Sun and Surgery: Medical Tourism in Asia

Orthopedic Procedures and Medical Tourism

2007-11-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

With medical tourism, it is possible to get your hip replacement surgery or your knee replacement surgery more quickly and cheaper. Overseas or out of your own country can literally save you a great deal of money, sometimes as much as 60% over normal costs and this will include not only the surgery itself, but treatments, transportation, and hospital stay as well.

Many people find it cheaper to seek out medical tourism. There could be many reasons for this, such as too long of a waiting period in your country or your insurance will not cover the procedure for any reason. Two of the most popular forms of medical tourism are knee replacement and hip replacement.

Knee Replacement

During knee replacement surgery, you may opt for a prosthesis that is either cemented or uncemented. Typically, with either kind, there are four parts to be replaced. The Patellar (or kneecap), the femoral, and the tibial. During knee replacement surgery, you can expect to be put under general anesthesia, while the surgeon will take out any damaged bone and cartilage, replacing these with the new joints.

There are many reasons people use medical tourism for knee replacement. Maybe osteoarthritis prevents them from normal use. Perhaps they have pain so severe in the knee that it prevents activities they would normally perform every day, such as getting up or down stairs, walking, or even sitting in a chair. For whatever reason, it is best to consult with a surgeon to determine if knee replacement is the best answer for your needs.

Hip Replacement

Hip replacement is another popular procedure with medical tourism. Those that have arthritis that has damaged the hip or a hip fracture often seek hip replacement surgery. The most common symptoms that a hip replacement might be necessary include pain while sitting, walking, or even resting. Many people try pain medications to relieve this pain, but in some cases, it is to no avail. Even walking aids have proven to be of no use; therefore, they turn to hip replacement surgery.

Hip replacement surgery takes out the diseased hip and replaces it with a plastic one that often brings a great deal of comfort to the patient. It relieves the pain and gives them the ability to take care of everyday activities, as they once were able to. It is important to understand that with a new hip, you will still have to be very careful. Sports in which there is high impact or running are to be avoided at all costs.

LASIK Surgery and Medical Tourism

2007-09-28T03:06:00.000-07:00

More and more people are turning to medical tourism to meet their health care needs. And who can blame them? With skyrocketing costs and seemingly endless waiting lists, medical travel is a worthy option to consider. World-class facilities, highly qualified doctors, and state-of-the-art technology are common among many medical destinations.

- Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism eye conditions.

This is the most common corrective laser eye surgery. In this procedure, a surgical incision is made to the cornea, creating a flap that is folded out of the way, allowing the surgeon to use the laser for correction. Since a flap is created on the cornea, healing is faster because the flap is replaced and allowed to reattach to the cornea. The entire procedure only takes about 15 minutes, with only 30 to 60 seconds of actual lasering. Many patients experience better vision as early as the day after surgery.

- Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) is similar to LASIK, except that the flap is created in the epithelium, rather than in the cornea.

- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is for persons who are nearsighted, who have mild to moderate farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgeon uses the laser to remove tiny tissue on the surface of the cornea.

- Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) uses a probe as thin as a strand of human hair, utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy. The surgeon uses the probe to reshape the cornea by shrinking small areas of the tissue.

How do these corrective laser eye surgery procedures improve one’s quality of life? Patients who had these procedures were surveyed and noted the following:

- Ability to see on waking
- Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
- Improvement in personal safety
- Better participation in sports and fitness activities

As with any surgery, there are risks involved, and the wise patient will do well to be aware of any and all possible side effects and complications.

Some of the most common risks involved in corrective
laser eye surgery are:

- Loss of vision
- Dry eyes
- Eye discomfort (usually during the first 24 hours after the surgery)
- Irregular astigmatism
- Corneal haze or glaring
- Overcorrected or undercorrected vision
- Inability to wear contact lenses in the future
- Loss of corneal flap, requiring a corneal graft
- Scarring
- Infection
- Glare around lights, difficulties with night vision and driving

Some people who may not be good candidates for corrective laser eye surgery includes those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts, and herpes infections of the eye.

It’s important to remember to have a companion in your medical travel to drive and/or accompany you to and from your procedure.

After weighing pros and cons, it’s good to know that there are world-class eye care facilities, offering inexpensive, modern treatment in many medical destinations, such as India, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. When costs may be reduced by half and a nice vacation in a desirable destination gets thrown into the deal, why not consider medical tourism for corrective laser eye surgery?

Maybe Baby with Medical Tourism

2007-09-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

There is a big surge of medical tourists who come to Asia for IVF treatment. In the beginning, most of the patients came from the Middle East and from nearby Asian countries, but in the last 2-3 years, more and more couples from the US and the UK are coming for IVF. So why do they fly half way around the world to get a baby ?

There are many reasons for this. Medical tourists would come to Asia because the charges are a fraction of the cost of what a US clinic would charge. In-vitro fertilization can cost $20,000 in the United States and $15,000 in Europe. In India it costs about $2,500. Today, they come for many other reasons as well. Fertility centers have been established in Asia and are successfully treating couples using the latest advances in IVF treatment.

