Medical Tourism or Healthcare abroad is a common practice across the world as many people travel overseas for medical care that might not be available in their own country. In addition, millions of people travel to other countries to seek medical attention every year.
People travelling to other countries probably do not have a specific reason; instead, many reasons drive people to travel to other countries for medical treatments, such as the treatment medical facilities they need are affordable or cheap in other countries, or the medical care or the medicine for a chronic condition they want is not even available in their country or any other reason.
Healthcare Abroad Procedure Synopsis:
As already discussed, there can be multiple purposes why people need to go for healthcare abroad. One more reason to be added to the list is that someone already travelling overseas for work or vacations might get sick or ill. Nevertheless, looking for healthcare in other countries can be challenging, no matter why a person goes for overseas treatment.
One can make the overseas health treatment process much more effortless and smooth with a bit of planning and proper research.
So, to begin the health treatment process in a foreign country, first, you need to check whether your health insurance covers your health expenses when you are abroad or not.
In case your already existing medical insurance does not provide a facility in other countries, you only have two options; either pay all your medical bills or first obtain a temporary overseas medical insurance.
Once you sort all the issues related to insurance or paying medical bills, shortlist or look for medical providers in your desired country for the medical treatment you need.
Be a little bit ahead of time and ensure excellent research about everything as it will help you know the expected situations or requirements like paperwork or documentation. Also, it will guide you to be prepared with all the necessary documents that you might need during the travel or healthcare abroad procedure.
If possible, make sure you schedule an appointment with your concerned healthcare specialist before you leave your country so that when your reach there, you can get everything lined up in a hassle-free manner.
Remember, be honest with your doctors, and tell them everything about your medical history, symptoms, and problems when to meet them.
Healthcare Abroad or Medical Tourism and its benefits:
Medical tourism is a developing industry worldwide with numerous benefits for travellers and patients who seek medical care in foreign countries for any reason. With medical care abroad, patients can get best in class medical care, save a lot of money and even enjoy a new cultural experience and healthier environment.
In many countries, medical tourism or medical care in foreign countries is better and more affordable than receiving treatment in own country.
People even save upto 80% of medical expenses with medical tourism compared to their native country.
However, while searching for affordable medical care in foreign countries, it is essential to look for the quality of medical care at your desired hospital. Countries like India, Thailand, and many others offer high-quality and affordable healthcare facilities in world-renowned hospitals.
Patients who prefer to get medical care or treatment in foreign countries often enjoy an excellent quality of medical attention and care than in their native nation.
Several factors determine the quality of medical treatment and care in any foreign country. These factors include doctor to patient ratios, easy access to ultra-modern technologies in the medical field, and fewer & seamless formalities, rules and regulations.
Not to forget, seeking healthcare abroad provides patients with an excellent opportunity to engage themselves in a new environment, culture and traditions.
Moreover, travelling to other countries for medical care is a great chance to know and understand another country and its culture and people and receive excellent-quality healthcare treatment.
Carefree misconception about medical care abroad:
A common and carefree misconception people have about the healthcare abroad process is everything is smooth and easy. Many people even believe that they can get medical care in foreign countries without problems. But it does not often happen, especially if you don’t have any acquaintances in that country. If you do not have friends or relatives in the country where you plan to seek medical treatment, it becomes even more critical to research its healthcare system properly and plan to travel before leaving. Proper research will help & guide you and will prevent you from shockers while you seek medical care in another country.
What are the hazards associated with Healthcare Tourism?
Risks and complaints about medical tourism are often determined by the location, how the treatment is performed, facilities provided during the treatment, patient’s physical and psychological state. However, there are many other risks involved in the healthcare abroad process.
- Medical Care Quality
Maybe the requirements for maintaining restricted practices, quality of licenced medical professionals, and certification are less than what would be your native country. On the other side, maybe some countries use forged medicines and low-quality medical pieces of equipment. All such things lower the overall medical care quality.
- Communication
Another big problem or risk is miscommunication due to language issues. Getting proper healthcare facilities might be challenging if you cannot communicate with healthcare staff. Also, any miscommunication can become a risk to the patient’s life.
- After treatment travelling
Travelling right after taking treatment or a medical procedure can be quite risky. For instance, air travelling soon after surgery can be dangerous as it can cause blood clots or even deep vein coagulation or other risks due to changes in atmospheric pressure. So, you should avoid travelling air around ten days before abdominal or chest surgeries. Similarly, patients with cosmetic surgeries on the face, nose, eyelids or laser treatments should also not fly before 7-10 days.
Infections:
Some risks are involved in all medical procedures. So, there can be risks associated with infections due to wounds, antibiotic-resistant, Doner or infection in the bloodstream and other diseases.
Ways to mitigate the healthcare abroad risks:
- Consult with your medical specialist before flying abroad.
- Get all your health and medical records & history while travelling.
- Research well on the healthcare facilities and providers in the destination country.
- Arrange follow-up care before leaving your country.
Conclusion:
Before finalising anything for your medical care in another country, ensure that you have good and proper treatment knowledge. Research the rules and regulations and all your major requirements for your healthcare journey and health issues during the journey. Remember all the above discussed points to get the best entry to healthcare abroad. Moreover, don’t forget that a good life is all about good health; so, stay happy and healthy.
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