Bridging Pampering and Wellness in the World

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques and Spa - a publication for skincare and spa professionals - recently published "The Link Between Spa and Medical Tourism: Bridging Pampering and Wellness all over the World" in the December 2008 issue. I was pleased to write this piece which includes the drivers to both domestic and international health tourism, the convergence in trends in healthcare and tourism and examples of healing traditions from India, Guatemala and Turkey.

Below is an excerpt....

For many spa professionals, medical tourism may sound a bit mysterious but leaving home for care and treatment is dates back thousands of years when Greek pilgrims traveled to the Mediterranean to an area known for its healing powers. Medical tourism includes both international and domestic travel, whether it to an exotic resort halfway around the world or driving to a healthcare facility several hours away.

You may even consider small spa towns to be an early form of medical tourism. For centuries Europeans visited hot springs and thermal spas as treatment for arthritis, bronchitis and other health issues and in the U.S, many traveled by stagecoach seeking the curative relief of hot springs. Resorts grew around these watering holds including Saratoga Springs, NY and Hot Springs, Arkansas. Times have changed but the desire for health will never wane.

Healthcare is a hot topic. Especially with an an estimated 50 million uninsured (Source: U.S. Census) and millions without dental insurance, Americans are looking for options. Many have joined the movement towards “self-care” by implementing healthier lifestyles, seeking alternative medicine and balancing work and life. High deductibles and co-pays and HSAs (health savings accounts) have created patients that have become savvy healthcare consumers. The Internet has become a source for patients to learn more about diagnosis, conditions and treatment options. According to a recent survey , 39% of American consumers revealed they would go abroad for an elective procedure if they could save half the cost and be assured the quality was as good or better. In countries such as India, Thailand and Singapore, often a surgical procedure, which includes airfare and a stay in a resort hotel can cost 10% of comparable services in the U.S.

On the flip side, it is estimated that more than 400,000 medical tourists from South America, Canada and the Middle East will seek care in the United States this year.(Source: Deloitte: Medical Tourism – Consumers in Search of Value). Some come to avoid long waiting times for medical care, while others seek medical services that are not available in their home country while others combine leisure travel with healthcare. The top procedures include cosmetic, cardiac, orthopedic and oncology services.

For a full transcript in PDF please email a request to camille@globalspaandwellness.com