General Questions

What is medical tourism?

Medical tourism - also known as health travel or global healthcare -  means travelling overseas to receive medical treatment of a quality equal to or better than that available in your own country, but generally at a much lower price and with no waiting time. Some of the most common procedures and treatments sought after by medical tourists are cosmetic surgery, dental care, orthopaedic procedures, fertility treatment and eye surgery. For more information see our Guided Tour.

Why do people go overseas to obtain healthcare?

There are many reasons for seeking medical treatment overseas, but the most common are:

• Cost - treatment overseas often comes at a fraction of what it would cost in Western countries
• Quality of service - the personalised attention medical tourists receive from overseas medical and nursing staff can be reason in itself to avoid the impersonal, numbers-driven medical system at home
• No waiting - even for elective procedures available through the public healthcare system at home, treatment abroad can be a way of avoiding long waiting lists
• Specialised treatment/availability - many overseas doctors are experienced specialists in procedures that might be unusual or even unavailable in Australia
• Anonymity/privacy - many people travelling for surgery like the fact that they can recover discreetly; as far as friends, family and acquaintances are concerned, they have just been overseas for a holiday
• Existing travel plans - if you're already planning a trip to somewhere like Thailand or India, you can arrange a low-cost, high-quality medical or dental procedure while you're there

Why does healthcare cost so much less overseas?

Facilities and doctors overseas are able to provide healthcare at a lower cost without compromising on quality for a number of reasons. These include lower medical indemnity insurance premiums, lower labour costs coupled with a lower overall cost of living, and cheaper medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.

How do I know that the hospitals are safe?

Every medical facility in our network is accredited by the Joint Commission International - the international arm of the same body that certifies medical facilities in the United States. In other words, the international hospitals we work with are held to the same rigourous standards of safety and quality as the most prestigious Western hospitals ( more information).

While there are risks involved with any medical treatment, our partner facilities are the equal of the best Western facilities on all the important measures: sanitation, up-to-date technology, and training of medical and nursing staff.

Why should I use Global Health Travel if I can do it myself without the middle man?

You could certainly contact the hospital directly and make appointments yourself, on top of arranging your own flights, accommodation and ground transportation. However, this is a time-consuming process for at best a small saving.

Apart from the convenience of being able to deal with one organisation for all your travel and medical needs, there are other advantages of working with a reputable medical tourism facilitator like Global Health Travel. We've met and built relationships with the facilities and doctors we work with, taking the guesswork out of the process. And because we know the medical tourism industry inside out, we can make sure you're fully informed, giving you answers to important questions you may not even have thought to ask, and helping make your health travel journey the best possible experience.

How do I know that Global Health Travel is a legitimate, ethical company?

Global Health Travel is a registered company with ASIC. We are also a member of the Medical Tourism Association.
We abide by strict set of ethical standards modelled on those recommended for medical tourism providers by the American Medical Association.

Can I speak with a past client about their experience?

Absolutely. Once you decide to move forward with Global Health Travel, we will happily refer you to past clients that have had the procedure that you are seeking. In return, we  appreciate your referrals once you return from your medical treatment. (We respect the privacy of all our clients and will only ask for referrals from those that give permission.)

Alternatively, you can contact the facilities directly and ask to speak to past patients and clients.

Do you recommend which hospital or advise what doctor to use?

No. Our purpose is to give you all the tools and information you need to make an informed and educated choice about your medical tourism options. We will not encourage, advise, advocate or underwrite any of the doctors or healthcare facilities in our network. The final choice is completely yours.

I can’t afford the treatment I need. Can I organise finance through Global Health Travel?

Yes! If you need to borrow funds to pay for your medical procedures and travel we recommend our trusted partner Australian Credit Acceptance. Their wide range of Finance Products means they are able to offer you the best choice designed to suit your individual circumstances. To find out more contact us or click on the link. Medical Travel Finance