With the global medical tourism market valued between USD 60-80 billion and approximately 14 million people crossing borders for medical care, it’s clear that medical tourism is booming. In India alone, 7.3% of the 6.3 million international tourists in 2023 came for medical reasons, according to the Indian Ministry of Tourism.

Several factors contribute to this trend - skyrocketing healthcare costs, a shortage of qualified medical practitioners, and adequate healthcare infrastructure in various parts of the world. For example, a bypass surgery that costs between $30,000 and $200,000 in the US can be done for ₹95,000 (around $1,134) to ₹4,50,000 (around $5,370) in India, offering potential savings of up to ₹24,00,000 (around $28,640).

The cost benefits are significant, too, without compromising the quality of treatment. However, traveling to a foreign country for medical care can be daunting without local support. This is where medical tourism companies step in. These companies manage everything, from scheduling appointments to ensuring a smooth journey home after treatment.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best medical tourism company? Let’s explore the factors you must consider when choosing the right medical travel partner.

Which Choice Factors Are Most Important to Medical Tourism?

When choosing a medical travel partner, you entrust them with critical decisions. They must meet the right qualifications. Here are key factors to consider:

• Network Strength

Check the medical tourism company’s network strength and reach. Medical tourism companies offer medical assistance to patients through extensive collaboration with leading hospitals and doctors worldwide. This is important for global patients seeking top-notch treatment under the right doctor at an affordable cost. A vast network ensures that patients are given multiple options of doctors and treatments to choose from. In addition, the company would facilitate doctor-patient communication, helping them build trust before the patient decides to pursue further treatment under the doctor in another country. Vaidam Health, one of India’s leading medical travel partners, is an excellent example. With a presence in over 15 international locations, Vaidam Health’s network comprises over 500 top-notch hospitals and over 8,000+ doctors. This helps them identify the right doctor, hospital, and location based on your needs and budget.

• Engagement

The right medical travel partner would go the extra mile to connect with customers and offer end-to-end assistance. For example, Vaidam Health, in collaboration with leading Indian hospitals, has organized over 60 medical camps in countries like Ethiopia and Tanzania, where healthcare infrastructure is not that great. To ensure that patients who have consulted with doctors at the camps stay connected for further medical advice or treatment, it connects doctors and patients across the globe through digital consultation calls.

• Patient Testimonials

Don’t be swayed by the tall claims made on the websites of medical tourism companies. You can identify the best and the most genuine medical travel partner based on what their customers say about them. Always look out for online patient reviews and testimonials. Rely on customer views and opinions rather than on the brand wording.

• Services Beyond Treatment

When flying to another country for medical treatment, having a doctor’s appointment or admittance isn’t the only thing to consider. You must meet travel requirements, including securing a medical visa and arranging safe and comfortable accommodation in an unknown country. Focusing on these aspects of travel can affect your treatment and delay the process. Besides, organizing all this on your own can prove costly.

The best medical tourism company would provide end-to-end assistance, allowing you to focus on your treatment and healing process. Besides helping with accommodation and visa assistance, companies like Vaidam Health support you with flight bookings, airport transfers, and local movement. To ensure your comfortable stay, they arrange language interpreters and local SIM cards so that communication with locals or your loved ones back home is not a problem. Daily follow-ups to check your needs are another unique selling point for reliable brands like Vaidam Health.

Read More: Get your MCD Health Trade License

Which Is The Best Medical Tourism Company?

Vaidam Health, since its establishment in 2016, has grown to become a notable name in the medical tourism industry. It has helped one lakh plus global patients pursue higher treatment in India and abroad. It offers assistance across various medical conditions that demand top-notch treatments, including organ transplants, advanced surgical procedures, cosmetic and bariatric surgeries, and more. Besides providing end-to-end healthcare services, Vaidam Health also assists with local shopping and guides local sightseeing. Other big names operating in the medical tourism space include Bookimed, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, and Medical Park, Turkey. Each comes with its specific advantages including regions covered, access to healthcare facilities, the global network of doctors and specialists, and more.  Therefore, consider the best options available based on your needs and requirements before deciding on one medical tourism company.

What Is The Top Destination For Medical Tourism?

Owing to its reasonable and high-quality healthcare, India stands out as a top destination for medical tourism. As official data reveals, of the 6.3 million international tourists who visited India in 2023, around 7.3% came for medical purposes. Apart from India, other countries such as Turkey, Thailand, and Germany attract significant medical tourists because of their advanced healthcare systems and affordable costs.

Choosing the best medical tourism company ensures a smooth and successful medical journey abroad. By considering key factors like network reach and strength, services, and patient reviews, you can make an informed decision for your healthcare needs.