When choosing a medical tourism destination, people are most concerned about the cost, which is the core demand of medical tourism. In addition, the level of medical services, qualification of physicians, after-sales service, and medical risks are also some of the issues that need to be taken into account when choosing a destination for medical tourism.
Below we will tell you how to choose a medical tourism destination.
What are the expenses of medical travel?
The cost of medical treatment abroad is usually much lower, but all non-medical costs should be taken into account when calculating the total cost, including:
● Passport costs, including travel visas and other documentation requirements;
● Airfare to and from the host country
●Airport pickup upon arrival and departure;
●Transportation costs from the hotel to the provider's clinic or hospital;
●Hotel accommodations;
●Food, beverages, and household items, etc.;
●International telephone calls and other communication costs for preliminary consultations.
●Medicines and medical supplies;
●After-sales service costs.
Cost Comparison Table of Popular Medical Tourism Countries
Considering the exchange rate as well as the actual purchasing power, etc., the cost of receiving medical services in different countries is completely different. Taking China, Thailand, and India as an example, receiving the same medical services in the region can save 60%-70% compared to receiving the same medical services in the United States.
Medical Center Accreditation
When choosing a foreign medical institution, these hospitals and facilities must meet international medical center accreditation . This provides you with the assurance that you will receive quality treatment and care.
Here is some information on accreditation to consider when choosing a hospital or medical facility:
● JCI Accreditation : JCI is the leading medical accreditation organization for healthcare facilities in the United States and around the world. A hospital, clinic or treatment center is considered a high-quality medical center if it is accredited by Joint Commission International.
In addition to JCI, the following are other international accrediting organizations that accredit medical facilities around the world:
●Canadian Accreditation (CCHSA)
●Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS)
●International Association for Quality in Health Care (IAQHC)
● European Society for Quality in Healthcare (ESQH)
● International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Additionally, each country has its own localized healthcare accreditation body, so healthcare organizations should be accredited by these organizations.
Physician Qualifications
Before choosing the particular foreign doctor who will perform the medical procedures you need, you should first consider the doctor's qualifications and check the following items:
● Ensure that the target doctors, nurses and hospital staff are able to communicate with you in plain English;.
● The place of study and the number of years of graduation;
● The place of study and training and the number of years of graduation.
● The location and duration of internships and training;
● The doctor's local or international qualifications.
● Local or international board certifications obtained by the physician and the year in which they were obtained;
● Membership in international medical associations.
● Whether or not you are a member of the International Medical Association.
Aftercare
Aftercare is an important consideration for medical tourists choosing medical tourism countries and organizations. Information to focus on includes:
● The type of aftercare provided by the foreign medical institution.
● The length of stay required before returning home.
● Legality and ease of procurement of medications used for aftercare in the home country;
● the ease of contact with foreign medical personnel upon return.
Medical Risks and Safeguards
An important consideration when choosing a medical tourism destination is the issue of risk. While medical tourism offers significant savings, increased risk may still be evident. The following issues should be considered:
● Does the destination country or healthcare organization have a robust non-economic medical malpractice protection system? If so, to what extent can it be enforced?
● Does your physician have liability insurance?
● Does the medical center have contractual provisions for medical malpractice insurance? If so, how much does the insurance cover?
Lodging and Other Non-Medical Matters
Your lodging and other non-medical considerations play an important role in making your medical trip as comfortable as possible. The following items should be considered:
● The type of lodging provided by the medical center. Whether they have their own lodging or are affiliated with a nearby resort or vacation facility.
● The distance between the medical center and the lodging facility.
● Do they provide transportation to and from the medical center? Do they also provide transportation to and from airports and other tourist destinations;
● What kind of food services does the lodging facility offer? What types of food do they serve?
RECOMMENDATIONS
Much of the information you need about international medical facilities and doctors can be provided by medical tourism intermediaries or in direct coordination with medical centers. However, the information provided by these organizations should not be the only basis for your choice of healthcare provider. Often, the most reliable information will come from other healthcare travelers who have received the same medical services or other similar treatments within the facility.
Here are some ways to get reliable recommendations for potential healthcare travel destinations:
● If you are traveling with the help of a healthcare tourism agent, obtain the contact information of previous patients, preferably those who have received the same medical services. Note that these will be satisfied customers and dissatisfied people will not be referred to you;
● Ask the foreign medical center directly for references and contact information of former patients who have had similar medical cases to yours.
● If a friend or family member or they have a similar medical case to yours
● If friends and family or people they know have undergone similar procedures abroad, you should also seek their advice; and
● The internet is a good source of first-hand information. Search for posts related to your medical condition and you will also have the opportunity to read the opinions and advice of others, but be wary of “marketing” by some agents and false cases.