1.

Medical Tourism in Thailand

Thailand is leading Asia as a medical tourism destination. Medical tourism in Thailand is booming; pushing other nations down the list. The number of medical tourists that come in Thailand has been steadily increasing since the early 2000's. This has resulted in the country taking its place on the top of the global medical tourism market. The major reasons that have enabled Thailand to dominate this growing market are: the low cost of medical treatment, the quality treatment provided by hospitals and private clinics, and the highly developed tourism industry.

Thailand's healthcare system

There are approximately 400 hospitals in Thailand offering advance healthcare services. The country takes pride in having the largest private hospital in Asia, as well as having the first Asian hospital to receive the ISO 9001 certification and JCI accreditation. To date, 14 hospitals in Thailand have been accredited by the JCI. Thailands Medical tourism industry is largely driven by private hospitals. Thai doctors are attracted to the international hospitals as they can earn as much as 70% more than in the public hospitals. Leading the list are the Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Group, and Samitivej Hospitals. These hospitals are widely becoming renowned globally. They are known to cater mostly to foreign patients and have been actively seeking medical tourists since 2004 or earlier. Around 3050% of the patients in these hospitals are foreigners, due to the fact that, to a greater extent, they find the hospitals cheaper than that of their home countries. However, most Thai locals still find the prices in these hospitals too costly.

Top Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Thailand

Bumrungrad International Bumrungrad International is known to have excellent facilities for medical tourists. The hospital has treated over 420,000 international patients in 2008, (including expatriates and medical tourists) from 190 countries worldwide (3). It attracts more foreign patients than any other hospital in the world. Over half of the hospital's doctors have international training and/or board certification, including 200 who are US board certified.

Bangkok Hospital Group The Bangkok Hospital Group is a leading group of hospitals with specialized services for

overseas patients. It has a network of 15 hospitals scattered all over Thailand. The Bangkok International Hospital in Bangkok tops the list. It has an International Medical Center which caters especially for medical tourists, and is completely employed with multilingual interpreters. It even has a Japanese Medical Centre with Japanese speaking physicians and nurses.

Samitivej Hospitals The Samitivej Hospitals are a well known chain in Thailand. The group has expanded and developed world class healthcare facilities, and has become recognized by medical tourists from all over the world. It has been collecting many prestigious awards in recent years, including 3 JCI accredited hospitals. Samitivej Hospitals are equipped with advanced medical equipment that compares to the leading hospitals in the North America and Europe.

Browse our list of medical tourism hospitals in Thailand.

Common Procedures done by Medical Tourists in Thailand

Healthcare services and treatments offered by the hospitals and clinics in Thailand cover an extensive list. The procedures medical tourists come for varies diversely diversely. Nevertheless, the popular treatments include the following:

Cosmetic / plastic surgeries Every aesthetic procedure in Thailand costs only a small fraction as compared to what patients in US and UK would pay back home. Yet, the standard of service and treatment is usually high.

Dental procedures From routine checkups to the most complicated dental surgeries, many Thai dental clinics and hospitals are well equipped and employed to execute a complete range of dental treatments. The costs are also comparatively low and the standards are international.

Medical check-up programs Medical check-up programs are a growing trend in the global medical tourism market. These programs are recommended for everyone, and the frequency would depend on the patient's age and condition. They are particularly recommended for patients in their 40's or 50's. Every major hospital in Thailand has inclusive check-up packages.

Cardiac procedures Many hospitals in Thailand, including the Bangkok Heart Hospital, have cardiac surgery centers. Procedures carried out in Thailand include heart bypass, angioplasty, and heart valve replacement, among others.

Orthopedic surgery Foreign patients fly Thailand to get different kinds of orthopedic procedures. Many orthopedic surgeons in Thailand have been trained overseas and equipment used for the procedures are assured to be modern and innovative, including the Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) Micro

Invasive Surgery (MAS). Common orthopedic surgeries that take place in Thailand are hip and knee replacement, as well as spine surgeries.

Infertility treatment Common procedures such as IVF, ICSI, IUI and PGD can be done in Thailand at significantly lower prices than in most developed countries.

Bariatric surgery Gastric Bypass, gastic banding (lab-band), etc. Ophtamology and eye surgeries LASIK, Cataract surgeries, etc.

Cost of Medical Treatment in Thailand Major surgeries

Cost comparison of major surgeries between US and Thailand (in US$) From data provided by BusinessWeek.com (4)

Procedure Heart bypass Heart valve replacement Angioplasty Hip replacement Knee replacement Hysterectomy Spinal fusion

US 130,000 160,000 57,000 43,000 40,000 20,000 62,000

Thailand 11,000 10,000 13,000 12,000 10,000 4,500 7,000

Cosmetic and plastic procedures

Cost comparison of cosmetic and plastic procedures between US and Thailand (in US$)

Procedure Breast augmentation Breast lift Breast reduction Buttock implant Buttock lift

US 3,500-4,000 4,000-4,500 4,000-4,500 4,000-5,000 4,000-5,000

Thailand 2,600-3,200 2,600 2,900 4,000 2,400

Cheek implant Chin augmentation Blepharoplasty Facelift Forehead lift Nose reshaping Liposuction Tummy tuck Vaginal rejuvenation Hair transplant

2,000-2,500 1,700-2,000 2,500-3,000 4,500-5,000 2,500-3,000 3,500-4,000 2,500-3,000 4,500-5,500 2,000-2,500 4,000-4,500

1,200 700 540 2,400 1,400 1,200 1,200 3,000 350-1,200 1,000-2,000

Dental procedures
Cost comparison of dental procedures between US and Thailand (in US$)

Procedure Cleaning Tooth whitening Tooth bleaching Single implant Amalgam filling Porcelain crown Ceramic crown Root canal treatment

US 100-300 800-1,200 350 - 500 3,500 200-500 600-1,000 5,500 500-2,000

Thailand 25-50 100 150 2,000 20 300-470 470-500 150

Statistics of Thailand Medical Tourism

Medical tourism in Thailand has increased dramatically in recent years. The official figures only state the number of international patients, but we estimate that 20% of those are medical tourists (1). Year Number of international Number of medical patients tourists (estimate) 300,000 280,000

2008 1,500,000 2007 1,400,000

2006 1,000,000

200,000

Medical tourists come to Thailand from almost every country in the world. The main sources for medical tourists in Thailand are:

Japan Middle East US China United Kingdom Western Europe Australia

THAILAND: Thailand medical tourism offers affordable plastic surgery abroad at ISO-certified & JCI accredited Bangkok hospitals. Breast augmentation surgery starts at US$2,600.LASIK surgery cost at a hospital in Thailand is US$3,550 LESS than the average in the USA. Cost of lap band surgery, including two nights stay in hospital just US$9,000. Medical tourism in Thailand is a low cost health insurance alternative and a great source for someof the things cheap health insurance usually excludes such as a cosmetic dentist. The latest in Thailand is that your medical tourism MUST be well guided or you may pay the same or more than it would cost in the USA or London for plastic surgery at Bangkok hospitals catering to overseas patients. Thai people themselves should and ARE going elsewhere for the best value for money for hypospadias repair, BPH TURP, penile prosthesis implant surgery for erectile dysfunction, Peyronies disease treatment and other serious, non-elective surgical procedures such as MtF FtM gender reassignment surgery. That's why we're a leading source of information about theSava Perovic Foundation with the world's best surgical solutions for all complex urogenital problems extremely high success rates, remarkably low incidence of complications. THAT'S where Thailand's leading plastic surgeons go for advanced training from Dr Rados Djinovic, the world's best urogenital reconstructive surgeon. Bangkok does not have the best MtF SRS, just better marketing and slightly lower prices. The Perovic Surgical Team no longer comes to Bangkok to provide reconstructive surgery training in the best FtM & MtF gender reassignment surgery but the ultimate plastic surgery phalloplasty penis girth enhancement penis enlargement using tissue engineering continues to be available from the Perovic Foundation in Belgrade, Serbia.

If you need affordable health care or cosmetic surgery, you can still find an advanced health care center in Bangkok that is hi-tech, modern, effective & safe. Have chronic pain? International medical tourism gets you affordable medical diagnosis and treatment from a competent, licensed, experienced and skilled medical doctor who can give you the quality health care you need. Dr Somsak Lolekha MD, PhD, former president of the Medical Council of Thailand believes: Medicine is about saving lives, not making money. Unfortunately, many Bangkok hospitals and many Thai doctors have adopted America's health care for profit model. They've become businessmen first, doctors second.

