As the cost of American health care continues to rise, it is no surprise that patients are seeking the most affordable location to receive quality care. What is raising eyebrows is the response of insurance companies nation-wide who are offering to cover both the travel and medical costs for patients seeking medical care abroad.
According to a study released by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, approximately 750,000 Americans traveled outside the country for medical care in 2007, and as many as 6 million will have received healthcare outside the United States by 2010.
Currently, several domestic insurance companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, and employers are encouraging medical tourism as an alternative to high-priced care in the U.S.
There are many factors that are making medical tourism, as this aspect of the industry is known, an increasingly attractive option. Here are just a few:
- lower prices abroad
- lower nurse-to-patient ratios and
- access to procedures not yet available in the States
- inadequate or no health insurance
- the opportunity to combine travel to a desired destination with high-quality health care
With the increase in passport holders, due to the requirements instituted in the last few years, yet another barrier to expanding this potentially lucrative business has been removed.
Where are travelers going for their care? Count in Argentina, Costa Rica, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore – and recently, the perennial “dream destinations” for Americans, Australia and New Zealand, have entered the market.
Savvy travel agents have recognized this opportunity: no matter how well-traveled, most people will seek expert advice when considering a medical procedure abroad. But it’s more than simply booking a plane ticket: interested agents will need to assure their clients that they are familiar with the reputation and skills of the recommended facilities, and experienced in recognizing the specialized needs of medical travelers and their friends and family who accompany them.
Tourist boards around the world, such as Penang, Malaysia and Singapore, are adding Medical Tourism specialists to their staffs, holding conferences and workshops and boosting awareness among their stakeholders of the potential benefits of medical tourism.
Perhaps medical tourism is a viable alternative – even in the short term – for America’s health insurance problems. With an increasing number of well-traveled baby boomers needing surgery or other medical treatment, it could become another form of niche travel for them.
Are you an international destination actively pursuing medical tourism as an economic development platform, or a U.S. entity trying to avoid losing potential patients? If so, join the dialogue.
