Medical tourism is when people travel abroad to obtain Medical treatment or travel for medical purposes.
Previously people travel from underdeveloped or less developed countries to major medical centers in highly developed countries mostly for treatments that are not available in their home country.
In recent times though, People travel from developed countries to developing countries due to lower-priced yet quality Medical treatment.
The medical tourism concept is that people often stay in a foreign country after a medical procedure. Travelers can thus take advantage of their visit by sightseeing, taking day trips or participating in any other traditional tourism activities.
Why do people go to Thailand for Medical tourism?
Medical tourism is generally defined into three major categories: General, Cosmetic and Dental. There are multiple reasons why patients are attracted to Thailand for Medical tourism. Some major advantages to visit Thailand for medical procedures include:
1. Affordability
The major factor people consider before going for medical tourism is the affordability of the procedures.
Thailand’s medical processes and treatments are approximately cheaper than those offered in other tourism countries.
The massively affordable range of medical treatments draws a huge number of medical tourists to the country.
It’s important to note that cheaper in price doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality. So we can say it’s cheap in prices yet quality services plus no waitlist with far better technology and facilities provided.
2. Regional Hub
Thailand shares the spotlight with Singapore, Malaysia and India to form a regional medical tourism hub. Thailand has 30 healthcare organizations accredited by US based Joint Commission International which is the elite evaluator of global healthcare quality and safety.
3. Highly Trained Doctors and Staff
Medical professionals, surgeons, doctors, physicians and paramedics are trained in a way that is globally accepted.
Thailand offers the latest and safe procedures performed by licensed and accredited staff only. Most of medical professionals are qualified by medical associations.
The professionalism is undertaken by Thailand’s Medical Council, whose standard is a counterpart to the American Medical Association (AMA).
4. Excellent Service
Most of the medical facilities offer excellent services. The services includes:
- Top of the line studio apartment size rooms for patient with free Wi-Fi
- Tastefully decorated living room
- Washroom
- Kitchen to stay with family or travel partner,
- Lounges that offer alcohol free drinks,
- Check-in receptions with professional customer service
- In-house travel agent to cater visa extensions
- Translator services for international patients.
Medical Services offered are:
- High-end medical equipments with state of the art Machineries
- OT and efficiently skilled paramedics
- Researched based and automated medical services for a wide range from cosmetic surgery to general
- Dental procedures as well as chronically ill patients with life-saving medical treatments
5. Holistic & Alternative Treatment
There are numerous complementary and alternative therapies available, including those from eastern and western nationalities.
The goal is to encourage overall health and harmonious body, mind, and spirit integration following surgery. Such fundamental modes are; Acupuncture, Facial Rejuvenation, Cupping, Moxibustion, and Tui Na Chinese medicated massage.
6. Bundling Service
Major Thai hospitals offer services as part of a comprehensive package of specialized care. Most medical procedures are provided with enticing incentives and performed by skilled medical personnel in state-of-the-art facilities.
7. Fewer Procedure in Country Entrance
Thailand’s medical system offers expert procedures. Thailand offers its Medical tourists to stay with Visa exemption, which means they can stay up to 30 days without a visa; they just require a passport that is valid for six months. Medical travelers can even apply for a visa upon their arrival. This system has made easy access to utilize medical treatments in Thailand.
8. Tourist Destination
It provides top-notch medical facilities to medical tourists at half the prices of their home countries.
The doctors in Thailand are highly qualified, and the hospitals are equipped with the latest technology. Thailand has multiple tourist attractions which have already drawn tourists from across the world.
Benefits of Medical tourism in Thailand.
There are a few benefits of Medical tourism in Thailand compare to other countries such as
- Reduced waiting times
- Low cost & high savings
- Great vacation destination
- State-of-the-art technology
- Skilled doctors & medical staff
Demerit of Medical tourism in Thailand
- Planning follow-up care: Due to the distance from the home country to the country of medical tourism, one has to plan follow-up care before having medical tourism.
- Flying home after surgery
- Language and culture barrier: This could pose a major challenge, seeing that you are not from Thailand, you may be needing a translator.
Hospitals in Thailand for medical tourism
- BIDC, Bangkok
- BFC, Bangkok
- Yanhee Hospital, Bangkok
- Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic
Medical procedures in Thailand
These are the major medical procedures that bring medical tourism to Thailand.
Cosmetic
Liposuction, breast augmentation, facelift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck. Mastectomy, Butt Augmentation, Breast Reduction.
Dental
A dental implant, All-on-4 implant, porcelain veneers, root canal treatment.
General
Hernia Surgery, Gallbladder Surgery, Appendicitis, Hemorrhoid Surgery
Conclusion
Thailand is often called the Land of Smiles. It is popularly known as a tourist location in Southeast Asia, it is also popular in the healthcare industry.
Thailand is a considerably safe country. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April. It’s the driest and warmest part of the year.
The attraction is that Travelers can apply for a visa upon arrival and they only require a passport that is valid for six months.
Thailand offers its tourists a stay with a visa exemption, which means they can stay up to 30-45 days without a visa. This allows easy access to medical treatments in Thailand without delayed waiting lists.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.