Medical Vacations

Vacation and Holiday Ideas!

Medical Vacations Abroad

While many people take vacations as a way to relax and rejuvenate, a growing number of people are taking actual "medical vacations" to other parts of the world, where they can experience both a vacation to a tourist hotspot, as well as cheaper medical procedures than they might receive in the their home countries.

Where are some of the medical vacation hotspots?

Thailand Medical Tourism

One of the most popular tourist spots for medical vacations is Thailand. Located just west of Cambodia and south of Myanmar, Thailand is popular due to its top-quality medical services, as well as its proximity to other Asian countries. Some of the most popular procedures done in the country include spinal fusions, orthopedics, prostate surgery, coronary artery bypass grafts and gastric bypass. There are also medical institutions in Phuket, Thailand that specialize in cosmetic surgery, dental work and eye surgery. A lot of hospitals in the area offer English-speaking staff.

Today, several hospitals in the nation are accredited by the International Organization for Standardization and JCI (Joint Commission International). Traveling to Thailand will also expose you to a variety of world class resorts, restaurants and other popular tourist sites.

Mexico Medical Tourism

Mexico is a very popular medical vacation spot for Americans who live very near the border. The specialty treatments of the country are plastic surgery and dental work. The cost of care in Mexico is only about 20% of the cost you would pay in America. Medical tourists going to Mexico report that treatment and accommodations are very satisfactory. An increasing number of foreigners also visit Mexico each year to undergo lap band surgery and bariatric surgery to reduce weight.

Costa Rica Medical Tourism

Most people visit Costa Rica for the surfing, scuba diving and breathtaking views. But, here again, is a tourist hot spot which is also a top medical vacation destination. Located just between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is just a 2.5-hour flight from Miami, Florida. Medical tourists come to Costa Rica for its top quality health institutions, modern equipment and facilities and a highly ranked health care system. All that and you pay a fraction of the cost of care in the U.S. Some of the most preferred procedures in the country include dental work, weight loss operations, cosmetic surgery and orthopedics.

India Medical Tourism

At present, there are 17 hospitals in the country that are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most common procedures that patients look for when visiting include dental work, cosmetic surgery, heart surgery and cancer treatment. The cost of care in India is considerably lower compared to other medical vacation spots. Patients can also communicate better with health care providers since the majority of Indians are very good at speaking English.

New Zealand Medical Tourism

New Zealand is relatively new to the list of medical tourist hotspots. Several of the hospitals in New Zealand are accredited internationally. The cost of surgery is can be considerably cheaper than the United States, although you do have to take into account the cost of plane fare. On the plus side, you also get to enjoy a vacation on another side of the world.

European Choices

Even though Asian and South American countries are the most popular choices, Europe has also grown in medical tourism. There are many European nations now offering medical tourism packages, such as Germany, Hungary, Malta, Spain, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Portugal, Poland and Lithuania. The Czech Republic primarily focuses on spas and health care that competes with the best in the world.

Germany is another top destination because of its state of the art equipment, very high standards and modern facilities. All citizens have health coverage. Waitlists are also considerably shorter in Germany and cost of treatment is 50% cheaper compared to America.

Do Your Research

It is essential you do a lot of research first before you travel abroad for medical care. First, study and review the procedure you are going through. Are you healthy physically and mentally to undergo travel and treatment? Do consider the health risks and other potential complications that may arise from traveling far distances or staying cramped inside the plane after surgery or treatment.

Hospital and Surgeon Background

Since more and more hospitals are getting into medical tourism, you should check for accreditation to ensure that the standards and medical practices sufficiently meet the requirements set by the biggest agencies. Check for accreditation by the JCI, Trent, ISO, JCAHO, etc. One website to check out is the JCI website - www.jointcommissioninternational.org, where you can check out which medical establishments have received accreditation in different countries.

Identify the success rate, which means how many successful operations and treatments have been done. The figures may be displayed in percentage. Check the available equipment and facilities and how often the institution upgrades these. In addition, you should check if majority of the staff understands English or are English-speaking.

Finally, talk to the surgeon who will be doing the surgery. Ask the necessary questions, such as your diet and exercise regimen days before the operation, medical and health hazards, possible risks and complications, medication regimen afterwards and the duration of hospitalization. You should ensure that the doctor is well-experienced in the type of surgery to be done. Ask for some referrals and talk to previous patients to get the full details.

Synonyms: vaction, vacations, vacaton, vactions, vacational, and vacatons are typos for "vacation" and "vacations."