Medical tourism has opened the doors for several US citizens to travel overseas for their medical treatments rather than opting for the same in their own country. And while the industry itself has seen a rapid growth despite the recession in the past few years, many feel apprehensive about the various implications it could have worldwide in the coming years.
Here are some basic facts that are contributing to the large influx of medical tourists in other countries.
The ACA law passed recently in the US would contribute more to medical tourism in the coming years, trade pundits believe. The overall cost savings have become so dramatic that uninsured individuals are finding the option of traveling overseas for their medical treatments more cost effective than remaining at home and dealing with skyrocketing health care costs sans any insurance coverage.
A few years back, the thought of undergoing a medical surgery in a country like Brazil or Mexico sounded too dangerous, with many individuals actually questioning the same out of fear and apprehension about traveling to a strange, unknown place. Medical tourism has changed all that! The industry has shed light on the world class facilities offered at these countries, thereby making it easier for individuals to make a decision when it comes to traveling there for medical reasons.
Even local insurance companies in the US promote medical tourism to an extent on the pretext of saving medical costs related to procedures that could cost thousands of dollars in the US when compared to developing countries where they would cost only a fraction of the amount. For instance, a knee replacement surgery in the US would cost about $35000 when compared to Singapore where it would just cost $13000. And this would include all the travel, accommodation and dining expenses related to the travel, a factor most insurance companies find very comforting.
Another thing relating medical tourism and insurance coverage is the local insurance company’s policy that offer very little damages in compensation for damages or injuries sustained during a medical procedure carried out in a clinic in the USA. The medical malpractice laws in the country make it very hard for individuals to claim damages for issues they face during a medical procedure.
However, travel to a country like Thailand and India, and the insurance company would most likely take care of all the medical and travel related costs. A $1 million dollar policy can be purchased for as less as $6000 to protect yourself in case something happens during the medical procedure or treatment.
The local insurance company covering the costs would also make sure that their client returns home safe from the trip in order to avoid paying for repair surgeries or extended recovery periods. For this, they make sure that they refer their clients to the best healthcare facilities in the destination countries. And then there is always the possibility of local clinics in the destination country agreeing to conform to the American jurisdiction for cases related to medical malpractice in order to get more referrals for themselves.
Another very common cause for the rise of medical tourism is the availability of certain medical procedures that are either unavailable or banned in the US. Case in point: Stem cell therapy is easily available in China while kidney donors are readily available in countries like India and Bangladesh. A hospital in Switzerland also specializes in suicides and helps individuals end their lives.Couples in the US can easily get surrogate mothers in India to carry their babies for as less than $4000, a figure that is just 1/10 of the amount they would pay for a surrogate mother in the US.
