We see people every day traveling to different countries and visiting different hospitals to get treatment for their medical needs.Europe is one of the fastest growing areas for medical tourism.Europe has high quality hospitals in multiple countries, which is especially important because, once in Europe, you are able to freely travel between countries in the Schengen Area.There are 29 countries that take part in the Schengen Area and because of this, Europe has some of the most varied medical care for tourists in the world.In this guide, we will cover what you need to know to prepare for your in the Schengen Area.We will cover travel plans and costs, travel insurance, the best and safest countries and hospitals, medical services will offer, and some medical tourism travel tips.
Medical tourism is traveling to a different country to receive medical care.This can include cosmetic surgery, dental work, and filling or breaking a bone.It is a planned activity for the future to receive medical assistance with medical problems. There are many reasons why people choose medical tourism.
Patients, also known as medical tourists, travel to the Schengen Area for:
Since every traveler has differing needs, and to provide satisfactory outcomes, it is always advisable for each traveler to obtain elementra consultations with their specialists in advance.
As a medical tourist, receiving care in the Schengen Zone could mean several things.
Borderless travel : A medical tourist can enter the Schengen Zone and move freely throughout the member states without border controls.This can be helpful for patients who need to receive and follow up care in multiple countries.
Safe and quality care: Receiving medical care in Europe means a tourist can be confident in the safety and quality of care.Their healthcare and standard of care include the following:
Post care: A medical tourist will appreciate the nice and hospitable surroundings throughout the Schengen member states.
Double check accreditations and credentials
Go for hospitals and clinics that have solid certifications and good clinical outcomes.
Understand legal protections and medical rights
Get to know the medical malpractice laws of the country where you want to get treated.The standards and legal protections are different everywhere.
Factor in time for recovery
Don’t travel back home too soon after treatment.You need to have enough time to recover from the procedure.
Don’t trust too much low price offers
A price that is too low usually means a lack of care in the other services.Go for the accredited and reputable providers.
Price for procedures can vary a lot:
The cost of medical treatment in Eastern European countries is between 40 and 70 percent cheaper than in Western Europe and the United States for similar quality services.When comparing costs make sure you include:
Note: The costs for travel, accommodation, and daily expenses are usually separate from the medical costs.
Need for visa
Obtaining a Schengen visa to enter the Zone depends on a medical tourist’s country of citizenship.People from the U.S, CAN, and AUS, among others are free to enter the Schengen Zone and stay for 90 days.After 90 days, they need to stay out for 90 days before they can enter again.
Traveling to the Zone requires the following:
Necessary travel medical insurance
If you need a visa, you need to include Schengen travel insurance that includes:
Even in cases where it is not required, medical travel insurance is highly recommended because domestic health insurance will not cover treatment received abroad and it is easy for emergencies to come up that will result in high out of pocket expenses.
Identify your treatment needs: Make a detailed list of procedures and the kind of specialists.Also, include the level of care you will need.
Investigate accredited providers: Make a list of hospitals and clinics that have international accreditations (such as JCI) and have strong clinical outcomes.
Request consultations: Clinics in most of Europe provide the option of having virtual consultations, which allows you the opportunity to discuss directly with the surgeon or specialist.
Analyze the cost: Depending on the country, clinic, and procedure, the cost of treatment can range anywhere.You can find that Eastern Europe offers lower prices than Western Europe and is more affordable.
Confirm after care arrangements: Be clear on the plans for subsequent care and the timelines for recovery, particularly if that care will be provided after you have returned to your home country.
Plan your travel & accommodation: Make your flight and hotel bookings as well as your ground transport to and from the medical facilities.Some clinics provide all inclusive packages.
Obtaining health documentation and insurance: Relax on your trip with your medical travel insurance.Just make sure that your medical travel insurance has every possible scenario covered.Also, make sure that your travel documentation and your health documentation are correctly saved and stored.
When traveling internationally, the Schengen Area is perfect for Medical Tourisms, and the following medical tourism destinations, positioned wholly within the Schengen Area, are reputable for attracting patients internationally.
Germany: Germany has advanced medical research and innovation. Germany has advanced offerings in the following fields: oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and complex surgery.An astonishing number of patients travel internationally for the specialized healthcare services.
Spain: People have reported and observed that the patients have received quality healthcare services and have received excellent treatment in Spain.Spain is appreciated for providing quality healthcare services and quality excellent treatment, and it has a good atmosphere after services have been provided. Spain is attracting patients for cosmetic, fertility, and orthopedic surgeries.
Italy: Italy has outstanding medical technology and has highly educated professionals in the medical field.Italy has a longstanding, favorable, and positive medical history
Hungary: Hungary tends to be known for it’s quality clinics at lower prices than it’s competitors, especially for dental tourism.
Portugal and Greece: Portugal and Greece are also known for having favorable prices on their dental and cosmetic services. They also have warm and welcoming places to be in during the travel.
Transportation: Travel between countries in the Schengen Area is made easier because they have major international airports and good public transportation systems.You can easily get to the treatment centers and clinics.
Accommodation: Book hotels or recovery suites close to the hospital where you will be having the procedure, especially if you will need to go back for follow up appointments.
Language difficulties: Most large hospitals have staff members who speak several languages, including English.
Patient stories and real life considerations
For many patients, medical tourism is used for more convenient and time cost effective services than what their home system provides.For instance, patients from the UK travel to Poland, Lithuania, and other European Union countries for more affordable medical services.These examples illustrate the importance of the challenges of medical travel services; preparation is essential to ensure the process is safe and the patient is satisfied.
The Schengen Area is a very popular destination for medical tourism as it provides travelers with a combination of high quality, affordable medical services while enabling them to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful and historically rich countries.To optimize your experience, while practicing medical tourism, you must;
When you have the right experience and reliable healthcare services, medical tourism in the Schengen Area has the potential to provide you with a life-altering journey.
Trust World Key Tours for complete travel services from the UK. From visa assistance to flights, hotels, and holiday packages, we make your trip smooth and secure.