In the southwest section of India you’ll find the state of Kerala. The area has long been known as the “God’s own country” and it is famous amongst locals and tourists for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the backwaters and others the beaches. Those interested in Ayurveda and other forms of health care, however, will be incredibly interested in the medical tourism industry that continues to grow in Kerala.
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What is Medical Tourism?
The term “medical tourism” isn’t as luxurious as you might at first believe. While some people associate tourism with “vacations” and “trips” the term actually applies to individuals who travel to foreign countries to obtain health care that is either not available or unaffordable in their own country.
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There are several different reasons to use medical tourism in order to obtain health care. Some people, especially celebrities, prefer to have cosmetic surgeries done far from home because they want to be out of the public spotlight while they recover. In other case, some patients may find alternative treatments being utilized in other countries that are not available in their home country. In many cases, the main reason for participating in medical tourism is cost.
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Individuals have traveled across international borders for joint replacement, dental work, psychological care, and even hospice treatments. Just about every area of the medical profession welcomes medical tourism in some country. Today there are approximately 50 countries around the globe who participate in medical tourism.
The Risks Associated with Medical Tourism
Those who decide to participate in medical tourism are taking quite a few risks. It is important to realize that the culture in every country is different. The natural immunity you have built up towards diseases in your home country may not protect you from foreign diseases in the place you visit. You’re opening yourself up to infection not only from your procedure, but from amoebic dysentery, paratyphoid, tuberculosis, HIV, and even hepatitis.
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One of the reasons people flock towards medical tourism is because the costs associated with care in other countries are often much less than the cost of care in their own homes. For example, the cost of healthcare in the United States is so expensive because it is heavily regulated by government agencies who are concerned with quality control. If the doctor makes a mistake in a foreign country you may have no recourse and, even if you did sue, the doctor is not very likely to pay you.
Ethical issues may arise as well. In some countries, such as Thailand, doctors are so focused on foreign travelers (who pay more) that they have less time for local Thai patients who urgently need their care.
Medical Tourism in Kerala
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The Indian state of Kerala focuses on Ayurveda as its traditional medicinal system and is heavily promoted as a medical tourism destination because of these classical treatments. That’s not to say that Kerala is solely focused on Ayurveda, though. The state prides itself on having highly trained doctors from all areas of the medical profession and is believed to have some of the finest medical facilities in the world.
Indian doctors have gained recognition around the world. They’re known for being very skilled and caring and several of the finest Indian doctors return to India after touring and training abroad. The Indian medical system also includes world-class pre- and post-operative care – meaning you won’t be rushed out of your hospital bed because of corporate or bureaucratic red tape.
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The types of medical care available in Kerala include:
- Ayurveda
- Cardiac
- Dental
- Transplant Surgery
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedic
- Neurosurgery
- Fertility Treatment
- General Surgery, and
- Other alternative practices (naturopathy, Siddha, etc)
Kerala is popular amongst medical tourists for a number of reasons. Aside from providing high-quality medical care for low prices, the area is relatively easy to access and boasts a temperate climate year round. Visitors will be able to communicate easily with their doctors and the public and will have the finest amenities available, both in the hospital and in their hotels.
Medical tourism is, of course, not something that should be taken lightly – whether you plan to travel to Kerala or some other country. Make sure you conduct thorough research before deciding to take a trip overseas for a procedure you could have had done back home. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
You are right, medical tourism should not be taken lightly. It is important to do research and know everything about the destination.
My wife and I are in our 60’s self employed. Our Blue shield plan costs us $920 a month for a plan with an $8000 deductible.
Needless to say we are basically self insured.
To meet our medical needs we have been traveling to Thailand for the last 4-5 years for medical care
It has worked out great. We pay 1/10-1/20 the cost medical and dental. Last November I had an operation for a condition known as dysphagia. We priced the operation in the US…$2500 which we would have to pay out of pocket. The cost at Chulalongkorn hospital in Bangkok…$100. Needless to say I waited and had the procedure done in Bangkok. 7 months later the swallowing difficulty I was having is gone.
Of course you have to pay for airfare and hotel bills. We set aside about $1500-$2000 for that.
When we get to Bangkok we see the dentist, get full physicals and blood work, see a doctor for all our aches and pains and get our medications (at least 25% cheaper than the same meds in California)
We feel our health has improved since going to Thailand because we don’t have to make choices between cost and treatment. If we need treatment we get it..and pay cash. Plus we don’t have to deal with the insurance company telling us what treatments are covered and which are not.
I’m a convert to the Thai medical system.