Breast cancer cure: Dr Sommai Tongprasert MD, 90, perfected his herbal cure for cancer over six decades of clinical cancer research with cancer survival rates of 80%+ for 1st & 2nd Stage breast cancer treatment, lung cancer, osteogenic sarcoma & basal cell carcinoma. Agovernment-produced 60-capsule packet of the herbal cancer cure, Phytoplex, is already for sale in Thailand for about US$17.50. Cost of comprehensive cancer treatment by Dr Sommai himself? US$140-US$315! And the herbal cancer therapy cuts chemotherapy dosage 90%! From medical tourism packages overseas to medical tourists agencies, anyone thinking about becoming a medical tourist will find this site about medical tourism in Thailand, and elsewhere, valuable food for thought and an answer to prayer. Thailand medical tourism still has some unique features and some good values for money but you may find our insights, comments, opinions, suggestions and questions relevant and applicable for any medical tourism outside of the USA, Australia, Canada or Europe. We charge you nothing to help coordinate treatment in Thailand at hospitals in Bangkok. Hospitals in Thailand report our help greatly reduces problems & improves the patient experience We try our best to stay impartial, unbiased and give you current, accurate, medical tourism facts unlikely to be mentioned by medical tourism marketers. For nearly four decades we've been researching the top medical tourism hospitals in Thailand, using them for our own health care and that of our friends and loved ones, including many Thais. There are many private hospitals in Bangkok. We've seen the good, the bad, the ugly, the cheap and the expensive. Our experience can help ensure you getexcellent value for money such as the beautiful, modern, friendly, top quality ISO certified, JCI-accredited hospitalyou CERTAINLY don't know about but we use ourselves.

Other USA medical tourists agencies may not have the experience abroad to give you a clear idea of what to expect overseas. We've got decades of first-hand experience to help you sort out the bewildering array of options:

Europe medical tourism? Top urogenital reconstructive surgeons! UK medical tourism? What about their superbugs? USA medical tourism? Only for the super-rich. Canada medical tourism? Free for them, not you. medical tourism India? OK, but compare our facilities! medical tourism Mexico? Close, but more expensive. medical tourism Costa Rica? Convenient but not better. medical tourism in the Philippines? We speak English too! Caribbean medical tourism? Surgery is not a vacation.

Just finding all those destinations on a map is already exhausting. So many continents! So many countries! So many cities! So many hospitals! So many doctors! Thailand has the quality health care you need at a price you can afford if you are well guided. Then you'll probably find you've got enough money for additional cosmetic plastic surgery and the dental work you've been postponing until you win the lottery. Dental care in Thailand costs about 85% less than the USA and 50-75% less than Mexico.

2.India Medical Tourism

India has emerged as a prime destination for medical tourists from around the globe. The services on offer range from executive health packages to complicated heart surgeries. Medical travelers come to India from Western nations to take advantage of the low cost of medical procedures, which are 40 to 80 percent lower in comparison to healthcare costs in their home countries. Medical tourists from Asia and Africa are attracted to India's superior quality in healthcare, accredited medical facilities, and Western-trained qualified medical personnel.

Healthcare System in India

The low cost of healthcare is not the only driving force of medical tourism in India. The level of healthcare service in the leading hospitals and medical centers are on par to what is being offered in US and UK hospitals and superior to most Asian countries. Patients from Western nations who opt for top notch accredited facilities will receive the same type of medical services in a manner that they are accustomed to, as doctors, nurses and other health professionals are trained and certified to Western standards and practices. Accreditation standards are controlled locally by the Indian Healthcare Federation, the Indian Medical Tourism Council and the Indian Ministry of Health. Accreditation of hospitals and other healthcare facilities are handled locally by the NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers), which is the constituent board of the QCIN (Quality Council of India). Some hospitals also have international accreditation by the Joint Commission International, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the British Standards Institute, or are affiliated with healthcare organizations and insurance companies in the US and the West.

Top Hospitals in India for Medical Tourism

Over 60 percent of medical tourists in India are catered for by top private hospitals, although there are state and public healthcare facilities that provide services to private customers as well as for the general public. The top hospitals in India usually provide an end-to-end service that combines personalized services rendered in the hotel industry to top-of-the-line quality healthcare.

Apollo Hospital Group The Apollo Group is the largest corporate healthcare provider in Asia offering first-world facilities in third-world locations. Apollo Hospitals are the first JCI-accredited facilities in India and have grown to several world-class facilities including hospitals in Bangalore, Apollo Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Punjab and Apollo Kolkata. The Apollo Group is also affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Medicine International.

Wockhardt Hospitals With one hospital located in Bangalore and another in Mumbai, the Wockhardt Hospitals are exclusive institutions that are also affiliated with the Harvard Medical International, which is the international arm of the Harvard Medical School. Wockhardt is also approved and affiliated by the Blue Cross Blue Shield, a U.S. insurance company providing coverage to US medical travelers.

Asian Heart Institute Located in Mumbai and first accredited by the JCI in October 2006. The Asian Heart Institute offers the best in cardiac care through highly trained doctors affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic, the Royal Children's Hospital and the London Chest Hospital.

Browse our list of hospitals in India.

Common Procedures done in India by Medical Tourists

Hospitals and healthcare facilities in India offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:

Orthopedic Surgery (hip replacement, knee replacement, etc) Cardiology and Cardiothoracic surgery Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery: Face, Breast, Body Contouring Dental Services (surgeries, teeth whitening, dental implants, etc) Bariatric/Obesity Surgeries Cancer and Oncology Eye / Ophthalmology (LASIK, Cataract Surgeries, Vitreo Retinal Surgery, etc) Neurosurgery General Surgery Bone Marrow Transplant Nephrology and Kidney Transplant

Cost of Medical Treatment in India

The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in India and equivalent procedures in the United States and the UK:

Price Comparison with the US [source] Medical Procedures

Procedure Angioplasty Spinal Fusion Heart Bypass Heart-valve Replacement Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Hip Replacement Mastectomy Knee Replacement Bone Marrow Transplant Liver Transplant US Hospitals $55,000 - $57,000 $60,000 - $62,000 India Average Savings $10,000 - $12,000 78% - 81% $7,000 - $8,000 85% - 88% 91% - 95% 94% - 96%

$120,000 - $130,000 $9,000 - $11,000 $150,000 - $160,000 $9,000 - $10,000 $28,000 - $30,000 $41,000 - $43,000 $39,000 - $41,000 $38,000 - $40,000

$10,000 - $12,000 60% - 64% $8,000 - $10,000 $7,000 - $8,000 $8,000 - $9,000 76% - 80% 80% - 82% 87% - 88%

$240,000 - $260,000 $68,000 - $70,000 72% - 73% $290,000 - $310,000 $68,000 - $70,000 75% - 77%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure Face Lift (rhytidectomy) US Hospitals $7,000 - $9,000 India $4,000 - $5,000 $3,000 - $4,500 $2,000 - $3,000 $2,000 - $3,500 $1,500 - $2,500 $4,000 - $5,000 Average Savings 42% - 44% 40% - 44% 48% - 50% 46% - 50% 61% - 72% 50% - 52%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) $5,000 - $8,000 Breast Reduction Complete Liposuction (Lipoplasty) Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Gluteal Augmentation $4,000 - $6,000 $4,000 - $6,500 $5,500 - $6,500 $8,000 - $10,000

Eye / Ophthalmology
Procedure Cataract surgery US Hospitals $1,500 - $2,500 India $1,000 - $1,500 Average Savings 33% - 40%

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure Root Canal Porcelain Crown Porcelain Metal Bridge Dental Implant US Hospitals $600 - $1,000 $600 - $1,000 $1,000 - $1,800 $2,500 - $3,500 India $100 - $150 $80 - $100 $250 - $350 $500 - $800 Average Savings 83% - 85% 87% - 90% 75% - 81% 77% - 80%

Price Comparison with the UK [source] Medical Procedures

Procedure Coronary Angioplasty Hip Replacement Knee Replacement UK Hospitals India Average Savings $13,000 - $15,000 $10,000 - $12,000 20% - 23% $13,500 - $14,500 $8,000 - $10,000 $16,000 - $17,000 $8,000 - $9,000 31% - 40$ 47% - 50%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure UK Hospitals India Average Savings

Face Lift (rhytidectomy)

$11,000 - $12,000 $4,000 - $5,000 $3,000 - $4,500 $2,000 - $3,000 $2,000 - $3,500 $1,500 - $2,500

65% - 75% 50% - 60% 67% - 75% 42% - 60% 61% - 73%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) $7,000 - $8,000 Breast Reduction Liposuction (lipoplasty) Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) $8,000 - $9,000 $5,000 - $6,000 $5,500 - $6,500

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure Root Canal (per canal) Dental Implants UK Hospitals $300 - $400 $3,000 - $4,000 India $100 - $150 $500 - $800 Average Savings 62% - 67% 80% - 83%

Malpractice and Liability Laws in India

Doctors in India are responsible for their activities and medical performance under the law. In India,malpractice cases are handled by consumer courts and awards given are restricted only to the actual medical damage incurred. Medical travelers to India are advised to make use of a specialized insurance company to insure their visit.

