Health tourism

Millions of US residents travel each year to get medical care abroad, taking advantage of cheaper medical bills or a wider choice of procedures.

The commonest reasons for medical tourism are: fertility treatment, dental care and cosmetic surgery. People also travel for transplants and for cancer treatment.

What are the risks of healthcare abroad?

Communicating if you don’t speak the language at your destination will be challenging. It’s easy to misunderstand what is happening during healthcare if you are not fluent in the language being spoken around you, particularly if treatment has left you unwell.

Air travel soon after surgery comes with its own risks – see our blogpost to learn more about the risks of flying post-surgery and what you can do to minimize them.

In the US, we have high standards for accrediting healthcare practitioners. But this is not the case for every nation.

Some places have higher incidences of infectious diseases like hepatitis B and hepatitis C. And some healthcare facilities abroad do not have adequate infection-control practices, which increases your risk of infection.

How can I get safe medical care abroad?

There are a few steps you can take to reduce the risks associated with getting healthcare abroad.

Make an appointment for a pre-travel health consultation six to eight weeks before you depart. With Global Travel Clinics, it’s quick and easy to make an appointment for a travel health consult. We’d also recommend talking with your usual healthcare provider about your plan to get healthcare abroad.

Check the qualifications of your clinician and the center you will be using, and find out if there is a risk that you might be given counterfeit medication or devices.

Have a plan for communication, particularly if you don’t speak the language.

Ge travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation back to the US. Some insurance policies may cover the cost of any follow-up care you might need when back home in the US.

Arrange follow-up care for when you return home. Find out what follow-up care you will need in case of any complications and be sure you understand how much this might cost. Check what activities you can and can’t do after your procedure, and consider whether you can manage at home.

What vaccines should health tourists get?

The specific vaccines recommended to people who are traveling to receive healthcare will depend on the destination, the procedure and the person’s medical history. The hepatitis B vaccine may be recommended to health tourists, as hepatitis B can be contracted in a healthcare setting. At your travel health appointment, be sure to let the nurse or pharmacist know that you are traveling for healthcare so that they can give you the most appropriate advice.

Where can I get information about medical care abroad?

If you are considering going abroad to get medical treatment, speak with your usual medical team to better understand the risks and benefits of seeking healthcare abroad. The Centers for Disease Control also has some advice for people traveling for health reasons.