Medical Tourism Guide

Today, cheap yet world-class surgeries are just a flight away. But the deluge of information available out there can overwhelm anybody. So, here is a quick guide to medical tourism to answer most of your questions about the phenomenon.

WHAT IS MEDICAL TOURISM?
Medical Tourism is the process of traveling abroad to receive superior medical, dental and cosmetic care by highly skilled surgeons at some of the most modern and state-of-the-art medical facilities in the world...all at a fraction of the price in the US, UK and Canada.

MEDICAL TOURISM OFFERINGS
1. Incredible Savings: Compare a $7,000 hip resurfacing in India with a $48,000 one in the US. In general you are able to save 50% to 90%.

2. Excellent Quality: Many international providers are accredited by JCI, JCAHO and ISO or by local accrediting organizations. They have world-class facilities, have access to the latest technology and provide personalized service. If in doubt, read testimonials by patients who have experienced treatment overseas.

3. Surgeon Expertise: Most surgeons catering to international patients have either been educated or have received professional training at top schools in the US, UK or in other countries in Europe.

4. No Wait-Lists: Access to immediate service is what attracts those from countries that have public health care system towards medical tourism.

5. Longer Hospital Stay: You can have a longer hospital stay than possible in your local hospital back home under the supervision of your surgeon and physical therapist.

6. Travel Opportunities: While the primary motivation for most customers is affordable surgery, the opportunity to visit exotic destinations is an additional draw for some.

WHO SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN MEDICAL TOURISM?
In general, most medical tourists are either uninsured, underinsured or those seeking elective surgeries. Others resort to medical tourism due to the long wait-lists in their country.

WHICH COUNTRIES OFFER THE BEST SERVICES?
The most popular travel destinations are India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, Belgium, and Argentina amongst others. Some of these countries are considered best for cardiac surgery, others for orthopedic surgery and yet others for cosmetic surgery. You should base your selection on: quality, distance and cost.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROVIDER
When choosing a provider, don't get swayed by attractive packages and fancy websites. Read and watch what others are saying about the particular hospital, clinic or surgeon. Check out the facility pictures and videos. Consider the provider’s accreditation, awards and recognitions, facility and equipments, statistics like success rates, etc.

WILL MY HEALTH INSURANCE PAY FOR IT?
Insurance companies are keenly looking into medical tourism as an option though most haven't adopted it into their plans yet. So check with your health insurer for details.

SHOULD I COMBINE “SUN, SAND, AND SEA” WITH SURGERY?

That depends.
Usually after a cosmetic surgery, you are advised not to expose your body to the sun or to sea water. But, you can always choose to enjoy them before your surgery. With certain other medical procedures, it's best for you to stay indoors and relax after your surgery. In any case, you should always consult your surgeon if you have travel or tourism on your mind.

WHAT ARE MEDICAL TOURISM FACILITATORS?
Medical tourism facilitators like Healthbase (http://www.healthbase.com) are specialized facilitators that connect you with the hospital of your choice while providing all or some other valuable services like detailed information about various procedures, detailed hospital profiles and surgeon profiles, medical records transfer, free surgery quote, pre- and post-consultation with the overseas hospital, feedback and testimonials from previous patients, medical and dental loan financing, passport and visa, airport pick-up and drop-off, hospital escort, tickets, travel insurance, hotel booking, tourism services in the destination country, etc.

This medical tourism guide is just a starting step. You should do the proper required research before you fly to your medical tourism destination.

You can learn more about the growing trend of medical tourism, international healthcare facilities and surgeons and the details of the medical tourism process by logging on to

http://www.healthbase.com.

Healthbase.com is a medical tourism facilitator committed to providing low-cost high quality medical travel services to the global medical consumer.

 

Technorati : Medical Tourism,Tourism

 

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Medical Tourism Author by : Patrick W. Marsek We Have More Tourism Guide Book in : BookmanClub. ....

Indian Hospitals, Wellness and Medical Tourism players join forces to make India the Global Healthcare Destination - Indian Medical Travel Associatio

Leading Indian Hospitals, Healthcare providers (both Modern Medicine and Traditional Indian Medicine), Travel and Medical Tourism Industry providers have come together to form an industry association - Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA) that aims to work together to make India the leading global healthcare destination.

The phenomenon now popularly known as Medical Tourism is often cited as the next big opportunity for India after the IT outsourcing to earn billions of dollars in forex earnings and create jobs in the healthcare sector. So far only a select group of Indian hospitals have been making valiant attempts to market their services in international arena. More than a million overseas patients already treated at top Indian corporate hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Wockhardt, Max, Manipal and many others have already proved to the world that the clinical quality, technology and cost proposition offered by India is unmatched. The capacity in super specialty segment Indian hospitals is expanding fast and there is no waiting period for local or overseas patients.

