The rise of medical tourism

Across the world, medical tourism is on the rise. From essential treatment to aesthetic ‘tweakments’, every year millions of people travel abroad to seek care. But why is it becoming so popular? How does it differ from domestic healthcare? And what are the risks?

The medical tourism boom

In the past 15 years, interest in medical tourism has increased drastically – and today, annual growth is estimated at 15-25%, with destinations such as Thailand, Turkey and India leading the way. This surge in popularity is driven largely by significant overseas cost savings, particularly for those seeking treatments which may not be covered by health insurance plans such as cosmetic surgery – which is currently one of the most popular procedures in medical tourism. In fact, it’s estimated that overseas procedures can save US-based patients as much as 40-80% on their healthcare bills, compared to seeking similar treatments at home. 

However, several other key factors are driving medical tourism’s popularity. Firstly, access to advanced medical treatments and world-leading specialists. For those with rare conditions or those who require more targeted support, travelling to access a highly specialized healthcare team can make a crucial difference in patient outcomes. 

For some patients, particularly those from countries where waiting times for universal healthcare tend to be much longer, medical tourism can also be a real lifeline. 

It is also becoming increasingly common for patients to combine their treatment with a vacation, taking advantage of the opportunity to recuperate in a relaxing environment.

The risks and challenges of travelling for care

However, while medical tourism offers various benefits, it also comes with significant risks and challenges which must be considered before travel. 

For any patient, quality and safety concerns are paramount – but healthcare standards and regulations can vary widely between countries. Although no medical procedure is without risk, if a patient does encounter an infection or complication whilst abroad it can become more difficult to rectify. The journey home can also be more difficult and painful than local treatment, especially following surgery, and long-haul travel can even exacerbate the risk of post-operative health complications. 

Another concern is varying standards in both pre and post-treatment care. The provision of both can be challenging when treatment is received abroad, complicating the continuity of care and recovery process. Additionally, there may be concerns about getting the right pre-counseling and informed consent for the treatments being considered. This ensures patients fully understand the procedures and any potential risks before they go abroad for treatment.

What’s more, the hidden costs associated with medical tourism – such as the risk of additional medical costs and extended stays – can potentially offset the savings on overseas medical procedures. This can make the overall experience more expensive and stressful than anticipated.

Legal and ethical issues are also a pressing issue in medical tourism. Differences in legal protections can leave patients vulnerable, as the legal recourse available in GCC nations may not apply in others. Ethical concerns regarding medical practices, including the use of unapproved treatments or procedures, can also pose serious risks. In these instances, a patient’s domestic healthcare provider may ultimately pay the price, taking on the responsibility and funding for post-operative care, treatment for complications, and remedying side effects.

Why it can pay to stick with your local healthcare provider

Although there are instances where seeking overseas healthcare can be beneficial – particularly for specialist support – choosing treatment through your local healthcare provider has numerous advantages. 

Today, GCC nations including Qatar and the UAE are recognized globally for their world-leading medical facilities and experts – in fact, Qatar’s healthcare system ranks amongst the best in the world, while Dubai is celebrated as one of the world’s best destinations for medical tourism. 

And, when businesses partner with a leading corporate healthcare plan provider – such as GulfCare – their employees benefit from these high-quality levels of local care, with complete peace of mind and financial protection. 

GulfCare offers comprehensive coverage through its extensive network of healthcare providers. From telehealth to extensive in and outpatient care, this ensures that employees have access to a wide range of medical services under one umbrella, making healthcare management simpler and more efficient. 

GulfCare’s plans are fully customizable, to better meet the needs of businesses of all shapes and sizes throughout the GCC region. This means that GulfCare also enables businesses to take a more holistic view of their employees’ healthcare needs. Its services are designed to accommodate chronic and pre-existing illnesses, ranging from physical to mental conditions.

With access to leading medical professionals and excellent emergency and day-to-day care, GulfCare is proud to provide dedicated support for a better partner experience. We are committed to excellent customer support and effective care coordination, ensuring that patients receive the assistance they need throughout their healthcare journey, with no need to travel.

To learn more about how GulfCare can support your business, contact us today.