Home           |           About Us           |           Register Free           |           Events and Conferences           |           Contact Us

Treatment abroad news: 25 september 2007

Medical tourism is becoming a major growth industry in Germany, with patients from many different parts of the world recognizing the benefits of seeking treatment abroad.

The nation has an enviable health care system, with excellent patient care and affordable prices combining to make it an attractive destination.

Axel Steller, chief executive officer of the Arab German Health Foundation, told the DW-World.de website that 50,000 foreign patients went to Germany for medical treatment in 2001, a figure which has undoubtedly risen since then.

At first glance, costs of private treatment in Germany might seem uncompetitive when compared to the UK, with only small savings on offer in comparison with other European destinations.

However, those seeking treatment abroad are advised to look at the overall cost of the visit, as accommodation, food and drink while in Germany are likely to be significantly cheaper than elsewhere.

Many patients therefore choose to make the short, inexpensive journey to Germany with their families in order to make the most of the sightseeing and shopping in addition to taking advantage of the medical services on offer and avoiding long NHS waiting lists.

Source : www.treatmentabroad.net

Whether you agree with it or not, medical tourism is booming. In a trailblazing case this week, one woman even won the right to an NHS-funded hip operation abroad. Peta Bee lists some of the most popular destinations

Thursday 18 May 2006
The Guardian
Cataract surgery
Where: Germany
Cost: £1,300
UK equivalent: £2,600
Advantages: Germany is increasingly popular because it is easy and cheap to get to. Its hospitals offer high standards and the latest technology and comfort (expect polished marble and chandeliers in some) as well as highly qualified staff, many of whom are recruited from the NHS. There are virtually no waiting times, and the risk of infections, such as MRSA, is low. Consultants will liaise with UK-based doctors for follow-up appointments in many cases. Flights and hotel accommodation are generally included in the package, although for some smaller operations an outpatient service is available. Interpreters, individual reception at airport and patient transport are available at extra cost.
Selected link: www.germanmedicine.net

It might be the country's own favorite bugbear, but German health care enjoys an excellent reputation abroad, both in terms of quality and cost. Medical tourism is booming -- and Germany could be making more of it.
Within Germany, the health care system is like a nagging back-ache that won't go away. Everyone complains, but no one ever does anything about it.

But in fact, everyone else seems to think that German health care is blooming -- and more and more patients are coming here from abroad for a piece of the pie.

According to Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health Foundation, 50,000 foreign patients sought treatment in Germany in 2001, staying an average 10 days, spending approximately 250 euros ($317) per day and generating a total turnover of 125 million euros.

The relationship is a mutually beneficial one insofar as clinics are not required to factor treatment of foreign patients into their annual budget. It's a win-win situation for all concerned, and makes these profitable patients from abroad a coveted clientele to local hospitals.

But before Germany starts patting itself on the back, it should take a closer look at why these patients come. It's not always just because Germany is such an attractive prospect.

The bulk of foreign patients end up in German hospitals for the banal reason that they're in the country on holiday or business and fall unexpectedly ill. Others, however, are fleeing long waiting lists such as those in Britain, while many come either from neighboring countries or places where medical care is too costly -- as in the US.

"In the US, operations are four to five times are expensive as they are in Germany," Steller said. US insurance companies will therefore take over the entire costs of a trip to a German clinic, while other patients head to the continent because they can't afford treatment back home.

"A question of organization"
It's an altogether different story in Russia -- where up to 15 million people can theoretically afford treatment but simply can't get it. Medical services are in such a state of disrepair, that those with the financial means prefer to make the trip to Germany.

The Gulf states, meanwhile, tend to buy state-of-the-art equipment but lack trained professionals. Well-heeled patients can expect to be flown overseas. Before Sept. 11, the most common destination was the US, but heightened security now makes it less likely they will be granted visas and Germany has proved to be an efficient alternative.

Experts say up to 10,000 Arab patients are treated in Germany every year, and they don't just top up hospital coffers. They often bring their families with them and frequently take the opportunity for a full-blown vacation, spending generously on accommodation, shopping and sight-seeing in the process.

"Arab states will be sending patients abroad for at least another 10 years," Steller said, adding that Germany should wake up and smell the coffee -- and maximize these visitors' consumer potential.

"It's all just a question of organization," he said.

Courtesy : www.dw-world.de