CII Mc'Kinsey study first reported on medical tourism as the billion dollar opportunity for India way back in 2002 and the steady growth in overseas patient arrivals has validated the potential. With a large number of new private super specialty hospitals and even integrated health cities coming up in India's top ten cities, India has the potential to become the global leader in the Medical Travel/ Outsourcing industry. Indian doctors and professionals are world renowned for their skills and the country has abundance of all the inputs like talented young manpower, local high quality manufacturing base for pharmaceuticals, technology hardware and software that makes the Indian costs for high end surgical procedures so attractive. The challenge really is on the non medical side, primarily on the marketing front and also to create infrastructure and services to support the growth of medical tourism.

Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA) - a non profit body and a unified voice of the Indian healthcare (modern medicine as well as traditional Indian medicine) and travel industry is aimed at preparing India for facing the challenges of global competition and actualise the tremendous opportunity for India to become a leading global healthcare destination. Modern medicine as well as India's 5000 year old traditional therapies like Ayurveda, Siddha and Yoga can offer to the world an unbeatable healing package.

"IMTA would strive to help its members reach out in a cost effective manner to millions of our potential global consumers who reside on the other side of the globe in a different time and cultural zone and make them aware of the tremendous value that Indian healthcare offers. The fact is that prior to choosing a hospital, the international patients first decide on the country or the destination. Therefore we all must join hands to aggressively promote INDIA as a preferred global healthcare destination," Says Pradeep Thukral, Executive Director, Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA)

The Government of India and its various arms are actively supporting the growth of medical tourism to India. In a message to IMTA, the Union Tourism Minister, Kumar Shailaja conveyed “This is indeed a commendable initiative and we all know the tremendous opportunity  that Medical Tourism presents for India. On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, I would like to provide all possible support this industry initiative  and would like to wish IMTA and its members great success in their efforts.

Two years ago the Government of India introduced a special category of Visa called M Visa for foreigners desirous of coming to India for medical treatment. India's Ministry of Tourism has achieved phenomenal success in last five years with its much acclaimed "Incredible India "campaign that has multiplied the arrival of foreign tourists to India. The current year 2009 is being promoted by Indian Ministry of Tourism as "Visit India'" year and the ministry is keen to promote Medical Tourism. It has recently notified the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme to eligible Medical Tourism players which enables them to get financial support for participation in overseas promotional events.

 

Technorati : India Tourism,Medical Tourism,Tourism

 

State of the Heart: A Medical Tourist's True Story of Lifesaving Surgery in India Author by : Maggi Ann Grace We Have More Tourism Guide Book in : BookmanClub. ....

Global Medical Book Announcing their Definition of Medical Tourism

In today’s world, medical insurance and costs are very high priced for just about any type of medical procedure, check up, or doctors visit. Medical expenses are very high in the United States, on the flip side, the UK and Canada have universal medical coverage but all too frequently people and patients are exposed to substandard medical conditions in order to save a buck. So the next question would be where can I get some of the best medical care for a reasonable (astronomically lower) price?

Let’s think for a minute...

Some of the worlds' and the United States best doctors are from India, China, and the Middle East, so why not take a beautiful vacation while receiving some of the best medical care for any ailment. These medical vacations can also be called medical tourism. Medical tourism is becoming very popular worldwide and many people are truly benefiting from the high quality medical care, low cost medical expenses, and all doing so while on a very beautiful and tranquil vacation.

As with anything worthwhile, medical tourism is becoming a high demand industry worldwide and competition is pretty interesting. What I mean by this is there are now medical tourism travel agencies, all inclusive medical travel packages and plans, medical vacations. These packages can offer everything from airfare to hotels, food to limousine service, all medical travel packages offering many lavish upgrades.

 

Technorati : Medical Tourism,Tourism

 

Beauty from Afar: A Medical Tourist's Guide to Affordable and Quality Cosmetic Care Outside the U.S. Author by : Jeff Schult We Have More Tourism Guide Book in : BookmanClub. ....

Aspen Nightlife – Winterskol

Since Aspen is a wintertime playground for so many people, it is only fitting that everyone in Aspen during the month of January participates in Winterskol. This is literally a celebration of winter, cold, and snow – which is a great deal of what makes Aspen, well, Aspen! Winterskol is the ultimate Aspen party.

 

Winterskol is held during the month of January each year, and it is the wildest winter celebration you will ever experience. The highlight of Winterskol is the Canine Fashion Show, where pets are dressed up in crazy clothing, such as miniature bridal gowns. Winterskol has been an Aspen tradition for more than fifty years – and it will continue for at least another fifty! The first Winterskol celebration was held in 1951.

