FAQ
What is Medical Tourism?
The terms 'Medical Tourism', 'Medical Travel', 'Health Tourism' are given for individuals seeking affordable medical, dental, optical and cosmetic surgery abroad while at the same time relaxing, sightseeing and enjoying all the attractions of the countries that they are visiting.
'Medical outsourcing' will become in the years to come a multi-billion dollar industry, and, with a new initiate Singapore plans to welcome more than one million medical tourists by 2010.
As medical costs skyrocket - Americans spent over 16 percent of GDP on health care in 2005 at home, according to the OECD, and Europeans aren't far behind - and waiting times of medical treatment increase the idea of going abroad to get healthy is becoming more and more attractive.
More than 130,000 Americans, over 18,000 Canadians and Europeans currently seek medical treatment overseas each year.
International medical facilities and clinics offer world-class medical treatment for lower costs, providing patients with a timely and less expensive alternative to manage their health and recovery in privacy. In short terms, medical tourism is the choice and practice of obtaining medical services outside one's own country.
Why use Global Medical Travels (GMT) services?
Global Medical Travels Ltd., a Health Travel Planner company supports individuals who are seeking medical treatment abroad.
Our main approach is to provide a quality service at affordable prices through our preferred partners abroad who understand the requirements of our clients.
What services does GMT offer?
Two options are available to GMT clients who seek medical treatment abroad.
A. Enrollment in a membership service with that includes either a standard (S) or a comprehensive package (P) of medical coverage for hospitalization,
and/or
B. the traditional consulting services of our company acting as a 'Health Travel Planner'.
We work with our clients to minimize the effort and energy in organizing such treatment, allowing our clients to focus on their health and well-being. We work with accredited partners abroad who have the experience and capability for treating international health patients.
What are the benefits of a GMT membership?
With a membership GMT clients enjoy the benefits of a Hospital Membership Package (HOSPITALME Pak) with vacations in Europe. Two levels of membership are available now.
The Standard Membership Package benefits include basic coverage of hospitalization. Multiple medical treatments are available at no extra charge during paid membership period.
We recommend this 'Peace of Mind'-package for all of our aged 45-plus clients.
The Premium Comprehensive Membership Package carries a set of multiple benefits, e.g.
- Premium Coverage of Hospitalization,
- Medical surgery and treatment,
- Insurance Coverage for internal prostheses ($15,000 value)
- Consultation with Medical Doctor,
- Second medical opinion,
- free stay for companion in hospital facility,
- Annual Executive Health Check-up,
- European-City-Vacation Package with Elite European Tour operator (optional).
Membership dues to be paid in advance annually (12 months) pending on package tier.
The hospital membership package (HOSPITALME PAK) is exclusively available to members of GlobalMedTravels.com a division of Global Medical Travels Ltd.
What medical treatments are available through GMT?
Hospitalmembership. Orthopedic surgery, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, heart care.
Our contracted hospitals in Southeast Asia offer the following medical treatments: orthopedic surgery, general surgery, cosmetic and plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, eye care, heart care and dentistry.
GMT's aim is to facilitate access to the best quality treatment and care to our clients. However, in any case your treatment is not listed on our website please do not hesitate to contact us.
Can I have more than one surgery at the same time?
Many patients who have more than one surgery will also combine it with dentistry and optical procedures due to the affordability of our HOSPITALME Packages and the follow-up care and support offered while on holiday.
How much will it cost?
As the cost and waiting times of medical treatment increase in Western countries, many people view this service as an effective and reliable alternative to expensive private health care.
Generally you will find that most procedures are between 30%-60% of the equivalent costs at home (US, UK).
The cost of treatment will vary based on your individual requirements. We can however assure you that the cost will be significantly lower than private care in the US, UK, or Canada whilst delivering world-class quality treatment to you.
To give you an idea, a knee replacement surgery in the US adds up to $40,000 compared to $13,000 in Singapore, a substantial savings of $27,000.
A cardiac bypass surgery in the UK can cost around £12,000 through private healthcare. We can provide the equivalent treatment for around £6,500, a substantial saving of £5,500. Not included are airfare and hotel costs that are governed by individual preferences.
The annual GMT hospitalization membership starts at $3,475 plus sales taxes where applicable. The membership includes the Standard HOSPITALME Package for medical coverage of hospitalization at hospital destination.
