Medical Tourism - The Need of the Hour

Affordable Medical Packages in India

For many Europeans and Americans without health insurance, the increasing costs of healthcare in their countries are a major cause of concern. Many such people are looking at developing countries like India which have a well established system of medical tourism in place.  Medical packages in India are seen as attractive options because of the affordable healthcare facilities in the country.  In addition, the quality of personal service, luxury accommodations, and staff training are perceived to be far superior to what one might find in more Westernized countries. 

India – A Viable Destination for Medical Tourism

Some of the best hospitals for hip replacement in India offer surgery and hospitalization at rates which are minimal in comparison to the rates in the United States and parts of Europe.  This has encouraged tourists to look at medical packages in India with increasing interest.  Like thousands of Americans, Al Sostrin had heard the term “medical tourism” tossed around in the news and as cocktail parties.  He required hip replacement surgery, but the high cost of the procedure in the United States was a major deterrent, especially since he lacked sufficient health insurance coverage.  The staggering price tag of $54,000 would have meant incurring a huge amount of debt which Al naturally, wasn’t keen on. "I didn't want to go into debt,” he says. “My parents were always old country. ‘Do what you got to do. Be poor, but don't go into debt.'"  

It was then that Sostrin learnt about medical packages in India.  The best hospitals for hip replacement in India were offering the surgery at about a tenth of the cost when compared to the US.  Sostrin decided to give medical tourism a try and contacted Sri Ramakrishna Hospital in India.  The entire medical package with return tickets from India cost only about $1,700.  The hospital he had opted for is one of the best hospitals for hip replacement in India and the procedure along with 18 days of hospital stay, therapy, and rehabilitation cost Sostrin a total of $6,000.  Al Sostrin is a happy man today and has medical tourism to thank for it.