Once a patient is mentally prepared to travel for treatment, there are several acceptable methods of payment. The options include the use of personal savings, insurance, employer assistance, loans from banks, relatives, credit cards, etc. If you are lucky as in the case of Arab patients, you can ask your government to pay for your expenses. Some hospitals and clinics offer flexible payment options in the form of instalments to pay your entire medical bill.

Each and every patient will have a unique, preferred way to pay for their medical journey based on their abilities and condition. Usually, the safest method of paying for medical tourism is by utilizing your own resources rather than depending on an outside agency which could potentially cause significant additional expenses and problems in the long run. However, since cost-savings is one of the prime reasons people travel abroad it might not be possible to pay out of pocket, hence it is important to look into external resources as well.

This medical tourism guide provides you with information about the various options you can use to pay for medical tourism expenses.

Guide on how to pay for a medical tourism trip by Dr Prem- Funding sources, Tips and other things to consider

Patients using their savings account to pay for medical travel

Most middle class people save money for medical expenses anyway. It is a fundamental need for every member of the family. Whether a person is self- employed, a businessman or working for a company, the options that can be adopted for medical treatments should follow a safety protocol that ensures finances are in order and do not dry up in the middle of your medical travel.

Aside from cosmetic surgeries or dental implants, many women even travel abroad for pregnancy-related care. Your savings accounts are a form of insurance or fixed deposits in banks. Liquidate your savings as health is far more important than wealth. Jewelry and other assets can always be acquired again later. But the body will not heal again.

Patients asking their relatives for help to pay for medical travel

Ideally this option works best if the patient is travelling to a place where there are relatives. You could have them make the payments locally and possibly incur reduced charges. In any case foreigners are charged more when they pay in other currencies. Hence local expenses work better. Maybe an arrangement can be made well in advance. This cuts the tension and embarrassment which may arise if there is any non-payment of dues following the treatment.

Most patients will be surprised at the kind of support that they can get from family and friends when they have any medical emergency. In fact, some cancer patients have been able to raise funds for treatments through the kind emails and text messages sent out by well-meaning friends and even strangers.

But to expect that, would be going too far! Even if they do not have the capacity to pay or pitch in for the medical treatment, they might be able to get discounts or reductions in certain aspects of your travel—for example, they might be able to secure reduced rates at hotels in your destination, or they might be able to use their air miles to help fund your airline ticket.

Remember, every drop makes an ocean—so use as many drops to get back to normal health; seeking help from friends and relatives for your medical condition will be well accepted in many scenarios.

Asking insurance to pay for medical travel

People should consider special medical tourism insurance while planning for overseas treatments. Insurance companies are starting to understand the cost-saving nature inherent in medical tourism, and have started including it in their policies. It is important for every medical tourist to check with their insurance provider if this is the case before assuming that medical tourism is covered under their insurance policy. Medical tourism facilitators and agencies can offer proper guidance about this.

Asking employers to pay for medical travel

Several employers offer medical aid to employees. Since you are planning to seek medical treatment in an overseas location, you might have to present your case effectively. Try to tell the employers the various monetary benefits of medical tourism. Since medical tourism can cut down on medical bills, the employer is likely to have a positive response.

If you are employed by a reputed organization, and they cover healthcare expenses for you within country, there is a high chance that they will accept medical tourism as an alternative option if you present your case effectively. All employers are interested in saving money and also providing the best healthcare opportunities to their staff to ensure a swift and healthy recovery. To that effect, you may need to prepare a list of potential benefits for your employer should you wish to avail medical tourism at their expense.

Asking the government to pay for medical travel

A certificate from a local government facility affirming the need for medical tourism needs to be furnished. The application is reviewed, and if approved, receives sponsorship from the government. In case certain health services are not available in your country, and you need to travel overseas for care your government might sponsor your expenses, as in the case of the Gulf countries.

GCC governments spent in excess of 2 billion (unaudited figures) on medical care abroad for their national patients, mainly because high-end care for complex procedures are not available within their country. In order to do so, you might need to prepare your case study with evidence indicating that such services are not available in your country. A local government hospital team can help you to identify the best international facility which might be associated with your government.

