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What are the risks associated with medical tourism?

The exact risks involved with medical tourism depend on the destination and the procedures performed, but in general include: communication difficulties, if you visit a country where you do not speak the language fluently; deep vein thrombosis, if you fly too soon after surgery; exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, that are more common in some countries than others; exposure to infections if needles are re-used and surgical equipment is not properly sterilized; counterfeit or poor-quality medications, and; if you require a blood transfusion, the blood supply may not have been properly screened for infectious diseases such as HIV.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is medical tourism?

Medical tourism is travel between countries to receive healthcare.

Who are medical tourists?

Medical tourists are people who travel elsewhere for healthcare that is lower in cost, offers a higher quality of care, is medically and legally available, and/or has shorter waiting times.

What are the top medical tourism destinations?

The top medical tourism destinations are Costa Rica, Israel, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey and the United States.

Is cost the most important factor I should consider when thinking about medical tourism?

Cost is not the most important factor to consider. Other factors to think about before you travel include communication levels, if you visit a country where you do not speak the language fluently; …

Why is medical care so much cheaper in some other countries?

The reasons that medical care and procedures may be cheaper in other countries include lower cost of labor and hospital maintenance, currency exchange rates, and cheaper medical supplies and equipment.

What are the most common reasons for medical tourism?

Common reasons for medical tourism include a lower cost of treatment; higher quality of care; the procedure availability; shorter waiting times; and the availability of complementary, alternative and experimental therapies.

What is transplant tourism?

Transplant tourism is a type of medical tourism in which people travel to receive an organ purchased from an unrelated, random donor.

Can I take a holiday after my operation in another country?

After some procedures, it is often recommended that you stay in the country for some time before you do any air travel, to reduce the risk of blood clots forming during the flight. In addition, talk to your treating doctor about …

How long should I wait after my surgery before I can return home?

It is generally good to wait at least 10 days after surgery before flying home, to reduce your risk of developing blood clots. However, the period varies with the type of surgery or procedure and should be decided in …

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About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Votes: 1127 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Travel medical assessment

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