Medical Tourism
Why Employers Care
Medical tourism is the act of traveling abroad to obtain health care. In the past couple of years, it has received greater attention in the press. Its attraction for many people is the lower cost of care and/or the ability to obtain services that would be impossible to afford close to home. Others travel for health care if they have to endure long waiting times for the same procedure in their own country. Still others pursue medical tourism if they have a condition for which treatment isn't available in their immediate environment.
Medical tourism can pose a number of risks. Destination countries might not regulate the professional licensing and certification of medical professionals as closely as an individual's home country. There is also little legal recourse if a procedure is rendered outside a given country, such as the US. Additionally, the wear and tear of travel can be especially problematic when the traveler is sick or is just recovering from surgery or other medical intervention.
What Employers Can Do
Most large employers are watching the medical tourism marketplace from the sidelines as more information about the pros and cons of this trend become available. At this time, most do not provide insurance coverage for services delivered in a medical tourism model. Anyone who is considering medical tourism should become educated about accreditation, financial, tax, and travel health considerations. It's especially important to weigh all health care options, research potential providers in detail and understand post-procedure recovery management needs.
Global Health Benefits Institute Resources
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