Going Abroad for Medical Treatment: What You Need to Know

Medical tourism involves seeking out medical care in another country. Millions of Americans travel to other countries yearly for medical treatment outside of their country. Some of the countries that these individuals visit include Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Some of the main reasons why people travel to other countries for medical care include the lower cost of treatment, the availability of specific procedures, and the country’s culture. Most who travel to other nations for medical tourism undergo various procedures. These include cosmetic or bariatric surgery, cancer treatment, dental care, fertility treatment, and more.

Medical Tourism Benefits

Due to the increasing number of people seeking medical tourism, it is becoming more common knowledge that this type of travel can provide them with a cheaper alternative to traditional treatment. Here are a few of the many benefits of medical tourism:

Low Cost

One of the main reasons why people travel to other countries for medical care is the lower cost of treatment. Depending on the type of procedure they choose, this type of travel can help individuals save up to 90% on their medical bills.

High-quality and Luxury Care

Many countries are seeing a great incline in their business due to the growing number of people seeking medical tourism. The money these individuals spend on their trips is reinvested into the local economy.

This is apparent in the lavish services that some foreign hospitals provide to medical tourists, often at a fraction of what they would charge at home.

Some hospitals in foreign countries provide rooms that are more like suites than standard hospital rooms. They also offer one-on-one nursing care when applicable, which is typically more attentive and generous than what most hospitals can provide. Most travel to other countries for medical tourism for the added privacy they can enjoy. Patients do not have to inform their families about the procedures they are undergoing, which many patients prefer.

Talented Surgeons

Countries with skilled surgeons are known for their ability and talent in certain surgical procedures. For instance, Brazilian surgeons are regarded for their expertise in plastic surgery. In the United States, insurance companies typically only cover specific cosmetic procedures if they are medically necessary. In other countries, public hospitals provide free or low-cost cosmetic surgery.

Oftentimes, medical tourists are surprised to learn that their doctor for their overseas procedure was trained in the United States. While not all doctors are trained in the United States, many of them work in surgery programs and medical schools in English-speaking countries. Many also speak multiple languages and may be board certified in their home and foreign countries like the United States.

Popular Countries for Medical Tourism

Some of the most popular countries for medical tourism include India, Turkey, Mexico, Costa Rica, Singapore, Thailand, and Canada. Although medical tourism is generally safe, it is still important to thoroughly research the various aspects of a country’s healthcare system before traveling to it.

Among these countries, Mexico has much to offer for patients interested in medical tourism. Mexico is known for its affordable, high-quality, and safe medical care, which includes various procedures such as dental, orthopedic, and bariatric surgery.

Be Slim Bariatrics and Medical Tourism

For patients interested in weight loss surgery, the US-based company, Be Slim Bariatrics offers weight loss surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. Their services cover Mini Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, or Bariatric revision surgery. Their packages include:

• Ground transportation.

• Pre-op test evaluation.

• Hotel room.

• Hospital accommodation for the patient and their companion.

• Packages also include medication, a nutrition program, and patient support.

Be Slim Bariatrics aims to provide the best possible care for its patients seeking to lose weight through a comprehensive approach. The company’s practices are equipped with the latest technology and are led by highly skilled and experienced surgeons. In Mexico, the medical staff of Be Slim Bariatrics is also regarded as one of the best.

Bariatric Patient Process

The Be Slim Bariatrics team works hard to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care and results. They created a step-by-step guide that will help patients navigate through the process of their weight loss surgery journey in Tijuana:

• Step One – Get Approved: Patients must complete a health questionnaire before undergoing weight loss surgery to determine if they qualify for the procedure. Once the surgeon has reviewed it and approved the surgery, a friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinator helps the patient navigate the process.

• Step Two – Pick a Date: After approval for the procedure, a coordinator will agree on the best possible date for the operation. Good candidates for the procedure can schedule it as early as two weeks.

• Step Three – Pay Deposit: Before getting ready for the operation, the patient must have all the necessary information about the procedure and the surgeon. Be Slim Bariatric’s patient coordinators provide thorough care and educate their patients step by step.

Medical tourism is a growing trend appealing to people looking for affordable and high-quality healthcare. The number of individuals traveling abroad for treatment has increased significantly every year. Medical tourism has many advantages, such as its ability to address various healthcare issues and improve the quality of life for patients in developing nations.