Overseas patients are developing confidence in the professional expertise and abilities of doctors in Asia. They have often lost faith in their own medical system. Medical tourism is like a ray of hope for them. To cite an example, the number of infertile UK couples going abroad to try to have a baby is soaring thanks to a new British legislation. So many man-made hindrances, so many political roadblocks...you know what I mean.

If you are thinking of going for an IVF treatment, Singapore has an excellent pool of IVF specialists and clinics. They cater to medical tourists from around the region and to people from the West. Singapore goes out of its way to build a world-class reputation by being transparent, accountable, responsive and patient-centric. The medical facilities are second to none. English is widely spoken here. It is worth checking them out.

You have to involve a clinic in your country before going for your IVF treatment abroad, because you need a scan before implantation to make sure your womb lining is developing properly or it will be wasted. It is ok for doctors to keep in touch with the ones in Asia and swap notes and everything. Patients are given a detailed written report to take back to their GP if they need any after care.

Of course people should research the whole issue before going. The IVF success rate is only about 30%. Don't go for it if your emotional state is so fragile that failure to get pregnant is not an option. but then again it will be a happy surprise if you do end up pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. Sure, undergoing the procedure can be bit difficult, But seriously, it's all about your own mind, not the IVF procedure.

Getting IVF treatment via medical tourism to help you achieve your dream of becoming a parent is possible. Isn't that great?

Before You Go: Tips For Medical Tourists

2007-08-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

If you are considering medical tourism, here are some practical tips to help make sure that your trip is smooth sailing.

Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and the required visas. Imagine the inconvenience and the trouble you will get yourself into if you don't have the necessary documents. Worse, you might even end up spending a night or two in jail.

Learn about local laws and respect the customs of the countries to which you are traveling. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.When in Thailand, DO NOT publicly criticize or make fun of the Thai monarchy, or you will be jailed for 15 years! So mind what you say and do. DO NOT EVER consume or bring illegal drugs with you. Countries like Singapore impose harsh penalties if caught with illegal drugs. A doctor's prescription is preferably be carried along with any medication.

Check all your medical prescriptions for necessary refills. Bring along a list of your medications, and be sure to include their generic names, as brand names may differ from place to place.

Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

DO NOT leave your luggage unattended in public areas. DO NOT accept packages from strangers. We have heard enough horror stories of travelers arrested for unknowingly carrying those packages that contained illegal stuff.

To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear flashy clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. Be discreet as possible if you have no choice but to count your big stack of money in the public. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized money exchange agents

If you get into trouble, contact you country's nearest embassy as soon as possible.

Careful planning and preparation are two of the key ingredients to successful medical tourism holiday. So, do your homework. Put thoughtful consideration into all your preparation, and you too can join the growing ranks of medical tourists. Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy a delightful and memorable medical travel experience.

Medical Tourism: Sex-Change Surgery

2007-08-17T03:04:00.000-07:00

Many people emotionally identify themselves with the sex opposite to the one which they were born into. This can cause great emotional distress to a person and limit that person’s quality of life. If you feel you have been born into the wrong body sex change surgery may help you achieve a look that fits the person you are.

Among the top five medical destinations in Asia, Thailand is known for their sex-change surgery expertise. If you are planning to go to Thailand for the surgery, make sure the surgeons are certified by the Medical Council of Thailand. It is also good to check out whether they belong to The Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand. It is now a member of the International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS) and a member of the Asean Federation of Plastic Surgery. At present there are about 250 qualified Thai plastic surgeons.

Sex change surgery is a procedure to change the sex of a person and can be either male to female (MTF) or female to male (FTM). Sex change surgery is often combined with a number of procedures to make your appearance look more male/female. Popular procedures include: breast implants, adam's apple shaving, jaw line reduction, cheek augmentation, rhinoplasty, brow lift, hair transplants, chin augmentation, and voice change.

Sex change surgery is a major procedure that will significantly alter your life. Therefore, it is very important that you have considered it carefully and are mentally prepared for the outcome of the procedure. You must meet following requirements in order to be eligible for sex change surgery:

- You must have a certificate from a licensed psychologist stating that you are a suitable candidate for sex change surgery

- You must have been taking hormones for at least 1 year

- You must be physically fit to undergo the surgery

- Patient must be at least age 18 years of age. Patients will require permission from parents if under 20 years old

- Patients must be diagnosed with at least one of the following disorders: gender identity disorder, gender dysphoria, or associated conditions (anxiety, depression)

- Patients are required to have lived full-time in the cross-gender role for at least 1 year (supported by identification documents)

- Patients must have written approval from a psychiatrist, psychiatric social worker, or clinical psychologist

Medical Tourism: The Angioplasty Procedure

2007-08-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

Thousands of people are choosing medical tourism as a fast, affordable way of dealing with both necessary and elective medical treatment.

One procedure readily available to the medical tourist is angioplasty. This coronary care treatment is used in a vast selection of medical tourism destinations.

What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a procedure in which a narrowed section of the coronary artery is dilated with a balloon catheter. It is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time than coronary bypass surgery. Most of the time, stents are placed in the narrowed artery during the angioplasty procedure.

The stent is a meshlike metal material, and because of this, cells lining the blood vessel grow through and around the stent to help secure it to the arterial wall.

Reclosure of the blocked area is much less likely to occur when a stent is inserted than after an angioplasty without the stent.

