Overview

Medical Tourism Companies

When planning a medical vacation, you can either go the solo route (meaning you make all the preparations by yourself) or you can hire a medical tourism company to do all of the legwork.  There are pros and cons to each option, and you should be aware of what you’re getting into.   

In very simple terms: 

• Medical tourism companies usually offer fewer headaches, less stress, and more handholding. But you often pay a premium for the service.

• Planning a medical tourism vacation on your own provides greater flexibility, better prices, and more control.  But you often have to deal with more logistics and obstacles.

The remainder of this section deals with medical tourism agencies.  If you prefer the solo route, please read our section on planning a health vacation on your own.  Whichever path you choose, however, make sure you fully understand the logistical, medical, and legal considerations affecting all medical tourism vacationers.  We recommend getting all answers in writing.  We also advise having a lawyer present when you sign any contracts. 

More Options Means More Research

The sheer number of health vacation companies and medical tourism operators has blossomed exponentially in recent years.  This is great news for you, the consumer.  More competition means more options, lower prices, and greater flexibility.  Unfortunately, this also means there are more “lemons” in the pile as well.  Countless travel agencies have jumped into the medical tourism business in order to cash in on growing demand.  Some live up to their promises, while others are only in it for the short-term.  

The lack of international oversight and global transparency makes it easy to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers.  And thus, the questions, preparations, and research that we recommend for solo travelers is every bit as important for those who plan on hiring medical tourism companies.  Before you sign any paperwork, make sure you fully understand: 

• Who is legally and financially responsible for each aspect of your trip (travel to treatment to recovery).
• What services the medical tourism company offers.
• What services the medical tourism company does not offer.
• What the total cost of the medical vacation will be.
• What legal recourse you have in the event that something goes wrong.