Medical tourism in Thailand
Medical tourism is a fairly new phenomenon, that involves travelling outside the country one was born in – or resides in – for the purpose of receiving medical care. Growth in the popularity of medical tourism has garnered the attention of government policy makers, researchers and the media. Initially the term referred to the travel of patients from less developed countries to developed nations in pursuit of treatment not available in their homeland. But there has been a sea change.
Nowadays many people from developed nations are travelling to those less developed, as the medical facilities and technology available in those countries is now on a par with their own. And at a far more reasonable burden on their wallets.
Thailand is at the forefront of this growing trend towards medical tourism, and Expat Life is well aware of this as the Embassies and the expat groups that we serve provide the link for patients abroad seeking medical experts. Overseas guests seek the advice of our readers in the embassies, diplomatic and affluent expat/international resident community. Our readers are often the fixers or influencers to those seeking treatment in Thailand and you can now in turn inform and influence them through Expat Life.
Throughout 2018, each edition of the magazine will be taking an in depth look at just what is available in Thailand. Medical tourism represents a worldwide, multibillion-dollar opportunity, that is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade. Over the course of the coming year we will be taking a close look at the medical facilities available in the Kingdom; the range of medical treatments and procedures; the stateof the art technology and equipment; and last but not least, the incredible locations, hotels, and spas that patients can go to for their recovery and recuperation.
Thailand offers the medical traveller far more than the transgender procedures that often occupy the media spotlight. Specialties include cosmetic surgery, cancer treatment, cardiac or cardiovascular surgery, orthopaedics, cardiology, IVF/reproductive medicine, spinal surgery and dentistry. Despite rising standards of living, Thailand still remains one of the world’s best in terms of value for money, with cost savings on medical procedures ranging from 40/60% over out-of pocket fees found in United States, Europe, the Middle East and Japan.
Thailand’s world renowned spas and wellness resorts, often set in breathtaking coastal surroundings, make it even more appealing to the health traveller, particularly in a world now more conscious of preventable disease and alternative treatment strategies. Medical spas in Thailand lead the world in combining recuperation and relaxation with clinical procedures under medical supervision.
No longer will people have to scour through an internet search engine to find the information they need, it will be available in this magazine, print and online, and links to all online content will also be found on Embassy and hospital websites. You want to know all about medical tourism, procedures, and recovery/recuperation options in Thailand? Look no further than Expat Life in Thailand.
