Medical Packages

The health care sector in India has witnessed an enormous growth in infrastructure in the private and voluntary sector. The private sector which was very modest in the early stages, has now become a flourishing industry equipped with the most modern state-of-the-art technology at its disposal. It is estimated that 75-80% of health care services and investments in India are now provided by the private sector. An added plus had been that India has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world. It is self sufficient in drug production and exports drugs to more than 180 countries.

What are the Disadvantages of using a Medical Tourism Facilitator?

Quality of service may vary greatly from one Medical Tourism Facilitator to another: Medical tourism facilitators come in all shapes and sizes, and, looking at their websites, it is difficult to accurately determine the real scope and quality of the services offered. As with most emerging industries, there will be a multitude of companies – some little more than one man operations, promising the world, without a regulatory entity making sure they deliver the goods. The internet only amplifies this problem as one website looks as good as another.

Bias towards certain hospitals and destinations: Obviouslymedical tourismfacilitators do not have the time or resources to visit every medical tourism destination or work with thirty different international hospitals. They must choose wisely from a limited number – always described as “the best”. Naturally, you will be directed to these hospitals and not others – even if they aren’t necessarily the best hospitals for your particular needs.

Having a third party increases the chance of miscommunication: Though perhaps not a big concern in most people’s minds,using an intermediary will always increase the risk of an error or misinformation occurring between both parties. Something as seemingly innocuous as mistaking kilos for pounds in a medical tourism patient’s weight information, could lead to the surgery being postponed or even cancelled. To reduce the likelihood of an error, make sure that any important information that is communicated over the phone is also sent in writing. Then double check with the medical tourism facilitator that all faxed or scanned documents are legible.

You may have to pay more: Medical tourism facilitators offer a lot of convenience but do need to make their money somewhere. This will usually come from a hospital commission, service charge (concierge fee), or both. One way or another, these fees do have a way of trickling down to the medical tourism patient no matter what the medical tourism facilitator or hospital may say.

Should I pay my medical tourism facilitator or the hospital for my medical tourism trip? This will depend on the policy of the hospital and facilitator. Some facilitators will request an advance deposit and ask that you pay the balance at the hospital. Others will have you pay the hospital directly.

What is a Medical Tourism Facilitator?

Sometimes referred to as medical tourism agencies, or a medical travel facilitator, these are companies – (some are mom and pop operations) that, as their name suggests, act as facilitators or middlemen for medical tourism patients engaging in medical tourism.

Medical Tourism Facilitators have played an important role in promoting the growth of medical tourism, and for many medical tourism patients, represent their first face to face contact with the concept of medical tourism.

Over the last three or four years, thousands of these companies have popped up, most sporting names synonymous with health and travel. They function much like a travel agency, requesting and obtaining passports, booking flights, and arranging a medical tourism patient’s lodging, transportation and tours. The key difference, of course, is that they also serve as the liaison or mediator between you and the international hospital and doctor. In effect, it is the facilitator’s job to repackage the medical provider’s service offering, make it more appealing, and then guide you along the medical tourism process. For those trying to decide whether or not to use a facilitator, it is important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages they provide.