Hello There!

South Korea, one of the fastest-growing countries in the world has finally set sail into the sea of Medical Tourism and is emerging as a popular destination for foreign patients, namely from the US, Japan and china.

Their economy has boosted dramatically over the past few years, unlike neighboring countries that are on a crisis, South Korea’s economic crisis is out of the question, however South Korea’s treatment costs have been preferable by many tourists who have undergone procedures in the country.

The continuous growth expands to the fields of Medical Tourism, South Korean government is exhausting efforts in attracting medical tourists to come over and have their medical treatments and procedures done in the country. South Korea is very well-equipped from the world-class physicians, state-of-the-art facilities, up to the utmost and finest care and compassion rendered by their experienced nurses and doctors.

Along with the outstanding medical treatment, comes the abundance of vacation and relaxation spots such spa resorts that are nonetheless one of the world’s best.

South Korea has become the plastic surgery capital of the world. They give off vast experience and expertise in the field of plastic surgery. They provide top plastic surgery services, including:

- Re-plantation using microsurgery
- Flap operation
- Burn Care
- Craniofacial Surgery

Apart from the numerous amount of their very own people who underwent the procedure, plastic surgery has been also in demand to people from top Asian countries such as Japan and China. For this growing demand, plastic surgery clinics have doubled to around 1,000 between 2004 and 2007. Another most sought-after procedure in South Korea, is the Stem Cell Transplant – a process used in treating cancer.

The government, has initiated measures to promote medical tourism such as changing its laws to permit local hospitals to join in ventures with hospitals abroad and has been revising its immigration policies to allow foreign patients and their families to obtain longer-term  for their medical visas.

Medical Tourism has grown to be a globally competitive environment, with lots of countries venturing into it, sure the competition is tough, but one thing is for sure, South Korea is heading to the top of the game.

Until Next Time

Peter – Your Medical Tourism Guide

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2. South Korea’s Medical Tourism Expected To Boom Under New Law
3. South Korea Aims to Boost Medical Tourism Market

The world was shaken when the Swine Flu broke out in many countries. There were hundreds of thousands of reported cases of people in all walks of life getting infected with the virus and more than a thousand that died.

It was between March and April 2009 when Swine flu infected many people in Mexico and other parts of the world. But what exactly is Swine flu?  “It is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus.It is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs.”

The outbreak began in Mexico which has nearly 21,000 confirmed cases and almost 200 confirmed deaths. It all started in February at a pig farm half-owned by Smithfield Foods. The pandemic  hit Mexico’s economy to gasp as its people suffer from the illness, the authorities are finding ways to find a cure and the country’s tourists are threatened and finding ways to fly out from the country to avoid getting infected.

The expected number of tourists for this year dropped massively because of the flu pandemic. Many countries have suffered like Mexico and are looking for various ways and strategies to bring back what they have lost. Countries such as United States, Argentina and Brazil, all of which respectively top the  3 highest spots  with the most number of deaths in relation to the flu.

Security measures are being practiced by airport staff in all parts of
the world by setting up checkpoints for arriving travellers. The methods being used include thermal check to make sure that they are free from any AH1N1 symptoms. Suspected persons are being held in quarantine for a number of days to go through various tests to confirm if they are positive or negative of Swine Flu.

The Mexicans, in desperation, are trying to double their efforts to win back what the country has lost during the swine flu crisis, that includes the tourists. With Medical Tourism as one of the vital boosters in bringing in foreign income to the country, the Mexican government and establishments such as hotels are offering outstanding health insurances to both Mexican and foreign tourists staying through the end of the year.

The health insurance covers treatment – hospitalization and medicines – for falling sick with the swine flu or other illnesses and even those involved in accidents.

In spite of the spreading pandemic, there are still hopeful medical patients from all over the world who are unstoppable and still pursuing medical treatment in other countries, ignoring the possibilities of getting afflicted by the virus that could get their situation worse. From this spark of hope Mexico and countries alike are fueled and still strive for the betterment of their people.

Credits to KaiserHealthNews for our resources.

Until Next Time

Peter – Your Medical Tourism Guide

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1. Mexico Invests Big To Revive Tourism After Flu Scare
2. Study: 1M Californians per year get care in Mexico
3. Study: 1M Californians per year get care in Mexico

Hello There!

Our global economy has been suffering from recession for quite some time now. Companies, both large and small are highly affected, their profits and investments have collapsed. In effect, companies have had to cut back on non-interest costs leading to sackings, unemployment and closures.

Many countries have been hit by recession, specifically the US and Europe. You will find that lifestyles have been forced to change. Families have cut costs by nearly 50% by spending on only the basics! When it comes to health families are resorting to cheaper medicines and medical treatments.

So speaking of medical treatments the recession has greatly boosted Medical Tourism in foreign countries. Atleast one industry has got a positive impact from the recession. The third world countries have always been the last option when deciding on choosing a destination for treatment for Americans and Europeans, and yet now, with the rise of global economic recession, they’ve become the top places to consider.

