7 Mistakes to Avoid as a Medical Tourist in 2023

Traveling abroad for medical treatment is a popular choice these days. With the rise in treatment costs, unavailability of medical procedures, and ill-equipped healthcare facilities patients are forced to cross borders to avail healthcare services. As international traveling has become affordable and easier, there has been a sharp rise in the number of people actively seeking treatment abroad. 

For those who intend to go on a medical trip, make sure to avoid these 7 following common medical tourist mistakes.

1.    Choosing Non-Accredited Hospitals 

It is essential to ensure that the chosen hospital is accredited, i.e approved by an official review board after the hospital has met all thestandards set for medical tourism. An accredited hospital has to abide by internationally accepted rules and regulations regarding medical code and professional ethics. By choosing an accredited hospital, the patient safeguards his right to quality health care and globally recognized medical procedures. A non-accredited hospital has little reason to show its patients any transparency. Some insurance companies can also refuse to cover the cost of treatment accorded by non-accredited hospitals. 

2.    Making Decisions Purely Based On Costs

Although sticking to the budget of the medical trip is important, the quality of medical treatment should not be side-lined. While choosing the treatment destination, cost should not be the sole deciding factor. Often, in the effort to save money, the patient can end up compromising on the quality of healthcare being provided.

 3.   Not Taking a Second Opinion 

It is always advisable to take a second opinion before proceeding with any kind of medical treatment or surgery. A second opinion is also required by many insurance companies to provide monetary coverage. Not taking a second opinion may lead to the patient having incomplete knowledge of his/her need for treatment which will eventually lead to poor decisions. 

4.   Being Uninformed About the Procedure

 

Being ill-informed about the details of the procedure, recovery time, and its side-effects may leave the patient unsatisfied with the outcome of their medical treatment. The patient should gather maximum information about the treatment to be mentally and physically prepared.

5.   Going Without a Travel Companion 

Medical treatment trips can be strenuous enough without having to deal with doctor appointments, buying medicines, and making payments alone. It is always better to have a travel companion who stays with the patient throughout the treatment. This will not only help with the nuisances of the procedure but also provide emotional support.  

6.    Not Going Through Contracts Thoroughly 

It is very important to read hospital contracts (including the fine print) carefully so that the patient is fully aware of the terms and conditions of his/her stay and treatment at the hospital. 

7.    Not booking accommodation in advance

Do not wait until you arrive at the destination country to look for a place to live. This will not only take a lot of time but also cause stress. Booking accommodation before minimizes the risk of having no place to stay.