Health Tourism is a Growing Trend in Healthcare

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Article Title:

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Health Tourism is a Growing Trend in Healthcare

Article Description:

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Traveling to a foreign country for healthcare is a growing trend

in the US.

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508 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2009-06-03 15:36:00

Written By: Kielty

Copyright: 2009

Contact Email: mailto:vck@...

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Health Tourism is a Growing Trend in Healthcare

Copyright © 2009 Kielty

North Carolina Insurance

http://www.ncinsuranceplan.com

Many people in the United States are finding themselves out of a

job and also without valuable health insurance. When costly

medical procedures are needed, they cannot afford to have them

done in the US. Therefore, many people are traveling to foreign

countries to have the procedures done. This is called " health

tourism " .

In the past, people usually traveled outside the US for non

life-threatening procedures such as cosmetic surgery or dental

surgery. However, the growing trend is for people to seek foreign

treatment for more life-threatening conditions such as heart

bypass surgery, heart valve replacements and spinal surgeries. In

some cases the cost can be as much as 90% less than it would be

in the United States. Popular destinations are Thailand, Costa

Rica and India.

As many as 85,000 Americans travel to foreign countries for

medical procedures every year. Companies are springing up to meet

the needs of this new foreign traveler. In South Carolina, Blue

Cross and Blue Shield has started the " Companion Global

Healthcare " department to assist clients seeking foreign

healthcare. They help with travel arrangements, transportation

between airport in hospital and coordination of care.

A Worldwide Trend

People from many parts of the world, not just America are

traveling to other countries to receive healthcare for various

reasons. People from Europe travel due to long waiting lists at

home, some come from the middle east because they believe the

medical personnel are more highly trained and some people travel

from Africa because they do not have access to these services in

their own country.

What To Consider

While traveling abroad for healthcare procedures can be

beneficial, there are a few things to consider first. For

example, traveling a great distance to and from the other country

can be hazardous, depending upon your condition. Anyone

considering a foreign medical care should consult with their

physician first. Some conditions such as cancer are best treated

by a doctor in your own country with whom you have an ongoing

relationship.

Investigate Ahead Of Time

Thoroughly investigate the hospital or facility you are

considering travel to. Check to make sure that they are

accredited with the Joint Commission International, to ensure

that they meet US standards. Also talk with the physician to find

out how many procedures they have done and where they received

their training.

Meet with your physician before you go and make sure they will

provide your medical records to the overseas doctors and to make

sure both sides have the other's contact information. Also

arrange aftercare before you leave. Make sure you have everything

in place for your care when you get home.

If you require a costly surgery and do not have adequate health

insurance, traveling to a foreign country for your treatment may

be an option. Contact a reputable company to assist you and meet

with your own physician to discuss the possibility of a foreign

procedure. Thoroughly investigate the foreign facility and

doctors your self. Make sure that they are an accredited facility

and meet basic guidelines before you go.

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Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles

on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes

on health insurance in North Carolina, visit BCBSNC, also

known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

http://www.ncinsuranceplan.com