5 Reasons to Travel for Healthcare
Why fly across the world for healthcare? With the rising popularity of medical tourism, many have been asking about the advantages of travelling overseas for healthcare. In a quest to answer this popular question, documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock travelled to Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, for an MRI and endoscopy in an episode of Morgan Spurlock Inside Man.
For some patients and procedures, medical tourism has introduced a plethora of benefits, ranging from cost savings to receiving world-class healthcare. In an article published on CNN, Sean Redlitz described five advantages of travelling for healthcare discovered by Morgan Spurlock during his visit to Thailand.
1. You’ll receive world-class healthcare.
While the quality of overseas medical care may have once been questionable, the best “destination hospitals” in countries like Malaysia, India, Turkey and Thailand currently meet or exceed Western standards. Spurlock learned that Bumrungrad International Hospital sees over 500,000 international patients a year from 190 countries. Many of its doctors do their training overseas and over 300 of them are American Board Certified.
2. Destination hospitals are highly efficient.
Top destination hospitals are designed with efficiency in mind. Spurlock found that each floor at Bumrungrad had its own pharmacy and own outpatient clinic, while a centralized blood lab processed samples within an hour.
William Brockwell, an American patient interviewed in Inside Man, stated, “The most I’ve ever sat waiting here has been 15 minutes. In the U.S., I’ve sat up to two hours, waiting to get waited on.”
3. You could save a lot of money.
The benefits of travelling for healthcare become apparent when looking at the numbers. CNN’s Sean Redlitz broke down the costs of healthcare in America compared to Costa Rica. According to AARP, a heart bypass in the United States typically runs $88,000. In Costa Rica, that figure drops to $31,500. Need a new hip? $33,000 in the States and $12,400 in Thailand. A typical nose job goes for $6,200 here but only $2,800 in Mexico.
If your insurance covers most of a procedure, you won’t see the savings. But if you’re underinsured or have a high deductible, the savings can add up, even once you add on airfare and lodging. A good rule of thumb: if the difference in cost to you is greater than $6,000, seeking care abroad will likely save you money.
4. The process is simple.
Overseas hospitals catering to international patients offer consistent prices that make it easy to comparison shop. When it comes time to pay your medical bill, it’s “as simple as checking out of a hotel.”
5. It’s a chance to see the world.
The beauty of medical travel is that you can combine your healthcare with your vacation plans. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore an exotic location and introduce yourself to a new culture.
While in Thailand, Spurlock also managed to visit Bangkok’s temples and explore the city markets and beaches.
You can watch the episode and read the original article on CNN.
