Risks of Medical Tourism

Medical, or Health Tourism, is growing in popularity as a growing number of  North American patients travel to other countries for medical care, alternative medicine, surgeries and dental care.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the multi-billion dollar business is expected to grow substantially over the next 5-10 years.

People seek care abroad in order to reduce their wait time for procedures,  get a second opinion and of course to save money.  Often patients are returning to their country of origin for treatment in a familiar setting where they speak the language and have after-care support.  Some of the common procedures performed include major dental work, weight loss surgery, cosmetic surgery as well as stem cell treatment, cancer care and cardiology care.

But this new trend is not without its risks and the Canadian government warns that health standards, infection control and other medical practices may differ from those in Canada.  For example, some countries may not test blood for HIV or Hepatitis B and Malaria is a risk in some foreign blood banks.  Drug-resistant bacteria is also a concern in many hospitals world-wide and transplants performed in other countries can be the result of “transplant tourism” in which vulnerable members of society, such as prisoners, may be illegally coerced or forced into donating their organs.

Careful research into the accreditation and international rating of any medical facility is the responsibility of the patient.  Travellers should aware that communication may be a problem which can result in misunderstandings about care.  In some cases, medication may be of poorer quality or counterfeit.  Medical tourists should also know that flying following surgery puts you at greater risk for blood clots and as with any post-surgical patient, the risk of local infection increases when the immune system is compromised.

Before making any travel arrangements for medical care outside North America, see your physician and discuss potential risks and recommended care after treatment.  Make sure everything is in writing, including all costs and definitions of treatment.  Make a detailed list of all the medications you take and get copies of all medical records before returning home.

For more information about traveling abroad for medical care visit the Government of Canada website at:  http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/publications/well-on-your-way  or the CDC website at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/the-pre-travel-consultation/medical-tourism.