WHAT IS MEDICAL TOURISM?? Medical tourism also

called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare is a term initially coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international borders to obtain health care. It also refers pejoratively to the practice of healthcare providers travelling internationally to deliver healthcare.

services typically sought by travelers include elective procedures as well as complex specialized surgeries such as Aesthetic procedure cosmetic surgery dentistry dermatology eye surgery & ophthalmology fertility treatment general surgery hair transplantation, weight loss surgery and stem cell therapy.

Over 50 countries have identified medical

tourism as a national industry. However, accreditation and other measures of quality vary widely across the globe, and there are risks and ethical issues that make this method of accessing medical care controversial Also, some destinations may become hazardous or even dangerous for medical tourists.

History of Medical tourism Medical Tourism is also known as travel medicine

or health tourism. This term is called for the first time by the media and travel agencies to describe the rapid development and the practice of large travel to different parts of the world to receive specialized treatment health care. As a developing country, India also has the trend of medical tourism. Medical Tourism in India provides countless options for all tourists to explore the facilities of medical sciences in India.

people have been traveling to other countries

for health purposes. There were the ancient Greeks and Egyptians who went to hot springs and baths to improve their health. 18th and 19th century- Europeans and

Americans who flocked to health spas and sanitariums and even in remote places in the hope that they will get treatment for diseases such as tuberculosis, gout, bronchitis or liver diseases.

Epidauria- a small territory in the Saronic

Gulf. It was said that this small territory was the sanctuary of Asklepios, known as the healing God. Thus, it was recorded in medical tourism history that Epidauria is the original destination for medical tourism. Asclepia Temples- which were erected to honor the Greek god of medicine, were some of the world's first health centers.

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lar st a st s ital t a va c rl a v r . s ital's s r is t s rv a y , r ar l ss f rac , r li i , r alt , r alt trav l rs fr far a i .

However, dental surgery, cosmetic surgery

and other more serious kinds of surgery abroad is relatively a new phenomenon. It started in the 80s and 90s when patients began looking for more affordable options other than what was offered in their homeland or country.

What was referred to as "tooth tourism" grew

quickly. Americans were then traveling to Costa Rica or other Central American countries for dental bridges and other dental procedures that were not usually covered by their insurance.

In the late 1980s, Cuba

started programs to attract foreigners from countries like India, Latin America and Europe for more affordable eye surgeries, heart surgery and cosmetic procedures. In 1990 alone, it was reported that the Cuban government had around 2,000 medical tourists from various parts of the world.

Thailand also became

a hot destination for plastic surgery and other routine medical procedures in the late 1990s. On the other hand, New Zealand is getting more popular in hip and knee replacements surgery.

Popular medical travel worldwide

destinations include: Argentina, Brunei, Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and recently, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Korea, Tunisia and New Zealand.

HISTORY OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is home to some of the finest

hospitals, healthcare and treatment centers in the world offering the best facilities and services which is at par with those in USA, Europe and the UK. Equally, it is home to highly skilled physicians, always aiming for the best possible education one can attain while at the same time modernizing the technologies found elsewhere.

Medical Tourism in the Philippines is now

attracting the international market for so many reasons. From heart transplants to aesthetic surgeries like breast implants, tummy tuck and the likes, people all over the world, including health insurance companies in North America and Europe, are now embracing the idea of Medical Tourism because of its lower cost. Having these procedures done outside the US and Europe would simply be a lot cheaper. Yet still comprises an extensive list of available treatments and procedures

Patients get velvet glove treatment under the program. Art medical facilities or surgicenters, highly qualified health professionals, most of whom are western trained surgeons, recuperating clients/patients get extra freebies such as travel getaways to make the recovery period truly relaxing and leisurely.

The Philippines for its part, has

launched its Medical Tourism Program. With the full support of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo s administration, the program has been endorsed by the DOH, DOT, DFA and the country s globally competitive hospitals and medical centers like the Medical City, St. Luke s Medical Center, Asian Hospital, Makati Medical Center, and Manila Doctors Hospital, including the leading surgicenters.

PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

PRE-DEPARTURE OF CLIENTStep 1 Client will choose a medical health provider in the Phil. *client should allow at least 30 days from the time she/he beginthe process -she will receive information packet, information packages, hotel and airline rates and information on doctors.

STEP 2

Medical Health provider will send the ff: 1.Medical questionnaire and price quotation for the procedure, airfare and hotel. 2.Confirmation on the procedure, flight, hotel hospital doctor and ground transportation 3.Will assign a personal assistant and will send travel info and itenerary.

Step 3Client will do the ff: 1.Email his or her informations 2.Sends transcripts, MRI, X-ray and photos 3.Submit medical questionnaires and can even have conference with the doctor if needed 4.Choose hotel 5.passport, visa requirements 6.payment

Client upon arrival Arrival of the client Consultation with the doctor for the schedule of

the medical procedure Procedure itself

Post Operation Post treatment enjoyment Departure with final evaluation with the doctor

AccreditationsHospitals in the Philippines undergo periodic accreditation from the Philippines Department of Health International Accreditation from the Joint Commissions International (JCI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

HOSPITALS THAT CATERS MEDICAL TOURISM

MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER

Why Choose Makati Medical Center? Makati Medical Center is proud to offer you,

our international patients, our 39 years of service. For all your medical needs whether these come from life-threatening conditions or are cosmetic procedures you desire, we can boldly claim that Makati Med is the best place to come to.

Our hospital is not flashy or glamorous, but

you can be assured that we offer state-of-theart diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities in a one-stop medical center that is internationally accredited. Our doctors and nurses count among the best in the world. Many of them trained in prestigious hospitals in the United States, Australia and Europe.

We are a multi-specialty hospital, with over

600 beds and a growing number of centers of excellence. Our medical expertise is found against the perfect backdrop: a country with a long tradition of healing, a multiplicity of exotic and soothing places to savor, and a people who are being deeply caring, good-humored and hospitable.

Only at Makati Med can you obtain worldclass medical care, plus all that, at a small fraction of what it will cost you in the United States or Europe.

International Patients Makati Medical Center is ready to open its doors

to the global community. Our International Medical Services is ready to meet your needs and requirements as International Patients. We make your medical appointments. When you come to Makati Med, we assess your condition, then recommend the medical specialists who will personally attend to you, and make the best arrangements for you so that you can save yourself from the hassle. We can even do this for you by email and phone

We assist you in your admission and

discharge. We help plan your stay, and assist you all the way from your admission to your discharge. We plan your travel. We help you find the best, most cost-effective arrangements for your stay. We can provide logistical support for your travel requirements, from airline ticketing, land transportation, to room reservations. We help you go home. We assist in the smooth and safe medical evacuation and repatriation of patients.

We help you get around. From the time you

arrive at the airport, we can provide transfer services to and from Makati Medical Center via limousine, ambulance or taxi. Business Center. At our business center, you can avail of a suite of services: we have interpreters who are fluent in various languages. We can provide you with secretarial services, and other related business services such as courier, Flat-Screen Desktop PC with Internet and WIFI connection, fax and photocopying services.

Medical Services Heart Center Neurosciences Acute Stroke Unit Brain & Spine Unit Radio surgery Transplants Heart, Lung & Heart-

Lung Transplants Kidney & Pancreas Transplantation

Liv r ra s la tati l Marr ra s la ts a c r t r r ast li ic astr i t sti al ( i stiv ) a c rs Liv r a c r Leukemia Hemat l ic Mali a cies Pr state a cer a iati era y

Surgical Services Transplants. We offer the

full range of transplant programs. Cancer Center Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures at the Radiology Department Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures at the Breast Clinic

A heart-valve replacement - that ul c st $ , r more in the . ., for example, oes for and a out $1 , you can even include in that the round-trip airfare and a rief vacation packa e.

A knee replacement -

with us that includes a week of physical therapy costs about one-fifth of what it would in the States. For Lasik eye surgery -

we charge about 730, about a fourth of what it would cost 3,700 in the U.S.

