A team of British researchers, led by the University of York, is warning governments and healthcare decision makers across the globe to be wary of the myths and hype surrounding medical tourism.
In an article, to be published in the journal Policy & Politics by Policy Press, the researchers challenge the idea that ever greater numbers of patients are prepared to travel across national borders to receive medical treatment.
‘Medical tourism’ is where people leave their own country to seek medical treatment abroad. They are typically treated as private patients and the costs are fully recouped. This is distinct from ‘health tourism’ where there is not always an intention to pay.
In the article, the authors, who include academics from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Royal Holloway University, and the University of Birmingham, looked beyond the NHS and the UK to address the wider international issues of medical tourism, examining how other countries are addressing this global phenomenon.
They describe ‘three myths’ of medical tourism: the rise and rise of medical tourism; enormous global market opportunities; and that national governments have a role to play in stimulating the medical tourism sector through high-tech investment.
The researchers say these three widely-held assumptions cannot be backed up with hard evidence but are encouraged by interested parties such as healthcare providers, and brokers and facilitators who act as intermediaries between providers and patients.
Lead author Dr Neil Lunt, from the University of York’s Department of Social Policy and Social Work, said: “In the past decade or so, the global health policy literature and consultancy reports have been awash with speculations about patient mobility, with an emphasis on how ever greater numbers of patients are travelling across national jurisdictions to receive medical treatments.
“Yet authoritative data on numbers and flows of medical tourists between nations and continents is tremendously difficult to identify. What data does exist is generally provided by stakeholders with a vested interest rather than by independent research institutions. What is clear is that there exists no credible authoritative data at the global level, which is why we are urging caution to governments and other decision-makers who see medical tourism as a lucrative source of additional revenue.
“Our message is: be wary of being dazzled by the lure of global health markets, and of chasing markets that do not exist.”
The paper was informed by a research project funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research (NIHR HS&DR) Programme. It uses the findings from a two-year study into the impact of medical tourism on the UK’s health system to make broader observations which the researchers believe apply to medical tourism globally.
The report authors argue that in terms of medical tourism, a level playing field does not necessarily exist and they challenge the view of open and global markets. Networks, history and relationships, they say, may explain a great deal about the success of particular destinations.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Global medical tourism
- The Global Dental Laboratories Market is Expected to Exhibit a CAGR of Close to 5.6% Over the Forecast Period 2022-2032
Companies Profiled in dental laboratories market are Envista Holdings Corporation, Dentsply Sirona, A-dec Inc., Straumann AG, Danaher Corporation, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Ultradent Products, Inc ...
- North America Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market is Projected to Register a CAGR of 25.5% by The End of 2026
Leading market players featured in the report are Apollo Hospital Enterprise Limited, Bumrungrad International Hospital, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Christus Muguerza Hospital, WorldMed Assist, Mednamaste, ...
- Medical Tourism Market to Expand at 21.1% CAGR during 2022-2028
According to Fortune Business Insights, The worldwide medical tourism market value is predicted to rise from USD 13.98 billion in 2021 to USD 53.51 ...
- Global $29.54 Bn Medical Spa Markets, Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecasts, 2021-2022 & 2030 - ResearchAndMarkets.com
Furthermore, an increase in disposable incomes in developing economies, as well as an increase in medical tourism in developing countries with lucrative service, drive the market growth. In addition, ...
- DOT promotes PH as medical tourism hub
The Department of Tourism plans to promote the Philippines as an attractive medical tourism destination by increasing public awareness in the global market, according to the agency’s top official. “We ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Global medical tourism
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Health tourism
- Arabian Travel Market is officially open
Dubai’s ability to provide a safe environment for both tourism and prominent global events over the past two years and its success in overcoming the repercussions of the recent worldwide health ...
- Ontario NDP promises northerners quicker medical travel reimbursement, local services
The Ontario New Democrats are making health-focused pitches to northern voters, promising quicker reimbursement for medical travel expenses and more local health centres in their communities.
- Tourism and economic agencies join forces to market Orlando
It's an idea that almost seems as compatible as Mickey and Minnie. Take the tens of millions of tourists who are thinking about visiting the Orlando area’s theme parks each ...
- Pope Francis’ Lebanon Trip ‘Delayed for Health Reasons’
Pope Francis is postponing his June trip to Lebanon, according to the country’s tourism minister. Walid Nassar announced the delay on May 9, citing “health reasons,” reported AFP. “Lebanon has ...
- Minister: Pope postpones visit to Lebanon for health reasons
BEIRUT (AP) — Pope Francis has postpone a planned visit to Lebanon next month due to health reasons, a Lebanese Cabinet minister said Monday. Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar did not specify the ...