• 23
  Dec
  2009

• What is medical tourism all about? - Part 2

  
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In a previous post we saw what medical tourism is all about. Let us try to understand some precautions one needs to take before and after deciding to undergo a medical treatment abroad.

1. Decide the country and city after a lot of consideration. Search the internet, read online forums, and if possible talk to someone who has already taken a medical tour


2. Follow similar steps for zeroing in on the hospital, maybe even the surgeon


3. Call and confirm exact dates well in advance


4. Inform the purpose of visit in the visa application form clearly, or it may lead to problems later


5. The companion should buy an international travel insurance for the period of the journey too. There is no need to take any unnecessary risks.

Sometimes, a medical reason becomes the only chance to travel abroad. If the budget permits, see if other members of the family can also be accommodated in the trip. If the kids can be taken along, it could double up as a fun tour as well and might divert attention away from the medical aspect of the visit. It is important to make sure everyone on the trip is covered by an international tourist insurance policy.

• 18
  Dec
  2009

• What is medical tourism all about? - Part 1

  
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There was a time when tourism meant either pleasure or business; though business included a bit of pleasure too. Times change. There is another form these days: medical tourism. So what's it all about? And how is it different from touring medical insurance?

Medical tourism, as the name suggests, is a travel plan undertaken specifically for the purpose of undergoing some form of medical treatment in a foreign country. The reason for opting to have an operation performed abroad could be either because one's native country doesn't have the facilities for such health care or because it is way too costly.

In India or Mexico, similar or better medical treatment can be obtained for around one-third of the price as compared to the US. Travel tickets, extended stay in a hospital for the patient and a companion, and the medical expenses themselves all added together often come to less than half the cost in the USA.

People who either do not have domestic health insurance or for whom the insurer has denied a medical claim often get treated outside for costly medical procedures like knee replacement surgery, cardiac by-pass surgery, etc. In an upcoming post we will see what precautions one should take before and after taking the decision to make a medical tour.

• 11
  Dec
  2009

• Exclusions that tourists need to be aware of

  
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Most tourists travelling outside USA these days realize the vital importance of investing a small amount in an international tourists insurance, in order to cover any emergency medical expenses that might threaten to send the trip veering out of control. An unforeseen medical situation during a visit overseas might have further complications because of a language barrier, currency conversions and difference in time zones.

The number of tourists who travel with the coverage of a tourist policy is surely on a rise, and it is welcome sign. There is still a feeling in some policy-holders that everything connected to health is covered, and not everyone is aware of some common exclusions in most tourist insurance policies. Here is a list of a few expenses generally not covered:

1. Pre-existing conditions, or congenital (birth) conditions


2. Dental care, unless recommended as essential for health


3. Mental health expenses, including psychiatric consultations


4. Cosmetic surgery, or plastic surgery unless recommended as essential for health (say, because of an accident)

Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list. You would still need to refer to your policy documents for details, but this a good checklist you can refer to when in doubt.

• 04
  Dec
  2009

• Live dangerously? Insure accordingly

  
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Do you seek the thrill of skiing on the swiss alps? Or mountaineering in the Himalayas? Or white water rafting? Or is rock climbing your forte? The hunger of living on the edge is insatiable. There is always a chance of injuring oneself, but then the risk is what gives the adrenaline rush. However, it is just foolhardy to indulge in such activities without proper health coverage from an international touring insurance plan.

If involving in adventurous sports activities is a part (or the whole purpose) of your travel overseas, be sure to add hazardous sports coverage to your insurance plan. The premiums are typically 10 to 20 percent higher with this additional coverage.

Since the risk for a person involving in scuba diving and rappelling is very real, and considerably higher than a person lounging on serene beaches or visiting calm monasteries, it is even more essential for the former to buy some extra coverage.

In case such additional coverage is not bought, any injuries resulting because of involvement in such sports might not be covered, and the claim may be denied. The sports might be worth the risk, but touring without touring insurance is definitely not.