Affordable Health Care During Tumultuous Times

Trouble in Thailand May Disrupt Draw for Affordable Health Care

Even if patients are unafraid of the political unrest in Bangkok, Thailand, their hopes of traveling abroad in search of affordable health care may be thwarted.  In August, protesters drove three airports closures in tourist hotspots, including Phuket International Airport.  Internal transportation, such as the State Railways of Thailand, also came to a screeching halt as many key workers called in sick.  Thai police used tear gas and riot gear to disperse groups of protestors.  Such turmoil, coupled with terrorist attacks in India—another medical tourism destination country—may affect the numbers of patients seeking affordable procedures from dental bonding to hip replacement.

Growing Risk for Affordable Health Care

Patients the world over are searching for affordable health care ranging from life-saving heart surgeries to tooth-saving dental bonding procedures.  For some, the quest saves money to use elsewhere.  For others, medical tourism is an act of hope in a time of medical desperation.  Of course there are varieties of patients in between, but the basis for seeking affordable health care may determine how much risk a patient is willing to accept.  Even in the US, some look to black markets or unorthodox practitioners for medical care they can afford.  Sadly, sometimes patients get what they pay for.  Although medical tourism is becoming more respected and accepted for quality care, there is another dynamic patients must consider.  Unrest—political or ethnic—in or near medical tourism destination countries can affect tourists and bystanders, increasing the risk of health-related travel.  The risks could vary from physical injury or death resulting from terrorist attacks or political disagreements taken to the streets.

Be Wary of the Dangers of Medical Tourism

Potential dangers of medical and dental procedures transcend the complications that may occur when medical tourism is involved.  In addition to the risks of excessive bleeding or infection, patients face risks outside the hospital walls as well.  A few key actions to keep safe when traveling include:

-      register with the US State Department,

-      leave copies of your itinerary and passport data with family members back home,

-      familiarize yourself with local laws, culture, and political climate,

-      carefully plan your trip before you go.

Taking these precautions can help with your health travels, reduce your risk, and increase your peace of mind. 

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