Medical tourism is nothing new. The history of medical tourism cites that even in the early times, people have been traveling to other countries for health purposes. There were the ancient Greeks and Egyptians who went to hot springs and baths to improve their health as well as the 18th and 19th century Europeans and Americans who flocked to health spas and sanitariums and even in remote places in the hope that they will get treatment for diseases such as tuberculosis, gout, bronchitis or liver diseases.
The history of medical tourism dates back to its first recorded case when Greek pilgrims traveled from the Mediterranean to Epidauria, a small territory in the Saronic Gulf. It was said that this small territory was the sanctuary of Asklepios, known as the healing God. Thus, it was recorded in medical tourism history that Epidauria is the original destination for medical tourism.
History is indeed full of medical travelers who made trips in various places across the globe to seek improvement for their health. Take the case of India. India has enjoyed a rich history of providing Yoga instruction as well as Ayurvedic healing to patients from around the world.
However, dental surgery, cosmetic surgery and other more serious kinds of surgery abroad is relatively a new phenomenon. It started in the 80s and 90s when patients began looking for more affordable options other than what was offered in their homeland or country.
What was referred to as "tooth tourism" grew quickly. Americans were then traveling to Costa Rica or other Central American countries for dental bridges and other dental procedures that were not usually covered by their insurance.
In the late 1980s, Cuba started programs to attract foreigners from countries like India, Latin America and Europe for more affordable eye surgeries, heart surgery and cosmetic procedures. In 1990 alone, it was reported that the Cuban government had around 2,000 medical tourists from various parts of the world.
Thailand also became a hot destination for plastic surgery and other routine medical procedures in the late 1990s. On the other hand, New Zealand is getting more popular in hip and knee replacements surgery.
Now, medical tourism is already a global phenomenon. More and more countries will become destinations of medical tourism. But while there are advantages, there are also risks or disadvantages. Medical tourism is a trade-off. You might be able to save a lot of money at the same time have your much-needed vacation abroad but expect some disadvantages along the way. Nonetheless, medical tourism is here to stay thanks to the mass media, modern technology and hassle-free travel to other countries.
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