More FAQ's
1. What is Medical Tourism?Medical Tourism is a term given to an industry that allows people who live in one country to travel to another country to undertake surgical, medical, dental or cosmetic care. Companies that specialise in medical tourism are usually associated with specialist hospitals, and also have connections to travel services. 2. Why Is Medical Tourism becoming popular?Medical Tourism is usually an option for people who are suffering long wait times and/or high costs for a procedure due to their own country's health system. Even those people with the highest level of health cover will find themselves with out of pocket costs that aren't covered. Many people can't afford private hospital cover, therefore are restricted to long wait times in the public health system. 3. Why go to Thailand for your health care?Hospitals that cater to both local and foreign communities, with international medical standards in world-class facilities at reasonable and affordable prices coupled with warm hospitality, makes Thailand a favourable health & wellness destination, offering a combination of natural beauty, pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, shopping and five star tropical spas and resorts to complete your experience. 4. Isn't Thailand classified as a third world country?NO it is not. However and unfortunately, if most people are honest, they will admit that the first place that comes to mind when they think of healthcare is not Thailand (or anywhere in Asia). The reality is, most of the hospitals are first class and in some cases better than our own hospitals and health system in general. 5. Are the doctors and specialists educated and trained enough?The Thai government has poured money into the medical facilities and also ensure that their doctors and nurses are highly trained. This investment can amount to a higher quality of care for patients and state of the art facilities and research centres for doctors. Many of the hospitals have regular management and staff training with leading U.S. medical organisations and employ hundreds of highly-trained and specialised surgeons with impeccable credentials. Many have either trained or previously worked in the U.S., Europe or Australia, and a vast majority speak English fluently. The Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand (TSPRS) is an official organisation that represents Plastic Surgeons in Thailand who have trained and practice their specialty in accordance with the professional standards and ethics of the society. 6. Are the Hospitals up to date with the Western World in terms of facilities and technology?Many hospitals are corporately owned and are making investments in equipment and technology, therefore will often exceed expectations of care and comfort. Some hospitals have even made names for themselves as world class research centres and are associated with well-respected hospitals in the United States. The hospitals look as luxurious as a five star hotel resorts. 7. Are the Hospitals regulated and controlled with accreditations etc?Many of the reputed hospitals are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which certifies through painstaking periodic inspections, to ensure that procedures and practices meet demanding standards. 8. What about the quality of the facilities, rooms, nurses, staff?Most of the hospitals will have a special division to look after the needs of international patients and are renowned for exceptional quality and service. With a low nurse to patient ratio, patients can expect to receive a high level of personal care and attention. Thailand's culture reflects harmony and service, and during your time, you will experience the very best in attention to detail. 9. Are there any hidden costs?In addition to having a lower fee for a procedure, overseas hospitals are willing to provide upfront fee estimates. More complicated surgeries will initially still be estimates. This openness is perfect for overall planning purposes, when comparing options.
10. Can I have more than one procedure? Are procedure packages available?Package deals can be a great time and money saver. While the most popular options and packages are cosmetic and dental, there is a growing market for wellness and anti-ageing, health screening, bariatric surgery and other medical procedures. 11. Can I go with friends or in a group?Absolutely. This can be a comforting scenario for single people or those who have never travelled abroad before. It's also a great way to make new friends and experience a wonderful, life changing time together. 12. Is there a waiting period?Availability is the major benefit of undertaking your treatment abroad. If you have a pressing need due to personal comfort, quality of life, or a special time coming up in your life, most surgeries can be scheduled within a few days or a few weeks, pending availability of the surgeon and your time. 13. Where do I recuperate or do I go home straight away?You are required to allow for a certain amount of time away for your appointment, surgery, recovery, checkups and follow ups. This time depends on the type of procedure you are having. You will have the opportunity to recuperate in a relaxing, calm and beautiful environment, free from ringing phones, day to day responsibilities and stresses that envelope modern day living at home. Being away from home can give you a break and allow you to relax and concentrate on a good recovery and excellent result. 14. Is there a doctor at home for follow up?If you have advised and discussed with your GP or physician, that you will be travelling abroad for treatment, they should always be available for you upon return. There should never be any reason for your GP or physician to deny medical service (for whatever reason). Otherwise, if you do not have a regular GP or physician, some hospitals have a relationship with doctors in Australia to help assist with any follow up care or advice. 15. What about the risks of travelling abroad for treatment?Any kind of surgical treatment at home or abroad, will entail risk. No matter how painstakingly hospitals follow and meet the procedure and practices certification criteria, advanced technology and facilities with highly trained, educated and skilled surgeons with impeccable credentials and staff, there will always be an element of risk. As a medical tourist, risks can always be managed with good planning, research, knowledge and overall, always being careful and following the surgeons post surgery care instructions. All these will help make your experience a rewarding and healthy one. 16. What are the potential savings?One of the greatest factors in the popularity of medical tourism is cost. This cost differential is not due to lack of quality, but primarily because a good portion of health care is not tied up in bureaucracy, administrative and insurance systems and paperwork etc. (Also, every country has different levels of pricing structures no matter what you are purchasing). Travel is much cheaper these days also, so because of the reduced costs overall, it may be feasible for you to bring along a friend or family member. 17. What about Insurance coverage?Medical insurance will generally not cover any elective or cosmetic procedures, at home or abroad. Medical tourism offers a solution for people in all financial situations, since the costs of treatment can be as little as a tenth to a quarter less. 18. Are cosmetic procedures just for women?Women are naturally more focused on their appearance, however various surveys over the last few years indicate about 85% of men believe that personal appearance plays a role in their professional success and advancement, therefore, there is an increase and interest in cosmetic surgery among men. So guys.why not - at least you can recover in peace and return rejuvenated! 19. What is the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and Cosmetic Surgeon?The terms "plastic/reconstructive surgery," and "cosmetic surgery" are not interchangeable. Plastic or Reconstructive Surgery is a specialist surgical craft involved in the restoration or improvement of human form and function. Surgeons are trained, experienced and qualified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on the face and all areas of the body. Because many cosmetic procedures are rooted in reconstructive plastic surgery, a thorough training in reconstructive plastic surgical techniques, forms the appropriate background for a plastic surgeon to proceed with training in Cosmetic/Aesthetic Surgery
20. How do organise the surgical and travel logistics? Can I do it all myself?Deciding which procedure you would love to have is the easy part. What comes next are generally the biggest stumbling blocks and considerations for potential patients as it will primarily involve hours of time spent researching the destination, hospital, surgeon, bookings and appointments with hospital and surgeon, paperwork, sending medical records (if applicable) and photographs, payments, how much time to allow away, flights and accommodation (pre and post /recovery accommodation), handling any travel mishaps, post surgery activities, transfers etc.
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