Medical Tourism: The Dos and Don'ts

Are you considering medical treatment aboard? Weight loss surgery, cosmetic dentistry, fertility treatment and cosmetic surgery are all procedures available abroad, often for a cheaper price than that offered at home.

Let's look at some countries considered best for those choices:

Popular countries for weight loss are Mexico and Costa Rico. New Zealand has caught US patients' attention due to their international healthcare service providing 30 percent off the US price for medical treatment. Other top destinations for medical treatment are several Latin American hospitals along with Argentina, India, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey. Canada should not be ignored, as her medical treatment cost ranges 30-50% cheaper than the US and their quality of healthcare is recognized as being higher.

The dos and don'ts of medical tourism

When traveling for treatment abroad there are a few dos and don't to take into consideration and some careful planning and research could make all the difference to a successful trip abroad for medical treatment.

DO
When arranging for procedures demand every thing in writing and ask for an inclusive cost, which should include x-rays, consultations and check-ups.

DON'T
Don't use a substandard medical tourism agency if you decide to go with an agency. Choose one that has been recommended by friends that recently traveled for the same treatment you are considering. You can even ask your doctor, with many U.S. practitioners now connected with overseas medical establishments and therefore knowledgeable of the quality of work provided.

DO
Be willing to use the telephone service for your investigation. If you are using an agency they will be happy to arrange conversations for your investigation with your prospective doctor. The response from a considered hospital or doctor representative could tell a lot.

DO
Check the qualifications and reputation of health provider. Ask about his or her specialties and any fellowships and years of experience that they have.

DON'T
Don't think you are stuck with the doctor chosen. Make sure you meet the doctor ahead of time and carefully access their manner. You still have a choice, not only for doctors but also hospitals. Remember you are in control with this aspect of your trip, but once you are under the knife you give that control to your doctor.

DO
Make sure you can follow the right aftercare recommended procedures.

DON'T
Don't make the price the highest priority. If plastic surgery results in mistakes they are often costly and difficult to rectify. Going abroad for cheaper costs is obviously one of the main reasons for medical tourism, but do consider a range of practitioners and decided upon their qualification and recommendations rather than the price they charge.

DO
Last of all have your plan organized. Know your costs and procedures.
Medical tourism agencies usually include flights and hotel stay as part of their package, but if you do opt to organise your own trip put more than enough money aside and take a friend, partner or relative with you. Have the numbers of hospitals and contact names to give to family and friends and carefully double check dates and times to make sure procedures, travel and hotel times coincide.

Medical tourism can make a great change to your health and appearance without breaking the bank, but always research, research, research before you decide upon a doctor and don't like money be the defining factor.

Becky Mackay is an online writer, with a keen interest in health and lifestyle. For more top tips visit her Twitter page @FreshHealth11