Statistics for Medical Tourism in India

It is estimated that over 450,000 medical tourists traveled to India to seek healthcare in 2007, a tremendous growth from the estimated 150,000 in 2002. Experts agree that India's medical tourism industry is expected to keep growing in the coming years.

India is Fast Becoming the Preferred Destination for Medical Tourism

India, touted as the favourite destination for information technology majors, is currently emerging as a preferred destination for medical or health tourism. The Government of India, State tourism boards, travel agents, tour operators, hotel companies and private sector hospitals are exploring the medical tourism industry for tremendous opportunities. They are seeking to capitalise on the opportunities by combining the countrys popular leisure tourism with medical tourism. What makes India attractive? The Indian medical tourism industry, growing at an annual rate of 30 percent, caters to patients chiefly from the US, Europe, West Asia and Africa. Although in its nascent stage, the industry is outsmarting similar industries of other countries such as Greece, South Africa, Jordan, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore. In 2004, 1,50,000 medical tourists have visited India. What makes it so attractive?

Foremost is the cost factor. The medical costs in India are one-tenth of the costs in western countries. For instance, a heart surgery costs $6,000 in India as against $30,000 in the US. Similarly, a bone marrow transplant costs $26,000 in India as compared to $2,50,000 in the US.

Secondly, foreign patients throng Indian hospitals to pass up the long waiting lists and queues in their native countries. Indian hospitals provide immediate attention to patients rather than asking them to wait for several months like in most western countries. Further, foreign patients need not tackle insurance and national medical systems in India as they have to in their native lands.

India offers the best treatments in modern medicine and in every medical division such as cardiology, orthopaedic surgery, eye care, gynaecology, cosmetic surgery and dental surgery. It also provides traditional methods of treatment such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Yoga.

Indias private hospitals have gained international recognition for their state -of-the-art facilities and diagnostic centres besides unsurpassed skills. Their technology and procedures are on par with hospitals in developed nations.

Foreign patients can get package deals including flights, transfers, hotels, treatment and postoperative vacation for their medical visits to India. Many foreign patients prefer to combine their leisure and relaxation visits to India with healthcare. The Government of India has declared that treating of foreign patients is legal. It is encouraging medical tourism in the country by offering tax breaks and export incentives to participating hospitals. In addition, the Government has cleared medical visas.

Whos in it?

The chief cities attracting foreign patients to India are Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai. Similarly, the speciality hospitals excelling in the medical tourism industry in the country are:

Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre Limited, New Delhi All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi Manipal Heart Foundation, Bangalore B. M. Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai Wockhardt Hospitals Christian Medical College, Vellore Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai PD Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai Apollo Hospital, Delhi Apollo Cancer Hospital, Chennai

How can the trend be further encouraged? The medical tourism industry in India is presently earning revenues of $333 million. Encouraged by the incredible pace of growth exhibited by the industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and McKinsey have predicted that the industry will grow to earn additional revenue of $2.2 billion by 2012. With a view to facilitating the medical tourism industry to achieve the targets and to give greater momentum for its growth, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare together with the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of India has set up a Task Force. The Task Force will evaluate the opportunities in the industry and formulate a policy for accrediting healthcare institutions in the country. The accreditation programme is aimed at classifying health service providers on the basis of infrastructure and quality of services offered. It is expected to standardise procedures and facilitate foreign patients in selecting the best hospitals. Meanwhile, several hospitals in the country are seeking to take advantage of the booming medical tourism industry. They are investing largely in acquiring equipments, size and skills. To provide for brighter prospects for the industry, the hospitals can also acquire international accreditation, integrate traditional and clinical treatments and offer end-to-end value added services by tying up with tour operators, airline carriers and hotel companies. Hospitals can also allow foreign patients to pay through credit and ensure proper support services to foreign patients after they return to their native countries. Lastly, the Government of India can also reinforce its support through quick visa processing, improved flight connectivity and infrastructure development.

3.Medical Tourism in the Philippines

Foreign nationals choose the Philippines as their medical tourism destination for low cost aesthetic and dental procedures. They expect to enjoy the care and compassion that they are familiar with in US, Australian or Middle Eastern hospitals, which are staffed with Western-trained Filipino nurses and physicians. Thousands of Filipino expats visit the Philippines for medical care as well, usually combining the medical procedure with their family visit.

Healthcare System in the Philippines

Since 2006, a bill was passed in the Philippine Congress creating the Medical Tourism Bureau and prompted the nation to start promoting health tourism. The first few years proved successful catapulting the Philippines among the list of choice destinations in the industry. Health travelers to the country find this to be the case, as they are assisted by highly competent, English-speaking and Western-trained medical staff in over 2,000 hospitals in the country. Philippine health professionals are products of more than 313 health education institutions, and 60% to 80% of whom would eventually work or train abroad and get international medical diplomas. In fact, the Filipinos constitute the second largest group of foreign students that graduated in the medical field from US institutions. Several of these professionals who return home to practice their profession would bring back the latest in technologies, techniques, and expertise and build their own world-class medical practice. In the Philippines, dentistry students need to undergo 4 years preparatory and 2 years of practical dentistry. After passing the dentistry board, they would then need another one or two year's specialization study. For physicians, a student would undergo 4 to 5 years pre-med study, then another 4 years of practical medicine and 1 year internship before they can take the medical board exams administered by the Philippines Board of Medicine, which is a special branch of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). After passing, the physician can now be called a General Practitioner, but it would take him several years of medical graduate study if he wants to pursue medical specialization 4 years for most specialized fields and up to 8 years for surgical related specializations like neurosurgery, cosmetic surgeries, etc. ThePhilippine Medical Association supervises and monitors the practice of medical doctors of all fields, although there are also separate medical associations that are grouped according to the area of specialization.

Hospitals in the Philippines undergo periodic accreditation from the Philippines Department of Health. Some of these medical institutions have international accreditation from the Joint Commissions International (JCI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Privately-owned hospitals located in the National Capital Region or Metro Manila offer the best in medical facilities and luxurious five-star accommodation that are equal to Western hospitals and cater to medical tourists. However, there are clear differences between the private or corporate health facilities as compared to the public health system, which usually do not offer the same quality that patients receive from private institutions. For medical tourists, it is advisable to avail themselves of the medical tourism packages offered by private hospitals and health facilities if they want to get the best healthcare services available.

Top Hospitals for Medical Tourism in the Philippines

Philippine Heart Center - Quezon City Established in 1975, the Philippine Heart Center is regarded as one of the most active cardiac care treatment and surgery center in the Asia-Pacific region. Located in a 2.7 hectare facility with two hospitals and a medical arts building, the institution offers various cardiac, cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular procedures for both local and international patients.

Asian Hospital and Medical Center - Muntinlupa City Established only in 2002, the Asian Hospital is the first major private health facility in the south of Metro Manila. Success came quickly, as in 2005 it received an award as the Most Outstanding Modern Hospital. It offers world-class treatments and facilities catering to both local and international patients seeking various health services including Cardiology, Cosmetic Surgery, Dermatology, Executive Health Screening, Oncology, General Surgery and Urology among others.

St. Luke's Medical Center - Quezon City / Fort Bonifacio Global City The second JCI-accredited health facility in the Philippines, St. Luke's Medical Center is the premiere health center in the Philippines that offers 21st century medical facilities and services using the most advanced technologies. Established in 1903, the hospital has 9 institutes, 13 departments and a total of 19 health centers offering various medical treatments and procedures. These cater for both local and international clientele.