A metal-free dental

bridge - worth 5,500 in the U.S. would cost only 200 at the Makati Med. Full facelift - that

could cost 20,000 in the U.S., we charge about 2,700

THE MEDICAL CITY

The Medical City (TMC) is a private, tertiary care

hospital now on its fourth decade of existence. It is located on a 1.5 hectare property along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City. This massive structure is composed of two towers joined by a Podium and bridgeways. The 15-storey Nursing Tower is currently fitted for 500 beds, and a future second Nursing Tower provides capacity for an additional 300 beds. The 18 floors of the Medical Arts Tower house 280 doctor's clinics and selected commercial spaces. Within the 6-floor Podium are located diagnostic and intervention facilities, as well as support and administrative offices. The 3-basement level parking accommodates over a thousand vehicles for clients and staff.

TMC offers diagnostic and treat services that address

a broad range of diseases utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac catheterization and interventional services among others. This is made possible through the Clinical Departments (including their various subspecialties) of Medicine, Surgery, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Obstetric-Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Psychiatry and Rehabilitation Medicine, as well as diagnostic and intervention units such as Clinical Laboratories, Diagnostic Radiology and Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Acute Stroke Unit and Intensive Care Unit.

The foundation of TMC's services capabilities is

its distinguished regular medical staff of 350 physicians, all of whom are experienced, recognized and established experts in their various fields of specialization. They are complemented by 610 visiting consultants. This core of professionals is supported and assisted by a 1,400 strong human resource complement composed of administrative, finance and support service staff that have grown and honed their expertise in and long years of loyal service to the institution

OrthopedicsTRAUMA - Orthopedic trauma accounts for the majority of emergency room cases seen at The Medical City and majority of patients treated by the department. As the "bread and butter" of orthopedic practice, trauma care has been organized as a subspecialty to further improve the quality of orthopedic management. The Orthopedic Trauma Unit handles mainly fractures, dislocations and softtissue injuries of the extremities. Common treatment modalities consist of surgical fracture fixation, joint reduction and non-surgical manipulation and immobilization.

ARTHRITIS & JOINT REPLACEMENT - The Arthritis and Joint Replacement Unit provides the highest-quality medical and surgical care for patients with chronic joint disorders. The Unit has on staff some of the best joint reconstructive specialists in the country today. It provides competent, stateof-the-art surgical care for chronic joint disorders, mainly hip and knee replacement, which is the current mainstay of joint reconstruction

SPORTS MEDICINE & ARTHROSCOPY -

Sports-related injuries account for a significant portion of emergency room and out patient consultations in The Medical City. The Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Unit aims to address problems pertaining to these injuries, most commonly involving the knees, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and foot.

PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIC - The Unit

oversees the diagnosis and management of the common orthopedic congenital and developmental problems of the extremities, including clubfoot deformities, developmental hip dysplasia, bone and joint infections and neglected traumatic injuries. The most common surgical procedures are: correction of limb deformities and limb length discrepancies, clubfoot surgery, tendon transfers and other soft tissue procedures from paralytic deformities, non-arthroplastic joint reconstruction, and treatment of bone and joint infections in children..

ORTHOPEDIC TUMOR - The Unit

aims to make The Medical City the premiere referral center for the treatment of musculoskeletal tumors. It is part of both the Department of Orthopedics and The Medical City Cancer Center The target populations of the Unit are patients with primary bone and soft tissue tumors and those with metastatic bone disease. Procedures done include limb salvage surgeries, all varities of amputations, adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and bone and soft tissue reconstructions.

HAND & MICROSURGERY - Traumatic hand

injuries account for a significant number of emergency room consults, and their frequently industrial nature lends even more applicability to The Medical City. The Hand Unit oversees the treatment of all common hand conditions aside from those of a traumatic nature, including infections, acquired or congenital deformities, degenerative conditions and peripheral nerve disorders. It also offers micro-vascular replacement and reconstruction for severed digits and hand and following limb salvage procedures.

SPINE SURGERY - Because of the often-debilitating

nature of spinal cord injuries, a specialized level of surgical expertise and care is prerequisite in dealing with spine conditions. The Unit oversees the treatment of common spine conditions including traumatic injuries, congenital anomalies, deformities (such as scoliosis), infections and tumors. The Unit foresees a working relationship with its colleagues in the Neurosciences from intra-operative monitoring to working alongside neurosurgeons in complex spine cases. It will also establish its own databse for research purposes.

