Medical tourism

The concept of medical tourism involves individuals traveling overseas to receive medical treatment. Historically, this term has been used to describe people from developing nations who have travelled to major medical centres in high-income countries. Recently, though, the term has come to also describe people from wealthier nations who go to poorer ones in search of affordable healthcare. The need for medical care that is either unaffordable or illegal in the native nation may also play a role. The medical authorities (FDA, EMA, etc.) across the globe have different standards for approving drugs. Patients face variations in the therapy protocols, particularly in the access to these drugs, which may be partially explained by the financial strength of the particular Health System.

While most people associate medical tourism with individuals going abroad for cosmetic surgery or related procedures, people also go for dental work and IVF. People who suffer from very uncommon diseases may go to other nations for treatment. However, psychology, alternative medicine, convalescent care, and even funeral services are all within reach.

When people travel for the express purpose of receiving medical care or making use of healthcare facilities, they are engaging in health tourism. It encompasses a broad range of health-related tourism, from that which is preventative and health-conductive to that which is therapeutic and rehabilitative. The concept of wellness tourism is connected.