6 Medical Tourism Myths Debunked
As any other industry, medical tourism has its own related myths. There are several misconceptions to be discussed upon, and, based on relevant information, proof and experience, to be debunked.
Each and every patient has doubts – it’s normal! And, after doing a proper research, everyone should address certain questions to a trustworthy medical tourism facilitator. But, within the research phase, let’s dig into some of the most common medical tourism myths.
1. Foreign doctors aren’t properly trained
That’s a common misconception targeting medical tourism. Each country has several well established requirements when it comes about doctors’ training. In order to practice medicine, each professional must meet these requirements.
These requirements are just slightly different from country to country but, in the end, each doctor has to respect and follow the same set of rules in order to practice this job.
Plus, many doctors are trained both in their home country and abroad, they qualify as members of different international associations, attend international congresses and are internationally renowned for their medical activity, so the lack of training is just a myth and shouldn’t be taken as granted.
2. Hospitals and clinics from other countries lack of equipment and supplies
On the contrary – all medical centers are able to offer all their services and fulfil all their patients’ needs and requirements just because they are fully equipped and provided with the necessary supplies.
The latest medical technology is widely available and easy to be purchased by hospitals and clinics worldwide.
The fact that these centers have an online presence also certifies the fact that they maintain a modern, high level of professionalism. It’s somehow related to the investment they make into their equipment and their trustworthiness (online and offline).
Anyway, before taking a decision, any patient can (and should) request information regarding a center’s equipment and tools.
3. If the price is lower, the medical services are not so qualitative
When they see a treatment’s affordable price, many individuals think that it’s too good to be true. They live under the impression that there must be a catch regarding the services’ quality.
Medical services prices vary from country to country and depend on each country’s economy, certain laws and developing status. Health care quality is never neglected – hospitals and medical hubs provide qualitative services, according to strict international requirements. Most of the times, the affordable prices are justified by the cheap labor.
Many individuals assume that, in countries where the living standards are below average, the medical services will be the same. Entirely false – the healthcare standard in countries that are popular among medical tourists (Mexico, Argentina, Thailand, India, Costa Rica etc.) are, in fact, top notch. Plus, thanks to the medical tourism’s increasing popularity (this includes strong competition within a market that is developing rapidly), the quality of service is nothing but constantly improving.
If you are in doubt, you can do your own research or ask your medical tourism facilitator to be provided with helpful, relevant information about the treatments prices and their quality.
4. Foreign doctors don’t speak English
Actually, in countries that offer medical tourism services, English is very commonly spoken. Otherwise, most healthcare institute provide translators for their international patients.
Just ask your medical tourism company if the medical team who will treat you has decent English skills, or if you have to request an interpreter.
5. Medical tourism is risky
Whether you decide to be treated home, or abroad, some procedures will always involve certain risks.
So, before going abroad, any patient must do a solid research on hospitals and medical hubs (look for reputable centers, with proper credentials), specialist’s certifications, credentials and so on. Also, there are people who share the experiences they had as medical tourists – these are really helpful information and, positive reviews reduce some potential risks associated with certain procedures.
6. Medical tourism is something new
No, not at all! Indeed, medical tourism has experienced a boom recently, but it has been around for many years, actually!
The long history of travelling for health has its first proofs way back in the ancient times. Ancients Greeks, for example, used to travel to a territory located in the Saronic Gulf, called Epidauria. This place was considered the sanctuary of Asklepios (a healing god), which had the power to cure illness.
Little by little, as the world developed, so did medical tourism – it has been around for a long, long time.
Now, that you’ve read some main aspects regarding the most common medical tourism myths, you should go on and do your own research. Be sure that you use all the available resources: internet, medical tourism professionals, books, and any other meaningful tool.
At PlacidWay, a team of medical tourism professionals can help you with all the questions and concerns you have regarding travelling for health, hospitals, doctors, qualifications, destinations, treatments and so on. Keep in mind that everyone should be fully and properly informed before making any important decision.
For any information that you need regarding medical tourism abroad, do not hesitate to contact us!
