Medical tourism sounds very contemporary though, but the truth is that it has been



around for a number of years now. It implies seeking the application of the best in

medical and healthcare services beyond the boundaries of any one particular country.

The arrangement is very informal between the healthcare provider and the customer. The

communication is to the point and related only to the very essential connection and

contract. The procedure,since it is personal choice, involves minimal

regulatory or legal oversight to assure quality. Since the medical assistance is

sought 'beyond the physical boundaries', it comes with limited recourse to

reimbursement or redress, if at all the need arises. In other words, 'Medical tourism' or health tourism involves traveling

for surgery abroad and to obtain the required medical or dental care. The term

‘ Medical Tourism’ was initially coined by travel agencies and the media. It was

intended to be a catchall phrase to describe a rapidly growing industry where people

travel overseas, to obtain medical care. The naturally associated leisure aspect of

traveling may be included on such a medical travel trip. This type of tourism includes

medica

l services; inclusive of elective procedures and complex specialised surgeries.

The ability to travel abroad and interact with healthcare professionals

overseas has enabled many to access options in:

-cosmetic surgery

-affordable healthcare

-med spas

-anti aging therapy

-plastic surgery

-spa and wellness programs

-fertility treatment alternatives

-alternative medicines

-Ayurveda and holistic remedies

-Chinese medicine

-health spas

-yoga and homeopathy centers

The dedicated new age approach in overseas healthcare is very beneficial for

knee/hip replacement and heart surgery. The concept of a

medical vacation however, is not a new one. The earliest recorded account of medical

tourism dates back to thousands of years to when Greek pilgrims traveled from all over

the Mediterranean to the sanctuary of the healing god Asklepios. Epidauria, their

destination, became the original travel destination for medical tourism. The

recent increase in popularity within the industry is on account of a combination of

many factors like:

-high cost of healthcare in industrialized nations

-ease and affordability of international travel today

-improvement of technology and standards of care in many countries

-favorable currency exchange rates in the global economy

-rapidly improving technology

-proven safety of healthcare in select foreign nations

Medical tourists are basically people from anywhere in the world, however, research

reveals that the bulk comes from Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and

Japan. Their large populations, comparatively high accessibility of wealth and lack of

local healthcare options has a lot to do with this surge. The reasons behind

egging on the need for medical travel include lower healthcare costs, search for

medical expertise and the quality of care, safety and wait times. Those who advocate

medical tourism have always advised the indulgent and wealthy tourists to balance the

unlikely legal challenges with more practical superior care facilities, before

considering any surgery abroad. Medical tourism is a fantastic blend of the

availability and access to cost effective private medical care and the flourishing

tourism industry. It is aimed at providing a variety of specialized treatments. The

initiative to further the industry is being made by the corporate sector involved in

medical care and those within the tourism industry. Healthcare or Medical tourism also

refers to touring the attractive locales while on treatment. The medical tourism industry is growing so rapidly that

more and more countries and medical centers around the world are beginning to

customize services aimed at the specific segment.