Greeks linked medicine with religion. Hence, asking for treatments got linked to pilgrimages and religious devotion. The Greeks built a temple to worship their demi-god of medicine, Asclepius, also a physician. This sacred site served as a monument and a religious health centre. The word spread about the temples’ healing powers. So people from all over the world travelled to be cured of their sicknesses. Doctor-priests attended to their illnesses while they prayed to Asclepius for miracles. As time passed, many more “healing temples” were built, and the Epidaurus site would become the most famous. They incorporated gymnasiums, snake farms, thermal baths, and theatres into the sacred sites visited by afflicted pilgrims.

People in the Roman Empire believed that hot springs had healing properties. So the elites and traders visited different pools to discuss their transactions. These medical tourists not only enjoyed the water’s warmth, but they immersed themselves while thinking that the collections have health benefits.

But outside the “civilised” societies of Rome and Greece, archaeology also hints that tribes practised forms of medical tourism as well. Bronze Age communities in modern-day Switzerland journeyed to hot springs as far as France and Germany. The cup artifacts they left imply that they drank and bathed in those waters.

Medical tourism during the medieval and Rennaisance eras

When the Roman Empire collapsed, Europe descended into a dark age. But Asian civilisations made more significant impacts in the historical record. During this time, China and India became destinations for adventurers who needed medical and mystical treatment. Asian temples, spas, and hot springs became popular. Japan, for example, had mineral pools where warriors routinely bathed to relieve their wounds, scars, and sores.

In the Middle East, hospitals emerged together with places of learning during the Islamic Golden Age. The communities in Cairo, Egypt, built the Mansuri Hospital, the best healthcare facility during the 13th century. People with different creeds, backgrounds, and races throughout the known world travelled to receive treatments there. At one point, the Mansuri Hospital could handle around 8000 patients. Medical tourism was prevalent in that era because of this Egyptian achievement.

During the Renaissance period, medical travellers journeyed throughout the rising European countries. Wealthy landowners and nobles leveraged their mineral hot springs and converted them into spas. These attractions supposedly had medical benefits, so people travelled long distances to immerse themselves there. People rediscovered the baths and springs constructed by the Romans from Italy to England.

Soon after these springs became famous, the European elite became medical tourists who sought their medical benefits. Local authorities supported this trend by catering to travellers’ needs, building more hotels, paving roads, and supporting local spring businesses. Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, the writer who launched the essay genre, documented his spa adventures. He became a pioneer of luxury medical tourism.

New horizons for medical tourism

When the Europeans learned about the Americas, colonists sought to establish their presence in the New World. They soon learned about the Native Americans’ herbal medicine traditions and the beautiful features of the American landscape. Europeans heard about these healing arts and springs that rivalled what Asians and Africans provided. Medical tourism soon reached the Americas as waves of pilgrims and immigrants arrived.

Medical tourism during the 20th century

After two global wars, the United States of America and the European Union dominated. Because of their prestige in medical care and research, the West became the primary destination for medical tourists. The elite class members from developing countries visited the U.S. or E.U. for treatments and surgeries combatting chronic illness and rare diseases. Most often, only the rich could afford to travel and get medical attention lacking in their own countries.

But the Cultural Revolution in the 60s made a dent in this trend. The hippies and curious young people travelled to India to experience the magical effects of yoga, Ayurvedic medicine, and healing temple rituals. Because of this, Americans and Europeans flocked to other East Asian countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan.

Moreover, healthcare expenses snowballed during the 1990s in the United States. Tighter insurance policies and regulations made it more difficult to receive appropriate dental care for less privileged Americans. This cost made Central America appealing to cheaper healthcare and medical services. Cuba, for example, took the opportunity to offer socialised health systems to attract medical tourists and travellers into the country. They offered cosmetic, eye, and heart procedures surgeries at much lower costs.

Meanwhile, economic hurdles in Asia stimulated the medical tourism market. Thailand started offering very low priced plastic surgeries. Asian governments also emphasised tourism to bolster their local economies, further driving medical visitors. As globalisation and advances in healthcare strengthened collaboration in the medical industry, regulation was crucial for the safety of tourist patients. Organisations like the Joint Commission International verifies healthcare providers’ compliance with international health standards.

