How Can Medical Tourism Increase the Risk of illness?

Medical tourism refers to the annual migration of millions of citizens for medical treatment. The most popular destinations for medical tourists are Canada, Mexico, and several other nations in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Inexpensive treatment rates in nations like Mexico, India, and Thailand, are some of the most well-liked places for medical visitors. Thus, it is anticipated to fuel the market growth. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Medical Tourism Market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% over the projection period from 2023 to 2031.

Medical Travel Can Be Dangerous

The risk of difficulties varies according to the location, the setting, and the traveler's physical condition before the procedure. A traveler's risk of problems may also be affected by the following:

Antibiotic resistance: Disease outbreaks among medical tourists have been brought on by bacteria and fungi that are highly drug-resistant. When bacteria learn to resist antibiotics and other medications used to treat infections, antimicrobial resistance occurs. The issue of antimicrobial resistance is widespread. Medical tourists may run the danger of contracting an infection that is resistant to treatment if the infection control procedures in foreign healthcare institutions are inadequate.

Virus-based illnesses: There is a small chance of infection with any medical operation. Bloodstream infections, wound infections, donor-derived infections (in the case of transplants or transfusions), and illnesses including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV are examples of complications from procedures carried out in other nations.

Communication difficulties: It could be difficult to communicate with hospital and destination staff. A facility where a person receives care could misunderstand their needs if they don't speak the language well.

Maintenance of Care: Travelers might need medical treatment in the United States if issues arise after returning home. It could be costly to provide follow-up care for problems. People's health insurance may not cover the entire course of treatment, which could be lengthy.

How to reduce the risks of medical tourism?

Keep people's medical and health records up to date

• Person prescription and OTC medications in their original packaging should be placed in a travel health kit. Bring enough medicine to last the duration of their trip plus a little extra in case of delays. A list of the medications they take, along with their brand names, manufacturers, generic names, and dosages, should also be included. 
• Bring photocopies of the person's medical documents, including lab tests and other test results pertinent to their condition and treatment, with the person. At their destination, let the medical professionals know if they have any allergies.

Before the trip

• Receive pre-trip advice. Consult people doctor or a travel medicine specialist at least 4-6 weeks before their trip to go over general travel health advice and find out about any unique hazards associated with their health state, the procedure, and travel after and before.
• Find out what activities, like swimming or hiking, are not advised around the time of the medical treatment and make plans accordingly.