Medical tourists are generally residents of the industrialized nations of the world. The countries to which they travel are typically less developed and have a lower cost of medical care. Currently, many of the procedures accessed are considered "elective procedures," such as cosmetic surgery. Because elective procedures are rarely covered through health insurance plans, there may be greater incentive to find such care at lower costs.

   The list of countries currently promoting medical tourism include: India, Thailand, Singapore, Belgium, Poland, Costa Rica, Israel, Malaysia, Jordan, Lithuania, Hungary, and Cuba. South Africa is taking the term "medical tourism" very literally by promoting their "medical safaris": Come to see African wildlife and get a facelift in the same trip.

   India is position itself as primarily a medical destination for the most complex medical procedures in the world. India’s commitment to this is demonstrated with an ever growing number of hospitals that are attaining the US Joint Commission International Accreditation.

   Singapore has made international news for providing complex neurosurgical procedures. Currently, Singapore boasts the largest number of U.S. Joint Commission accredited hospitals in the region.

   A heart-valve replacement that would cost $200,000 or more in the U.S., for example, goes for $10,000 in India—and that includes round-trip airfare and a brief vacation package. Similarly, a metal-free dental bridge worth $5,500 in the U.S. costs $500 in India, knee replacement in Thailand with six days of physical therapy costs about one-fifth of what it would in the U.S., and Lasik eye surgery worth $3,700 in the U.S. is available in many other countries for only $730. Cosmetic surgery savings are even greater. A full facelift that cost $20,000 in the U.S. runs about $1,250 in South Africa.

   North American patients are being allowed to take full advantage of dramatic reductions in air travel and access world class healthcare in India’s super specialty hospitals at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. Medical Travel Packages that focus on ‘Medical Value Travel’ will have experienced nurse case managers to assist patients with pre and post travel medical issues, and help provide resources for follow up care upon the patients return. While these services will initially be of interest to the self-insured patient and Health Savings Accounts.

   For more information, please contact me at jbraxtontravel@yahoo.com; www.jbraxtontravel.joystar.com