Medical tourism today

Statistics show that thousands of Westerners visit Asia and Central America to get elective treatments and surgeries. Countries offer them cheaply, given the significant difference in expenses and professional fees in those regions. Later, you may read the ten top medical tourist destinations globally.

Currently, online estimates say that there may be two to seventeen million medical tourists annually. Bypass procedures, facelifts, and fertility treatments are the most common reasons for their medical travels.

Why medical tourism gained traction in recent times

1. The Internet

Up to this day and age, medical tourism continues to expand worldwide. The latest technology and quicker transportation helped this industry reach its peak. Tourists who need medical treatment abroad can all book flights, prepare accommodations, consult physicians, and learn about their procedures through the Internet. With only a phone or a laptop, interested patients can browse experienced surgeons and practitioners in their destination country.

2. The cost of surgeries in wealthy countries

Inflation and the rising prices of health care in industrialised countries cause capable citizens to travel abroad for affordable treatments. Moreover, immediate medical procedures and relevant specialists are available in certain countries only. This practice is common among patients with chronic diseases.

3. Globalisation

The healthcare industry’s global development increased treatment accessibility in other developing countries. It also helped advance doctors’ skills, medical equipment, and drug development. These factors made other healthcare facilities economically appealing to medical tourists.

Aside from improving their healthcare system, better critical infrastructure also attracts medical tourists. Accessible air and land transportation, cutting-edge health care facilities, and accommodation establishments provide a calmer and more relaxed travel experience for the patients.

4. Countries have developed a reputation in their healthcare.

As patients look for available treatments in a country, the Internet provides them with a catalogue of healthcare providers specialising in the procedures. But some nations focus on specific operations. For example, Israel has a good reputation for infertility treatments and solutions.

Patients also consider the destination country’s safety, appeal, and popularity. Moreover, they assess the treatment promos and packages they offer, healthcare costs, and their quality. Standard medical procedures popular among medical tourists are cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, and orthopaedic procedures. The competition in medical tourism among destinations is very tight, so it is vital to make a good impression and establish their brand in the medical tourism market.

Top ten countries famous for medical tourism

These are the leading destinations for medical tourists:

1. Singapore

Despite its tiny size, Singapore is an economic titan worldwide. Their wealth and power allow them to have premier healthcare services that attract people worldwide. Reports show this: the World Health Organization says that Singapore has the leading medical facilities in Asia, like the Gleneagles Hospital. Bloomberg also placed Singapore on top of other countries in such a list in 2014.

Aside from the Gleneagles Hospital, these are the leading Singaporean hospitals:

1. Singapore General Hospital is the government’s flagship medical centre, tending over one million patients annually. It is also the primary training hospital for the country’s future doctors and nurses. As the nation’s representative in the global healthcare industry, Singapore General Hospital contributes to clinical research and international collaborations with other medical facilities.
2. The National University Hospital, the training school and research centre for the National University of Singapore,serves over six hundred thousand patients every year. Its system includes a separate cancer institute, heart centre, and oral health centre.
3. The Joint Commission International accredits the Mount Elizabeth Hospital Orchard so that medical tourists can rely on this medical facility for world-class treatment. It has VIP suites.

Statistics say that Americans can save up to 40% if they receive treatments in Singapore.

2. South Korea

South Korea leads cosmetic surgery and skin care. This robust industry gets further amplified as Korean dramas and celebrities emphasise beauty and style worldwide. Moreover, South Korea offers insurance to medical tourists.

Many medical tourists with back-related issues recommend the Wooridul Spine Hospital in the capital city. This world-class facility performs thousands of spinal surgery every year. It also has dedicated rooms and services for foreign visitors.

