You might have heard about someone who traveled overseas to get medical treatment. You also might be wondering why they would choose to get a procedure in a foreign country rather than in the comfort of their own country.
Going abroad specifically to get a medical procedure done is called “medical tourism”, and it’s a sector of specialized tourism that has grown in popularity over the past few years, with no signs of slowing down.
You’ll find a diverse range of treatments offered, but the most common include cosmetic surgery, dentistry and heart surgery.
Is Medical Tourism Safe?
As with any medical procedure (no matter where you get it done) there are always risks involved. The best way to decrease risks is by doing thorough research before hopping on a plane. The following tips can help you prepare.
A travel medical consultant can help you organize your trip, find the most reputable doctors and ensure the best prices.
Talk to your doctor and let them know your plans and how to fly safely before and after the procedure.
Consider the communication barrier - this is also where a travel medical consultant comes in handy to help organize translation services.
Bring copies of your medical records.
Why is Medical Tourism in Thailand Popular?
People seek treatment abroad for many reasons, the biggest being rising healthcare costs in their country or they want to get a procedure done that isn’t offered where they live.
In the past, patients flew to the US or Europe for treatment because of a higher standard of medical care. That’s changing now, as some developing countries are now meeting the same standards at a fraction of the cost.
Thailand is one of the most reputable countries for medical tourism, ranking in the top 5 in 2019 for its impressive medical tourism initiatives and state of the art medical facilities. Medical travelers in Thailand can receive cheaper treatments for the same high quality care and technology found in developed countries.
They also favor Thailand because of its natural beauty and rich culture. After all, who wouldn’t want to mix business with pleasure by getting a medical procedure done while indulging in a tropical paradise?