The concept of Medical Tourism is not new but the termed has been coined in recent years. Therefore the factors that drive the popularity of Medical Tourism globally are more or less the same. But it is important to have a look on some very essential points which actually shape up the concept of Medical Tourism in this era.
Affordability: The cost of healthcare is rising all over the world. It makes it difficult for the patients to take care of their health when it comes to expensive treatments. People should have millions in their bank account or a medical policy to take care of their treatment charges. Otherwise even after going bankrupt one may not be able to see oneself in a good state of health. Thus people are searching for such places where they can get affordable yet quality treatment. The treatment in U.S. and in medical tourism destinations like India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore etc. have a huge difference in their costing. Thus many Americans move outside to search for the hospitals where they can get treated without making big holes in their wallets. Many insured Americans can also not get treated because of the cost so high that leaves them underinsured. The pain and agony that illness causes is less than what is caused by the cost of medical treatment in developed countries.
Availability:Just like Affordability. Availability is one of the major driving factors of emergence of medical tourism. In underdeveloped countries the medical facility is something unseen to many of the people. These countries hardly have public medical centres of primary level. At city area, secondary type of medical care may be available. But these medical centres or hospitals are not blessed enough to treat a major illness. People in such places either suffer diseases or reach the deathbed. This condition might not have seen if only these places had well equipped hospitals with infrastructure capable enough to give basic care to lengthen the life of a diseased individual. With growing awareness people came to know about such facilities available outside their country. They are happy to know about the hospitals that can treat them in an affordable rate. The fact of leaving their own country and flying far away does not bother much to people who are in need of medical care. Thus people move to various medical tourism destinations where prices are affordable, hospitality is at its best and treatment available is of world class standard.
Accessibility:Where availability of medical facilities is a problem in under developed countries, lack of accessibility is a problem in developed countries. Developed countries do have all the medical facilities that too of world class standards. Irrespective of the high prices, these facilities remain inaccessible to the citizens. The prime reason behind this is the insurance procedure and small duty hours of the medical professionals. In order to settle one insurance claim, the insurance companies take almost 6-8 months. Thus the waiting period of each patient increases for a simple surgery. Even the complicated cases cannot be attended within less time because of the rigid insurance procedure. Patients literally take appointments for surgery 6-8months beforehand. Other important reason for the delay of delivering treatment is the small working hours. Medical staff has only a limited shift hours and they do not, in any circumstances, work beyond. Whereas in developing countries like India, doctors and nurses operate and consult patients back to back with a sole aim of serving people. This is one of the important driving factors of medical tourism. People from developed patients, stressed because of inaccessibility to medical care, prefer moving out. This medical care is not only easily accessible but also affordable with no compromise on the quality of treatment and facilities.
Acceptability:Accepting certain medical treatments and surgeries is a very crucial decision that a government of a particular nation takes. There are some political or social or religious obligations that the citizens of that nation have to abide. Some of the medical treatments/ surgeries not acceptable in some countries are Sex determination, Sex change operation, IVF, Infertility treatment, Surrogacy, Organ transplantation, etc. Owing to such hindrances, patients fly to other nations where such treatments are acceptable. Ethics, cultural values are involved which result into not accepting certain treatments and thus becomes driving factors of medical tourism.
Additionality:Apart from the above said factors, this is the most important driving factor. Everyone, is respective of money, time, etc. would definitely like save some amount or get additional benefits in the same paid amount. Additional benefit can be anything ranging from free gifts till good hospitality. These additional benefits might not have been offered to them if the surgery would have conducted in their own nation. Additional refers to the availability of enhanced care, possibly better expertise, or a better expert, or simply better facility and custom-made care overseas compared to care in the home country.
Five Key Drivers of Medical Tourism
Apart from the 5 A’s that are responsible for the growth of medical tourism, there are 5 key drivers which continue to boost the importance of Medical Tourism worldwide.
Technology
One of the major key drivers is the increasing research and development in the technology. Technology is one such factor that eases the work and assures authenticity. Technology has proven its superiority in all the industries and Medical Tourism is no exception. Technology has helped Medical Tourism to become one of the leading industries by contributing in various sectors. Mention it and you have it. Transportation, Communication, Medical instruments, medical devices, medical equipment, etc. is developed because of inputs from technology. The world has come closer and has accelerated the medical travel globally.
Cost
As the technology improves the cost in healthcare increases. Patients in developed countries cannot afford the cost that is involved in the treatment or surgery. Only those insured can make it to avail medical facilities. Cost shifting prevails in such regions where some people are insured and some are not insured and some are underinsured. Cost shifting is the term coined for a practice where the money which is not able to generate from uninsured or underinsured patients is adjusted by applying huge amount for the insured patients. This is not a good practice but as it is prevailing; most of the people from such regions wish to go abroad for treatment and medical procedures. As the developing countries know about such cost shifting practices, they try to attract these people which are profitable for them yet not expensive for the patients. Thus Cost is an important driver.
Need
As the technology has improved, people have become slaves of it and want everything to be done in minimum time. People cannot wait for long time even if becomes a bit expensive. In case of healthcare sector people cannot wait till their health deteriorates to such a state that even blowing off entire bank balance would prove insufficient to save lives. Therefore the need of the time is to undergo necessary medical procedures as soon as possible at affordable rates even if it asks to travel in another continent altogether. Medical Tourism fulfils all the needs of patients. Time, money, quality, accessibility, you say it and you have it. Thus Need is another driving factor.
Change
The old concept of getting ill, going to hospital and return back home after surgery is no longer a normal practice that maximum patients would like to have. If one needs to go out of their country for a particular medical treatment, one willingly wishes to have a look around the world famous sites nearby. The cost involved in getting treated in home country is far more than the cost involved in travelling to another country, get surgery done, roam around exciting places, and come back with healthy life and amazing experiences. This change is adopted by every individual who travels abroad for a medical procedure. Moreover, hospitals themselves have changed their look. They look more like 5 star hotels and provide all the services that a luxury hotel can offer. A person coming to India can travel to deserts, visit world heritage sites, enjoy the sea shores and visit ancient monuments. A person travelling to South Africa can visit the most thrilling jungle safaris. Each medical tourism destination is specialized with more than one exciting tourism destinations which are capable of attracting medical tourists. Hence, Change is another key factor.
Demographics
Demographic drivers such as an aging population due to baby boomers causing significant strain on national healthcare system are a driving factor.