 

 

During Winterskol, more than 40 events are scheduled in the downtown area, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk Mountain, and Snowmass Mountain. The entire area gets involved in the activities. Winterskol is a celebration of Aspen’s Nordic ancestry, as well as a celebration of winter. While most events are scheduled in advance,Winterskol also brings several surprises as well. You just never know what you will find at the Winterskol celebration – until you are there.

 

Favorite traditional activities include the Canine Fashion Show, Winter sculpt, the Buttermilk Uphill Race, and Snowmass Splash. Don’t miss the torchlight descent and the fireworks display over Aspen Mountain. Don’t miss the unique competitions happening all over town. There is constant live entertainment all around town as well. If you are planning a ski vacation, and you want to have the time of your life –
your destination should be Aspen, and your arrival date should coincide with the start of Winterskol.

 

Winterskol is an ongoing week long party with something for everyone. Amusement, entertainment, parties, and celebration are top priorities during the week of Winterskol. You have to experience Winterskol at least once in your lifetime – and after you have been once, you will be back. Winterskol is a celebration that is comparable with Mardi Gras in New Orleans – but a lot safer, and in many opinions, more enjoyable.

 

As they do for Mardi Gras, people come from all over the world for Winterskol. Event packages are available, but all of the lodges, hotels, motels, condos, cabins, and campgrounds sell out early. Make sure that you book lodging for Winterskol well in advance, and take advantage of the packages that the
various lodges offer. Packages typically include lodging, airfare, rental cars, and other things that you may require as well.

Aspen Nightlife – The Sneaker Ball

You may have been to many balls in your lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls,and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado, you are missing out on all the fun! Known as ‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East Dean Street every March.

 

Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a celebration of Reebok shares trading on the stock market for the very first time. This black tie event was much like other balls – but everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first
Sneaker Ball was born.

 

The following year, Al Gross decided that this was the kind of party that people really liked – but instead of being limited to white Reeboks, the idea would be for the guests to wear formal gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where people know how to party – and thousands of people from all over the world fly into Aspen to attend.

 

One of the nicest things guests like about the Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a program designed to help inner-city kids. These kids are brought to Aspen to experience what life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t even realize that places like Aspen really exist. Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too bad considering that the money is for a good cause.

 

People from diverse backgrounds attend the Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are there, infamous people, and people who are neither famous nor infamous attend – and every one has a fantastic time. The party gets started at about 9:30pm and ends around 1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in various locations throughout Aspen.

 

If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your chance! You will rub elbows with the famous, show off your custom designed sneakers along with your formal wear, and dance the night away – and all for a very good cause. 

 

This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and purchase your tickets right away. Also check with the various hotels and lodges to inquire about package deals and get your reservations set before everything is sold out!

Aspen Nightlife – The Caribou Club

According to The New York Post, the Caribou Club is the absolute best private club in America. This is a member’s only private club, and the membership fee is quite high – but the ambiance is top-notch! The Caribou Club is located in Aspen, Colorado on East Hopkins Avenue.

 

The club is open from 6:30pm until 2am every day, and you can enjoy dinner and dancing, or lounge in the Great Room before a roaring fireplace with a fine cigar. The wine cellar houses over 5000 wines from around the world.

 

There is more to The Caribou Club than fine dining and dancing, however. When you enter the club, you are entering a world of elegance that can only be experienced here. The walls are covered with 19th century paintings. There is a coat room, where your coat will be taken from you, and you are made to feel like a very welcome houseguest. You can then go to the bar, the Great Room, or be seated for dinner – the choice is yours.

 

The Caribou Club has only been open for about ten years, but it has become an integral part of Aspen nightlife for the rich and famous – and even for those who are not famous, nor rich, but who can afford to pay the membership fees. When you enter the Great Room at The Caribo u Club, you will probably see faces that you know – even if you don’t know these famous people on a personal level.

 

You don’t even have to be in Aspen to enjoy the cuisine offered by The Caribou Club. Your event can be catered by the club, no matter how large or small it is, or where it is located. You can have your event catered anywhere in the world! Private parties can also be held at The Caribou Club.

 

Again, the cost is fairly high. Lifetime membership for a couple is $10,000. Individual membership for two  people is $3000 for the first year, and $1000 for each additional year, paid annually.

 

Family membership for up to five people costs $4000 per year. A temporary membership is available for one week. The cost is $500 and covers one couple. However, during Holidays and President’s Weekend, the cost is $1000.

 

As you can see, The Caribou Club is quite exclusive – but depending on the type of nightlife you enjoy, the cost of membership is well worth it – even if you only visit once a year.