The lack of prior knowledge about these countries might lead you to make the wrong choice. That is why we have compiled this list, containing information about the top 5 countries which are widely known for attracting hundreds of thousands of medical tourists per year.
At one point or the other in our lifetime, you might find yourself in need to travel outside of your country of residence to receive medical treatment.
The decision to seek medical treatment abroad may be influenced by several reasons such as to reduce cost, to receive a therapy not available in one's country of residence, a recommendation from a family or friend, to enjoy a vacation with medical care, a preference for treatment from medical personnel who share the traveler's culture.
So if you wish to travel abroad for your medical treatment, but you do not know which country to choose, this article will guide you in doing that as we have compiled a list of 5 top-notch countries often visited for medical tourism.
Thailand
Thailand is located on the Indochina Peninsula of South East Asia, and it is widely known for its tropical beaches, ancient ruins, and ornate Buddha temples. Thailand has identified tourism as a significant factor contributing to their economy as over 25 million foreigners visit the country in a year.
If you are looking for an affordable health care system with high-quality treatment, Thailand remains one of the best choices. Hospitals in Thailand are equipped with modern equipment like those offered by https://www.heartlandmedical.com/, and internationally trained doctors providing excellent medical care at a price lower than that of places like Europe, the USA, and Canada.
Also, many healthcare providers speak English, as most of them are trained abroad, particularly in the US and Europe. At the same time, there are translators available to help medical professionals who do not speak English.
Most hospitals are internationally certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI) due to their advanced level of medicine and excellent medical service delivery.
Malaysia
Malaysia is another popular medical tourism destination that has gained recognition as an emerging global giant in medical tourism due to its strong infrastructure, top-notch medical services, and relatively low prices.
Hospitals in Malaysia offer sophisticated treatment and services at a reduced price, around 40-80% less than the cost of the same treatments in places such as the United States, Australia, or Europe.
Hospitals in Malaysia consist of seasoned and well trained medical practitioners who speak English fluently because many of them received their training abroad in countries such as the US and UK.
Malaysian hospitals, especially those in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, have become the primary medical tourism centers in Asia, attracting numerous foreigners. These hospitals have also won several awards from international organizations.
Hospitals in Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur, mainly specialize in medical care related to vision, dental, hearing, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans.
Singapore
This is another insanely popular destination for medical tourists. In 2019, it was reported that over 500,000 international medical tourists visited Singapore. Although healthcare costs in Singapore are not as cheap as in Malaysia and Thailand, they are still far below prices in the US and UK.
Singapore is widely known for providing effective cancer treatment, and eminent cancer treatment specialists can be found in this country. According to the World Health Organization, Singapore has the sixth-best health care system globally and the first in Asia.
India
India is one of the most visited countries for specific medical treatment and procedures such as cardiac surgery, oncology, gastroenterology, and transplantation, which are offered at a very low price.
When it comes to Asia, the high level of medical care in India is second only to Singapore, attracting over 460,000 foreign patients. Many hospitals in India are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which confirms the compliance of treatment with standards that promote quality and ensure patient safety.
Also, there is no problem with communication because most medical practitioners can communicate in English. At the same time, translators are available to assist non-English speakers.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental country located in Western Asia, with a smaller portion in Southeastern Europe. Over 700,000 international patients choose Turkey as their medical tourism destination every year.
Hospitals in Turkey are well known for oncological, neurological, ophthalmological, and orthopedic treatments, which are 2-4 times cheaper than in the US or European Union.
Turkish hospitals offer world-class treatments, with highly-trained surgeons at its disposal, especially in the field of transplantology. A high success rate of about 95% has been recorded in organ transplants.
Conclusion
We know it might be somehow tricky to suddenly decide on which country you should go to for your medical needs, especially if it is your first time. The lack of prior knowledge about these countries might lead you to make the wrong choice. That is why we have compiled this list, containing information about the top 5 countries which are widely known for attracting hundreds of thousands of medical tourists per year.
Please note that each of the countries has its pros and cons, uniqueness, and area of specialization. Before choosing your destination, be sure to verify whether their medical facilities specialize in the kind of treatment you require. Check thoroughly to know which is perfect for you.
