Medical tourism is turning out to be a big business and patients (particularly the uninsured ones) from all around the world, are thronging to some of the best global medical hotspots to get themselves treated for a variety of health problems.
With this industry attracting much interest from people from all parts of the globe, there is little wonder that they are willing to fly across thousands of miles to get what they need. And who wouldn’t? When you find a place that offers you world-class medical care by some of the most qualified doctors, state-of-art infrastructure, and modern technological aids, coupled with lower costs, you’re surely going to want to head there.
Low-cost medical care does not, in any way, imply substandard treatment or poor-quality medical assistance.
Many may be surprised by the fact that the best therapeutic treatments can be easily availed at some of the developing countries of the world.
Don’t let that daunt you, though. You can rest assured of the most professional and high-quality treatment options at these places.
Mentioned ahead are 5 destinations for you to consider if medical tourism is on your mind.
1) Singapore
Singapore is renowned the world over for its infrastructure, diversity, and a welcoming attitude towards people from different parts of the world. It is a highly developed nation and has been visited by Asians as well as westerners for many years for holistic treatment options.
While most patients who come here are cancer-stricken, Singapore is being frequented for other problems related to hip and knee replacements, weight management, and cosmetic surgeries as well.
As per an analysis by the World Health Organization, Singapore has the best health care system in Asia and the sixth-best in the world.
Although you may find the medical fees slightly higher than in its Asian counterparts, you can rest assured that the quality of healthcare in Singapore is top-notch.
In fact, it is heartening to know that the infant mortality rate here is lesser than that in the UK. For the cost-conscious, however, other parts of Asia may be more appealing.
2) Thailand
Thailand is well-known for being frequented by foreigners for its medical tourism and ex-pat health care provisions. In fact, this kind of tourism has only been gaining traction, especially among patients who’re looking for weight-loss solutions, and bypass surgeries.
Thailand is popular for medical tourism not just because it is a pocket-friendly destination, but also because the medicos here are skilled at conducting a wide variety of surgeries and other non-evasive procedures with the aid of modern technology.
Many trainee-doctors learn their craft in western countries and return to practice in Singapore. They speak fluent English and hence, you can be sure that your needs will be well-understood and tended to by them.
However, it is advised that you stick to parts of Bangkok rather than the coastal resort towns to access the best doctors and medical care.
3) India
Would it surprise you to know that two of the top ten medical tourism hospitals are in India? No wonder India has emerged as one of the best health tourism destinations for complicated treatments at lower prices!
India is known for its cost-effective medical treatments along with high standards in faculties of cardiology, orthopedics, nephrology, oncology, and neurosurgery. It also welcomes patients with problems related to bone marrow transplants, eye surgery, and hip grafting and replacement. India is also a top destination for cardiac bypass surgery.
Thousands of people from faraway countries travel to this hotspot for medical aid and the number only seems to be increasing every year. In fact, it is estimated that India will have a $2 billion industry serving overseas patients.
In keeping with this trend, the Indian government has eased restrictions on citizens of several countries and made it easier for them to travel to India with fewer restrictions. Whether it is Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, or any other big city of India, you’re sure to find foreign patients galore.
One of the major reasons for India’s popularity in this sector could be the fact that English is widely used and understood in India, plus the hospitals here care enough to provide translators. All this and more at economical rates!
4) Mexico
While people from most parts of the world throng to Asia for treatment, there are other options closer home for patients in America and Canada. Mexico is a popular choice among people from these regions due to the geographical advantage and cheaper procedures compared to their home countries.
Mexico is best known for providing world-class treatment in the areas of knee and hip replacement, and cardiac and dental surgeries.
5) Brazil
While Mexico is currently riding the popularity wave with American patients, Brazil is not far behind. In fact, Brazil stands out as one of the most medically advanced countries in South America.
If you’re looking to get a nip and tuck done before unwinding on the Brazilian beaches in your sexy bikini, you may not have a tough time finding a plethora of cosmetic surgeons who can help you out with that.
In Brazil, highly-trained surgeons perform such surgeries in a hospital, rather than in an office. Any kind of plastic surgery you may be looking for, you can surely find it in Brazil. And if that isn’t enough, you will also find vets who can perform cosmetic surgeries on your pet.
Conclusion
So the next time your doctor asks you to undergo treatment which you think will leave you penniless, you may want to consider one of the above countries. Not only will you get the best medical attention, but you will also be spared of worrying about the associated costs. And even though health is wealth, you can take heart in knowing that both of them will be with you for a long time to come.