According to Newsweek, here are the other leading South Korean hospitals:

1. Samsung Medical Center has advanced technologies like proton and gamma knife radiotherapy for cancer patients as a global leader in oncology and cardiac health. This hospital also has automated systems that provide specialised treatment schedules for each patient. Furthermore, this hospital has an International Healthcare Center, including translation, transportation, and accommodation services.
2. Seoul National University Hospital started in 1885 as the training hospital for South Korea’s national university. With its rich history of excellence in the medical industry, Seoul National University Hospital welcomes medical tourists who need world-class care. Moreover, it has specialised hospitals for children and cancer patients.
3. Severance Hospital also began in 1885 as a medical facility based on Western standards. With its Joint Commission International accreditation, Severance Hospital can treat visitors who need rehabilitation and treatments for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, eye problems, and other illnesses. It is also a pioneer in research and advanced healthcare.

Hospitals like this serve as South Korea’s pride in the international medical community. Medical tourists may also benefit from these facilities if they choose them as their destination.

3. Taiwan

Despite its size and geopolitical spat with mainland China, Taiwan has become a hub for heart and bone treatments. Medical tourists worldwide travel to Taiwan to have cardiac and orthopedic procedures critical for older people.

Taiwan is also a pioneer in kidney transplants, especially the National Taiwan University Hospital and the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Here are the other primary hospitals in Taiwan that medical tourists should consider visiting:

1. China Medical University Hospital receives recognition for its cancer studies and their mixture of Chinese and Western medicine styles. They invented therapies and drugs that can attack certain tumours. It has accreditation from the Joint Commission International and collaborative projects with over 80 medical companies and universities. These research efforts brought over 60 drugs and ten companies.
2. The Taipei Veterans General Hospital is a pioneer in many medical breakthroughs on the island. This hospital conducted Taiwan’s first gamma knife radiosurgery, AIDS harvesting, in vitro fertilisation, and PTC angioplasty. Moreover, they also have a special resectoscope and down syndrome detection through the amniotic fluid. Taipei Veterans General Hospital also has the first centre dedicated to neurology, bone marrow transplants, and PET scans in Taiwan.
3. The Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital works with the Kaohsiung Medical University, one of the leading learning institutions in Taiwan. The government recognises Chung-Ho as an excellent therapy centre for cancer patients. It is also open for medical visitors who need oncological treatments.

Sources calculate that patients from the United States can save up to 55% in medical costs if they visit Taiwan for treatments.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is among the most peaceful and tourist-friendly destinations in Latin America. Most importantly for this sector, Costa Rica has a rising healthcare system that accommodates visitors. Americans and Canadians go here for dentistry services, cosmetic procedures, bariatric treatment, and eye operations.

Costa Rica boasts the CheTica Ranch in the capital city, San Jose. This beautiful facility attracts tourists with its world-class doctors and wondrous scenery. The following are the other three most remarkable medical facilities in Costa Rica:

1. Hospital CIMA has already taken care of around 40% of the private patients in Costa Rica, revealing its firm reputation as a healthcare provider. This hospital has the most personnel who can speak English, and medical tourists can decrease up to 70% of their costs here. Hospital CIMA also has a Joint Commission International accreditation and two special recognition from the national government.
2. Hospital Clinica Biblica has a mortality rate below one per cent, compared to eight per cent in most American hospitals. This facility is experienced in caring for medical tourists since 20% of its patients are foreigners. Visitors can save up to 70% of their hospital bills here. Moreover, only the Hospital Clinica Biblica has a certified blood bank.
3. The Hospital Clinica La Catolica has the only hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, which can help patients recover quicker. Like a hotel, the Hospital Clinica La Catolica has WiFi, cable T.V., a spa, and a Pilates studio.

Americans visiting hospitals like this can conserve up to 65% on expenses on average.

5. Mexico

Mexico is a hub for American medical tourists. 98 Mexican hospitals have accreditation from the federal government, while the Joint Commission International recognises seven. Mexico has hospitals dedicated to medical tourists:

1. Galenia Hospital has high-level facilities, technical teams, and specialists that cater to any medical tourist who visits them. This hospital is certified by Accreditation Canada International, the Joint Commission International, the Mexican General Health Council, and a Medical Tourism Association.
2. Medica Sur is recognised by Newsweek, Statistica, the American Heart Association, the European Society for Quality Research, the Mexican Foundation for Health, the College of American Pathologists, and the Mayo Clinic Care Network for its prestigious healthcare services. Moreover, Medica Sur also received accreditation from the Joint Commission International and Mexican Accreditation Entity. Its accommodations and food services also have a Distinctive H recognition, speaking volumes about Medica Sur’s excellent treatment of medical tourists.
3. MediPlaza looks like a tourist destination mall with Mexican architecture, shops, and restaurants. It has centres dedicated to stem cell treatment, hyperbaric recovery, and optical and dental treatments. MediPlaza also has a hotel where patients can stay.

