Medical tourism is the practice of going oversea's for medical care.  As a general way of life, medical tourism dates back many years when patients would travel far and wide in search of medical expertise. 

Globalization and mass communication have helped many developing countries compete in the wider world of health care. 

Due to lower labor costs, and heavy investing, certain medical tourism destinations have emerged as leaders in affordable health care. 

In 2006 more than 150,000 Australian's, Americans, Canadians and Europeans packed their luggage and headed overseas for assorted medical treatment.

Depending on the location and treatment, a medical procedure and travel can cost up to 50% cheaper than what you would pay at home. For example a heart surgery procedure may cost $100,000 in the States, which could cost under $10,000 in Thailand, lower labor costs reduce the price of surgery considerably overseas.  The same applies in other popular medical tourism destinations like Thailand, Philippines, Argentina, Mexico and Singapore.     

Many years ago American's commenced medical tourism for dental, cosmetic, plastic, and elective surgery, but increasingly, American patients are receiving life-saving medical operations such as heart surgery, hip replacements and cancer treatments, due to inflated prices and a inadequate health system. 

In fact, some medical and dental destinations offer procedures that are unavailable in certain Western countries, including Australia.  Hip resurfacing, for example, was only recently approved by the US Food & Drug Administration in America, even though it had been available in India for quite some time.

India are the world leaders in Orthopedic surgery procedures, due to their advanced technology and affordable costs.  

Medical tourism is becoming less of a novelty and more of a global trend. 

Why Thailand?

Recognizing the need to attract more tourists, the Thai government has invested heavily in its medical tourism infrastructure.  With an expanding growth of English-speaking hospitals and dental clinics, Thailand exceeds all expectations when it comes to providing quality care.  Many of the physicians and dentists featured throughout Bangkok possess certification from some of the world's most prestigious accrediting bodies, including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the International Organization for Standardization. 
 
First-time visitors to the popular Bumrungrad International Hospital are amazed at the five-star treatment they receive from doctors, nurses, orderlies, administrators and ushers.  In fact, many of Bangkok's more luxurious hospitals treat their patients more like wealthy movie stars than normal medical patients. Patients rarely have to wait more than 20 minutes to see their surgeon, and the nurse to patient ratio is as low as 1 to 4 which helps ensure that you receive optimal medical attention during the entire length of your stay in hospital. 

You may question the emphasis and relevance we make on America and the International Medical market, however it would appear that future marketing trends in the next ten years will find Australian Healthcare providers following in the steps of the Americans and sending Australian patients to oversea's providers for treatment, due to it's affordability, credibility, urgency and the increasing demand of third world countries proving to be the world leaders in health care.

With the increasing trend of International Medical demand you need to be cautious with the facilitators employed to represent you and your services, as many travel agents without any medical experience are organizing medical procedures increasing the risks of complications and dissatisfaction. Potentially jeopardizing the future of obtaining affordable quality procedures oversea's.

Please ensure you obtain reputable representatives when you are considering your arrangements.