The number of medical tourists flying out of the country to get their medical procedures has grown to the extent that US hospitals and medical centers are threatened. Practically in this hard times who would not go abroad for expensive treatments if they can save upto 40% ?. It’s been a huge advantage for other countries offering medical tourism, mostly for Asian countries.

Here is the list of countries which benefited in the growth of Medical Tourism and are considered one of the best in the world: India, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Panama, Brazil, South Africa.

Until Next Time!

Peter – Your Medical Tourism Guide

Related posts:

1. Medical Tourism Why so Popular in USA?

Medical Tourists have finally decided and now off to the next question, “Which country offers the best medical tourism that I should I go to?”

Given the top reasons and considerations we have discussed on our previous blog post, Top 5 Reasons People prefer Medical Tourism, we have used those reasons in coming up with top destinations for medical tourism. We have listed 5 best destinations, and here are the countries which made it to our list:

1. PANAMA

Price:

- 40% – 70% cheaper over US price

- Travel costs from US to Panama is considerably low.

Level of Service:

- As an Americanized country , language barrier is not a problem.

- Favorite destination among Americans both in general and medical.

- Improved economy, lots of vacay spot and prestigious hotels to choose from

Quality:

- Most health care specialists are US trained

R&R-in-1 (Recovery and Relaxation in one):

- Panama has a wide range of beaches to go to, not to mention the uninhabited islands to visit to.

Lack of Wait:

– Many of their physicians are US-trained, so getting higher priorities can be a bit of issue.

2. BRAZIL

Price:

– Low cost compared to other countries offering Medical Tourism.

Level of Service:

- As the second largest market for plastic surgery in the world, behind the U.S, Brazil is most likely attributed to the high quality of service.

Quality:

– Most hospitals for general medical treatment are JCAHO accredited, the largest U.S. hospital accreditation organization.

– Their largest city, São Paulo, is considered to have some of the world’s best equipped hospitals, advanced evaluation procedures and highly skilled physicians, according to BrazilMedicalTourism.com

R&R-in-1:

- A huge number of tourist destinations to choose from, most popularly their beaches. The beaches are frequented by many tourists but there are also secluded beaches where medical tourists can indulge into a peaceful and relaxing experience.

Lack of Wait:

- Due to the good performance with their general medical treatment, many tourists, mostly Americans and Europeans, getting higher priority depends.

3. MALAYSIA

Price:

- They offer a wide range of medical procedures, all at an affordable price than in US. The Cardiac Bypass surgery, for example, can cost from around $6,000 to $ 7,000.

Level of Service:

- The health care services in Malaysia have improved in just a short span of time, resulting to a huge number of foreigners to prefer Malaysia, now that surely has something to do with the better service they render to their patients.

– Most private hospitals in Malaysia offer accommodation such as luxurious suites with personal butlers and full-time nurses. Costs are reasonable that foreign patients can avail these and even arrange one for the traveling partners.

Quality:

- As a haven for health care facilities and hospitals, many foreigners consider Malaysia as a top option for their modern facilities and highly efficient medical staff whom are also highly qualified English speaking medical professionals.

R&R-in-1:

– Malaysia is a tourist heaven, medical patients can take advantage while on recovery enjoying their beautiful beaches, and go sightseeing.

Lack of Wait:

- Most Asian countries such as Malaysia, have higher priorities given to foreign patients, so expect for a faster booking.

4. COSTA RICA

Price:

- Americans will enjoy a favorable exchange rate for the dollar and many procedures offered from a half to tenth of the cost than from home.

Level of Service:

- They offer a range of dedicated recuperation facilities that give you the comfort of a high class hotel and the relaxation of a vacation, but with the security of knowing that there are doctors and nurses there to monitor your recovery and progress.

Quality:

- Costa Rica’s doctors are fully trained and must be certified by a national medical association before they are allowed to practice

- Thousands are drawn to Costa Rica’s modern hospitals and private clinics which have Board Certified surgeons, many professionally trained in North America or Europe.

R&R-in-1:

- If you’re up for their beaches, there are a lot of choices from fun beaches to quiet and peaceful ones perfectly suits for your relaxation and recovery stages while on vacation.

Lack of Wait:

– Majority of the patients are Americans, so expect for a so-so priority.

5. INDIA

Price:

– India is indeed a tough contender when it comes to health care services in southeast asia. Treatment package price is 35% to 40% lesser than costs in USA.

Level of Service:

- In most hospitals, practitioners and medical staff are known for their respect, friendliness and good English-speaking.

Quality:

- India provides world class medical facilities with hospitals and specialized multi specialty health centers providing their expertise in the many areas, practically covering every aspect of medicine combining modern treatments with traditional experience.

R&R-in-1:

– The historical places and beautiful beaches are just one of many places that is a must-see.