The Procedure

The patient is given a mild sedative, which will make the person relaxed and sleepy, but he will usually remain awake during the procedure. A catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted in the groin or arm through an artery and is carefully guided up the aorta into the blocked coronary artery.

Once the catheter has reached the blocked artery, a balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated. If a stent is used, this inflation pushes the stent open. Then the balloon is deflated, leaving the stent in place, and the catheter is removed. Blood flow to the affected area of the heart should then improve.

What to Consider:

One of the greatest benefits of the angioplasty is that, unlike bypass surgery, it does not require open-heart surgery. It is far less invasive. There is less risk of immediate complications. Evidence suggests that the long-term outcomes of both angioplasty and bypass surgery are similar. This makes angioplasty an ideal procedure to consider for medical tourism. There is a wide range of world-class facilities offering coronary care in many medical destinations.

In my opinion, Singapore, India and Thailand doctors are the best in doing the angioplasty procedure.

As with any medical procedure there are risks involved.

Preparations for Angioplasty Procedure:

Your doctor will probably want to do a number of tests, including x-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood tests. You should inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, and any allergies you may have, especially allergies associated with the contrast materials necessary to create the x-ray images of the blood vessels.

You should not eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure. Ask your doctor to advise you regarding any medication you may be taking.

What to Expect After Treatment:

After the angioplasty procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room or to the coronary care unit. Heart rate, blood pressure and pulse will be closely monitored. The site where the catheter was inserted will be checked for bleeding.

There will be a large bandage or compression device at the groin and catheter insertion site to help prevent bleeding. If the catheter was inserted through the groin, you will be instructed to keep your leg straight.

Usually you can start walking within less than 12 hours of the procedure. The average hospital stay after an angioplasty without any complications is one to two days. You may be able to resume exercise and driving after several days.

The relatively short hospital stay and quick recovery time make the angioplasty an ideal procedure for medical tourism. The benefits of medical travel include greatly reduced waiting time and significantly lower costs, and these should be considered.

The five top medical destinations in Asia offer world-class cardiology specialists and clinics. If you are considering an angioplasty, why not look into the possibility of medical travel to Asia? You can save time, costs, and enjoy a pleasant holiday abroad while taking care of your medical needs.

The Minus Sides of Medical Tourism

2007-08-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

Medical tourism is becoming an increasingly popular answer for people seeking medical care. Medical vacations in the past were mostly to have cosmetic treatments at a lower cost than it would have been locally. Currently, people are seeking lifesaving medical treatment in other countries. While this is often a good choice, there are drawbacks to the practice of medical tourism.

Shopping for the best doctor at the best price can be fairly easy when you are looking in your own neighborhood. You can drive over to the hospital or clinic and take a look around, make an appointment to meet the doctor and other staff, even meet others who have used the same provider to see what they have to say. When the facility is in another country it is more difficult to do this. People who are interested in medical tourism should take time to find out about the procedure and the health care provider before having any treatments done. With the World Wide Web it is possible to search for pros and cons of just about any facility world wide. Remember not to stop at the information given to you by the provider, look for information from former patients in blogs, join a medical tourism forum and ask questions.

Make sure you have looked into what your insurance policy will cover while you are out of the country. Especially if cost is the reason you are considering medical tourism. While some procedures are covered outside of your country, not all will be. You may still save money by getting care in another country, even if your insurance doesn’t cover the procedure.

Legal recourse you may have while at home, you may not have available in another country. Malpractice laws that protect the patients are not the same from country to country. Most providers are insured by some form of malpractice insurance. Not all countries will give out large cash settlements when mistakes are made.

After surgery, you aren’t going to want to travel back home alone. The cost of taking friends and family with you to another country is going to bring up the cost of your procedure. One way to minimize this is to have only one person go with you. Another is to schedule your surgery as part of a vacation you were going to go on already.

Many procedures require multiple follow up checks with the provider. You aren’t going to want to go out of the country multiple times for this care. This can be dealt with a couple of ways. You could remain abroad until you have recovered from your treatment. This works best if you have a short recovery time and you want to go on vacation anyhow. You can recuperate while sightseeing. If you do not wish to remain away from home until you have finished recuperating, you can find a provider locally who is willing to take over care.

If you educate yourself about your diagnosis, the treatment available, and the choices you have available at home and abroad you are more likely to have positive results. This is true about any medical care. It is important for you to do your research before agreeing on any medical treatment at home or abroad.

Dental Care with Medical Tourism

2007-07-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

Dental care with medical tourism? Why in the world would I want to travel abroad to receive dental care?

Well, when you consider the rapidly escalating costs of dental care and the fact that dental procedures are often not covered under medical insurance, medical tourism sounds like an ideal answer.

Case in point: recently, during a visit to the US, my own father suffered with a toothache. Knowing that neither medical insurance nor Medicare would cover any dental procedures, he made an appointment with his family dentist to see what could be done.

The dentist determined that he needed a root canal, or, worst case scenario, an extraction, but that he would not be able to do the procedure because the infection was too close to a nerve. A dental surgeon would have to be consulted.