Governments funding medical tourism as immediate solution to healthcare needs

Availability of option for better treatment in foreign countries lies at the base of medical tourism. If not all, then at least those who can afford to bear expenses of overseas treatment can apply for medical visa and find a country that offers best treatment for any particular medical condition.

The countries today promote medical tourism and invite overseas patients to come and get world class treatment. For instance, Singapore enjoys a reputation of offering best health care services. Similarly, several countries facilitate the outflow of medical tourists so their citizens can seek better treatment options abroad.

Role of governments in medical tourism

While discussing various aspects of medical tourism, people tend to forget the role that governments of different nations play. Medical tourism requires visa and involves highly sensitive issues related to laws and ethical values, which are different for all nations. No matter how wealthy you are, if a government does not allow you to travel overseas to get medical treatment, both the patient and the host country will suffer medical and economical losses.

It’s very common provision provided in most of the countries to reimburse medical bills of its citizens. For example, in India, all government employees are liable for medical bill reimbursement. However, very few countries have provision to re-fund medical bills for overseas health treatment. It implies that if a nation forms policy to include overseas treatment for reimbursement, then the flow of patients will definitely increase, benefiting international medical tourism industry.

Countries that Refund Medical Tourist Bills

Ireland

Ireland’s Health Service Execution also funds treatments of its citizens carried out abroad including hip replacement, cataract surgery and general surgery. The migration of patients has increased with growing awareness about EU directives. In 2015, the cost of this policy was around €1m in 2015, and it continues to grow.

NHS Refund policy in UK

UK’s NHS and French health providers, the NHS South Kent Coast Chlinical Commissioning Group signed first official deal that lets its citizen to get treatment from two of France’s healthcare providers, and it will be funded by the government. These treatments include surgery, gynecology, cataract surgery, pain management and orthopedics.

Fiji

Fiji has well developed healthcare system for its total population of about one million, but the government lacks range in service delivery. To make up for this gap and lack of expertise, Fiji government has provision to fund citizens for overseas medical treatment bills. In past couple few years, the nation has forwarded hundreds of breast cancer cases to overseas hospitals. Funding about 20 cases cost the Health Ministry about $400,000. India was registered as the most favored destination for Fiji patients.

Nepal

With a population of 26 million, Nepal, an underdeveloped nation, struggles to provide quality health service. To make up for it, Nepal allows overseas treatment along with taking responsibility for financial expenditures. In last couple of years, according to an estimate, Nepal has spent over $27 million on funding treatment abroad for its citizens.

Government funded overseas medical treatment is an incentive for both the patient and the country that hosts medical tourism. With government’s involvement in promotion and facilitation of medical tourism, the future appears brighter for the industry.

Taking a loan to pay for medical travel

There are many financial aid companies that provide loans for medical treatment abroad. This is an option that will attract interest. Hence the interest has to be calculated too. When the travel involves overseas treatments, the rates may be different. Search for options that charge lower interest rates. Also choose institutions that are affiliated to some organization. In case of disputes, one can fall back on some support system. Personal loans are ideal too.

Several financing organizations are including medical travel as valid reasons to apply for a loan. If you are able to demonstrate a good credit score or the ability to pay back your loan on time, most banks will be willing to lend you the money for your treatment. Search around for options and various interest rates to make sure the amount you pay back as interest will be the lowest possible.

Paying through credit cards for medical travel

This form of payment is used for many purposes. Ideally this can be used by the patient when there is a shortage during the treatment. Some things may not be included in the budget and it may stall the treatment. Swiping a credit card is convenient, abroad. One can always return home and pay up along with the international fees. You can also apply for a new credit line to avail of medical finances. There are some credit limits that should be taken care of. Most international organizations will accept credit card payments.

