Medical Tourism Risks: Why Travel Insurance Matters

• Written by Mudit Handa

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Medical tourism offers an affordable alternative for those seeking healthcare facilities abroad, but it comes with its own set of risks. From unexpected complications to medical emergencies, travel without proper planning can lead to significant financial and health complications. This is why travel insurance is important for safeguarding your well-being and ensuring you’re covered in case of any mishaps during your treatment journey. Understanding the potential risks and securing the right travel health insurance coverage can give you peace of mind while seeking treatment overseas. Keep reading this blog as we’re discussing what are the medical tourism risks and how travel insurance comes to your rescue. 

What is Medical Tourism? 

Medical tourism is a popular term for travel specifically for medical treatment. A person seeking medical treatment outside the country’s borders is considered a medical tourist. India has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism for its top-notch modern health facilities and unique treatment methods rooted in traditional medicine. In fact, the Indian government, under its wellness tourism initiative, has emphasised positioning India as the centre of Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Naturopathy, and several other wellness methods that come from the wisdom of the country's ancient civilisation. 

What are the Risks of Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism offers an opportunity for affordable healthcare abroad, but it also involves several risks that can impact patients’ safety and well-being. A travel insurance policy tailored for medical tourism is essential to reduce these risks.

• Quality of Care: The standard of healthcare may vary widely between countries. Not all medical facilities abroad maintain the same quality of care as those in developed countries, leading to potential complications or inadequate treatment outcomes.
• Infectious Diseases: Travelling abroad exposes patients to unfamiliar diseases, especially if they’re undergoing surgery or medical procedures that may increase susceptibility to infections, such as hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
• Legal and Regulatory Issues: Legal protections for patients may not be the same as in their home country. Patients may also struggle to hold healthcare providers accountable in case of malpractice or complications.
• Post-Treatment Care: Aftercare and follow-up can be problematic when patients return home. Complications may arise during recovery, and patients may find it challenging to receive the necessary care from their home healthcare providers.
• Financial Risks: Although the cost of healthcare abroad may be lower, unexpected complications can lead to additional costs for treatment, travel, and extended stays. A travel insurance policy may not always cover foreign procedures or complications arising from them.
• Language Barriers and Communication Issues: Medical staff in some countries may not speak the patient’s language, which could lead to misunderstandings regarding medical procedures, medications, and post-operative care.
• Travel-related Health Risks: Long-distance travel can have health risks, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), jet lag, or any additional strain on the body. 

In order to keep your trip secured, consider buying the right travel medical insurance and ensure uninterrupted medical care abroad.  

How does Travel Medical Insurance Help? 

Travel medical insurance plays a vital role in ensuring safety and financial security for those engaging in medical tourism.  It covers a range of health-related issues that may arise during travel, offering peace of mind in case of unexpected medical events.

• Emergency Medical Expenses: In case of complications during or after treatment, travel medical insurance can cover unexpected medical expenses, including hospitalisation, emergency care, and medical repatriation.
• Post-Treatment Cover: Travel medical insurance can cover follow-up treatments, whether in the destination country or back home, to ensure that any complications or after-effects are managed properly.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: If you're in a location where proper medical care is unavailable, the travel health insurance will cover the cost of being transported to the nearest medical facility or back to your home country.
• Repatriation of Remains: In the unfortunate event of death, this covers the cost of transporting the deceased’s remains back to their home country.
• Trip Interruption or Cancellation: If a medical issue prevents you from travelling as planned, insurance can cover non-refundable expenses, such as flight tickets or hotel bookings.
• Prescription Medication: Provides coverage for the cost of necessary prescriptions during your trip if you run out or need additional medication while abroad.
• Trip Cancellation options: If the medical treatment is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted due to an unavoidable circumstance, travel health insurance will provide compensation for non-refundable costs, including the expenses related to rescheduling or cancelling flights and accommodations. 

>>Read More: Travel Insurance for Asia: Understanding the Risks

Takeaway

In the world of medical tourism, the appeal of affordable healthcare abroad can sometimes mask the potential risks, from unexpected medical emergencies to challenges within unfamiliar healthcare systems. This is why travel medical insurance is essential for ensuring your safety and well-being during your journey. With the right travel insurance policy, you gain peace of mind knowing you're covered for medical expenses, evacuations, and trip cancellations, allowing you to focus solely on your health. Protect yourself by selecting the best travel health insurance plan tailored to your needs. Don't leave your comfort and invest in the right travel medical insurance today for a stress-free and safe medical tourism experience.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.