Medical Tourism: Treatment Abroad, What To Expect

Medical tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry, with millions of people travelling abroad each year to access healthcare. Common reasons for seeking treatment abroad include lower costs, shorter wait times, and access to treatments or procedures that are not available in a patient's home country. However, there are also risks associated with medical tourism, such as lower standards of care, counterfeit medicines, and communication barriers. This raises the question: how are tourists treated in hospitals abroad, and what factors should patients consider before seeking medical treatment in a foreign country?

Cost of treatment

The cost of medical treatment for tourists varies depending on the country and type of treatment. It's important to note that most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so purchasing travel medical insurance is highly recommended to help cover the costs of emergency treatments. Here are some key points to consider:

Cost Variation by Country

The cost of medical treatment can vary significantly from country to country. For example, the United States has the highest average price for a medical claim among commonly visited countries, with an average claim cost of US$9,941. In contrast, other countries may offer more affordable treatment options. For instance, destinations like Mexico and countries in Central America are known for providing medical services at a lower cost compared to the US.

Treatment Costs and Insurance Coverage

The cost of treatment for tourists can be substantial, especially in the case of emergency care or long-term conditions. While travel medical insurance can provide coverage, it's important to carefully review your policy to understand what is covered and to what extent. Some countries may also require proof of travel medical insurance before granting entry, so it's essential to research the requirements of your destination country.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

In the absence of insurance coverage, tourists may have to pay for medical treatments out of their own pockets. This can be extremely costly, potentially requiring individuals to dip into their life savings or sell assets. It is recommended to always seek an itemized bill to understand the charges and identify any potential errors or charges for services not received.

Cost-Saving Considerations

Establishing residency in a country with a universal healthcare system can provide access to affordable or free medical treatment for chronic conditions and long-term care. Additionally, some tourists may opt for medical tourism, which involves seeking treatment in another country specifically to take advantage of lower costs or access treatments not available in their home country. However, it is important to carefully research the credentials of medical providers and facilities when considering this option, as there may be additional risks involved.

Pre-Travel Planning

Before embarking on your trip, it is crucial to plan for potential medical expenses. Consult your primary care physician to discuss your travel plans and seek advice on cost-effective options. Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance if necessary. By taking these proactive steps, you can gain peace of mind and ensure you are prepared for any medical situations that may arise during your travels.

Language barriers

To overcome language barriers, tourists should consider researching medical providers that offer language support and translation services. Many hospitals and clinics cater to international patients and may have English-speaking staff or provide interpreter services. It is beneficial to seek out providers with staff who speak your native language and offer cultural training to facilitate better understanding and comfort. Enrolling in a travel assistance membership that offers medical translation services can also be helpful. These services can assist in finding local healthcare providers who speak your language and arranging medical care abroad.

Additionally, tourists can proactively learn about the local language and culture before travelling. This includes familiarising themselves with common phrases, customs, and etiquette, or even taking language classes or working with a language tutor. During their medical journey, tourists should communicate clearly, ask for clarification when needed, and request a professional interpreter for complex medical situations. Being respectful and adapting to local communication styles is also important.

By taking these proactive measures, tourists can navigate potential language barriers and increase their chances of a positive and safe medical experience abroad. It is essential to recognise that language barriers can impact the quality of healthcare and patient satisfaction, so addressing these challenges is crucial for tourists seeking medical treatment in foreign countries.

Infection control

Firstly, it is important to recognize that healthcare facilities in other countries may have different standards of infection control practices compared to your home country. Some countries may have less stringent requirements for licensure, credentialing, and accreditation, which can impact the quality of care and increase the risk of infections. For example, counterfeit medicines and lower-quality medical devices may be used, potentially compromising infection control measures.

Before travelling, it is advisable to consult with a travel health provider and your physician to discuss the specific destination and any concerns. They can advise on the potential risks and ensure you are well-prepared. It is also recommended to obtain a set of medical records from your overseas treatment to ensure details are documented, which can be provided to subsequent healthcare providers for follow-up care.

