Medical Tourism - Health Tourists Going Abroad for Surgery
More and more people are avoiding long NHS waiting lists by choosing to have medical treatment abroad. This is generally a cheaper option than going private in the UK, and can be combined with a holiday, but there are risks to consider.
Most people going abroad for surgery are self-financing. These are people who want to get cheaper cosmetic surgery or other private medical treatments including hip replacements and heart surgery. Paying for private care in the UK is often much more expensive than paying for travel and private surgery abroad.
In some cases, the NHS does fund surgery in Europe, where the procedure is not available in the UK or the waiting time is unacceptable.
Getting private medical treatment and surgery abroad
People from the UK are travelling to Spain, France, Argentina, India, and many other countries to get cosmetic or elective surgery. Medical tourism is becoming a real option for those considering private medical treatment, with costs typically being much lower abroad.
Of course, having surgery is a stressful experience, and going abroad will only increase the stress levels, if you have to cope with the travel arrangements and language barriers. This has been picked up by the tourism industry, and many medical tourism companies now provide package deals, including flights, accommodation, surgery and recuperation time.
They should also have good links with specific hospitals and be able to provide extensive information about the qualifications and past performances of the surgeon performing your operation. Many companies will provide services such as consultations in the UK, chauffeurs between the airport and hospital and English-speaking surgeons.
Risks of having surgery abroad
Reports from people who have gone abroad for surgery are generally glowing, praising the food, service and cleanliness in foreign private hospitals. Doctors have some concerns about the growing trend, however. Going on a long flight soon after surgery can be a health risk, and there are concerns about the continuity of care.
It is important to tell your GP that you are going abroad as follow-up care in the UK may be arranged through a GP. Some providers of medical tourism packages arrange for follow-up care in the UK. You should make sure sufficient time for recuperation abroad is included in the package, so any immediate problems can be dealt with there.
Going to India for surgery
Although it is a long trip, going to India for surgery is becoming more and more popular. India's private hospitals have an excellent reputation for cleanliness and using state-of-the-art technology. The doctors are highly skilled, and many people are reassured by the fact that they have often trained and worked in the UK. Operations such as knee replacements can cost around a quarter of the price in the UK.
The Indian government has recognised that India is a popular medical destination and is keen to market it as such. There are concerns that the tax breaks and incentives offered to private hospitals are at the expensive of public healthcare in India - so there may be some ethical considerations when thinking about going abroad for treatment.
Surgery abroad on the NHS
Occasionally, the NHS arranges for patients to have surgery abroad in an attempt to cut waiting lists. The NHS overseas commissioning team arranges this, forming contracts with top European hospitals. They are responsible for travel arrangements and pre-assessments in the UK by the foreign surgeon, and provide people to travel with the patient to translate and generally assist. All arrangements are paid for by the NHS in this case.
Some people who are on long waiting lists can apply for an E112 form, which entitles you to state medical care in Europe, reimbursed by your Primary Care Trust. In this case, the patient normally pays for travel arrangements and will need to be more independent. Getting an E112 form requires consent from a consultant, your Primary Care Trust and the Department of Health, and is generally given if the waiting times are unacceptably long.
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