Over the next few days, my father talked to the dental surgeon recommended by his dentist, as well as with several others. They quoted a minimum cost of $850 for the extraction, more if a root canal procedure was chosen instead. None of the dental surgeons he consulted would even consider a payment plan to pay for the procedure, which we confirmed would not be covered by medical insurance or Medicare. They wanted payment up front. What a dilemma for a person on a fixed income!

My husband, shocked at the astronomical prices quoted, suggested that we fly my father back to Asia with us, and allow him to receive the dental care he needed at a fraction of the cost, while enjoying a relaxing visit with our family in our home. He knew that the costs would only be a fraction of those quoted if he received care in our part of the world. Medical tourism to the rescue!

No wonder more and more people are turning to medical tourism for their dental care needs! Medical tourism has answers for a lot of dental care issues.

First, the cost of procedures is significantly lower. Look at these comparisons: a tooth extraction in the US can cost anywhere from $350 upwards, but in Thailand, it may cost as little as $30!

A root canal in the US may cost as much as $3500, while in India, one of the rising stars in the medical tourism industry, the cost dwindles to a mere $200-400!

When looking at the huge difference in cost alone, medical tourism is certainly worth considering for dental care, especially if there’s significant work to be done. For the price one would pay for a single root canal in the US, a person could enjoy a luxurious holiday to an exotic destination and have the identical procedure done in a world-class facility under the care of doctors whose training is internationally recognized.

Medical destinations such as India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines are fast growing in the medical tourism industry. They offer the best possible medical facilities, superbly trained doctors and other highly trained medical staff, in a warm and welcoming cultural setting. Their knowledge of the most current procedures and their state-of-the-art technology for testing and lab work parallels the best medical facilities in the West.

If you are in need of some significant dental work, why not consider medical tourism as an answer to your dental care needs? You can be sure to end up with a huge (and healthy!) smile on your face as you enjoy lasting memories of a delightful medical holiday.

Medical Tourism Agencies: Boon or Bane?

2007-07-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

The number of medical tourism agencies is growing. Many people have many good reasons why they seek out medical care beyond their shores.

The waiting period for some procedures can take a year or more, while in Singapore or Bangkok, a patient can be in the surgery room the morning after getting off a plane. For many though, the real attraction is price.

Some skeptics warn that surgery abroad cannot possibly be as good as that available in the US. In fact, there have been cases of botched surgeries. Yet, the hospitals and clinics that cater to the tourist market in Asia often are among the best in the world, and many are staffed by physicians trained at major medical centers in the United States and Europe.

You have tour agencies, adventure tour agencies, dating tour agencies and now you have medical tour agencies.

As the name suggest, they cater especially for tourists going on a vacation inclusive of their choice of medical treatment.

However, there are not many of these agencies around, and it still remains a very specialized field. But check in your local yellow pages, you might just find a listing or two.

They could be a stand-alone agency, or an in-hospital department that caters solely to international patients. But more about what these agencies can help you with.

They provide pre-consultation, a comprehensive range of services and hospitals for patients to make their choices. They also ensure that accompanying family members are taken care of. They will also help you in your travel arrangements, including accommodation booking and visa applications and planning your sight-seeing activities.

Trained staff are there to answer questions, set up appointments and referrals to doctors, as well as arrange for any transportations services. They also help with information about the country including interpretation and airport transfers.

When you do come across a medical tourism agency that you like to try, find out exactly what kind of services are provided by these agencies as they may differ individually.

How to Find The Right Medical Provider Abroad

2007-07-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Choose a provider or a surgeon that you trust and feel most comfortable with. If the people you are dealing with are impatient with your questioning then go elsewhere! It is important to ask questions and you have the right to ask as much as you want to establish whether or not to go ahead with a procedure. it is perfectly natural to have some anxiety before a major operation/dentistry/cosmetic procedure. Remember, do not go for cosmetic surgery or dentistry based only on pictures or email correspondence. Do not choose a country based solely on its tourist attractions, without fully checking out the reputation of the surgeons, dentists, clinics or hospitals.

Going for a medical procedure in a foreign country raises safety concerns so make sure you do your research. If you are happy with the answers given, verified their qualifications and credentials and ask yourself if you are comfortable about having the procedure in your chosen country. Do all your maths so you know exactly how much money is needed and if you feel confident about the surgeon’s abilities then you have probably found the right provider for your medical procedure.

Choosing a medical tour agency which offers holiday packages can be a good thing but should not distract from the main objective which is the surgery itself. Hospitals or individual surgeons might not be adept at organizing the logistics of travel or accommodation so if you’re not a seasoned traveler it might be advisable to go through a medical tour agency who takes care of both.

Once you have decided on a provider or a medical tour agency make sure everything is outlined in a contract which clearly describes the services provided to you at the agreed price. Is there anything you are not sure about? again, go ahead and ask questions. It is important to check the refund policy in case:

- You change your mind. You are entitled to change your mind at any time, even five minutes before the operation

- You have a pre-existing medical condition that causes the surgery to be cancelled

- You can’t get all the procedures you have paid for

It is also important to clarify the clauses regarding follow-up care. It is expected that the provider will stand by their patients and the work, and do whatever is necessary to make it right. Be sure to clarify this beforehand.

Medical Tourism Destination: The Philippines

2007-07-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

A rising star in this relatively new field of medical tourism is the Asian archipelago of the Philippines.