Opthalmology The Medical City Eye Center is the eight-

room-out-patient diagnostic and Laser treatment facility that houses all the state-ofthe-art ophthalmic equipment. The center is staffed by well-trained, dedicated and pleasant ophthalmic personnel (manager, receptionist, nurses and technicians) who work closely with the residents and consultants to deliver the highest quality eye care.

I. Equipment

a. Eye Center i. Topcon Fundus Camera ii. Interzeag Octupus 101 Automated Perimeter iii. Humphrey HFA 7501 Automated Visual Field Analyzer iv. Ocular Ultrasound

. 810 nm Symphony Laser System

vi. 532 nm Symphony Laser System vii. Yag Laser Model 300 viii. IRIDEX Double Frequency ARGON Laser (Iris Oculight) ix. Indirect Ophthalmoscope x. Applanation Tonometer

b. Operating Suites i. Leica M501 Surgical Microscope ii. Leica 841 Surgical Microscope iii. Leica 844 Surgical Microscope iv. Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope (BIOM II) v. Millenium Phacoemulsification and Vitrectomy Machine vi. Legacy 2000 Phacoemulsification Machine vii. Accurus Phacoemulsification and Vitrectomy Machine viii. Ophthalmic Cryosurgical unit Type 1500-II (DORC)

II. Services a. Eye Center i. Diagnostic 1. Biometry 2. Fluorescein Angiography 3. Fundus Photograph 4. Optic Disc Photograph 5. Visual Field Testing 6. Ocular Ultrasound 7. Color blindness testing 8. Refraction 9. Biomicroscopic examination 10. Intraocular pressure measurement

MANILA DOCTORS HOSPITAL

*Phil Health names MDH as Center of Excellence* The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Phil Health) accorded the center of Excellence accreditation to Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) during the recent Phil Health Bench Book survey held in may. *MDH bags Asian award for hospital for 3 straight years!* Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) recently won in the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA) for its project Admitting Service C to C ( Complaints to Compliments)

*MDH receives 2 Philippine quality awards*

Two of the Manila Doctors Hospital s (MDH) service improvement project received excellence awards at the recently concluded 2010 search for the Most Outstanding Quality Improvements Projects in Hospital by the Philippine Society for quality in health Care.

*MDH wins at first ZBO for business* Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) bags one of the major awards for its environmental program at the First Zero Basura Olympics (ZBO) for business held last April 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The awarding coincides with the earth day celebration. *MDH sets a worldwide milestone in neck spine surgery* Manila Doctors Hospital conducted a first in the world Operation in its Cardiac Cath Lab!

Procedures, Package and Prices1. Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

(P 442,000 - 490,000) ( $9,404 - $10,425) (Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $17,000) 2 day hospital stay Laboratory tests Medicines pertaining to surgery Consultation and Professional fees Pre and post procedure consultations

Inclusions: - Roundtrip Airport Transfers - with assistance given right at the arrival gate - Transportation Services - chauffeur-driven transportation to all consults and procedure - Personal Assistant - accompanies the patient to all doctor and hospital visits and to assist with a whole range of services - Mobile Phone for local use - Complimentary massage upon arrival - 4-star Hotel Accommodations for 9 days/8 nights with breakfast

2. Metabolic Surgery - (P 635,000) ($ 13,510) (Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $20,132) A gastrointestinal operation to directly treat type 2

diabetes 5 day hospital stay Laboratory tests Medicines pertaining to surgery Consultation and Professional fees Pre and post procedure consultations

3. LASIK (both eyes) - (P 102,000) ($ 2,170) (Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $4,000) A quick and effective way of achieving clear vision

and finally doing away with glasses or contact lenses Refractive Screening LASIK procedure Consultation and Professional fees

4. Executive Health Check-Up (Overnight)

(P 50,000)

A full range of screening tests for early detection

and prevention of serious medical problems Consultations with Gastroenterologist, Gynecologist/Urologist, Cardiologist Tests for all except 2D Echocardiogram, Renal Sonogram and Vascular Work-up

