Typically, medical tourism involves residents of developed countries seeking medical treatment in developing countries; often the costs are much lower. Residents of countries with national health care schemes - such as Canada and Great Britain - sometimes travel overseas to avoid the long waiting times such schemes bring. Others may travel for cosmetic surgery not covered by insurance. However couples are increasingly seeking fertility treatments abroad. Others have sought more sophisticated surgery - such as cardiology treatments - overseas.
The most favorite medical tourism destinations worldwide currently are :
- '''India''' : Specially for heart surgery, hip resurfacing, cosmetic surgery and high end surgeries. English as a primary language is also an advantage.
- '''Singapore''' : Has highly accredited hospitals and a very high quality infrastructure
- '''Thailand''' : Low labour costs resulting in lower treatment costs. Some Thai hospitals have a lot of experience with sex-change surgery.
- '''Hong Kong''' : High quality infrastructure and good quality doctors
- and more recently, Mexico, Brazil, Brunei, Cuba, Malaysia, Philippines and the United Arab Emirates
Next, involve your home doctor in your plans! Having major surgery in a faraway country is not a decision you should take lightly. Research - what sort of questions should you ask your doctor about this procedure? How is the procedure typically peformed, and will it be done this way where you travel? Who credentials doctors and hospitals in your destination country, and what credentials do your intended providers have? You should also determine what level of follow up care your procedure may require - in the days, weeks, and even years after the procedure. Who will provide this follow up care?
Consider the languages you speak and what is spoken in your country. In some countries, such as Singapore, India, the Philippines and South Africa, most educated people speak English. This can be an important consideration.
Lastly confirm, and double confirm, your plans. How can you contact family members while abroad? Do you need a special visa or proof of ability to afford treatment in order to enter your another country?
Reputation counts in medical treatment overseas. Look for top quality hospitals and clinics with well known doctors.
Realize that, should a worst-case scenario occur, your legal avenues for making a malpractice claim or filing a lawsuit will be greatly reduced and often nonexistant. Freedom from frivilous lawsuits and huge insurance premiums are one reason why some doctors choose to practice overseas and can offer low cost treatments. On the other hand, this type of legal environment makes seeking doctors of good reputation all the more important.