With the government launching a campaign to promote medical tourism to the country, the Philippines are quickly being recognized as a choice tourist destination for both health and vacation.

Calling themselves the “islands of wellness”, Filipino government agencies, private clinics, and hospitals are banding together to make the Philippines “the new hub of wellness and medical care in Asia”.

With medical tourism generating more than one billion dollars in revenue for other Asian nations such as Thailand, India and Malaysia last year, the Philippines is gearing up to compete with some of these other countries for their own piece of the pie.

Because of their desire to be competitive with surrounding Asian nations, the Philippines offer attractive medical tourism packages. These include cost-effective medical treatments combined with a specially planned itinerary that showcases some of the best tourist attractions the Philippines has to offer. Ecotours, adventure tours, and cultural tours are available to suit the traveler’s interests.

The Philippines boasts world-class physicians, state-of-the-art facilities and technology, value for money, and the uniquely Filipino brand of warmth, hospitality and care.

When choosing medical care in the Philippines, you can be assured that you will be in safe hands. Doctors study in the best medical schools in Asia. Many continue their studies in the US, Japan and elsewhere for additional exposure to the latest in health care.

There are numerous world-class medical facilities in the Philippines, including St. Luke’s Medical Center and World Citi Medical Center in Quezon City, as well as Makati Medical Center and Metropolitan Medical Center in Manila. The Philippines also boasts a number of respected specialty clinics and some of the world’s best spa retreat resorts.

You can look forward to a faster and better recovery after your procedure as you relax and pamper yourself with the uniquely Filipino blend of spa treatments in some of the world’s best spa resorts.

Medical care in the Philippines offers great value for money, with procedures costing as little as 30% to 50% less than elsewhere. For example, while a coronary bypass would set you back to the tune of $50,000 in the US, you may pay as little as $25,000 for the same procedure at facilities that are as good or better than their counterparts in the US.

The Philippines also promises clinical expertise, facilities, and comparable success rates to developed nations like the US and European nations.

The Philippines provides the medical tourist a complete range of medical care, treatment, surgical procedures, and preventative medicine. Some of the most common procedures offered to the medical traveler in the Philippines include cosmetic and plastic surgery, dermatology, weight loss surgery, ophthalmology and dentistry.

If you are looking to combine health care with an enjoyable vacation, consider the Philippines as a promising destination. This beautiful tropical paradise has much to offer, and may be just what you’re looking for!

Medical Tourism Destination: Malaysia

2007-07-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Asia is fast becoming a major hub for medical tourism, with Malaysia being a prime destination. In fact, Malaysia, India and Thailand are the three countries most active in attracting the medical traveler.

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is an ideal location for those seeking medical treatment abroad. Because Malaysia was formerly a British colony, English is widely spoken, making communication easier for the medical tourist

Malaysia holds a vast array of cultural and travel experiences. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is a bustling cosmopolitan destination with excellent public transportation, making it surprisingly easy to get around. The city provides endless shopping opportunities offering everything from the best names in world-renowned designer boutiques to quaint local handicrafts. There is a huge variety of cuisine to suit every diner’s tastes. Accommodations range from five-star hotels to simple and inexpensive hostels.

Like India, another prime destination for medical tourists, the Malaysian government has established the goal of making Malaysia a future hub for treating international patients from around the world. Over the years, Malaysia has grown into a sophisticated healthcare hub in Asia. It offers a multitude of world-class hospitals, including Sunway Medical Centre.

Some hospitals such as the National Heart Institute and the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital are focused entirely on the provision of specialised medical services.

Many private hospitals are applying for accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, or JCAHO, to attract more international patients. On the whole, the nation is poised to cater to the medical tourist.

A complete range of medical services are offered in Malaysia, including:

- diagnostic services

- a radiology center

- dialysis

- diabetes and nutrition treatments

- rehabilitation services

- wellness and aesthetics

- audiology

- speech therapy

The Malaysian Ringgit offers a favorable exchange rate for the US dollar, the British pound, and the Euro, making medical tourism real value for money. For example, a heart bypass surgery using current technology and methods may cost as little as fourteen times less than the same treatment in the USA.

To encourage this rising trend of medical travel, Malaysia has established the My Second Home program, which allows foreigners to live in Malaysia with a social visit pass for as long as five years, making it an easy and convenient location for overseas medical treatment.

Overall, Malaysia offers a wealth of benefits for the medical traveler: a complete spectrum of top-quality treatments at world-class facilities for a fraction of the cost in an environment where English is both widely understood and used. With the nation’s government fully behind the healthcare industry’s quest to attract medical tourists, the medical traveler can expect travel documents and other arrangements to be made with relative ease.

Malaysia offers a winning combination of excellent healthcare services and relaxing holidays. If you are considering medical travel, why not look into making Malaysia your destination of choice?

Medical Tourism Destination: Thailand

2007-07-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

Thailand is considered by many to be the global leader in medical tourism. In fact, thousands of Americans and Europeans have been traveling to Thailand seeking medical treatment at affordable prices for decades.

Boasting the first hospital in Asia to attain ISO 9001 accreditation, Thailand takes medical tourism seriously. In fact, Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok proudly hosts more foreign patients than any other hospital in the world, with accommodations that look more like rooms in a 5-star hotel than those in a hospital.