Aside from its famous cuisine and national identity, this country is also known for welcoming visitors who need treatment and operations. Here, U.S. medical tourists can save up to 65%.

6. Turkey

Turkey has a growing healthcare infrastructure, yet it does not have waiting times. Its speed and high quality attract patients worldwide who need transplants, radiation therapies, and surgeries. The government wants to expand the country’s medical tourism capacity, as proven by their programs. For example, Turkish Airlines have discounted flight prices for medical visitors. Tourists from North America can save more than 50% of their hospital bills in Turkey.

Here are the leading Turkish hospitals that medical tourists may visit:

1. The Medipol University Hospital, which has a Joint Commission International accreditation,features Turkey’s leading bone marrow transplant, hemodialysis, in vitro fertilisation, and organ transplant centres. This hospital also welcomes medical tourists, offering meal choices, interpreters, and flight booking.
2. Medicana Bahcelievler Hospital also provides special services for medical tourists. Aside from its JCI accreditation, this hospital has an ISO 9001 certification.
3. Memorial Sisli Hospital has centres dedicated to organ transplants, in vitro fertilisation, genetic disorders, strokes, breast-related diseases, and bone marrow transplants. It also offers robotic surgeries and facilities for medical tourists.

7. Thailand

Eighteen hospitals in Thailand have accreditations from the Joint Commission International, the highest number of recognitions in Southeast Asia. This fact attracts medical visitors from the region and beyond, aside from Thailand’s hospitality, beaches, and historical sites. Most of these tourists undergo cosmetic and dental treatments in the country.

Bangkok’s Bumrungrad International Hospital performs over 400,000 procedures for medical tourists every year. It also has a certification from the Global Health Accreditation. But visitors can also try the relaxation therapies, massages, and alternative medicines offered by Thailand.

Here are the other best hospitals in Thailand:

1.  Bangkok Hospital has a 98.9% score in Newsweek rankings and accreditation from the Joint Commission International. Its high-class hospitals include facilities dedicated to heart health, cancer treatments, and transitional care.
2. Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital aims to honour the Thai king, as stated on their website. Because of this, they strive to become a model healthcare facility in the country.
3. Ramathibodi Hospital has a centre for cardiovascular health, metabolism, toxicology, sleep disorders, pathology, and cancer. Aside from these, this hospital has a dedicated centre for taking care of medical tourists.

8. Malaysia

In 2015 and 2016, the International Medical Travel Journal awarded Malaysia as the best medical tourism location. These achievements come from the joint effort between the government and high-class hospitals to turn Malaysia into a hub for this industry.

For example, Penang and Kuala Lumpur airports have dedicated lounges and assistance services for medical tourists. Hospitals like the Prince Court Medical Centre also have exquisite rooms and therapy pools for those who can afford them.

Malaysia has excellent medical services up to 80% cheaper than what the United States offers.

9. Brazil

The Joint Commission International accredits 43 hospitals in Brazil, a country with one of the best healthcare systems in South America. It is a destination for plastic surgeries, liposuction, and butt-lift procedures.

The country offers these cosmetic operations up to 30% cheaper than the United States.

10. India

Medical tourists can save 65% to 90% on their expenses compared to the healthcare systems in the West. Moreover, the Indian National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers and the Joint Commission International ensure that select medical facilities in India can successfully treat visitors.

Foreigners who visit India for medical treatment receive special accommodations and assistance. Since there are no waiting times in India, medical tourists can schedule medical interventions after making the diagnosis.

India also has beautiful sceneries, buildings, and cultural attractions. Medical tourists can enjoy these sights as they recover or wait for their treatment.

