Traveling Overseas For Cosmetic Surgery Can Be a Cost Effective Option

The Popularity of Medical Tourism

Medical tourism is actively promoted in countries such as Greece, South Africa, Singapore, and India as a cost effective option for patients traveling from overseas for treatments. Many of these countries even have specific organisations and branches of their tourism sector devoted to promoting the safe, secure, and affordable cosmetic surgery available to foreigners.  Medical tourism is also promoted as an opportunity to not only have medical procedures such as laser hair removal at affordable prices, but also as a chance to enjoy a holiday in an exotic country.  

Tourism agencies are working hard to encourage the coupling of cosmetic surgery with holidays and sightseeing as this not only brings in medical dollars to boost economies, but it also helps boost tourism. One popular tourism marketing slogan is “First World Treatments at Third World Prices.”  This promotion of affordable medical procedures across Asia and the Middle East has lead to the coining of the term “medical tourism.”   

Cosmetic Surgery Savings

Cheap cosmetic surgeries are a popular branch of medical tourism.  Because plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are usually considered elective (except for in extreme cases), they typically are not covered by medical insurance.  Thus, patients must pay out of pocket.  Given the tremendous cost differences between developing countries and developed ones, it makes perfect financial sense to pay out of pocket in a place like India or Thailand where the price is 40%, 30%, or even 10% of what you might pay in the States.

The Reality of Laser Hair Removal Prices

One of the most popular cosmetic surgeries is laser hair removal.  The area to be treated through laser hair removal can significantly affect the price, and patients should confirm all details regarding the cost at the time of booking their medical tourism package. Laser hair removal, as with any procedure, is price regulated according to the qualifications of the person performing the procedure.  In many cases, laser hair removal may not necessarily be performed by a qualified doctor; technicians will perform the procedure while a doctor merely supervises.  The size of the area being treated, the thickness of the hair, and the number of sessions needed can also influence laser hair removal prices.  Discounts may be negotiated if the patient is having multiple areas treated or if he pays upfront.