What is Medical Tourism ?
Medical tourism ,also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare,is a term initially coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of traveling across international borders to obtain health care. It also refers pejoratively to the practice of healthcare providers traveling internationally to deliver healthcare.
Who are medical tourists ?
Medical tourists are generally residents of the industrialized nations of the world and primarily originate from The United States, Canada, Great Britain, Western Europe, Australia, and The Middle East. But more and more, people from many other countries of the world are seeking out places where they can obtain their medical care at an affordable cost.
What are the types of medical procedures that tourists usually seek in India ?
There are a lot of different medical/surgical options for medical tourists. Primarily, medical tourists get elective procedures such as cosmetic surgery, hip and knee replacements, dental procedures, infertility treatments; any procedure that is usually not covered by insurance or has a long waiting time in their home country.
What are the cost savings for medical tourists ?
The potential cost savings for medical tourists are huge and as a result are one of the more important factors in seeking treatment in India. It is important to note that the cost for each individual will vary depending on their need and requirements. Usually, an elective procedure such as a knee replacement would cost on average of $30,000 in the US. Whereas getting that same procedure done using similar quality parts in India would cost 40 - 60% less than the cost in the US, including the hospital stay, all procedure and physicians costs and transportation to and from India. This is mainly possible because of favorable currency exchange rates.
Will I be able to speak with the surgeon prior to departure ?
Yes, absolutely! If you have any questions for the surgeon we will be happy to help you. When you have requested us to put together a surgery abroad package for you we will facilitate a pre-departure consultation with your surgeon.
Why should I choose India over other destinations ?
India has some of the most highly qualified and experienced physicians in the world. With a cultural emphasis on education, most of these physicians have gone on to super-specialize in their field, enabling them to become experts in their respective medical specialties.
What are the essential checklist of items I need for a Medical Procedure overseas ?
In order to avoid medical or legal complications down the road, it is absolutely critical that you keep these items in a safe and secure place that is easily accessible to you when you are travelling abroad for a medical treatment or procedure:
- Passport and certified copies
- Visa papers and certified copies
- Any prescription medication, keeping them in their original package
- Any medical equipment such as asthma inhalers or medical batteries
- Any documentation relating to your medical requirements
- A complete set of medical records and certified copies
Shall I be safe while traveling to abroad ?
Your safety while traveling to a particular destination depends on how much you know about the political and climatic conditions of that region. Make it a point that before planning your trip, you know the latest scenario of that country both in terms of political changes, weather changes, currency exchange rates, etc. Get your vaccinations updated for any diseases that you might get infected with. Check you financial position before leaving so that you should not run out of finances. Also, avoid taking cash. Use traveler’s checks or pay by your card so that you are on the safe side for any theft. In case of emergency, always seek help of the local police so as to avoid any misguidance.