Manila Doctors Hospital - Ermita, Manila Established in 1956, this ISO-certified health facility is a private tertiary hospital that offers various health and medical services catering to local and international patients. Among the

services offered are Industrial Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Special Diagnostics, Laboratory Medicine and other Clinical services.

Browse our list of hospitals in Philippines >>.

Common Treatments Done by Medical Tourists in the Philippines

Foreign medical tourists to the Philippines usually go for aesthetic and un-complicated procedures, whilst Filipino expats return home for all types of medical procedures. The following procedures are more common among non Filipino medical tourists:

Aesthetic procedures Cosmetic surgery Dentistry Dermatology Eye Surgery & Ophthalmology Fertility Treatment General Surgery Hair Transplantation Rehabilitation Weight Loss Surgery Stem Cell Therapy

Cost of Medical Treatments in the Philippines

The following are cost comparisons between medical procedures in the Philippines and equivalent procedures in the United States: [Sources: 1]

Medical Procedures
Procedure Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Heart-valve Replacement Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Hip Replacement Knee Replacement Prostate surgery (TURP procedure) US Hospitals $70,000 - $133,000 $75,000 - $140,000 $35,000 - $52,000 $33,000 - $57,000 $30,000 - $53,000 $10,000 - $16,000 Philippines $11,500 - $17,500 $14,000 - $21,000 $2,000 - $3,500 $5,000 - $7,600 $5,200 - $7,700 $1,500 - $2,700 Average Savings 83% - 86% 81% - 85% 92% - 94% 84% - 86% 82% - 85% 83% - 85%

Liver Transplant Kidney Transplant

$290,000 $310,000 $200,000 $250,000

$120,000 $150,000 $23,000 - $25,000

51% - 58% 88% - 90%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Face Lift (rhytidectomy) Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) Breast Reduction Complete Liposuction (lipoplasty) Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) US Hospitals $6,000 - $10,000 $10,500 -16,000 $7,500 - $8,500 $8,000 - $10,000 $13,000 - $14,000 $5,500 - $6,500 Philippines $3,000 - $4,000 $3,500 - $4,500 $3,000 - $3,500 $3,000 - $3,200 $3,000 - $4,000 $2,000 - $2,500 Average Savings 50% - 60% 66% - 71% 58% - 60% 62% - 68% 71% - 76% 61% - 63%

Eye / Ophthalmology
Procedure Cataract surgery US Hospitals $1,500 - $2,500 Philippines $800 - $900 Average Savings 46% - 64%

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure Dental Implant US Hospitals $3,500 - $5,500 Philippines $500 - $600 Average Savings 85% - 89%

Malpractice and Liability Laws in the Philippines

In the Philippines, there are adequate provisions in the Philippine Revised Penal Code for medical malpractice that would protect patients against medical negligence and incompetence from erring or criminal physicians. On top of this, the Republic Act #9173 or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 has also been passed by Congress to guarantee the delivery of basic health services through adequate and competent nursing personnel in the country. Significant awards have been awarded to victims of confirmed medical malpractice cases as well as

fines meted out by the Department of Health on erring physicians. However, according to the Philippine Medical Association in a Medical Malpractice Workshop conducted in 2005, such medical malpractice incidence account only for a mere 0.00003% of the total number of affected patients. The Philippine Congress and the Senate continue to file bills related to medical malpractice and healthcare liability, although the medical sector continue to oppose passing of these resolutions, stating that these are detrimental to the healthcare industry in the country.

4.Medical Tourism in Malaysia

-- choose specialty --

Malaysia is one the fastest emerging destinations for medical tourism in Asia, mainly catering for Asian health travelers.

According to the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), the majority of Malaysia's medical tourists come from Indonesia mainly due to the superior quality of healthcare that Malaysia offers. The same reason draws health travelers from other Asian countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan. Patients from richer Asian countries like Singapore and Japan, (which are the second and third highest origins of medical travelers respectively), visit Malaysia due to the lower prices of medical procedures. Australians and people from the European Union are attracted to the lower cost of medical procedures in Malaysia, whilst Middle Eastern medical travelers visit Malaysia for both the price and the quality of healthcare provided.

Healthcare System in Malaysia

The majority of hospitals offering services to medical tourists are privately owned institutions following internationally recognized standards in healthcare. Currently, there are at least 35 hospitals in Malaysia that are being geared towards medical tourism. All are accredited locally by the Malaysian Medical Society for Quality of Health (MSQH) and are licensed by the Malaysian Ministry of Health. Most of these hospitals are accredited by international bodies including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Joint Commissions International (JCI) among others, making them on par with medical institutions in western countries. Doctors and staff practicing at Malaysian international hospitals are English-speaking and internationally trained. Over 90 percent of these doctors were trained in the UK, USA or Australia, and in some cases are involved in international medical research.

Top Hospitals in Malaysia for Medical Tourism

Penang Adventist Hospital Jalan Burma, Malaysia First accredited by the JCI on November 2007. Established in 1924, this non-profit hospital is fully owned and controlled by a Malaysian company and has grown since then as a tertiary healthcare institution using up-to-date medical equipment and procedures.

Twin Towers Medical Center Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is the in-house medical facility situated in the Petronas Twin Tower complex. This medical center is the largest outpatient polyclinic in Malaysia's premiere commercial center, catering to both local and international patients.

Institute Jantung Negara National Heart Institute Also known as IJN, it is the leading heart institution in Malaysia offering advanced cardiovascular and thoracic health services to both adult and pediatric patients, working in conjunction with leading international medical organizations and using the latest techniques in heart care.

Prince Court Medical Center Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia First accredited by the JCI on December 2008. Privately owned by Petronas, the hospital boasts of a 300-bed state-of-the art medical center offering various healthcare services including cardiology, plastic surgery and wellness treatments.

International Specialist Eye Center (ISEC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

First accredited by the JCI on February 2009. An ambulatory surgical center or ASC, ISEC is Malaysia's premiere center for ophthalmology and eye care.

Browse our list of hospitals in Malaysia >>.

Common Treatments done by Medical Tourists in Malaysia

Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Malaysia offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:

Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery Endocrinology Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) General and Cosmetic Dentistry Gastroenterology General Surgery Dialysis and Nephrology Health Screening and Special Diagnostic Services Health Screening Packages Health rejuvenation packages Immunization and Vaccination Services Internal Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology Ophthalmology Orthopedics Pediatrics Urology

Cost of Medical Treatment in Malaysia

The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Malaysia and equivalent procedures in the UK and the United States:

Cost comparison with the UK [source] General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure UK Hospitals Malaysia Average Savings

Face Lift (rhytidectomy)

$11,000 - $12,000 $2,500 - $3,500 70% - 77% $3,000 - $4,000 50% - 57% $3,000 - $4,000 55% - 63% $900 - $1,000 55% - 67%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) $7,000 - $8,000 Breast Reduction Breast Lift Tummy Tuck Liposuction (lipoplasty) Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) $8,000 - $9,000 $2,000 - $3,000 $6,000 - $7,000 $5,000 - $6,000 $5,500 - $6,500

$2,000 - $2,500 64% - 67% $2,000 - $3.000 50% - 60% $2,000 - $2,500 61% - 64%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure Porcelain Bonded Crowns Root Canal (per canal) UK Hospitals $950 - $1,000 $300 - $400 Malaysia $150 - $200 $200 - $250 Average Savings 80% - 84% 33% - 38%

Cost comparison with the USA [source] Medical Procedures

Procedure Angioplasty Heart Bypass Heart-valve Replacement Hip Replacement Hysterectomy Knee Replacement US Hospitals $55,000 - $57,000 Malaysia $7,500 - $8,500 Average Savings 80% - 86%

$120,000 - $130,000 $11,500 - $12,500 90% - 91% $150,000 - $160,000 $14,500 - $15,500 90% - 91% $41,000 - $43,000 $18,000 - $20,000 $38,000 - $40,000 $9,500 - $10,500 $3,500 - $4,500 $7,500 - $8,500 75% - 77% 77% - 81% 78% - 80%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure Face Lift (rhytidectomy) US Hospitals $7,000 - $9,000 Malaysia $2,500 - $3,500 $3,000 - $4,000 $3,000 - $4,000 $2,000 - $3.000 Average Savings 61% - 64% 40% - 50% 25% - 33% 50% - 53%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) $5,000 - $8,000 Breast Reduction Complete Liposuction (lipoplasty) $4,000 - $6,000 $4,000 - $6,500

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

$5,500 - $6,500

$2,000 - $2,500

61% - 63%

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure Root Canal Porcelain Crown US Hospitals $600 - $1,000 $600 - $1,000 Malaysia $200 - $250 $150 - $200 Average Savings 67% - 75% 75% - 80%

Malpractice and Liability Laws in Malaysia

Statistics from 2004 have indicated that at least 50 percent of private medical practitioners in Malaysia had no medical indemnity cover, although the Ministry of Health in Malaysia have declared an increasing trend in the amount of compensation paid by the Malaysian government for liability cases since the year 2000. At present, the Malaysian government follows the Tort system for the control and regulation of litigation cases due to medical malpractice of negligence, wherein compensation is paid only for proven negligent cases

5.Singapore Medical Tourism

Search Singapore for browse Singapore hospitals and clinics or

The small state of Singapore is is well-known for its very stringent laws and regulations particularly in the areas involving cleanliness. These regulations are carried over to Singapore's ultra-high quality levels in healthcare and world-class facilities, making it an ideal destination for medical travelers who are looking for modern infrastructure, a clean and structured environment, and an English-speaking populace.

