It’s hard not to be keenly aware that health care costs have skyrocketed – a week’s stay in the hospital for a few tests and treatment WITHOUT ANY PROCEDURES can cost ,000 or more![1] So, it’s not surprising that an increasing number of people who need or want real treatment are looking elsewhere for a solution.
Where do they go? To places like India, Thailand, Panama, and Argentina. These countries have strongly emerging economies, and have correspondingly made significant investnment in their medical capabilities. That translates to quality care – second to none – at reasonable cost.
“Medical Tourism”, the name for the new practice of going overseas to receive medical treatment and perhaps get a bit of travel in on the side, is becoming a very popular option, for many.
It can make a lot of sense. Laparascopic, prostate, hernia repair, gastric banding, dental implantation, and other treatments can cost far less in say, India, than in the US – a tenth to a fifth as much. There is no delay in diagnostics and treatment, either. Diagnostics and tests are done in the same facility, the prognosis and treatment follow, immediately. Billing is easy, too – just a matter of presenting a credit card for the final bill, often determined by an up-front quote.
Of course, medical care is only as good as the doctors that perform it. There is excellent news on this front, as well. Doctors in India (again) are very active in the international medical community. Go to any major facility in the US, and you’re likely to see a large number of Indian doctors on the staff. Likewise, many Indian doctors are US trained. Doctors are constantly engaged in improving their skills, and in imparting those skills to others in the international medical community.
And, of course, the fact that you are in an exotic place, only adds to the enticement. The “tourism” aspect is a terrific adjunct – why not recover seeing the Taj Mahal, or Qtub Minar, or on the beaches of Goa? Why not, indeed. Facilities typically have arrangements to help you explore your new-found destination.
Medical treatment overseas may be just the ticket you’re looking for – if you don’t have health insurance or your insurance has determined that a wanted procedure is ‘elective’, or there are other impediments to your getting the treatment you want, it can be very much worth your while to investigate your “Medical Tourism” options.
As always, you should investigate your options and requirements as they apply to your situation. One place to do this is by participating in a forum we have set up for just such a purpose (see link in resource box.) The forum is free to all, you just need to join to participate. Treatment overseas adds one more choice to your set of options – an option that can greatly reduce costs, and give you the opportunity to explore another part of the world, while you’re at it!
[1] Source: personal experience.
Garrick Berger is the Managing Director of Overseas Medical Connection. The company also maintains a forum for those wishing to investigate their overseas medical care/medical tourism options.