The national air carrier, Thai Airways, began packaging medical check-ups as part of its Royal Orchid Holidays program. And patients can clock up their frequent flier miles to apply to the costs of their post-procedure check-ups. From meeting their patients on arrival at the airport to providing luxurious accommodations complete with welcoming fruit baskets and a complimentary massage, what more can be said to prove that Thailand goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide world-class service to its medical tourists?

But, aside from the luxurious pampering, what exactly does Thailand have to offer as a medical travel destination?

With more than 400 private hospitals, many offering world-class standards, doctors and specialists trained in US or European medical schools, and state-of-the-art technology, Thailand promises quality medical care at a fraction of the cost of its Western counterparts.

The Thai baht has an extremely favorable exchange rate when compared to the US dollar or the Euro. This, when paired with lower medical costs in general, passes huge savings along to the medical traveler. One might expect to pay as little as 20% of the cost for procedures identical to those provided in a Western hospital. Some medical, dental, or diagnostic procedures may cost as much as 700 to 800% more in the US when compared to their cost in Thailand!

Thai hospitals make every effort to make the medical tourist’s stay a trouble-free experience. So, to minimize any possible language barrier, they employ staff who are fluent in English. Many doctors and specialists have had overseas training. Striving to meet demand, some hospitals have even employed Arabic-speaking personnel to meet the needs of some of their foreign guests. With such attention to detail, it is obvious that they are determined to go the extra mile.

Thailand offers a full spectrum of quality medical and health care options, from cosmetic and plastic surgery to lasik eye treatment. Weight loss procedures, such as a lap band surgery, cardiac care, dental care, elective surgeries, and gender reassignment surgeries are all popular and affordable choices.

The government joins in these efforts for providing a trouble-free medical holiday by allowing visitors from many nations a stay of up to 30 days without needing a visa. And, once in Thailand, if you should decide to extend your stay, a one-month extension is available for around $50. Two-month visas are easily attainable through the Thai embassy in the traveler’s home country. For visits of longer than 60 days, the traveler can apply for a non-immigrant visa.

Aside from the many advantages of opting for medical treatment in Thailand, the nation is a highly acclaimed exotic vacation spot, rich in its history and culture. Known for its Buddhas, its tropical sandy beaches, and its fantastic shopping opportunities, from the bustle of Bangkok to the thriving night life, from the luxurious and relaxing spas to the vast array of Asian cuisine, Thailand has something to offer to everyone. So visit the “Land of Smiles” and combine health care with a delightful holiday stay.

Destination: Singapore

2007-07-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

Singapore is a major medical tourism destination and one of the five hottest spots for medical treatments in Asia.

Visitors can select from a wide range of services to enhance their health and well being. These include health screening, medical wellness, aesthetic and anti-ageing programmes.

This island city boast a growing list of number 1 spots under its belt. No. 1 port, airport, mathematical geniuses... and the list goes on. Medical treatments' standard is top notch, and service is uniformly excellent.

It is therefore no surprise that Singapore is a popular destination for medical tourism as well as medical evacuations in the region. Prices are also generally lower than the West, although may be more expensive compared to its neighbors in the region. Three key agencies, the Economic Development Board, the Singapore Tourism Board and the International Enterprise Singapore have come together under the Singapore Medicine Banner to develop the Republic in one of Asia’s leading health care destinations.

Statistics in 2003 showed that 230,000 foreigners sought medical treatments here. Singapore Medicine is aiming to serve one million foreign patients a year by 2012 and generate $3 billion in revenues and create at least 13,000 jobs in the medical tourism industry.

Singapore provides the complete spectrum of healthcare services from primary care such as health screening, to quaternary care services such as organ transplants. Tourists coming for medical treatments also come to Singapore for a broad range of specialist care including Cardiology, Gynaecology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Oncology, Otorhinolaryngology, Urology, Neurosurgery and Opthalmology, besides General Surgery and General Medicine.

The country specializes in services for cardiology, ophthalmology, and oncology. Singapore is also a thriving dental hub.

Singapore's Dental Care

Some of the most advanced dental care in Asia can be found in Singapore. The island has one of the highest dentist-population ratio of 1:5,000, and almost half of the population here adhere to the twice a year visit to the dentist.

Here, the dental infrastructure is of the highest quality, with most of the equipment and dental products manufactured abroad. The equipment are also well maintained according to stringent criteria, ensuring that dental care is prompt and professional, and of course, safe.

With the high standard of dental care, Singapore is Southeast Asia’s dentistry center and you would come here for the best dental treatment available. Patients seeking treatment come from western countries, but dentists here also see to many patients from neighboring countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

So if you are looking to brighten that smile of yours, straighten the wry tooth gone crooked or perhaps even to change your whole set of smilies altogether, Singapore may just be the country to make you smile once more.

In 1996, Singapore coined a "Smile Singapore" campaign. The island was then worried about its tourism industry, and decreed that Singaporeans should put on a happy face when meeting a visitor to the country. Fast forward 10 years, the island has done away with the slogan for a new one that is "Uniquely Singapore", and has even more to grin about. It has found a new niche in medical tourism to earn those fickle tourist dollars.