Infection rates tend to be higher in developing countries, and surgical site infection rates are significantly higher compared to the United States, for example. Several infectious disease outbreaks have been documented among medical tourists, including fungal meningitis and CRE infections in Mexico, and surgical site infections in the Dominican Republic. These infections can be caused by drug-resistant bacteria and fungi, which have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics and other drugs.

To minimize the risk of infections, it is important to choose accredited healthcare facilities that adhere to international quality and safety standards. Globally, 55 countries have JCI-certified hospitals, which have undergone procedural assessments on quality and safety. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase travel health insurance that covers follow-up or emergency care for any complications that may arise from procedures received abroad.

Finally, upon returning home, it is crucial to notify local health authorities and healthcare facilities if you develop any infection-related symptoms. This facilitates outbreak recognition and helps implement infection control measures to prevent further transmission.

Insurance coverage

It is highly recommended that you purchase insurance before travelling abroad. US-based medical insurance providers generally do not cover medical treatment abroad. Medicare, for example, does not cover healthcare while travelling outside the US, except in rare cases, such as when a medical emergency occurs and the nearest hospital that can treat the condition is in a foreign country.

There are different types of insurance plans available for travellers. The first is medical-only travel insurance, which is often more affordable than comprehensive policies. The second type is comprehensive travel insurance, which covers everything from trip delays and cancellations to unexpected healthcare needs. The third type is supplemental travel health insurance, which covers follow-up or emergency care from procedures received abroad.

If you are a frequent traveller or spend significant periods of time living outside your home country, you can purchase a comprehensive travel health insurance policy meant for long-term travellers. These policies offer routine medical coverage for those living abroad (generally for one year or longer) rather than vacationers. They may also include coverage for family members who are travelling with you or for a family member to visit you if you are hospitalized.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is important to consider the limits and deductibles of the policy. Limits refer to the maximum amount that the policy will cover, while a deductible is the amount you need to pay before your policy will reimburse you. For example, if you have a policy with a $250 deductible and you submit claims for eligible expenses totalling $400, the insurer will reimburse you only $150. Policies can often be customized to increase or decrease the deductible.

In addition to travel medical insurance, you may also want to consider medical evacuation insurance, which covers the cost of transportation to a foreign hospital or back to your home country in the event of a medical emergency. This type of insurance is especially important if you are travelling to a remote area or a place with limited medical facilities.

Doctor's qualifications

For doctors, an international sabbatical can be a rewarding experience, offering the chance to work with diverse healthcare systems and communities worldwide. However, practising medicine abroad requires careful planning and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

In the UK, for instance, the General Medical Council (GMC) is responsible for licensing and registering doctors. All doctors intending to practise medicine in the UK must be registered with the GMC, adhere to its guidelines, and meet its Fitness to Practise standards. Doctors with GMC registration but no licence may work in academia or outside the UK, but they cannot perform clinical activities restricted by law to licensed doctors. Doctors new to GMC registration must work within an approved practice setting.

Doctors qualified outside the UK may be eligible for full GMC registration if they hold an acceptable primary medical qualification and have completed postgraduate clinical experience (internship). Documentary evidence and a pre-registration identity check are required.

In the United States, the path for international doctors to practise medicine varies by state. Some states, like Illinois, offer limited licences for practice in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, with the possibility of upgrading to a full licence after two years. International physicians may be eligible for a full licence in certain states if they meet specific requirements, including full-time employment, possessing a medical doctorate, completing a residency programme, and having a recommendation letter from a supervising physician.

In other countries, American medical qualifications are recognised to varying degrees. For example, the Pakistan Medical Commission and the Singapore Medical Council recognise American medical school qualifications, residency training, and board certification. The Medical Council of India accepts American Board of Medical Specialties qualifications in various specialities and recognises medical degrees from select US schools.

Frequently asked questions