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As we emerge from the pandemic, medical travel will gradually be pulled back. From IVF and cosmetic and plastic surgery to dentistry, orthopedic surgery, heart surgery, oncology and organ transplantation, patients around the world are expanding their horizons when it comes to healthcare.
As recent reports have highlighted, the global medical tourism market has It is expected to reach US$ 54,201.88 million by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.23 percent between 2022 and 2027.
There are several reasons why people look across borders for treatment options. Studies have shown that about 56 percent of patients want better treatment, and 22 percent want lower fees. Also, 18 percent of patients want treatment options that are not available in their country, and 10 percent want the treatment as soon as possible and without waiting in line. Additionally, as the global disease burden increases, patients demand improved personal wellness programs, making medical wellness tourism a focus.
Medical travel sites
Several countries have shown promising growth over the years, in part due to their spectacular landscapes. Canada topped the 2020-2021 Medical Tourism Index for its serene environment and world-class medical care. However, many other countries are also making their mark on the industry. Below we dive into the most sought-after medical travel destinations.
India
The number of foreign patients in India grows by an average of 25 percent every year. One of the main reasons for its popularity is that the cost of treatment here is lower than in other developed countries, and there are no waiting times. Most of the country’s private institutions are certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which shows that strict international standards are maintained. Some of the most popular treatments that people visit India for include bone marrow transplant, bariatric and bariatric surgery, eye surgery, heart surgery, cancer treatment, gynecological issues and hip tattooing and replacement surgery. Moreover, people can choose alternative medicine such as Ayurveda and Naturopathy, for a more comprehensive recovery.
Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun ranks third in the Medical Tourism Index. In the year In 2018, 31.19 million international tourists visited the country for medical procedures. On the one hand, the country’s health care facilities are equipped with modern medical technologies; On the other hand, it has a number of great tourist attractions so it is a must visit. But here it is important to emphasize that medical procedures are often very expensive. The reason why Japan is at the top of the list is thanks to the advanced medical facilities and the high standard of treatment.
Singapore
According to the Medical Tourism Index, Singapore ranks second among 46 destinations. The country reportedly receives around 500,000 visitors each year and is renowned for cardiology, hematology, oncology, neurology, stem cell therapy and orthopedics. It is considered one of the safest cities to get the most modern medical support and is one of the top hospitals recognized by JCI. Reports have found that treatments such as heart bypass surgery cost between US$16,000 and US$25,000 here, compared to US$123,000 in the United States. Therefore, patients can save 25 to 40 percent of medical expenses.
Spain
According to reports, the country has a high rate of organ transplants with 36 donors per million people. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Spain as the seventh best healthcare destination in Europe. Compared to the US, UK and Canada, patients are said to be able to save between 30% and 70% on costs. Additionally, as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Spain makes an ideal vacation for those who want to explore the country’s rich culture while undergoing treatments such as orthopedic surgery, dentistry, cosmetic surgery, eye surgery, and bariatric surgery.
Thailand
A well-established tourism destination, more than nine percent of Thailand’s gross domestic product is attributed to medical tourism. Estimates suggest that more than three million people visit Thailand to take advantage of the country’s medical facilities. Treatment here costs 50 percent to 80 percent less than in the West. Patients from the United States, the Middle East, Vietnam and Laos make up a large portion of those seeking cosmetic surgery such as LASIK, anti-aging treatments and IVF. The country is also known for its hospitality, and has a highly skilled medical workforce, primarily educated in Europe. Even for some of the most complex and multi-stage treatments and surgeries, patients often have to wait in long queues. Its beautiful beaches and natural landscape are other reasons why Thailand remains a preferred medical travel destination.
Turkey
Turkey is seen as a popular medical travel destination and is known for hairdressing, cosmetic surgery, oncology and IVF treatments, among others. The country offers affordable procedures, high-quality care, and high-quality medical care. Medical procedures in the country are reported to cost 70 percent less than those in the United States. The staff at most health care facilities are well-trained and board-certified. Another benefit of being treated in Turkey is visa-free travel to more than 70 countries.
United Arab Emirates
Over the past few years, the United Arab Emirates has become an emerging destination for medical travel. By 2021, the country will receive more than 630,000 medical tourists. This growth is due to recent medical care achievements and visitors can easily book medical procedures and avail of discounted airfare, visa, medical insurance, hotel stays, leisure activities and more. The country’s proximity to Europe and the Middle East has made it a hub for medical travel. Compared to the US and UK, patients here can save 30 percent to 40 percent on similar procedures. According to reports, the country’s medical travel market is expected to grow to AED 19 billion this year. Some of the most common procedures performed here are gynecological procedures, liposuction, rhinoplasty, micro-needling, botox and bariatric surgery, among others.
The way forward
The global medical travel industry is growing rapidly, and patient behavior and preferences are creating more volatility in the market. The good news is, with most travel restrictions lifted, people are waiting for improved treatment options. In the next few years, new destinations will become more exciting and more valuable, and cutting-edge technology will drive innovation in products and services and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Raza Siddiqui is the CEO of Arab Healthcare Group.
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This article will appear in Daily Dose 2023. Read the full issue online today.
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