Medical Tourism Industry Today

What is the difference between the medical tourism industry today compared with years ago? The medical tourism industry today is more prominent and well-known. People are traveling for essential procedures and it is not just individuals traveling for care. Nowadays, employers are sending employees overseas, governments are sending their citizens and insurance companies are offering overseas or even domestic medical tourism as an option.

Before, the individuals would contact hospitals themselves and plan their own medical trip. Travel agents and others started to realize that this was happening and started to make a business out of it, medical tourism facilitation. Many facilitators have sprung up over the last 10 years, many have died out, but the ones that have lasted are the companies with strong business plans and industry reputations.

With all of these entities involved, the industry has become more organized and efforts are being made to promote the high quality and safety of hospitals around the world. The competition amongst hospitals has increased due to international accreditations and certifications such as Joint Commission International and the Medical Tourism Association’s® certification programs. Many of the entities involved in selecting a hospital are looking at who has international accreditations. The Medical Tourism Association® (MTA) and others involved have been fighting for education, communication and transparency within the industry. With these efforts in place, the medical tourism industry has become a global phenomenon and continues to grow in a healthy direction.