Orthopedic therapies are a significant health concern in the majority of less fortunate areas of the world. Massive disparities in healthcare facilities, a scarcity of qualified physicians, the shortage of surgical instruments, and inaccessible and expensive medical implants all contribute to significant discrepancies in inpatient care. People are forced to live in pain and struggle for their entire lives.

Thankfully, because of medical tourism, the doors of the entire world have opened up. Medical tourism in India has also witnessed a boom in recent years owing to low cost and high quality of medical care.

This article has a list of 5 countries that are the best destinations for medical tourism.

India

Why India?

  • The knee replacement cost in India is very low (approximately US$ 6100), and the standard of care given is comparable to that of the United States and Europe.
  • Doctors and surgeons are highly educated, with the majority having graduated from prestigious international universities. The most advanced medical technology, such as Robotic Surgery and the Da Vinci Surgical System, as well as detection devices, are available in hospitals.
  • The government has strongly sponsored medical tourism, and as a result of these efforts, the cost of orthopedic implants has decreased, rendering orthopedic surgery in India more accessible.
  • India is one of the most famous leisure travel destinations, with diverse and unique landscapes that make it feel like an all-you-can-have buffet.

Jordan

Why Jordan?

  • Jordan is located in the Arab Peninsula and is one of the places where knee replacement surgery is accessible. Jordan is a middle-income nation with good hospitals and experienced physicians, as well as access to healthcare.
  • Knee replacement surgery costs approximately US $ 9500 in Jordan.
  • Jordan benefits from its proximity to Africa and neighboring countries with high disposable income.
  • It is also a popular tourist destination because of the world-famous Petra.

The Problems

  • Since it is a year-round tourist destination, lodging, food, and local transportation add to the overall expense of the medical trip.
  • The process of obtaining a visa is time-consuming, and English is not as fluent or commonly spoken as it is in other medical tourism destinations.

Vietnam

Why Vietnam?

  • In Asia, Vietnam is becoming a popular medical tourism destination. Knee replacement surgery in Vietnam costs about 8000 US$.
  • It is one of the most beautiful countries in South Asia and a popular tourist destination for Westerners. It is also a viable choice for people with goal of having orthopedic surgery.
  • Since dental procedures are expensive in Western countries, it is a big attracting factor for medical tourists visiting Vietnam. Dental procedures can be performed when the patient is traveling to another country because they do not require major surgery or overlap medical visas.

The Problems

  • Though local travel and hotels are inexpensive, the doctors and surgeons in Vietnam are not as skilled or trained as those in other medical tourism destinations like the doctors who perform knee replacement surgery in India.
  • There are only one or two JCI hospitals. Therefore, the lack of highly accredited healthcare facilities has a negative impact on hygiene.

Poland

Why Poland?

  • Poland, a European country has recently gained popularity as a medical tourism destination. Knee replacement surgery in Poland costs about $8,200 USD.
  • Poland has been encouraging medical tourism in order to attract patients from Europe and the Middle East.
  • Poland, as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, receives a large influx of general visitors, driving up the cost of other facilities.

The Problems

  • While obtaining knee replacement surgery in Europe for less than $9000 US appears to be a bargain, hotels and local transportation, such as a private taxi, are not.
  • Health prescriptions are also in accordance with European standards, which are unavailable in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Columbia

Why Columbia?

  • Surprisingly, this South American country appears on lists of low-cost medical procedures. Knee replacement surgery in Columbia costs $7200 USD.
  • Because of its proximity to the United States and Canada, it is a popular medical value travel destination in South America.
  • The breath-taking landscapes of rainforests, jungles, and colonial cities abound in this lovely country.

The Problems

  • The most pressing issue in Columbia is security, as the drug problem persists.
  • In comparison to other medical tourism destinations such as India, Thailand, or Singapore, connectivity with Asia, Australia, and Africa is poor.
  • Since English is not commonly spoken, communicating with doctors can be challenging for travelers.

Medical tourism is a safe option for those seeking care in another country. It just necessitates prior research into the best available solutions, a second opinion from a doctor, and the assistance of a medical assistant. Medical tourism in India is a growing sector. It was estimated to be worth 5-6 billion US$. The government extended its e-tourism VISA regime to include medical visas, in order to facilitate applications and make the travel process easier for medical tourists.