Medical Tourism Companies

Once you decide to have a medical procedure performed in another country, you can either plan your medical vacation by yourself or hire one of the hundreds of medical tourism companies to arrange it for you. There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages with both options, so it pays to do some serious contemplation and ask a lot of questions before making a decision.

Medical tourism companies take a lot of the stress, uncertainty and legwork out of the process, but you pay a premium for their services. While it’s not particularly difficult to arrange your own medical holiday, sometimes it’s nice to have someone walk you through every step of the way, particularly if you are really ill or debilitated.

The number of medical tourism companies has boomed in recent years as the medical tourism industry has similarly expanded. This is a boon for customers, as the competition results in lower prices, greater flexibility and more service options. But it also means there are more incompetent operators out there.

There is virtually no international oversight in the medical tourism industry, so it’s easy for unscrupulous companies to take advantage of naïve customers. Research, questions and preparation are essential factors to finding the best company for you.

Before you sign any agreement, find out who is financially and legally responsible for every facet of your trip; from travel plans to recovery time. Also, ask exactly what services the company does and does not offer. Anything that is not quickly and clearly stated is a sign of possible deceit.

Most medical tourism companies provide either a complete package or the choice of services a la carte. A comprehensive package should include insurance for health and travel, legal liability should anything go wrong while abroad, visa arrangements, and travel arrangements. The company will book your flights, hotel, and hospital stay.

Once you get to your destination, the company should provide an airport pick-up and escort for helping negotiate the practical aspects of your stay, including vital translation help. They will also handle medical arrangements such as forwarding medical records, vetting medical staff, and advising you on treatment options.

Cosmetic Surgery Travel

This company focuses on cosmetic and other types of surgery in Thailand. They create medical vacations catering to each patient, and work closely with the best hospital in Thailand, Bumrungrad.
http://www.cosmeticsurgerytravel.com/

Cosmetic Vacations

Based in the US, this company has connections in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. They arrange cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry with established plastic surgeons and dentists.
http://www.cosmeticvacations.com/

Med de Tour

Based in the UK, this company works with India’s best hospitals to arrange every kind of surgery or cosmetic procedure. Their sister office is in New Delhi.
http://www.meddetour.com/home.html

Surgeon and Safari

This company, based in South Africa, arranges all kinds of medical procedures at the best clinics in South Africa. They also offer a range of recuperation packages at safari camps and other interesting travel sites.
http://www.surgeon-and-safari.co.za/

Operations Abroad Worldwide

This full service company represents 24 hospitals in 14 countries, with an emphasis on India and Malta. They provide complete travel and support for patients in need of most surgical procedures.
http://www.operationsabroadworldwide.com/home.php