Q. What is Medical Tourism?
A. Medical tourism is a term that has risen from the rapid growth of the industry where people from all around the world are traveling to other countries to obtain medical, dental and surgical care while at the same time touring, vacationing, and fully experiencing the attractions of the countries that they are visiting. As the cost and waiting time for medical treatment has increased in many developed countries, many people view this service as an effective and reliable alternative to expensive private health care in the home country.
India is emerging as a global healthcare destination on account of its capabilities, world-class infrastructure, international healthcare standards and experienced manpower and all these qualities are available at fraction of cost as compared to the cost in the developed countries.
Q. Who are the people most likely to use Value Medicare?
A. Individuals:
Any patient seeking affordable, high quality medical care can benefit from the Value Medicare system. However, those who may benefit the most are:
- Uninsured and underinsured individuals who may face staggering medical bills for serious procedures. It's notable that half of U.S. bankruptcies are a direct result of catastrophic medical events and their associated costs
- Patients seeking treatments that are routinely performed in India, but are not performed in their country (robot assisted joint replacement as an example)
- Patients that want to take personal accountability for their healthcare decisions, and make the best choice from global, rather than local options
- Wait-listed patients with chronic pain or disability (Canada)
- People traveling in India who wants to do simple cosmetic or dental treatments
Corporate:
- Corporate entities trying to save cost of employee healthcare can use medical treatment offered by Value Medicare as a viable and affordable alternative
Q. Why should I use Value Medicare?
A. Value Medicare is your one stop gateway to all medical facilities in India. Through us you have a direct link and fast access to the best and most experienced specialists and surgeons in India. We believe in providing high quality healthcare at an affordable cost (almost 60 to 70% less compared to USA/UK) to all. Our affiliated doctors are highly qualified professionals offering services in internationally accredited healthcare facilities. We would also provide options for a vacation to add to your experience in India.
Q. Why can’t I do these trips on my own and (presumably) save money?
A. One can often do our tours on his own if he has large quantities of time, patience, money and willing to forgo some safety measures. Through us you will have a direct link and fast access to the best and most experienced specialists and surgeons in India. We would also make all your traveling arrangements and would try to make your stay as comfortable and stress free as possible.
Due to the volumes that we serve we are able to get better deals from hospitals, hotels, resorts, etc. than any individual can possibly get. All these deals are passed-on to our guests.
Q. How credible are Medical institutions and medical professionals in India??
A. Value Medicare has its own internal criteria of selecting medical specialists and medical professionals. All of the physicians/ surgeons we deal with are highly trained professionals meeting all the international standards. Most of our medical specialists are trained in the western countries like USA and UK and have years of experience of working there.They are well aware of the standards of care in developed world. Each has vast experience and has specialized in their area of expertise offering you top notch services. The patient can go through the CV of the physician and the details about the hospital that will attend him/her.
Q. How up-to-date are the hospital’s facilities?
A. All our partner hospitals or nursing homes invest heavily in their equipment and infrastructure to ensure that patients receive the best treatment possible. They have almost all the latest equipments and technologies that are available in the developed countries.
Q. Will I be able to speak to the surgeon prior to traveling to India?
A. Yes. If consultation is required by the physician or requested by you, we will make the arrangements to have a teleconference with the surgeon.
Q. Will language be a problem?
A. All medically trained staff members are fluent in English at our affiliate healthcare facilities. English is widely spoken throughout India. Your personal attendant, fluent in English and the local language, will always be there to help you. If English is not your native tongue we will provide you a translator if necessary. Translators are available for French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian etc.
Q. What information would I need to provide?
A. We would need to obtain a complete medical history from you. Also, the surgeon may request any X-rays or test results for your presenting problem during pre surgery consultation.
Q. What about the confidentiality and privacy of my medical forms?
A. Any information you enter in our site is secure. We use the latest technology available to protect all your personal information and will not be out-sourced to any third party under any circumstances. We also guarantee complete confidentiality of patient medical records and information involving patient - physician relationship.
Q. How and when I need to pay?
A. Value Medicare would send you the detailed itinerary and the estimated cost of procedure, travel and stay in India. You would be required to pay 40% of the cost for securing the booking, which is refundable after deducting administrative charges if you decide not to undergo the procedure.
You can pay through wire transfer/ telegraphic transfer/ remit money online from your country. When in India, you can pay in cash or through traveler's cheque/ demand draft.
Q. What will happen if I postpone my trip due to personal reasons?
A. If the patient must postpone the trip due to personal reasons after the deposit was made, he/she may ask for a reschedule. Value Medicare will stick to the original price for three months after the date in which the trip was postponed, but once that period elapses, the package's price could be modified. The deposit will be held and considered as payment on account.
Q. What if I want to cancel my trip?
A. Cancellation of the trip before traveling
If for any reason the patient decides to cancel the trip after having paid the deposit or the total package's cost, Value Medicare offers three alternatives:
- The trip and services are cancelled and Value Medicare reimburses the total package's cost after deducting the administrative cost.
- The patient may use the amount paid as a credit. The credit will expire in six months(in that case it would be returned without any interest after deducting the administrative cost) and may be used to pay any service offered by Value Medicare.
- The patient may transfer the payment to another patient.
Cancellation of the service once in India
If the patient decides not to go ahead with the procedure after coming to India, he will be reimbursed the amount corresponding to the procedure. If the professional advises the patient not to undergo the procedure due to medical reasons, all the expenses incurred until the moment the physician makes this decision will be charged, but the rest will be returned to the patient. The patient will be informed about the expenses incurred. If special supplies were bought for the patient (prostheses or bandages, for example), he/she can take them with him/her. The patient can still choose to take our touring/vacation package.
Q. Would it be advisable for me to plan my vacation before or after my surgery?
A. We recommend that for major surgeries such as cardiac, joint replacement, gastric bypass, or abdominals that you vacation prior to surgery. However, we would advise you to please consult your physician before planning. Your recovery phase could be spent relaxing at one of India’s world class hotel resorts, with you close to the hospital for follow- up care as needed. All post operative holiday plans must be approved by your attending physician in India.
Q. How do I make travel/visa arrangements?
A. Value Medicare will put you in contact with our affiliate travel agents who specialize in sending clients to India. The travel agent will aide you in processing all necessary travel documents such as visas and any vaccinations needed prior to travel.
Q. Will I receive my medical records from India?
A. Yes, you will be given copies of your medical records to take back home with you.
Q. Will I have my own room in hospital?
A. Yes, you will be provided with a private air conditioned room with a television, telephone and washroom. Each room can also accommodate the person accompanying you free of charge. You will have a dedicated 24 hrs nurse to aide you with your care and a dietician will be available for you to work out any dietary concerns. Internet access and bound cell phone connectivity can be made available in the rooms if desired.
Q. Would I tell my own doctor of my plans to have surgery abroad?
A. Yes, it is very important for follow-up care that your own physician be aware. We recommend that you inform your physician and be sure that he/she is willing to aide in any follow-up care. We can also arrange for correspondence between the surgeon and your own physician if requested.
Q. Should I bring someone with me?
A. Yes, we recommend that you do bring someone with you though it is not necessary. You will have a dedicated 24 hour nurse/client executive to aid you with your care.
Q. How much will it cost me?
A. The tarrifs vary depending on procedure and whether there are added costs of additional treatment. Once the price for your medical procedure is determined, it is inclusive of your hospital stay, nursing care, and diet. Any additional treatments the surgeon feels necessary will be discussed with you and billed accordingly. For more information on surgical costs kindly visit the “Cost Comparison“ tab on the home page. Travel, touring and post operative recuperation costs will be separate. |
