Medical tourism is now more popular than ever, with over 50 countries named as a hot destination and thousands of tourists flocking new places to visit and get treated. The concept is actually not a new one, since people from the ancient times used to move out of their place of origin to visit well-known healers and places in other countries. Today, you can get the advantages of getting the best medical help, plus a vacation to boot.

About the Concept

The first documented occasion of medical tourism was thousands of years ago when Greek pilgrims moved all throughout the Mediterranean towards Epidauria, a minor territory in the Saronic Gulf. The place was considered as the home of Asklepios, the god of healing. Epidauria was visited by thousands of people each year, for cases like fever, bone problems, heart ailments, skin disease and many more. It was the first travel destination of medical tourism.

Over the years, sanitariums and spa towns were also built and became the early types of medical tourism. Patients visited the spa towns during the 1700s to get mineral water that is believed to boost health and treat problems like bronchitis, gout and liver conditions.

Becoming Popular

Several factors triggered the vast popularity of medical tourism. Primarily the increasing cost of health care had people asking if there were other places where they can receive the same kind of treatment without the huge expense. The next was the very long waiting periods and several requirements before they can be treated or even diagnosed. Modern medical tourism destinations provide patients only a fraction of the cost they expect to pay at their local hospital.

They can also enjoy other state-of-the-art and quality accommodations, and get their dream vacation at the same time. Some destinations are known for treating patients like royalty, so everything will be taken care of. You will be provided with a complete schedule of activities, so you do not waste your time waiting in line or running everywhere to get the needed documents for the procedure.

More Reasons

Medical tourism continued to spread as the cost of international travel became much cheaper. The technology and care standards in several countries, especially in Asia have improved significantly in the past decade, making the institutions highly competitive against the best in the United States. Medical tourists usually come from the United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, because individuals from these places usually have more money to spend when visiting third world countries.

Medical tourism is expected to grow ten times more from 2007 to 2017. In the United States alone, over 750,000 people traveled abroad to get treated in 2007. Experts calculated 1.5 million Americans traveling in 2008 to get treatment abroad. The United Kingdom currently advertises more about medical tourism compared to the United States. Canadians preferred the very fast medical waiting period in other destinations. Some procedures are even more convenient when done outside the United States or Europe.

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When going on a medical tour, you have to get the most out of the opportunity by choosing a country that specializes in your specific health need, as well as offers the best attractions to make your trip worthwhile. Although there are around 50 nations to choose from, there are 3 distinct places that made their mark by providing exactly what medical tourists want and staying updated with the latest standards of care and modern equipment.

Going to South Korea

South Korea or the Land of the Morning Calm is another favorite among medical tourists. The country is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. To the east is China and to the north is North Korea. Seoul is a major global city and is one of the most developed cities in the whole world. You will find several top quality private hospitals and medical clinics in South Korea. One hospital in Seoul is accredited by JCI.

Some of these institutions have excellent facilities, English-speaking staff and VIP rooms. Other medical experts are also fluent in other languages like Chinese, French and Japanese. The Medical Act was revised by the South Korean government so that medical records and order communications will become electronic. The hospital information system in the country is among the most advanced globally.

Going to Israel

Israel is a Jewish State situated in Western Asia. Several countries border it, such as Egypt, Syria, Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea. Although Israel is considerably small in terms of size, you will find that the medical institutions are globally competitive. You can also enjoy your trip more because of its rich culture and many famous biblical and archaeological sites. Some of the reasons why tourists flock to the area each year include the high standards of facilities and medicine and modern tools and equipment. Several international medical summits and conferences are held in Israel every year. Israel is also very active in joint ventures with other western hospitals.

Some of the most popular procedures done to patients in Israel include IVF or in-vitro fertilization, bone marrow transplant, neurological procedures, cancer treatment, heart surgery, weight loss surgery, eye surgery, addiction problems and catheterization. Three hospitals at present is accredited by the JCI.

Visiting Mexico

Mexico is a favorite destination of American patients because of its close proximity to the United States. You will also enjoy the different attractions and sites in the country. A number of hospitals are already accredited by the JCI. You minimize your risk of developing complications before and after the medical procedure, since you do not have to travel half across the globe to get to Mexico.

Some of the popular procedures done in the region include cosmetic surgery, orthopaedics, dental work and weight loss surgery. Spanish is widely spoken, but English is understood by majority of the locals, especially those located in border towns. The climate in Mexico is also very ideal for vacationing tourists. You can expect ambient temperatures most of the year.