Singapore's Healthcare System

The World Health Organization ranked Singapore as the 6th best health system in the world, much higher than the United States and Canada. Singapore hospitals and health centers are either government or public facilities like the Singapore General Hospital, or are privately owned like the Raffles and Parkway hospitals. These hospitals offer 'top-of-the-line' quality healthcare services and facilities. They are serviced by English-speaking and internationally trained medical practitioners and staff. Singapore health facilities receive local accreditation from the Singapore Health Promotion Board, the Singapore Laboratory Accreditation System (SINGLAS), the Singapore Accreditation

Council (SAC) and the Ministry of Health. Most of these hospitals are also accredited by top international regulation and standardization bodies. Medical practitioners' standards and practices are regulated by the Singapore Medical Council,Singapore Nursing Board, Singapore Dental Board, Pharmacy Board and the Laboratory Board. The Health Sciences Authority and the Singapore Accreditation Council controls and regulates the certification of medical devices and other health products.

Top Hospitals in Singapore for Medical Tourism

In 2006, there were already 29 hospitals and specialty centers catering to medical travelers. These offer ultra-high quality healthcare and accommodation facilities serviced by 7,000 doctors and over 15,000 registered nurses. These medical facilities have international accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), ISO and OHSAS. Singapore has a number of JCI-accredited hospitals. These include the following top hospitals:

Alexandra Hospital First accreditation by the JCI took place on July 2005 and was renewed on October 2008. The facility started out as the British Military Hospital during the 1930's and was renamed Alexandra after it was handed over to the government in 1971.

National Heart Center of Singapore First accreditation by the JCI on October 2005 and was renewed on July 2008. It is Singapore's major health center for cardiovascular and other cardiac needs catering to both local and foreign patients.

National University Hospital First accreditation by the JCI took place on August 2004 and was renewed on July 2007. It is the only university hospital in Singapore that offers international acute tertiary care.

Parkway Hospitals Singapore Pte Ltd The Parkway Hospitals is a group of three JCI-accredited health facilities which includes the East Shore Hospital, the Gleneagles Hospital and the Mount Elizabeth hospital. These are private healthcare facilities offering local and international health services with tie-ups to healthcare institutions in Australia, UK and the United States.

Raffles Hospital First accreditation by the JCI took place on December 2008. It is an international patient's center that offers a full range of personalized and specialized healthcare services.

Singapore General Hospital First accreditation by the JCI on July 2005 and was renewed on July 2008. Established in

1821, it is the flagship hospital for the public sector and is the oldest and largest tertiary hospital offering a full range of health specialties.

Institute of Mental Health / Woodbridge Hospital First accreditation by the JCI took place on July 2005 and was renewed on July 2008. It is the only institution in Singapore that provides multi-disciplinary tertiary psychiatric services.

Browse our list of hospitals in Singapore >>.

Common Treatments done in Singapore by Medical Tourists

Singaporean hospitals and healthcare facilities offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:

Orthopedic Surgery (hip and knee replacements, etc) Cardiac Surgeries (heart bypass, valve replacements, etc) Cancer and Oncology Neurology and Neurosurgery Cosmetic Surgery Dental Services (surgeries, dental implants, etc) Bariatric Surgeries Eye / Ophthalmology (LASIK, Cataract surgeries, etc) Pediatrics Non-surgical Rejuvenation (botox, microdermabrasion, etc)

Cost of Medical Treatment in Singapore

The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Singapore and equivalent procedures in the United States: [sources 1, 2, 3]

Cardiac Surgery
Procedure Heart Bypass Heart Valve Replacement Coronary Angioplasty Coronary Angiography US Hospitals $55,000 $130,000 $130,000 $160,000 $42,000 - $57,000 $5,500 - $6,000 Singapore $13,000 $18,500 $12,000 13,000 $11,500 $13,000 $1,300 - $1,500 Average Savings 70-80% 90-92% 70-77% 70-75%

Orthopedic Surgery
Procedure Hip Replacement Hip Resurfacing Knee Replacement Spinal Fusion US Hospitals $24,000 - $43,000 $45,000 - $50,000 $38,000 - $42,000 $60,000 - $63,000 Singapore $12,000 $16,000 $13,000 $15,000 $12,000 $13,500 $8,000 $10,000 Average Savings 50-65% 70-75% 65-70% 80-85%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) Breast Augmentation/Reduction (Mammoplasty) Liposuction (Lipoplasty) Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Eyelid Surgery US Hospitals Singapore Average Savings 60-65% 18-20% 60-65% 40-46% 25-40% 45-50%

$19,000 - $21,000 $6,500 - $7,500 $9,000 - $11,000 $7,000 - $9,000

$14,000 - $16,000 $4,500 - $5,500 $6,500 - $7,500 $8,000 - $9,000 $6,500 - $7,500 $3,500 - $4,500 $6,000 - $6,500 $3,500 - $4,000

Eye / Ophthalmology
Procedure LASIK Eye Surgery US Hospitals $2,000 - $2,500 Singapore $1,500 - $2,000 Average Savings 20-25%

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure Root Canal US Hospitals $800 - $1200 Singapore $350 - $900 Average Savings 25-60%

Other procedures
Procedure Stem Cell Transplant Hysterectomy US Hospitals $200,000 $250,000 Singapore $72,000 $90,000 Average Savings 60-65% 70-75%

$19,000 - $21,000 $5,500 - $6,500

Malpractice and Liability Laws in Singapore

Doctors in Singapore are required to have suitable medical malpractice insurance, but these are not as expensive as compared to the US. The costs are recovered through payments for medical procedures and treatments as shouldered by patients.

6.Medical Tourism in Brazil

Vascular Surgery

Brazil has some of the leading hospitals in the world, particularly in the private sector, and its plastic surgeons have an excellent reputation. The cost of medical procedures in Brazil are much lower than in the United States, yet higher than in other medical tourism destination such as Thailand and India. Private surgeons and top hospitals in Brazil are gradually entering the medical tourism market and trying to accommodate the needs of the English and Spanish speaking health travelers. The large Arab community in Brazil is also a factor in attracting a flow of medical travelers from the Middle East.

Brazil's healthcare system

Approximately 60% of Brazil's hospitals are privately owned, either profit or non-profit, while the remaining 40% percent are public hospitals. And 80% of urban inpatients as well as most medical tourism patients are catered for by privately-owned health facilities. When coming to Brazil for a medical procedure, you are advised to seek care in one of the top private hospitals and clinics, rather than in the public healthcare system. The country is has 25 hospitals which are accredited by the Joint Commission International and

these health facilities are considered among the best in Latin America. Some hospitals are accredited by the Consortium of Brazilian Accreditation and the Brazilian Hospital Medical Quality Organization (ONA) as well as by other regulatory bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Canadian Council on Health Services (CCHSA) and the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Physicians education and certification After graduation from medical school, Brazilian physicians undergo medical residence for a predetermined duration as required by the specialized practice they intend to take. After completion, the physicians are presented to a board of medical examiners from the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine(Conselho Federal de Medicina), the professional regulatory and licensing body for medicine in Brazil, before they are given the title of specialist. After the license is granted, the physician can then practice their specialization and be a member of theBrazilian Medical Association (Associao Mdica Brasileira) and the Sociedade Brasileira de Clnica Mdica. Many of Brazil's cosmetic surgeons were trained in US Institutions and are either certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or are members of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Top hospitals for medical tourism in Brazil

Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital - Sao Paolo Received its first JCI accreditation in December 1999 and became the first JCI-accredited health facility outside the USA. The hospital is known for its Disease or Condition-Specific Care (DCSC) program as well as its Stroke Program.