How do I find out the cost estimates of the particular surgery I may want?You simply complete our Inquiry Form, forward it to us either by internet or mail and once we receive it we immediately forward it to hospitals in the country of your choice. We will generally receive a reply within 3-5 business days. However, if your treatment is scheduled within the next 7-24 months, there are further substantial savings with a HOSPITALME package. HOSPITALME Packages start at $3,475 plus sales tax (VAT) for a one year (12 months) period.
Please note that airfare and hotel costs that are governed by individual preferences are excluded.
Please contact us and we will be more than happy to give you a tailored quote based upon your health travel requirements or parties to join.
Do you give medical opinions and advice?
No, we don't give any medical advice or opinions. Our approach however will ensure that the information collected will allow the medical team abroad to give appropriate advice and treatment.
Do I have to tell my GP?
We recommend that you inform your physician or general practioneer (GP) of the proposed treatment in another country.
GMG members with HOSPITALME Package. Yes, you need a referral from your present GP.
Which medical centers can I go to?
Currently we are only providing for our clients treatment in Western Europe and Southeast Asia, where we have established partners and expertise. We are however looking at prospective future destinations that we will introduce to our portfolio over time.
The countries of Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand have emerged as world-class healthcare centers over the years with many of the doctors having worked or trained in the US, UK, and other Western European countries. The medical treatment you receive in each country will be similar. The destination of choice depends solely on preferences and budget.
Hospitalmembership. Our medical institution is part of a private university with over 200,000 patients annually, and is ranked among the most distinguished institutions of higher education in Europe. The hospital regularly collaborates with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA (ranked 4th best hospital in the USA), the King's College of London (UK), and other distinguished medical institutions in Europe.
In which countries are the medical facilities located?
We offer several medical facilities in Europe (e.g. Germany, Hungary) and Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Depending on your requested treatment and the availability of that treatment in a particular country, the choice of the country is up to you.
Can I speak directly with the surgeon before I book my surgery?
Yes, once we have received your Enquiry Form, it will be forwarded to hospitals in the country of availability and choice. A personal consultation can be arranged directly, by telephone, fax, or e-mail with the surgeon of choice.
How do I find out the cost estimates of the particular surgery I may want?
You simply complete our Enquiry Form, forward it to us either by internet or mail and once we receive it we immediately forward it to hospitals in the country of your choice. We will generally receive a reply within 3-5 business days.
However, if your treatment is scheduled within the next 7-24 months, there are further substantial savings with a HOSPITALME package. HOSPITALME Packages start at $2,897 plus sales tax (VAT) for a one year (12 months) period.
Can I book my own travel arrangements?
As part of our services we are happy to organize your travel and accommodation for you. You are however, free to organize your own arrangements though you will be responsible for ensuring that your travel coincides with any medical treatment.
How is payment handled for the trip and the surgery?
Pending on your choice to book airfare and accommodation through GMT or a travel agency of your choice we will make arrangements for your hospital stay.
Membership Advantage! Hospitalization and treatment expenses are covered with your annual GMT membership package. Enquire for additional benefits!
In the case your medical treatment takes place in one of our partner hospitals in Southeast Asia, payment arrangements may differ. However, most of the hospitals will accept payment once you arrive for your surgery. We will be pleased to provide you specific payment information once you have decided on the hospital and choice of travel date.
Can someone come along with me?
Most hospitals have accommodations to accommodate the patient and an accompanying guest. Please ask our staff if the hospital where your treatment will take place accommodates such services.
What language do they speak at the hospitals?
All our contracted hospitals employ English speaking personnel to inform you correctly and answer any of your questions.
I have a 'special requirement'.
Following consultation with us, we will accommodate all special requirements where feasible. Please do tell us of such requirements so that we can make appropriate arrangements for you.
What if I have a serious medical condition?
Simply contact us and send us your medical record (by email) which we will send to the hospital where your treatment could take place. The specialists at the hospital will decide if you can be treated in the hospital. Contact your own physician or surgeon.
Is there any follow-up care once I return home?
We recommend that you inform your GP or physician prior to your treatment so that they can provide you with follow-up care after your treatment. Please ask the specialist who treated you to contact your GP.
