Can India Make You Sexier?
Whether we're trying to cover the cost of dental fillings or cosmetic surgery, the price factor almost always leaves us flinching. Frantic skimming of the fine print on your health insurance policy will most likely uncover the sad news that cosmetic surgery is not covered under their terms. With global medical tourism on the rise, healthcare consumers appear to be more confident of the services they receive abroad. In India, for example, some dentists advertise the cost of dental fillings as less than a dollar compared with $100 in the U.S. But isn’t India a “third world country” with poor hygiene?
As with all major cities, both good and bad neighborhoods are abundant in places like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Calcutta. However, medical tourism is extremely (EXTREMELY) important to the Indian economy, and so, special care is given to ensure the quality of service, hygiene, and quality of equipment in all major hospitals that cater to tourists. Some of these hospitals, such as Wockhardt, are globally recognized for their top notch quality and hygiene with international and U.S. certification. American insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, has also opened up to insuring procedures performed in India. The facilities in reputable Indian hospitals are of the same high standard as those in the U.S., and more often than not, they employ doctors and surgeons who have studied and performed their residencies in the U.S. or Europe.
Choosing the Right Package for India
There are numerous tour operators who cater specifically to health vacationers. Their packages often include air tickets, all medical expenses, in-patient and out-patient accommodations, all meals, and transport to and from the airport. You could expand your itinerary to include seeing the sights in India, going shopping, or just relaxing on the beach. Your exact activity sheet will likely depend on the type of procedure, your doctor’s advice, and a host of other factors. With this information in hand, you would need to consult the tour operator and/or do some of your own research to select the right doctor, hospital, and city for your health vacation.