Sociedade Hospital Samaritano - Sao Paolo This is a privately-owned hospital in operation since 1894 and is a member of the Health Consortium Brazil. This health facility was established by a group of immigrants from the US, Great Britain and Germany and is now a part of a group of private hospitals geared towards exporting Brazilian healthcare to different parts of the world.

Hospital do Coracao - Sao Paolo Established in 1985, it is a philanthropic hospital which is now ranked as one of the main reference health centers in South America. With 37 medical specialties available in the facility, the hospital is also a pioneer in medical technologies in the country, particularly in the field of cardiology and cardiac medicine. Medical staff can communicate in Portuguese, Spanish, English and even Arabic, which is ideal for medical tourists from the Middle East region.

Common treatments done by medical tourists in Brazil

Cosmetic & plastic surgery Ophthalmology Fertility treatment General surgery Neurosurgery Weight loss/Obesity surgery Cardiac surgery Dermatology Dental treatments Hair transplant

Cost of medical treatments in Brazil

The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Brazil and equivalent procedures in the United States: [Source]

Medical Procedures
Procedure Bariatric / Gastric-Bypass Surgeries US Hospitals $8,500 - $13,000 Brazil Average Savings $3,200 - $3,800 62% - 70%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Face Lift (rhytidectomy) US Hospitals $6,000 - $10,000 $10,500 -16,000 Brazil Average Savings $4,200 - $4,800 30% - 52% $5,500 - $6,500 47% - 59% $3,500 - $4,000 50% - 53% $4,000 - $4,500 50% - 55%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) $7,500 - $8,500 Breast Reduction Complete Liposuction (lipoplasty) Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) $8,000 - $10,000

$13,000 - $14,000 $3,000 - $4,000 70% - 75% $5,500 - $6,500 $3,000 - $3,500 45% - 47%

Malpractice and liability laws in Brazil

Brazil's exposure to Western influences has increased the local sensitivity to issues related to medical malpractice and liability. This influence has attributed to the increase in malpractice lawsuits

against physicians and hospitals in Brazil. In response, new types of insurance coverage that include medical liability were made available to protect private hospitals, medical groups and health professionals in Brazil. When choosing a hospital or a surgeon in Brazil, medical tourists should make sure the health practitioners are covered against medical liability lawsuits

Statistics for medical tourism in Brazil

In 2005, there were approximately 49 thousand medical tourists that came to Brazil. These figures were determined by EMBRATUR - Brazilian Institute of Tourism. With the formation of the Brazilian Consortium for Health these figures are expected to increase during the following years. This includes the 90% of former visitors who according to EMBRATUR plan on returning back to Brazil for medical treatment.

7.Medical Tourism in Turkey

Turkey offers high quality facilities for medical, thermal, spas and wellness services whilst incorporating five-star hotel accommodation into the package. Turkey has become a choice destination for medical tourists coming from European countries such as England, Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria and others, as well as Middle Eastern and Arab countries.

Turkey's Healthcare System

Turkey is currently seeking to join the European Union and is set to receive membership by 2014. In preparation for this, both government and private healthcare institutions are conducting strict implementation of quality, technical and medical standards. These factors are constantly monitored by independent watchdogs set by the Ministry of Health. The MOH, together with an Independent Turkish Medical Associations sets the local standards and guidelines that are followed by hospitals, healthcare facilities and medical practitioners. The Turkish Ministry of Health owns and operates approximately 55% of Turkey's more than 1200 hospitals, whilst the rest are owned by universities, private companies and foreign entities. Many hospitals have local and international accreditation including the JCI (Joint Commissions International), the JACHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and affiliations with Western medical groups and facilities. Most hospitals in Turkey have English-speaking doctors and medical staff that are certified by

the Turkish Medical Association as well as being members of organizations according to their specializations, including the Turkish Dental Association, Turkish Gynecologist & Obstetric Association, Turkish Orthopedic and Traumatology Association, Turkish Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Society,Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, and other specialized associations.

Top Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Turkey

Turkey boasts of more than 30 medical facilities that are accredited by the Joint Commission International. This is the largest accreditation that any country has ever achieved. Most of these hospitals are also affiliated with top US medical providers such as the Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins Medicine amongst others. Hospitals catering to medical tourism in Turkey are equipped with the latest medical technologies and have board-certified staff, with over 35% of them trained in the US and other Western countries. The top hospitals in Turkey for health tourism include:

Istanbul Memorial Hospital - Istanbul, Turkey The first hospital in Turkey to be accredited by the JCI in March 2002. It has since been reaccredited twice - once in 2005 and again in 2008.

Anadolu Medical Center - Kocaeli, Turkey First accreditation by the JCI on February 2007. The facility is affiliated with Johns Hopkins International and focuses on cardiac care, neurological sciences, oncology, women's health and other surgical specialties.

Acibadem Healthcare Group Affilitiated with Harvard Medical International, the Acibadem Healthcare Group is composed of five JCI accredited hospitals located in different locations in Turkey, including the Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital, Acibadem Bursa Hospital, Acibadem Kocaeli Hospital, Acibadem Kadikoy Hospital, and the Acibadem Kozyatagi Hospital.

Medical Park Healthcare Group The Medical Park Healthcare Group is composed of four JCI accredited hospitals located in various areas in Turkey which includes the MPHG Antalya Hospital, MPHG Bahcelievler Hospital, MPHG Bursa Hospital, and the MPHG Goztepe Hospital.

Florence Nightingale Hospital Group The Florence Nightingale Hospital Group is composed of three JCI accredited hospitals located in various areas in Turkey which includes the Sisli FN Hospital, Gayrettepe FN Hospital, and the Kadiky FN Hospital.

Dunya Eye Hospital First accreditation by the JCI on July 2006. It is one of the top eye hospitals in Turkey and is one of the best in the world in terms of success rates for its more than 1000 cataract operations per month.

Browse our list of hospitals in Turkey.

Common Treatments done by Medical Tourists in Turkey

For generations, Turkey has been known for its excellent thermal spa resorts, some of which have been in existence since the time of the Romans. In modern times, the hospitals and healthcare facilities in Turkey offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:

Plastic Surgery Fertility and Sterility General and Aesthetic Dentistry Beauty Centers Eye Health Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Renal Dialysis Stem Cell Transplantations Sleep Disorders Psoriasis Treatment Physiotherapy Oxygen Therapy

Cost of Medical Treatment in Turkey

The following are cost comparisons of medical procedures in Turkey and equivalent procedures in the United Kingdom: [source]

Medical Procedures
Procedure Coronary Angioplasty UK Hospitals Turkey Average Savings

$13,000 - $15,000 $5,000 - $6,000 60% - 65%

Hip Replacement Prostrate Removal (Prostatectomy) Knee Replacement Hemorrhoids Removal

$13,500 - $14,500 $6,500 - $7,500 45% - 50$ $7,000 - $8,000 $5,500 - $6,500 15% - 20%

$16,000 - $17,000 $7,000 - $8,000 50% - 60% $3,000 - $4,000 $1,500 - $2,500 45% - 55%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure Face Lift (rhytidectomy) UK Hospitals Turkey Average Savings

$11,000 - $12,000 $3,000 - $4,000 65% - 75% $3,000 - $4,000 50% - 60% $3,500 - $4,500 50% - 60% $2,000 - $3,000 55% - 65% $3,000 - $4,000 40% - 45% $3,000 - $4,000 55% - 60%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) $7,000 - $8,000 Breast Reduction Liposuction (lipoplasty) Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) $8,000 - $9,000 $5,000 - $6,000 $5,500 - $6,500 $8,000 - $9,000

Eye / Ophthalmology
Procedure LASIK Eye Surgery Cataract Removal UK Hospitals $1,500 - $2,500 $4,000 - $5,000 Turkey Average Savings

$1,000 - $1,500 20% - 25% $1,000 - $2,000 55% - 65%

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure Root Canal (per canal) Tooth Whitening Dental Implants Gold Crowns

UK Hospitals $300 - $400 $900 - $1200 $3,000 - $4,000 $800 - $850

Turkey $100 - $150 $400 - $500 $900 - $1500 $200 - $250

Average Savings 55% - 65% 50% - 60% 70% - 75% 70% - 75%

Malpractice and Liability Laws in Turkey

In a report by Abigail Cotterill (from the ADMD Law Firm on Medical Malpractice in Turkey), she describes that there are relatively low malpractice suits in Turkey. This is the case, even when healthcare providers do not normally carry malpractice insurance and the government is paying for damages on suits against state facilities. In this regard, the Forensic Medicine Association was established in Turkey, focusing on legal cases involving malpractice. Reforms have also been established to implement compulsory insurance for medical practitioners in both state and privateowned health facilities.

