Medical Tourism vs. Universal Health Care

Can Medical Tourism Replace or Augment Universal Health Care?

Universal health care is far more than a political catch phrase in the United States.  For some, it could mean the difference between having and not having health care.  According to the US Census Bureau, at least 47 million Americans were uninsured in 2006.  With the economic crisis that has ballooned since then, that number may be even higher.  Job loss, corporate cutbacks, and inflated costs have forced people to reevaluate their health care status.  Questions like “How much do dental caps cost,” don’t even generate discussion.  The answer, without a thought is, “It doesn’t matter, I can’t afford it.”    

Medical Tourists Should Heed Sound Advice

Drastic times call for drastic measures.  When health is on the line, however, there should be a limit to just how drastic.  Let’s be clear about this, there’s a stark contrast between medical tourism and scavenging a black market for health care.  Patients should take care not to act in desperation, although they may be financially constrained.  There’s a saying, trust, but verify.  Medical tourism, with the help of the Joint Commission International, provides ways to verify the staff and facilities you’re planning to visit during your health vacation.  In a black market setting, you’re taking their word for it or having to do all the research yourself.  That’s not to say medical tourism is risk free; but it’s not an entirely “at your own risk,” environment either.  

US Patients Aren’t the Only Ones Looking for Medical Tourism Advice

Theoretically, with universal health care, how much dental caps cost will be irrelevant; everyone will have access.  Unfortunately, even if the initiative was wildly successful, such a dynamic paradigm shift in health care management takes time to design and implement.  For the time being, stimuli payments alone probably won’t fill the void.  Perhaps medical tourism advice from countries like Thailand, who’ve created a thriving tourist economy from health vacation revenue, can help the globalization of medicine.  Some suggest the growing number of patients leaving the US for medical care abroad demonstrates the need for universal health care.  The US isn’t the only country with medical care woes.  European, Asian, Australian, African, and other American (Central & South) countries have been seeking medical tourism advice.  In fact, it’s becoming common for patients of varying nationalities to visit a hospital in Thailand or another medical tourism destination country.

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