5 substantial risks and constraints of medical tourism

Currently, the Medical tourism industry is booming, with a total capacity of generating about USD 207.9 billion revenue by 2027. Segmentation of the Medical tourism industry depends upon the type of medical treatment one is seeking. Most often, people travel to seek aesthetic plastic surgery and laparoscopic and bariatric surgery for weight loss. Medical tourism has opened access to high-quality health care services at minimal prices to people worldwide. Despite all the facilities around the globe, there are some constraints of medical tourism as well. 

Unfortunately, obesity is still a debate regarding its treatment being aesthetic or an essential health care treatment. It worth it so because weight-loss surgeries imply much more implications than enhancement of the physical appearance. Moreover, the debate is even fierce with the insurance companies that do not cover these treatment expenses for the same reason. Mainly this is the fact that fuels the medical tourism industry. 

Before you decide to opt for medical tourism, you must know to learn all the aspects of the experience. Let’s discover what type of risks medical tourism can bring. 

1. Poor hygienic condition

The influx of medical tourism patients is mainly from the developed countries to the developing countries. Hence, the prime constraints of medical tourism one may have to face improper hygiene, which may lead to post-surgery infection. Moreover, in the case of weight loss surgery, the risk of infection is even higher. Therefore, you must check if your selected clinic or hospital is accredited and fulfill the international standards of health care and hygiene.

2. Language barrier

Though people from most developing countries know the international language, you may face difficulty communicating with the natives. However, if you chose a country with a completely different local language, you will not explain your condition to your doctor. Moreover, you will not be able to follow the directions and instructions properly. It will be completely justified if I say that the communication barrier can be one of the significant constraints of medical tourism. 

3. Travel concerns

Traveling across the border gets hectic for a patient anyways. Fatigue of the travel or Jet lag may cause some health complications and cause delays in your surgery. Furthermore, immediate post-operation travel increases the risk of infections.

4. Post-treatment care

The quality of treatment or surgery is essential, but the post-operative care is of equal significance. For example, if you go for medical tourism for bariatric & weight loss surgery, you need at least one week’s post-operative care. To avoid any complications after your treatment, discuss the process with the respective clinic and ensure that they will be providing you the standard post-operative hospital care. It is essential because post-operative care is critical to a speedy recovery. Conversely, lousy health care practice may lead to constraints of medical tourism, such as severe infections.

5. Underlying expenses

The biggest attraction for medical tourism is that it is a cost-effective solution that offers leisure and speedy recovery. However, not every country and every clinic treats international patients the same way. 

Some health care facilities may claim some underlying hidden charges that you may haven’t been aware of before. Therefore, you must research, check and read carefully about the clinic you are approaching for such a lifelong investment in yourself. Furthermore, you can discuss the costs with the panel and ask for a signed document for the agreed charges of the treatment.

Putting it all in a nutshell, where there are benefits, there are constraints of medical tourism. Therefore, be wary of every step you take towards your health. Take care of all the aspects before choosing your destination for medical tourism.