Top 5 Medical Destinations in Asia

2007-07-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

Don't know where to go?

Here are the top five medical tourism destinations in Asia:

- Singapore

- Thailand

- India

- Malaysia

- The Philippines

These five countries are preferred destinations for medical tourism. They offer relatively low-priced packages and a vast array of quality medical and health care services.

While cheaper cost maybe an attraction to many patients, the assurance of a good quality health care system is very important. Although there is a greater confidence in foreign hospitals,The stakes are high for medical travelers and a bad experience can result in long term scars and suffering so do choose wisely.

Many of their hospitals and clinics that cater to medical visitors are among the best, if not the best in the world, and are staffed by physicians who are mostly trained abroad. Their surgeons are board-certified in the United States, and some hospitals have tie-ups with prestigious medical faculties in the west.

Many have doctors that are supported by more registered nurses per patient than in any Western hospitals, and some even provide single-patient rooms that resemble five-star hotels' accommodation, with a nurse dedicated to each patient 24 hours a day.

Some major hospitals and clinics go the extra mile by assigning patients a personal assistant for the post-hospital recovery period and throw in an attractive vacation incentive as well.

Rehabilitation and leisure activities are available, which can be integrated with the health care options.

Needs can vary widely between the ‘necessary’ medical tourists – traveling by necessity, because treatment is not available in their countries and the waiting period usually takes months or years – and the ‘first class’ medical tourists, who are typically looking for wellness or cosmetic procedures and may want first-class accommodations and exclusive add-ons.

Hospitals and travel agencies are partnering up to offer customized medical packages to travelers and their families. Assistance in booking hotel accommodation as well as assistance in booking local tours, places to eat out and areas to shop when they’re not visiting their loved ones in hospital can be easily arranged.

Asia: Rising Star in Medical Tourism

2007-07-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

Why Seeking Medical Treatment Abroad Makes Sense

2007-07-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Medical tourism was once something that was only done by the idle rich, looking for cheap cosmetic surgery, but now more and more Americans are taking advantage of the health care that is offered in foreign countries.

Find out why, even with the cost of airfare and travel, that medical tourism has become a valuable option for Americans requiring surgery and other medical treatments!

With the costs of medical procedures and health insurance rising every year in America, the new trend of Americans seeking medical care abroad makes perfect sense. Health insurance, which was once an American's first protection against the debilitating cost of procedures like CAT scans and surgery is now turning into more and more of a liability. Rising premiums coupled with inadequate co-pays have rendered some health insurance nearly useless and the cost that you will pay out of pocket is quickly rising to astronomical levels. Moreover, if you are one of the more than 46 million Americans without health insurance of any kind (or one of the many more whose health insurance is inadequate) medical tourism might be your path to escaping a financial burden that could follow you for years.

There are many Americans who can benefit from foreign health care, but the ones who stand to benefit the most will be those who are under-insured or lack insurance entirely. Essentially, if you fall into either of those categories, you will find a system that that is compatible with small (for Americans) cash payments and where your dollar will stretch farther. The accommodations in these hospitals are usually fairly luxurious, as most of the locals will use the public hospitals and the private hospitals will find themselves caring for tourists, who can more easily afford them.

When Americans travel abroad, one thing they quickly recognize is the completely affordable, more than competent health care that is available in countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippine and India. These five countries are ranked as the best one to visit for health care and it is easy to see why. For instance, in Thailand, the costs stay low because doctors pay significantly less in malpractice insurance than do their Western counterparts. Similarly, hospitals in Thailand don't spend the enormous amount of money on processing insurance claims because most of the payments more than 75 percent) are handled via cash payments.

In light of today's American medical health crisis, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to investigate the opportunities that medical tourism provides. Find out what so many medical tourists already know; a little research now can save you a lot of trouble and money later on!

medical tourism in asia

Travel Tips for Medical Tourists

2007-07-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the thousands of people considering medical tourism as an option for your health needs, how can you be sure that your trip will be everything that you hope it will be?

Here are some practical tips for medical travel to help make sure that your trip is smooth sailing.

The number one tip for any medical travel plan is to do your homework. A little research will go a long way to make sure that your trip does not hit any unexpected bumps along the way.

Medical tourism is a growing trend, and more and more countries are jumping onto the bandwagon to get their share of this booming industry?s multi-million dollar annual revenue. With this being the case, it is important that you make sure that you will be getting the highest quality healthcare available at affordable prices, wherever your medical destination might be.

Check out the hospital that will be providing your medical care at your medical destination. Find out all you can about the hospital?s reputation, its facilities, its technology and equipment, and the procedures they provide.

With the growing trends in medical tourism in so many countries, as a wise traveler, also find out all you can about the doctor who will be providing your medical treatment while overseas.

You should be able to learn a bit about the doctor?s education and training, as well as his areas of specialization, and his general reputation.

Research your travel destination. Find out about any possible language or cultural differences.

Look into the local currency and the exchange rate. Check out hotels, recovery care facilities, and hostels. Check out the weather conditions at your medical destination so you can pack adequate and appropriate clothing. Be prepared for hidden costs and unexpected expenses.

Learn about the medical procedure you are having done. It will be helpful for you to fully understand all the possible risks and complications involved in your surgery abroad, as well as having a good understanding of the recovery time and necessary follow-up medical care.

