Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Medical Travel?
- How much less expensive is medical care overseas?
- What is the purpose of MedTripInfo?
- What is a travel facilitator?
- Do overseas providers speak English?
- What will my US physician say?
- What is the Joint Commission International?
- Why don't you like the term "Medical Tourism"?
- Does MedTripInfo provide medical advice and opinions?
- Does anyone pay a fee to use MedTripInfo?
- What if my question is not on your list?
- What is Medical Travel?
International medical travel means leaving your home country to obtain medical or dental care. If you're new to the topic, you might be surprised to learn that some overseas facilities --even in countries that Americans and Europeans often think of as poor and backward-- can offer comparable standards of medical care to what you're used to in the United States or Western Europe.
- How much less expensive is medical care overseas?
A lot less than the US. Prices vary dramatically, but a cash-paying customer can expect to pay about 50 to 75 percent less than what they'd pay in the US.
- What is the purpose of MedTripInfo?
To provide information for people considering going abroad for treatment and to provide a platform for discussion of medical travel topics: practical information and policy issues.
- What is a travel facilitator?
A travel facilitator is an agency that helps patients arrange medical travel. Some facilitators provide comprehensive packages, including selecting physicians and hospitals, arranging flights, hotels, ground transportation, visas and so on. Others play more limited roles, serving as matchmakers between patients and medical facilities. It's up to you whether to use a facilitator or to make arrangements directly.
- Do overseas providers speak English?
Yes, many of them do.
- What will my US physician say?
It depends. Some physicians are threatened by the idea of their patients going abroad. Others understand and are supportive.
- What is the Joint Commission International?
The Joint Commission International (JCI) is the international branch of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the organization that accredits hospitals in the United States. JCI accredits more than 100 hospitals around the world.
- Why don't you like the term "Medical Tourism"?
Medical treatment and recuperation is serious business. It's best to focus on getting proper care and taking care of yourself rather than planning for a lot of fun and sun. The term "Medical Tourism" is widely used, so we sometimes need to use it so people know what we're talking about.
- Does MedTripInfo provide medical advice and opinions?
No. Consult your health care provider.
- Does anyone pay a fee to use MedTripInfo?
No. The site is free to everyone. We don't charge patients, hospitals, travel facilitators or anyone else. We are supported by advertising.
- What if my question is not on your list?
You can post your question in one of our Forums.