5. Dental Package (P 56,000) ($ 1,192) (Approximate cost of Procedure in the US: $ 2,300) Consultation and Professional fees Inclusions: - Roundtrip Airport Transfers - with assistance

given right at the arrival gate - Transportation Services - chauffeur-driven transportation to all consults and procedure

6. Blepharoplasty (P 142,000) - ($ 3,021)

(Upper Lids AND Eye bag Removal) (Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $5,000) Removal of excess tissue and fatty deposits for a

more youthful appearance All consultation and Professional fees Operating Room Fees Laboratory tests Take-home medication

7. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) From ( P 909,000) - ( 19,340) (Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $130,000+) All Consultation and Professional fees (Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, Perfusionist, Intensivist) Medicines pertaining to surgery 8 units of blood Blood work-up of donor 7 days stay in a small, private room All consultation fees Operating Room Fees

8. Total Hip or Knee Replacement

(P 512,000) - ($ 10,894) (Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $40,000) Professional Fees of Surgeon, Anesthesiologist and Internist Rehabilitation Fees Laboratory tests Implant Maximum of 7 days hospital stay in a single, private room Pre and Post procedure consults Operating Room Fees

9. Abdominoplasty (Full Tummy Tuck) with

Liposuction (P 289,500) - ($ 6,160) (Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: 9,000) For a firm and smooth abdomen that countless

years of diet and exercise could not achieve All consultation and Professional fees Operating Room Fees Laboratory tests Take-home medication Overnight stay in their modern facility

ST.LUKE S MEDICAL CENTER

St. Luke's is a special place for healing and a hub of holistic healthcare, providing patients with the best quality healthcare by combining the most advanced medical equipment and technology available with the expertise of the best trained, skilled and experienced doctors and professionals. But its service goes well beyond the dedication of these vital resources.

Institutes Cancer Institute Heart Institute International Eye Institute Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases Institute of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute of Pathology Institute of Pediatrics and Child Health Institute of Pulmonary Medicine Institute of Radiology International Institute for Neurosciences

Centers Aesthetic Surgery Center Blood and Marrow Transplant Center Breast Center Center for Joint Replacement Surgery (CJRS) Center for Liver Diseases Center for Renal Diseases and Transplant Services Complex Wound Care Center Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Center Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Center Dermatology Center

Package A (In-patient) Room and Board (overnight) Admission Kit Complete Physical Examination

LABORATORY STUDIES HEMATOLOGY Complete Blood Count - Hemoglobin - Hematocrit - Red Blood Cells - White Blood Cells - Platelet Count

CHEMISTRY Blood Chemistry (CHEM 12) - Glucose - Creatinine - Uric Acid - Cholesterol - Blood Urea Nitrogen - Triglycerides - HDL - LDL/VLDL - SGPT/ALT - Total Bilirubin - Alkaline Phosphatase - Total Protein

SEROLOGY Anti-HCV

Hepatitis B Screening

- HBsAg - Anti HBc (Total)

MICROSCOPY Urinalysis Routine Stool - Ova & Parasites - Amoeba

X-RAY STUDIESChest X-ray (PA & Lateral) Upper Gastro Intestinal Series Mammography (Female Only)

ULTRASONIC EXAMINATIONSLiver Gall Bladder Spleen Pancreas Kidney Breast (for Female) Prostate (for Male) Transrectal (for single women) OR Transvaginal (for married women)

CARDIAC EXAMINATIONSResting Electrocardiogram Treadmill Exercise Test

ENDOSCOPYFibersigmoidoscopy

PULMONARYSpirometry

LEGAL ISSUES

1. Limited nature of Litigation

A patient who is injured through negligent care has very limited options in obtaining justice and compensation.

GOOD NEWS!!!! A new insurance product available is intended to

address medical negligence affecting patients who travel abroad for elective surgery. The Patient Medical Malpractice Insurance is considered first-person insurance because the patient purchases the policy before traveling. Claims are handled without attorneys in accordance with U.S. laws and customs and are paid in U.S. dollars. This coverage may benefit medical tourists who are concerned about their options if a bad outcome occurs due to medical negligence

2. Issues on Rights if there is a complication happened

Most hospitals, wherever they are located, will not cover the cost of medical complications. So its better to ask questions and get everything in writing first before your procedure.