Careful preparation is vital to having a positive experience in medical travel. Find out if there are medical tourism packages, special health travel deals or discounts for which you might qualify.

In terms of your preparation, in many ways, medical travel isn?t that much different from any other travel. All the arrangements you would make for any holiday would be applicable for medical travel as well.

For example, once you are certain of your medical travel plans, make your reservations, book your travel arrangements, and take care of any necessary paperwork. Make sure your passport is still valid. Find out if any visas are necessary for your destination, and apply for them.

Are any vaccinations needed for travel to your destination? Get all these travel arrangements taken care of early.

Be prepared to extend your stay at your medical destination. It can be dangerous to travel without your doctor's approval and release, so allow adequate time for your recovery, and don?t be afraid to stay a bit longer on your doctor?s orders.

Purchase some of the local currency so that you have cash on your arrival at your medical destination. Get traveler?s checks from the bank. Bring along a credit card with sufficient balance for spending. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely recognized worldwide. Make sure your credit card dates are valid, and don?t be afraid to ask for an increase if you need it. Most credit card companies are happy to give their customers a temporary increase for travel purposes.

Make at least two photocopies of your passport, as well as at least two lists of your credit card information and traveler?s check serial numbers. Leave one of the passport copies and one of the lists at home in a safe place. Bring one copy of each with you, but don?t carry it on your person. Either keep it in your luggage, or leave it with your travel companion.

Check all your medical prescriptions for necessary refills. Bring along a list of your medications, and be sure to include their generic names, as brand names may differ from place to place.

Bring along a list of important contacts, so that you, your travel companion, or your medical provider can contact your doctors back home, family members, insurance providers, employers, and other important contacts.

Careful planning and preparation are two of the key ingredients to the successful medical tourism holiday. So, do your homework. Put thoughtful consideration into all your preparation, and you too can join the growing ranks of medical tourists. Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy a delightful and memorable medical travel vacation experience.

Medical Tourism in India

2007-07-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

Medical tourism is rising in popularity due to skyrocketing costs and an increasingly long waiting time for medical procedures in Western countries. More and more people are choosing to travel to Asia to combine a holiday with medical treatment or health care.

People may choose to travel for medical treatment for a variety of reasons. Medical travelers from the US may pay as little as one quarter, or even one tenth of the cost for their medical treatment. Travelers from the UK may be frustrated by long waiting periods in the National Heath Service, but can’t afford to pay for private medical care. And more patients are coming from poorer countries where medical treatment may not be readily available.

One popular destination for quality health care at a fraction of the cost is India.

Surprised? Statistics tell us that last year alone India hosted over 150,000 medical tourists, and that figure is steadily rising by as much as 15% a year. One study predicted that the nation is poised to generate medical tourism business to the tune of US$2.2 billion by the year 2010.

Why India? There are numerous factors that make India an ideal destination for the medical tourist.

India boasts a large pool of highly trained doctors readily available to provide quality treatment at amazingly low cost. It is estimated that India’s top-rated education system produces anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 doctors and nurses a year. The nation upholds stringent criteria for their doctors. In fact, many Indian doctors, particularly specialists, were trained in the USA or the UK, and hold qualifications that any Western doctor would be proud to display.

The technology and infrastructure of medical facilities in India is on par with the US, UK and Europe. There are numerous privately owned facilities that are fast establishing a world-class reputation, such as Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and Apollo Hospital. Laboratory and testing facilities, as well as medical technology are state-of-the-art.

Surprisingly, the cost of such quality medical treatment in India is available at literally a fraction of the cost of a Western medical facility.

Medical care in India promises speedy treatment with minimal waiting. When compared with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, which is known to have lengthy waiting periods for even necessary procedures, this factor alone gives Indian medical tourism a strong appeal. Under the NHS, the average waiting period for open-heart surgery can range from six to nine months, and a hip replacement can have a waiting time of nine to eleven months. The same treatments are available with virtually no waiting time in numerous medical facilities in India.

An added benefit of medical tourism in India, as opposed to other comparable countries such as Thailand, is that English is widely spoken in India. Most people find that it is much more comfortable to travel with a common language readily available. This also makes it easy to communicate with doctors, nurses, and other health care providers.

India offers a full spectrum of medical procedures and health care packages. This wide range of medical procedures includes medical travel packages, some of the most common being cardiac surgery, orthopedic treatments, including knee and hip replacements, cosmetic surgery, dental care and fertility and gynecological treatment.

Travel to India is now even easier because of medical visas that are now offered. It’s also good to know that if your medical treatment takes longer than expected, these medical visas can be easily extended.

India has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world, exporting drugs to more than 180 countries. This means that the medication necessary for treatment is readily available.

Medical tourism enables the traveler to experience the diverse and complex culture, traditions and manners of India, enjoying the wide range of Indian cuisine that make India truly distinctive. For sun worshippers, India boasts the most diverse beaches in the world. It offers everything from peaceful lagoons to lava-rocked shores to golden sand on palm-fringed shores lined by crashing surf. India also offers hill stations as well as royal retreats from times past.

All these factors, combined with a country rich in beauty and culture make medical travel to India a truly memorable travel experience.