Concerns and Considerations in Medical Tourism: An Overview

Medical tourism services have gained much acceptance in the recent times as they facilitate cross-border care with much ease and access. Though there are immense benefits of these services, as a contrast, there are certain inherent risks associated while operating medical tourism services. Few of the risks include language barriers, sub-standard quality of care, legal and financial issues and medical malpractices. There could be also risks involved in post-treatment care, mental and emotional well-being of patients and attenders, travel hazards, insurance policies and coverages. Individuals should carefully consider the possible risk factors before opting for the services. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to weigh all the potential risks and benefits of medical tourism before deciding whether or not to pursue it as an option for their medical treatment. Thus, this chapter highlights the details of potential risks that are associated with medical tourism services; and possible considerations to be made by the medical tourist before opting for the services.