Lack of Wait:

- India is known for the high-priority that they offer to overseas patients.

We hope this helps you finally get a booking on your chosen medical tourism destination. And we wish you a safe trip, fast recovery and fun & relaxed vacation trip.

Related posts:

1. Medical Tourism Destinations

Now why do more and more people choose Medical Tourism over the best hospitals and doctors in their very own country. Here are 5 important reasons.

1. Lower Price

With the economic crisis, no wonder many resort to Medical Tourism above all options available because of its cost-saving factor. As the best alternative for those who don’t have health insurance. Costs for procedures can range from 20%-90% cheaper in countries like India and Thailand.

Apart from the hospital costs, air traveling comes affordable and convenient too. With the wide range of booking websites that can cater on providing with the lowest rate on flights and hotels, assures traveling to a foreign country to be cost-saving over getting a surgery at home.

2. Level of Service

Another reason is that the level of service offered on foreign hospitals. Medical tourists can expect good personal care, friendliness and attentiveness from hospital and clinic staff.

In other countries, patients can even benefit from luxurious accommodations like large private rooms and more, the kind of benefit you won’t get at home.

3. Quality

Let’s face it, most medical tourists are concerned about this issue because of stereotyping. Cheaper cost equals lower quality. That’s not true. The best and sure way is to get one of the best if not the very best doctor in their field from the chosen country. Many doctors have also been trained and studied abroad therefore not only are they good in their respective fields but so as in speaking fluent English, of whom most medical tourists would gladly prefer.

In terms of medical equipments, most countries abroad don’t allow themselves to be left behind of the latest technologies. They make big investments on technologies to make sure they provide the best treatment and procedure to patients and to draw more patients.

4. Recovery and Relaxation in one

Abroad, a reasonable bonus apart from the medical treatment is vacation. This bonus will surely add in helping any medical tourist get the pampering and relaxation they deserve. A good location is one of the considerations in planning for a medical tour, whether in a nearby beach, mountain resort or in a luxury hotel, recovery will soon be on their way.

5. Lack of wait

To have a surgery in first-world countries could mean in long waiting, for months even a year. For countries where medical tourism is famous, waiting is almost never a problem, as the schedule is most likely as soon as days or a week after. Medical tourists can always assure of a higher priority.

Medical tourism is not the only option available for those seeking medical treatments and surgeries, however with the constant rising of costs for health care, it wouldn’t be that bad to take it into consideration.

I believe these are the five top reasons. If you have others, please don’t hesitate to comment.

Until next time

Malcolm – Your Medical Tourism Guide

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In the last few years, medical tourism has become extremely popular within the US. There is an increasing tendency among Americans to travel out of the country for elective surgeries and procedures; and this trend has also been observed in Western Europe, Australia and Asia. It is estimated that around 500,000 Americans travel abroad for medical treatment each year to take advantage of affordable healthcare and medical procedures.

Medical tourism is a term coined by the media that defines going to another country to get medical treatment. Practically all over the world, people are not just going abroad for vacations, but are clubbing their vacation with a medical procedure. It is estimated that medical services in other countries cost 10 percent to 90 percent less than what it costs in the United States. This fact has given medical tourism in America an impetus.

This does not mean that health associations, insurance companies and health care providers in the US are not aware of this growing trend. They are; and many health insurance companies are now offering coverage for certain medical procedures that the insured can have done in another country. In addition, the insurance providers are also offering discounted rates if the person opts for medical tourism.

From cosmetic surgery to dental care to hip replacement are available at cost effective prices in countries like Mexico, India, Thailand, Argentina and Malaysia. In fact, many facilities in these countries are accredited by the Medical Association accrediting boards in the United States.

The reason why medical tourism has become so popular is because of the rising cost of health insurance and healthcare in the United States. The attraction to be able to save money and couple the medical procedure with a holiday is very strong. This is also one source of finding treatment for Americans who are uninsured, and the cost of traveling, staying and the medical procedure works out much cheaper than what the person would have paid in the US.

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It is known as medical tourism and in other cases; it is also called medical travel. Though there can be many underlying risks involved for patients who are seeking health care outside their own countries, both terms are hit nowadays in capturing the attention of willing patients.

Main medical destinations for patients from the US, UK, Canada and other European countries are India, China and Taiwan. Most countries in the Asia-Pacific region are also great contenders and well-competent in the world of medical health care.

Two great reasons why this global trend has gained popularity since Americans in 2007 started going out to other countries for medical health care are the quality of care and lower costs.

Known for her confident doctors, India is one of the popular destinations for a medical tourism or travel purpose. Aside from the medical experts this country boasts, hospitals within its regions are well-equipped, not to mention that it also gives good medicine in very affordable costs.

Real risks in getting medical tourism access are eminent. The right choice has to be made as to which country and doctors a patient should trust. Legal papers such as Visa and sufficient fund for the travel and medical expenses should also be met.

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