Statistics for Medical Tourism in Turkey

Located in a strategic area that borders Asia and Europe, Turkey is fast becoming a popular destination for medical travelers. Figures show, that more than 200,000 medical tourists from Europe and the Middle East arrived in 2008, representing a 40% increase from 2007. In a 2007 study on health tourism, the British rated Turkey as one of the top three destinations for medical tourism, with India and Hungary sharing the top spot.

8. Medical Tourism in Mexico

In recent years, Mexico has been a popular destination for US citizens seeking health care. Its proximity to the United States and the relatively low travel costs, have been drawing Americans and Canadians. Numbered among these are also Mexican-Americans, who return home to their family doctor/dentist and save money. It was initially famed for its dentistry and cosmetic surgery. However its orthopedic procedures now add to Mexico's attractions. With state-of-the-art facilities comparable to American hospitals, Mexico has become one of the premier destinations for US medical tourists.

Healthcare System in Mexico

According to the World Health Organization Mexican healthcare system is ranked 61 in the world [source]. The private hospitals in Mexico are usually similar in quality and care to those in the United States. There are medical packages which offer accommodation and aftercare away from the urban areas and closer to the vibrant beaches. Mexico's best hospitals and clinics are based in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Many private clinics that cater for to Americans are located across the US border, in cities like Tijuana, Mexicali and Laredo. Waiting times in Mexico are not a problem and are generally non-existent. There is also an option to save on prescription medicine for a quicker and smoother aftercare. Mexican costs of medicines are almost half those of the USA and Canada. International patients in Mexico are offered their own private room and face-to-face personal interaction with their doctor or surgeon. Hospitals and clinics are equipped with up-to-date technology, well-trained doctors and 'on-hand' medical staff to cater to all types of medical tourists. The following Mexican hospitals are accredited by the JCI:

The American British Cowdray Medical Center IAP Observatorio Campus, Mexico City Hospital ABC is a non-profit private hospital regulated under the Ley de Institution de Asistencia Privadas. Established in 1941, it is governed by a Board of volunteers, all prominent Mexicans and expatriates. Among the facilities are 200 in-patient beds and state-of-the-art medical technology. It offers a full range of diagnostic, medical and surgical services.

The American British Cowdray Medical center IAP Santa Fe Campus, Mexico City Christus Muguerza Alta Especialidad, Monterrey, Mexico Christus Muguerza hospital network encompasses 3 hospitals in Monterrey and other Mexican cities. It recently opened a modern health center that caters for short stay surgeries.

Clinica Cumbres Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico Hospital CIMA Hermosillo, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico Hospital CIMA Monterrey, Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia N.L. Mexico Hospital San Jose Tec de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico A world class hospital accredited for its high quality and best-in-class patient care. Since 1969, it has focused on the well-being of care, and the best medical professionals and procedures in a cost-effective way. It is sponsored by the internationally recognized Tecnologico de Monterrey and is located only 150 miles from the US border.

Hospital Y Clinica OCA, S.A. de C.V., Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico The largest private hospital in the city Browse our list of Mexico hospitals and clinics

Common Treatments done by Medical Tourists in Mexico

Wikipedia lists Mexico among the popular destinations for cosmetic surgery, dental services/surgery and general plastic surgery. Mexican hospitals have become popular lately for bariatric surgery for weight loss. This is an elective procedure which is not covered by some US insurers. The following are the popular treatments sought by medical tourists in Mexico:

Cosmetic surgery Dentistry Aesthetic procedures (Botox, etc) Hip replacement Knee replacement Orthopedic surgery Bariatric surgery Eye surgery Cardiac surgery

Cost of Medical Treatment in Mexico

The following are comparative costs of general, cosmetic and surgical procedures between US hospitals with those of Mexico. [source]

Heart
Procedure Angioplasty Angiography Valve replacement Bypass surgery Open Heart surgery USA Hospitals Mexico $22,500 $4,800 $ 46,000 $44,000 $64,000 $11,500 $1,200 $16,000 $24,000 $24,000 Average Savings 50% 70% 60% 50% 66%

Orthopedic

Procedure Knee Hip Replacement Shoulder Replacement Birmingham Resurfacing

USA Hospitals Mexico $25,000 $28,000 $24,500 $24,000 $10,500 $12,500 $9,500 $12,500

Average Savings 65% 65% 75% 60%

Other Procedures
Procedure Gastric Bypass Surgery Gastric Band Surgery Hysterectomy Fertility Treatments USA Hospitals Mexico $30,000 $24,000 $14,500 $8,500 $11,500 $9,500 $5,500 $2,650 Average Savings 70% 60% 75% 55%

Cosmetic Procedures
Procedure Face Lift Breast Augmentation Tummy Tuck Liposuction (per area) Rhinoplasty (nose) USA Clinic $18,000 $7,800 $8,800 $3,200 $8,000 Cancun, Mexico $4,250 $3,800 $4,500 $1,150 $3,200 Average Savings 68% 55% 50% 60% 65%

Brow Lift Brazilian Buttock Neck Lift Blepharoplasty (eyelids)

$7,500 $10,500 $10,000 $5,400

$2,850 $4,950 $4,400 $2,950

70% 65% 70% 55%

Dental Procedures
Procedure Implants - 6 teeth Porcelain crown (6 teeth) USA Clinic $18,500 $5,200 Monterrey, Mexico Average Savings $3,600 $1,600 $50 $1,800 $1,600 75% 70% 80% 75% 70%

Bleaching discolored teeth $250 Dental Vaneers (6 teeth) Total Dentures $6,000 $4,800

Another survey provides the following comparative costs as of 2009: [source] Medical Procedure Angioplasty Heart Bypass USA Up to $57,000 Mexico $17,100

Up to $144,000 $21,100

Heart Valve Replacement Up to $170,000 $31,000 Knee Replacement Hip Resurfacing Up to $50,000 $11,500

Up to $30,000+ $13,400

Hip Replacement Special Fusion Face Lift Breast Implants Rhinoplasty Lap Band/Bariatric Hysterectomy Dental Implant

Up to $43,000

$13,800

Up to $100,000 $8,000 Up to $15,000 Up to $10,000 Up to $8,000 Up to $30,000 Up to $15,000 $2,000-10,000 $8,000 $9,000 $5,000 $9,200 $7,500 $1,000
[sources]

Malpractice and Liability Laws in Mexico

Medical liability is not as strictly enforced by laws in foreign countries as in the United States. Accordingly, it is not surprising to note that malpractice compensation is not as generous. Foreign doctors are not as secure in malpractice insurance like their American counterparts. An American medical tourist cannot have recourse to the American court system. An American court might not hold an intermediary liable since medical tourism promoters or agents are not health care providers and so cannot commit malpractice. Some medical insurers in the US have designed insurance packages for those wishing to get medical health care in Mexico. A Californian law in 1999 which allowed Californian insurers to reimburse providers in Mexico has paved the way to changes in the insurance industry and the medical tour package providers. Since Mexican medical care costs less, premiums are less than 2/3 of the cost of their US alternative plans.

Statistics for Medical Tourism in Mexico

Americans, particularly those living near the Mexican border, now routinely cross to Mexico for medical care. It is believed that half of these medical tourists are US residents of Mexican heritage and merely go home for treatment. [source] The number of medical tourists coming into Mexico ranges from 150,000 to 500,000 persons annually. It is hard to keep track of the number people coming into Mexico seeking medical care because there are no official records of such visits.

9. Medical Tourism in Hungary

Hungary has become a prime destination for health travelers from the UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Scandinavia and other Western European countries seeking affordable dental and cosmetic

procedures. The price of treatments in Hungary is usually much lower than what you would have to pay in Western Europe.

