Low cost and no waiting period : key reasons to travel overseas for medical tourism

Medical tourism is a global phenomenon and the number one growing niche segment of the tourism industry. It is a sub-set of health tourism. There are many reasons why people travel to another country and become medical tourists; such as high health and insurance costs, long waiting lists, and the absence of the latest medical procedures and technology in their home countries. In addition, low surgical cost, latest medical technology, no waiting period, internationally accredited medical facilities and qualified staff in Thailand, India, Malaysia, Mexico and Poland make them attractive destinations for medical treatment. Thus, increasing numbers of people are making an informed personal healthcare decision to obtain the best outcome at an affordable price with no waiting period. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the two hypotheses. This research provides insights into the importance of two key factors such as cost and waiting period in the process of making a decision to travel abroad for medical treatment. Research findings suggest that low surgical cost and no waiting period for elective surgery, compared to their country of origin is the key driver for potential patients to significantly increase the demand and travel overseas for medical procedures to improve their health and wellbeing.