The future of medical tourism

All indicators show that medical tourism will increase as poverty increases in the West. Because of the pandemic, the middle class gets pushed to look for cheaper yet high-quality healthcare elsewhere. Governments, companies, and employers also become incentivised to relieve their medical systems by sending patients to credible destinations.

As this trend continues, medical tourism will contribute to the following segments of society:

• Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers in the destination country will earn more revenue from medical tourists in the destination countries. Meanwhile, those in the visitors’ home nation can handle more patients and prioritise those who need urgent care.
• The governments of medical tourist locations can maximise the earning potential of these facilities. By promoting their equipment and infrastructure, they can attract more visitors. Thousands more people will become employed in this healthcare market.
• The destination’s tourism sector also benefits from the surge in medical visitors. Airlines, hotels, and tourist agencies will have increased tourist traffic because of this trend.
• As destination countries become medical tourism hubs, universities and accrediting organisations will further invest in training doctors, nurses, and practitioners.

Like in other sectors, the Fourth Industrial Revolution will influence the future of medical tourism. Postmodern technologies like Artificial intelligence, data management, robotics, and augmented reality can drive the progress of this enterprise even further.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine has become mainstream; patients can talk to their doctors although they are regions apart. Because of this, medical tourists can talk to physicians from their destination countries before and after the procedure. Surgeons can still monitor their recovery through these online consultations and reach out to local medical practitioners for follow-up care.

An “electronic hospital” between Chinese and American physicians started in 2015 facilitates medical tourists from China who want to visit the United States. Programs like this are one of the contributions of telemedicine in the industry.

The Internet of Things

Innovations on the Internet of Things (IoT) in the healthcare industry now involve wearables that can sense the patient’s vital signs and healing. Diagnostic devices can read and transmit temperature, blood sugar levels, pulse, blood pressure, skin moisture, and heart rhythm. Foreign physicians can assess these in real-time, so the tourist patient can quickly receive post-operative feedback. Likewise, fitness bands and smartwatches can synthesise data that can help doctors make diagnoses wherever they are through the Internet.

IoT now started to impact rehabilitation and remote medical assistance. Wearable motion sensors with supporting structures help patients regain movement while therapists guide the session through the Internet. They can see and talk to their patient through a video call; simultaneously, they receive metrics and data through an application. Experts believe that more hospitals will use this technology as medical tourism trends upward.

Because of this, the 2019 World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress addressed the contributions of IoT to the future of this industry.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) may still be premature to revolutionise medical tourism completely. Still, destination countries like the United Arab Emirates have started to invest in A.I. They created a ministry on A.I., which included health tourism in its A.I. strategy. As A.I. systems become sharper, they can give care recommendations to incoming health tourists. They can also analyse the visitors’ mobility and behaviour to predict and understand their needs. Nurses and doctors can use these findings to give them the best treatment possible.

5G infrastructure

The expanding 5G infrastructure worldwide makes these technologies crisper and more accessible. Videoconferencing becomes clearer, quicker data delivery, and IoT devices can quickly collect crucial health data. With more accessible access to the Internet, more Westerners will learn about medical tourist destinations and consider visiting them.

Critical issues to address

Although the Fourth Industrial Revolution shows so much promise for the future of medical tourism, destination countries must ensure that these technologies remain ethical and secure. They must have robust cybersecurity platforms and legislation to prevent hacks, excessive purchases, and extortion. A.I. and robots also lack empathy, so doctors must remain careful about consulting them in the future.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is medical tourism?

Medical tourism means visiting another country to undergo treatment or health care. People become medical tourists because they seek cheaper costly procedures at home. Moreover, some treatments are unavailable in their country’s hospitals, so they have to look elsewhere for these.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that medical tourism carries risks, dangers, and potential complications:

• Undergoing surgeries and treatments at unsanitary healthcare centres and hospitals can cause infections and severe diseases.
• Some developing countries have antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, medical tourists from wealthier nations might be vulnerable to intense viruses and bacteria absent in their place of origin.
• Hospitals, clinics, and health centres outside developed countries might have fewer certifications, regulatory compliance, and credentials. Fake medications and tools in such facilities can also worsen your health issues.
• Miscommunication may arise if you do not know or speak the language in your destination country.
• You cannot ride an aeroplane after undergoing specific procedures like abdominal or facial surgeries. Variations in air pressure carry risks like clotting.