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Medical tourism has made it possible for individuals to travel conveniently and affordably halfway around the globe to become youthful and beautiful. All types of cosmetic procedures can now be done in competent hospitals and nations with the right equipment and facilities. You can also get more benefits by preparing the plan well and knowing more about the different processes that applies to your personal situation. Here are some types.

Botox

Botox or Botulinum toxin has been used for many decades to treat various conditions involving the neuromuscular system. Now, it is widely used by both men and women to soften wrinkles and get rid of eyelines and crow’s feet under the eyes and on the forehead. The facial muscles that lead to wrinkles are weakened. Botox is also very effective in treating wrinkles in other parts of the body like the neck and hands. Wrinkles triggered by sun damage can also be treated.

Botox injections in Thailand, the Philippines or Singapore are only about 25% of the cost you pay in the United States or the United Kingdom. Several tourists go to Asia each year to get multiple injections. Be ready for some risks like temporary freezing of the facial expression, temporary swelling and redness and temporary dry eyes.

About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a useful and safe way to get rid of unwanted body and facial hair and minimize the growth of hair. The procedure can only be done by board-certified and well-experienced dermatologists or plastic surgeons. Be sure to invest only in accredited hospitals and to know the background of the medical expert before you undergo the procedure. Laser hair removal can help clients eliminate hair found on their back, ears, chest, underarms, legs and genital area.

Getting Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is described as the cosmetic surgery that harmonizes the nose into the face by adjusting the shape, size and overall appearance. The nose is found at the center of the face and can influence the facial appearance of the person. Rhinoplasty is also called nose job, including processes that lengthen and shorten the nose, narrow the nostrils and define the tip. The lower half of the nose is cartilage, while the upper half is bone. The surgery can adjust both cartilage and bone.

You should ask for a sketch or photo of the expected results post-surgery to determine if you will really agree to the procedure. In most cases, patients can stay abroad for a week or more. You should also be ready for possible risks and other complications.

The Tummy Tuck

Individuals who want to eliminate a flabby abdomen because of excess skin can undergo tummy tucks. The inner girdle is adjusted because it has a lot to do with the look and tone of the abdomen. This procedure is good for patients who have loose skin because of weight gain and pregnancy. You can then tighten the loose fascia. The surgery lasts around 3 to 4 hours. Patients can go home within a week.

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Medical tourism has grown widely over the years. A number of countries and hospitals have also made their mark by being accredited by the large governing bodies like the JCI and Trent. Some nations are especially popular for their expertise in doing a number of procedures. If you are aiming to get cosmetic surgery abroad, you have to ensure that the country you are visiting has a solid background on that area. Here are some more tips.

Initial Tips

Research medical tourism packages first and check the background and credentials of the health care provider. The patient has to ensure that the practice complies with the standards and regulations set by the foreign country’s regulatory body. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have been very active in warning patients about the possible pitfalls of not researching your sources well. They encourage patients to only connect with JCI or Trent-approved institutions for optimal health and successful recovery.

You have to research the type of procedure that you are going to get. There are several operations or surgeries that can be made under the category of cosmetic surgery, such as facelift, nose job, botox injection, wrinkle removal, wart removal, skin tightening, liposuction, tummy tuck, etc. You should find out the best way to do the procedure then compare it with the details provided to you by your source overseas. You have to talk to your attending physician and surgeon to ensure that you are dealing with legitimate and professional individuals.

Planning Ahead

It is important that you finalize all the details a week before your departure. Settle local transportation options. You should set how and what type of vehicle will get you after your stay at the hospital. Ask for documents regarding contingency plans just in case any complication or error occurs during the cosmetic procedure. You might require follow up surgery or extra days to recover. A good medical tour operator will secure this document for you. Get this info first before you sign any contracts and secure your rights to protect yourself from any emergency or mishap.

Getting More Help

Consultation may be available for free or at a fixed price as soon as you get your medical tourism package for cosmetic surgery. Determine if your doctor abroad can provide you with any referral or is working with doctors from your home country. You can get full consultation from this other doctor, if the field is the same. Some cosmetic surgeries require longer recovery periods, so you may need a travel partner. Talk to your physician and ask how many days you expect to be hospitalized and how many travel partners should attend to you before and after the operation.

Always make it a point to talk to previous clients who have also gone to the same medical institution or were treated by the same doctor abroad. You can get more tips and details if it is worthwhile to invest in the medical tourism package. You might be able to save more in costs or get better accommodations, transportation and tour packages by dealing with the most reliable individuals.

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