3. Money Issues What if the patient decide not to have

my surgery, will he/she be able to get his/her money back?

ETHICS

1. Potential Impact on Patients Engaged in Medical Tourism: * Patients usually have no idea about the

potential for infectious and noninfectious complications from medical tourism, and there is little reliable data available regarding destination countries.

Potential Impact on Patients Engaged in Medical Tourism:

*

Patients rarely understand the tradeoff between saving money on medical expenses and obtaining potentially life-prolonging medical care that the patient could otherwise not afford, and sacrificing potential legal remedies should medical negligence occur. Currently, there are no reliable, comprehensive sources for patients to learn about legal recourse for malpractice committed in [foreign] jurisdictions.

2.Potential Impact on Tourists Home Countries and Their Health Systems * Patients may be offered procedures and

techniques in foreign countries that are illegal in the patients home countries (e.g., abortion and euthanasia)

2. Potential Impact on Tourists Home Countries and Their Health Systems * Patients may return from medical tourism

in foreign countries with serious medical complications that create both an economic and an ethical burden for the physicians in their home countries,

2. Potential Impact on Tourists Home Countries and Their Health Systems

* There is an increased risk of a

global market of privatized, commercial health care delivery that threatens the future of public healthcare systems.

3. Possible political risks in terms of sovereign (foreign policy) relationships : for example, of medical tourism involving

US patients travelling to other countries was to severely impact the comparative advantage for the US in the hospital business. . . .It can cause a loss of reputation and prestige for the US health care system.

4. Potential Impact on Healthcare in Destination Countries disproportionate siphoning of technology to

the private sector for the care of international patients. When this happens, the local population does not benefit from the currency injected into the system because those funds must be used to continue to support the care required for international patients. The ethical principle of respect for persons may thus be violated

5. Other Ethical Critism: *Medical treatment with Vacation packages: (1) potentially subjecting patients to

procedures in private clinics that are not accredited and by surgeons who may or may not be skilled and qualified to do the procedure, thus subjecting the patients to undisclosed potential post-operative complications, unsatisfactory results, and risks to their general health;

*Medical treatment with Vacation packages:

(2) increasing those risks by

enticing the patients into vacation-related activities after surgery followed by long flights home that increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolism or blood clots that can be fatal or life-threatening;

*Medical treatment with Vacation packages:

(3) providing only limited follow-

up care and monitoring with no continuity of care if complications arise and revision surgery is required the costs for which may not be covered by health insurance in the patient s home country

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS???

ADVANTAGES

1. Medical Vacations Can Be

Affordable - For many procedures, it's often more expensive to receive treatment at home than it is to purchase a plane ticket, book a hotel, and pay for all medical expenses out of pocket in a foreign country.

2. Medical Tourism Provides You with Options - With medical tourism, you can travel to parts of the world where hospitals specialize in the aforementioned procedures. And you won't necessarily have to break the bank either. Equally important, wait times tend to be considerably less if you plan your medical vacation accordingly.

3. Medical Vacations Can Be Fun

- For many people, a medical vacation is exactly that... a medical "vacation."

DISADVANTAGES

1.

Medical Malpractice Suits - Although most medical tourism facilities (hospitals, dental clinics, etc.) will have medical malpractice insurance to cover any unforeseen events, seeking damages can sometimes be difficult in cases of negligence, misdiagnoses, or incompetence.

2. Insurance Laws May Vary

- Depending on the type of insurance you have, and depending on the type of procedure you need, you might not be fully covered if you travel abroad. You'll want to check with your insurance carrier and see what portion of the final bill they're willing to cover.

3. Postoperative Treatments

- For many procedures, it's customary to check in with your physician or dentist from time to time as you recuperate. However, by receiving treatment abroad, it becomes prohibitively expensive to consult with whatever doctor or dentist provided you with primary care.

4. It's Best Not to Travel Alone

- Anytime you have major surgery done, it's always good to have a friend or family member present both during and after the procedure. When flying abroad to receive medical treatment, it's strongly recommended that you take someone with you.

THANK

YOU VERY MUCH