Using healthcare tourism intermediaries to pay for medical travel

Considering that medical tourism has become a common concept there are various healthcare tourism intermediaries that take care of the financial aspects to help patients. There are special agencies or medical service providers that have made it possible for patients to avail of finances for treatments.

What is good about them is that they also search for the healthcare facilities for patients where they can receive good services at affordable costs. They especially look for places where American-style services are practiced so that the patients are satisfied overall. They have credit limits ranging from small to large amounts. It also depends on the medical procedure the patient is opting for.

They have fewer interests, knowing full well that is health that ultimately matters. They can be accessed online and payments can also be made the same way. Normally they pay directly to the hospital from their funds. With whatever is left, the patient is allowed to fulfill other medical obligations.

Using special medical financing companies to pay for medical travel

Health is wealth and this is being realized more by finance companies worldwide. There are so many schemes available and none of them need health insurance cover. It is a boon for some patients who cannot have it any other way and still need the tummy tuck or cosmetic surgery or a nose job done abroad. The forms can be submitted online too.

There are several options in developing countries where special medical financing companies are already helping patients. There are flexible applying options that patients can choose from. They provide all the knowledge, experience and also helpful executives to assist patients. They provide easy medical finance solutions. The terms and conditions are affordable and private.

Taking a loan from a medical debt aid program is an option for those who have no insurance policies or if employed don’t have benefits from their companies, if such programs are available within their country.

For example, Reliance Medical Finance is an example of a medical financing company. They provide the financial means for patients to avail elective procedures, such as cosmetic surgery. They have helped several customers that lack insurance and can’t afford the procedure through personal means but want to obtain the surgery of their dreams.

Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin):

Cryptocurrency, the blockchain-enabled risk-free currency transaction procedure is a unique mode to pay for medical tourism. Credit cards carry the risk of exposing the private PIN and other details which may be misused for fraudulent transaction. Medical travelers can easily make the payment as these transactions are quite fast allowing quick settlement of bills.

Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency ensures your privacy and security in financial transactions. Another benefit of using cryptocurrency is that it is not bound by international currency fluctuations, interest rates and transaction charges of any country. But volatility of this virtual currency can be an issue which can affect your transaction amount. Cryptocurrency is at the nascent stage. It would take time before it becomes accessible to all.

Charity and support

Patients traveling from underdeveloped countries or those in a financial crunch can approach certain organizations to help with their medical expenses. Several NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) provide relief and assistance to medical travelers. The hospitals might also consider a discount to support patients through their MSW (Medical Social Work) department or similar programs.

Financing options for international patient in Indian healthcare settings

After planning your medical trip or budget, the next thing is that you should consider is your mode of payment and financing options. Everyone has a unique, ideal way to pay his or her medical journey bills, which usually depends on their abilities and financing options.

People who opt for medical tourism they need to consider various things regarding the financing options. It is important to finalize this in advance so that you do no face any serious problem regarding this.

There are many financing options and it is your duty to choose an appropriate option of financing. This may include help from bank in the form of insurance or loan, taking the government help and by enrolling in the national healthcare policy or facility. You can even depend on your relatives and other outside agencies. This article will help you to select different financing options.

Medical Insurance Policies

These days, insurance providers have started including stipulation for medical tourism. It is important for medical tourists to check with their insurance provider if they cover medical tourism under their medical policies. If all this comes under in your insurance policy, you can easily ask your insurance policy to pay your medical expenses.

Asking Organization to pay

If you are an employee of a renowned organization then you can ask your employer to finance your medical trip, as your employer will do everything it takes to aid your speedy recovery. You can tell your employer about the variety of monetary benefits of medical tourism. It is usually considered as money saving platform.

Government help or Policies

In some gulf countries, GCC governments support medical tourists if that specific treatment is not available in their country. If you a citizen of such nation, then you can apply for government sponsorship for your medical tour.

Other ways

This includes your saving accounts, relative help, and loan. Moreover, you can make the use of your credit cards, special medical financing companies and healthcare tourism intermediaries. In case you do not have funds available at your end and you do not want to ask your friends and relatives for help, in such condition you can apply for a loan.