The word “Medical Tourism” describes the practice of seeking medical or dental care in a foreign nation. Some people who engage in Patients Turning to Medical Tourism do so in the hope of gaining access to therapies that are not yet legal in the United States.
Increases in healthcare costs in the United States, a lack of health insurance, specialist-driven procedures, high-quality facilities, and the opportunity to travel before or after a medical procedure are just some of the factors that are driving an increase in Patients Turning to Medical Tourism, which benefits millions of people annually.
Many Americans lost their health insurance during the coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting pent-up demand for elective surgeries, along with the availability of alternative medical systems in other countries, led to a rise in Patients Turning to Medical Tourism once those countries reopened in January 2021, as reported by The New York Times.
But there are particular dangers associated with going abroad for surgical treatment. Learn about the pros and cons of undergoing medical treatment in a foreign nation.
Here is why Patients Turning to Medical Tourism.
1. Save Money
Cost savings is the main reason that’s why Patients Turning to Medical Tourism, Cost savings in medical tourism range from 25% to 90%, with the exact amount depending on the operation and the destination country.
Multiple variables contribute to this:
In the United States, the expense of medical diagnosis and treatment is disproportionately high.
Pre- and post-procedure labor costs may be significantly reduced by going abroad. Workers such as nurses, aides, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and others all contribute to these totals.
The United States has some of the highest premiums in the world for malpractice insurance, which covers doctors and hospitals in the event of litigation.
Many nations outside of the United States provide far more affordable hospital care. That is to say, for many individuals, going overseas to get medical attention, hospital food, and rehabilitation is far more feasible financially.
2. Language and Culture
Because of the potential for language hurdles to compromise their care, many immigrants choose to get medical attention in their home country. And whereas just 9 percent of Americans do not have health insurance, at least 25 percent of immigrants and noncitizen residents do. Children who have at least one parent who is not a U.S. citizen are likewise more likely to lack health insurance.
Even though it is not the most convenient option, many individuals still want to have their surgery done in their home country. This is because they want to be near loved ones who can help them throughout their recuperation.
3. Insurance Incentives
Recently, several health insurance providers have been actively pushing Patients Turning to medical tourism.
The rationale for this is straightforward: when an insured person saves money, the insurance company also saves money. Aetna is just one of several insurance companies that offer a program designed to provide access to secure medical travel abroad. Financial incentives, such as premium reductions, are often provided by insurance companies to encourage medical tourists to go abroad.
However, unless it’s an absolute emergency, many insurance companies won’t cover surgery that takes place outside of the nation.
4. Luxury and Privacy
Many nations benefit economically from the influx of medical tourists, who spend most of their money on local goods and services.
One obvious result of this trend is the spa-like amenities offered by certain international hospitals, which attract patients from all over the world seeking high-quality medical care at a fraction of the expense it would cost at home.
There are certain hospitals with accommodations that are more like a hotel suite than a regular hospital room. Private nursing care, available at certain hospitals, is far more liberal and attentive than the staffing ratios allowed by most hospitals.
Those in search of discretionary medical care have the option of traveling overseas. There are several elective procedures that may be performed abroad, and patients often return from their “holiday” with no one the wiser.
5. Bypassing Rules and Regulations
Surgery overseas might be an option for those who want to avoid following local guidelines imposed by their government, insurance provider, or healthcare facility. These regulations are usually put in place to protect the patient from damage, so trying to skirt them may not be the greatest choice.
A patient may be denied weight reduction surgery because their BMI is too low. Because surgeons in various countries may have different criteria for determining who is a good candidate for weight reduction surgery, the patient may be better off seeking care elsewhere.
6. Talented Surgeons
Some nations’ surgeons have earned international renown for their expertise in a particular surgical field. Surgeons in Brazil, for instance, have a reputation for excellence in the field of plastic surgery.
In the United States, cosmetic surgeries may only be covered by insurance if they are deemed medically essential, while in Brazil, public hospitals commonly provide aesthetic procedures at no cost or at much-reduced rates, providing cosmetic surgeons with enough opportunity for practice.
Read More: Top 10 Medical Tourism Companies Worldwide