If you want to become a medical tourist, it is wise to consult a doctor before travelling. Secure your travel health insurance, itineraries, and medical records. Also, learn more about the qualifications and accreditations of the medical facility you will visit. Determine if you have to stay in that country after the procedure so that you can schedule a follow-up appointment.

How does medical tourism help the economy of a country?

Research published in the Journal of Travel Research shows that medical tourism contributes to countries’ economics in the following ways:

• Destination countries have become open to tourist patients suffering from expensive and inaccessible treatments at home. This factor becomes more profitable as wealthy countries have rising insurance program costs, hospital bills, and elderly populations. For example, analysis reveals that, in total, sending British patients to India can help the National Health Service millions of pounds from lengthy waiting lines and expenses.
• Countries sending medical tourists relieve their healthcare systems. This industry addresses patients’ waiting for queues and backlogs, aside from shortages of doctors and medicines.
• Destination countries have become further recognised for the exclusive medical services they offer. It incentivises the healthcare industry there to invest in research and further improvements.
• Medical tourism helps countries earn from foreign exchange provided by medical tourists. This industry stimulates local medical facilities and hospitals through employment opportunities, increased revenues, and tourism.

How does medical tourism work?

Medical tourism includes everyone who visits another country to undergo treatments or surgeries. They travel to receive cheaper or available procedures in their destination. At times, there are no practitioners who can provide the necessary care in the patients’ home country, so the latter has to travel to receive it.

Travelling another country for medical treatment requires deliberate planning and arrangements. Medical tourists should do the following before leaving:

• Consult a travel medicine specialist a month before the trip. Tell him your destination, appointment details, and plans once you are there.
• Receive your medical records and history, such as lab results, a list of allergens, prescriptions, and dosages.
• If the destination country does not speak English, prepare how you can communicate with them.
• Know the activities, foods, and places you must avoid as you recover from the treatment.

Why is medical tourism popular?

Millions of people travel as medical tourists even during the Covid-19 pandemic years. Here are the reasons why:

• Millions of Westerners lost their health insurance because of unemployment, hospital costs spikes, and subsequent poverty. Because of this, many Americans go to Mexico and other Latin American countries for operations and treatments. All this happened despite the travel and quarantine restrictions imposed to stop Covid-19’s spread.
• Developing countries offer more affordable procedures. This price factor makes it appealing for less privileged residents to travel elsewhere for treatments. Most importantly, many hospitals and clinics providing cheaper healthcare are high-quality and accredited facilities.
• Waiting times in urbanised countries are challenging for patients who need acute elective treatments. Instead of letting their sickness worsen, people choose to travel as medical tourists.
• Medical tourism allows patients to have more comprehensive selections on surgery, dental care, cosmetic procedures, and other rare treatments. They can also reach specialists who only offer care in another country.
• Patients also want to enjoy a vacation before the surgery and during their recovery. They can explore new sites and visit attractions while staying in the destination country.

Why is medical tourism important?

Medical tourism is crucial for visiting patients, destinations, and home countries. Research lists down the following reasons:

• Medical tourism increases people’s spending and attention on health-related services. Hence, this industry allows developing countries to strengthen their economy, tourism sectors, and healthcare systems.
• This form of tourism gives women more choices and reproductive and cosmetic care options.
• Medical tourism is a cheaper alternative for surgeries and procedures. A middle-class earner with insufficient health insurance and modest savings in developed nations may not afford the rising healthcare costs. So going to accredited hospitals in another country is a viable option.
• Countries with socialised healthcare and regulated access to treatments often have long queues. Because of this, patients travel to receive their health-related needs immediately.
• Patients with sensitive information and cases, such as people with drug addiction, feel safer going to a foreign country, where their privacy is easier to maintain and protect.

References

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