Hungarys Healthcare System

Medical travelers are assured of high-quality healthcare system in Hungary. This is due to the fact that it was patterned after the National Health System of Great Britain, when it was established in 1945. The systems in place are all similar, except for the long waiting times typically experienced by patients in the UK. Doctors and medical professionals are registered with the Orvosi Kamara of the Hungarian Chamber of Medicine, which provides permission to these professionals to practice their trade. Dentists' and dental surgeon qualifications are controlled by the the Hungarian Dental Council. They enforce very stringent and comprehensive training that has longer duration than that is practiced in the UK. These qualifications are recognized by the European Union, allowing these doctors to qualify to work in any of the EU countries. Unlike in other countries, where dentists are specialized in only one area, Hungarian dentists are trained and qualified in all aspects of dentistry. Most top quality hospitals and clinics in Hungary are operated by the private sector, although there are some prominent hospitals which are state owned. Private hospitals and clinics usually maintain modern medical equipment, facilities and technologies. This is because of the stringent requirements set by their German and Austrian clients who have been traveling to Hungary for healthcare for over fifteen years. These hospitals and clinics are locally accredited and licensed by the Hungarian Ministry of Health and the State National Health Commission and Medical Service. Hungary is yet to have a JCI-accredited facility. However, these hospitals are recognized by the Care Quality Commission in the UK and the rest of the European Union, and some have been certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Top Clinics and Hospitals in Hungary

Jvorszky dn Krhzat Hospital Located in the municipality of Vac, the Javorszky Odon Hospital is a community hospital with 847 beds, 12 departments and 18 medical specialties that cater for more than 22,000 inpatients and 150,000 outpatients per year. It is the only health care institution in this region that provides acute care. The hospital is ISO certified and has partnered with the Novant Health

Triad Region (NHTR) of North Carolina. It is considered as a model hospital for Hungary by the Ministry of Welfare.

Buda Health Center Located in Budapest, the Buda Health Center is the leading institution in Hungary that caters for all aspects of spinal disease. This can be accessed through private or state-financed healthcare options.

Aesthetica International Medical Center Established in 2005 in the heart of Budapest's Bank Center, the Aesthetica International is the leading, ISO-certified medical center offering various services in the fields of cosmetic and plastic surgeries, dermatology, mesotheraphy and other related procedures. It is a subsidiary of the Proportzia Premium Medical Centers in Israel.

FirstMed Centers Kft. FirstMed Centers are private health facilities that are affiliated with the American Clinics International, Inc. It is a multi-disciplinary international and local health facility that offers physical, family medicine, and gynecology, prenatal and orthopedic care.

Common Treatments done in Hungary and Comparative Costs

Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Hungary offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:

Plastic surgery Aesthetic procedures General Dentistry and Dental Surgeries Laboratory examinations Eye Surgery & Ophthalmology Dermatology Obesity and Weight Loss Surgery Hair Transplantation Radiological examinations Internal medicine General surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics

Costs of medical treatments in Hungary

Cost comparison between Hungary and Germany [source]

Procedure Face Lift (rhytidectomy) German Hospitals Hungary 3,800 - $6,600 Average Savings

2,100 - 2,700 30% - 60% 1,800 - 2,000 35% - 50% 1,350 - 1,700 50% - 65%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) 3,100 - $3,800 Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) 3,400 - 4,000

Cost comparison between Hungary and the UK [source] Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Procedure Face Lift (rhytidectomy) UK Hospitals Hungary Average Savings

7,300 - 8,000 2,100 - 2,700 70% - 80%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) 4,800 - 5,500 1,800 - 2,000 60% - 70% Tummy Tuck Liposuction (lipoplasty) Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) 4,000 - 4,800 1,600 - 1,900 50% - 65% 3,000 - 3,700 900 - 1,000 65% - 75%

3,500 - 4,500 1,500 - 2,300 35% - 65%

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure Porcelain Bonded Crowns Root Canal (per canal) UK Hospitals 500 200 Hungary 180 60 Average Savings 60% - 65% 70%

Tooth Extraction Tooth Whitening Dental Implants

90 475 1,900

30 280 800

65% 40% 55% - 60%

Malpractice and Liability Laws in Hungary

It is a requirement by Hungarian law that all medical and healthcare facilities should provide their doctors with insurance against malpractice claims [source]. Although the number of cases are relatively small, at 300 cases per year, these malpractice suits are for lesser sums compared to international standards. However, these figures are starting to rise in recent years, prompting insurance companies to increase their premiums on medical malpractice coverage.

Statistics for Medical Tourism in Hungary

Medical travelers from Austria and Germany have long been regular clients to Hungary's dental and surgical industry. A report by the BBC claimed that more than a million medical tourists from Austria go to Hungary for dental procedures each year, while 35,000 patients come from the UK.

10. South Korea's boom in medical tourism

South Korea has long been a destination for Asians seeking plastic surgery, but now the country is aiming to be a destination for people seeking many other medical services.

The South Korean government is not exactly embarrassed by the countrys Asia-wide reputation for plastic surgery; its too big a moneymaker for that. But the authorities are eager to attract foreigners in the future with a wider range of medical services. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities at the best hospitals, and competitive pricing, the Korean Health Ministry has been boosting medical tourism since 2009, says Lim In-taek, head of the ministrys Bureau of Health Industry. Though his office has done very little real promotion, he says, word of mouth boosted visitor numbers from 60,000 in 2009 to 80,000 in 2010. This is a very flourishing area, says Mr. Lim flourishing enough for him to have set a target for 2015 of 300,000 medical tourists. We are focusing on the highly profitable patients, he explains. Though the largest number of patients comes from the United States (there were 14,000 Americans last year, nearly 20 percent of the total), the biggest spenders come from Russia, Mongolia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, according to official figures. So they are our target countries Lim says.

South Korea Boosting Medical Tourism

Koreas local governments build health care clusters to attract foreign patients
Friday, September 18th, 2009
KOREA IT TIMES

Jeju Healthcare Town is a joint project undertaken by the South Korean Government and the private sector The South Korean government announced medical tourism as one of its 17 next-generation growth engines. It set the goal to create a medical tourism boom following countries such as Thailand, Singapore and India. Following suit, local governments including Jeju Island plan to build health care clusters for medical tourism to attract foreign patients. Last year, South Korea earned about US$48 million from medical tourism, attracting 40,000 foreign patients. This year, Daegu has launched Medi Citi as its own brand, arranging 40 hospitals to prepare English, Japanese and Chinese brochures, opening websites in foreign languages and participating in international conferences and exhibitions. Along with Osong in North Chungcheong Province, Daegu recently won US$5 billion in bids to build medical complexes. Busan is already a popular medical tourism destination among the Japanese for weekend aesthetic and plastic surgery. It runs a call center for translation services for foreign patients.

Recently, Gangwon-do signed an MOU with the Korean Tourism Organization (KNTO) to develop medical tourism in Gangwon province, targeting the attraction of 10,000 foreign patients. KNTO will utilize its 27 overseas branches to promote sales and marketing of medical tourism and educate skilled manpower in medical tourism for Gangwon-do. One of the most appealing and promising provinces in South Korea for medical tourism is Jeju Island. The island is one of the most beautiful islands in East Asia, and is located just one hour by air from Seoul, capital of the Republic of Korea. It has gained added fame after the island's dormant volcano Mount Halla, its lava tubes and the 182-meter-high coastal crater Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, were designated as World Natural Heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in June 2008. The Jeju Healthcare Town is a joint project undertaken by the South Korean Government and the private sector. Jeju Free International City Development Center (JDC), which is also implementing five other core projects besides Jeju Healthcare Town, hopes to attract medical travelers to Jeju island's clean and beautiful natural environment combined with cutting-edge health care. Jeju Healthcare Town will hold a groundbreaking ceremony around the year's end and plans to open in early 2011. It will offer not only health care but leisure, entertainment, recreation, rest, education, culture, medical treatment and rehabilitation. It is being developed in three phases - Wellness Park, a medical relaxation complex for beauty, prevention, health and relaxation; Medical Park, a high-tech medical complex for various high-quality specialized treatments; and R&D Park for a medical R&D complex. International companies desiring to invest in related fields will receive strengthened support, such as local tax exemption, provisions for housing, special employment benefits such as support of approximately US$783 for newly hired employees for up to six months, corporate tax incentives, registration tax incentives, and property tax incentives for customs duties. The planned investment scale so far US$614.3 million, with the public sector providing US$122.6 million, while the rest will come from the private sector with a total worth US$ 492.5 million. The island is located at the center of Northeast Asia, embracing an enormous potential market of approximately 750 million people including five cities each with a population of over 10 million within a two-hour flight.