We’ve all heard of people travelling abroad to wellness resorts, detox centres or yoga retreats. However, the increasing trend is medical tourism, where people travel abroad for health check-ups and treatments. I sat down with a friend, Subi (not her real name), to talk about her experience and appeal of medical tourism for better affordability and service quality.
Tell us what inspired you to go abroad for your medical care?
A decade ago, I decided to leave the conventional working world, which came with health insurance, to become an entrepreneur. In the US, I quickly realised the exorbitant out-of-pocket healthcare costs. When I moved back to East Africa, I also saw a lack of well-priced quality healthcare. I then met someone who had just returned from India for a full medical check-up, despite having no medical issues. She described it as her ‘well woman’ check-up retreat. So, I started to consider medical tourism. More than 50,000 Africans visit India every year for medical treatments, and this number is likely to continue increasing, as well as to other destinations.
How did you decide which country to go to?
I decided on India due to the high number of Indian doctors with expert training, both within India and internationally. India is also a powerhouse in terms of investment and advancements in the medical sector. Yet, it’s competitively priced and has a strong focus on customer experience. I also gravitated towards some of their more holistic and homeopathic practices that centre more on prevention, rather than the American and Western approach of pumping you with heavy pharmaceuticals. However, the biggest endorsement came from my friend introducing me to her doctors in India, as I tend to put immense faith in referrals.
How was booking the trip?
The booking was easy. Through my friend’s referral, I opted for her same facility in Mumbai. My liaison coordinator and doctor were all available on WhatsApp. That’s generally the more common and preferred form of communication in developing countries, as opposed to lengthy emails. You have a basic package that you can tailor with electives such as dermatology, optometry, dental, nutrition, gynaecology, plastic surgery, and others. Your coordinator can also assist with obtaining visas, booking flights, arranging airport pick-ups, and securing accommodation. If you want to keep costs down, you can organise some of these yourself. However, stay as close to the medical facility as possible, as traffic in Mumbai was unlike anything I’d ever seen before.
Did you face any challenges?
The initial hotel they picked for me wasn’t exactly to my taste. People’s recommendations can be very subjective. So have a few back-ups and alternatives in case their recommendations don’t suit you. Another challenge was language. India is not all English speaking, so getting around and using local transport can be challenging. So, plan and curate your logistics carefully.
What was your experience when you arrived?
I was there for about a week. The first three days were like a college orientation complete with your whole schedule and facility assignments. You can have a driver assigned for pick-ups and drop-offs to your appointments. While waiting to be seen, there’s even a masseuse on site. Once you complete all your check-ups and screenings, you have a few days to wait before receiving your results. I used that time for mini excursions around Mumbai. The food was incredible, but you must love spicy flavours. Even what they call mild can be super spicy.
All these distractions really helped reduce any anxiety. I even forgot the purpose of my visit at times and treated it as a holiday.
How did the costs and quality of service compare with, for example, the US?
There’s no comparison. In the US, the care I received would have cost tens of thousands, if not hundreds, of dollars, while in India, I paid a fraction of that.
India also has a more hospitable culture. For example, before my cervical cancer screening, a miserable experience which I always dreaded, my gynaecologist sat me down on her office sofa for tea and samosas, and we talked like two girlfriends would. This was so comforting. I had similar experiences with other medical specialists before my screenings. You’re also in direct contact with all of your healthcare professionals through WhatsApp.
Post examinations, I left with detailed reports and images of all my organs in both soft and hard copies. I did have to ask or remind them that I wanted copies of everything before I left. You may have to persist, but it can be done.
In total, including airfare and accommodation, I spent an estimated $5,000 for a well-organised and personalised healthcare experience.
It sounds like the experience exceeded your expectations. Did anything else surprise you?
I was pleasantly surprised by their young medical professional women. Never have I seen so many women doctors of all specialities. That was extremely impressive and it was easier speaking with them compared to doctors in America who are scared of being sued over the smallest thing.
Would you consider doing it again? And to what other destinations?
Most definitely. I plan to do it again this year or next. Either to India again or try South Africa. I’ve also been eyeing Thailand for dental work, as I’m told it’s the best, and it’s also a fabulous vacation destination.
Any final tips for anyone considering medical tourism?
Take the time to research the distance between your treatment facilities and your accommodation. Also, plan to wait around for your results as it makes more financial sense and in case there are any issues with your results.
Mine were for full-body check-ups, and thankfully, all my results came out fine. But if not, it’s worth sticking around for a second opinion.
And if there are any issues, I believe the Indian treatment plan would be more effective and humane in providing additional follow-ups or recommendations.
Some of the hospitals had apartments that came with chefs, masseuses, and yoga instructors – all to help reduce any stress and put you at ease. The apartments also had plenty of room to bring family or caretakers if needed.
Also, be sure to get all your results before leaving. Don’t rely on them promising to email you once you return.
Plan to stay four days to a week and also schedule some fun time. If you chose India, pack an extra bag for the spices, jewellery and fabrics you’ll buy! India had a wealth of sights and discoveries to offer alongside the impressive medical care.
Thanks for sharing your experience. What do you all think – could medical tourism be on the cards for you?