medical tourism agent

• Exorbitant healthcare costs in industrialized nations
• Long waiting lists for surgery in countries offering socialized healthcare
• Ease and affordability of international travel
• Favorable currency exchange rates in foreign countries resulting in low cost surgery
• Rapidly improving technology and standards of care in many countries
• Proven safety of healthcare in select foreign nations
• International accreditation of foreign hospitals
• U.S., U.K. and Australian board certified surgeons operating in select foreign countries
• 47 Million Uninsured Americans
• 250 Million Insured Americans with restricted coverage due to pre-existing conditions, resulting in out-of-pocket expenses
• 34 Million Canadians receiving socialized medicine and enduring long wait lists for many popular surgeries
• Potentially, 330 Million North Americans seeking elective cosmetic and/or dental surgery

More and more people are seeking the expertise of  medical tourism companies to travel abroad as an affordable, enjoyable, and safe alternative to having medical, dental, and cosmetic surgical procedures done in their home countries.    Currently medical tourism patients are traveling in large numbers to Argentina , Brazil , Costa Rica , El Salvador , India , Malaysia , Mexico , South Africa , Thailand and Turkey - places where the quality of affordable healthcare is equal to anywhere else in the world and yet the cost is significantly lower. These regions also offer numerous options for touring, sight-seeing, shopping, exploring, and relaxing. Here are the most common terms used to describe this relatively new industry:

Medical Tourism     Medical Outsourcing      Medical Travel      Health Tourism

It has been mentioned that overseas healthcare, sometimes referred to as medical tourism , medical travel , health tourism , or medical outsourcing is expected to become a multi-billion dollar industry by 2012. Whether you call it medical tourism, medical travel, health tourism, or medical outsourcing, the concept is the same. It appears as though this concept of traveling abroad to receive health care is going to become a viable option for many years to come.

Medical Tourism        Medical Outsourcing        Medical Travel        Health Tourism

Although "medical tourism" has been the descriptor for this new emerging industry, it is important to know that MedRetreat has a different philosophy on the concept of traveling abroad to receive your surgery. We understand the seriousness of receiving high quality medical care and then allowing your body to recuperate from the surgery. No gimmicks...no marketing hype. The tourism part of the process is viewed as the least important factor and should only be considered once you are fully recuperated.

Medical Tourism           Medical Outsourcing           Medical Travel           Health Tourism

Many companies are using the term "medical tourism" as a motivator to attract clients into this new emerging concept of overseas medical care, we do not. To effectively become the leader in providing healthcare abroad, our emphasis is placed on the efficacy of our hospital partners regardless of the physical location of their facility. In this respect, we will remain the leader of facilitating global healthcare in a safe and affordable manner.

Medical Tourism             Medical Outsourcing             Medical Travel             Health Tourism

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• Medical Tourism
• Using a medical tourism facilitator

Using a Medical Tourism Facilitator

The types of medical tourism intermediaries.

• Medical Travel Planners: These organizations serve as the patient's representative in finding a medical provider abroad.
• Travel Agencies: These agencies offer travel tour plans for medical travelers based on their experience in organizing travel logistics.
• Provider Groups: These foreign medical providers have tie-ups with international and US-based medical facilities and are dedicated to medical travelers.

Advantages of Using a Medical Travel Agent

• General Information: Medical tourism facilitators have adequate experience in the healthcare tourism process and can address all concerns and questions that the ‘would be’ medical travelers may have, including: safety, insurance, accommodation, etc.
• Familiarity with the Medical Centers: Medical tourism agencies are familiar with the medical facilities and providers they are working with. They are well informed about the medical provider's certifications, type of facilities and other factors critical in choosing the medical center. These companies take the necessary precautions to ensure that the doctors and physicians performing the medical procedures are properly trained and certified.
• Logistics: Medical intermediaries can provide assistance with logistics, documentations, permits and other travel arrangements required for medical tourism. These include arrangements for hotel, transportation and accommodation, and if necessary could also include aftercare facilities.
• Packages: Some medical intermediaries offer all-in-one medical tourism packages where patients can benefit from lower rates as compared to getting the services on their own.
• Finance: Medical intermediaries also provide assistance to medical travelers in obtaining finance for medical tourism.

Disadvantages of Working with a Medical Travel Agency

• Limited Choice: Medical tourism intermediaries usually partner with only a few medical providers in certain destination countries.
• Quality: The medical providers offered to you may not be the best provider for your needs, and are offered only because of business arrangements between the travel agencies and the provider.
• Pricing: There may be instances where the medical tourism packages offered by travel agencies, may be priced higher than obtaining the package directly from the providers. This is due to the mark-ups added by these medical intermediaries.

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• Medical Tourism Companies

Top 10 Medical Tourism Companies Worldwide

The global medical tourism market reached a value of US$ 119.7 Billion in 2023. Leading healthcare providers in the global medical tourism industry are currently focusing on providing innovative medicines and improved healthcare services to patients. Besides this, they are also offering comprehensive medical tourism packages to patients, which include all travel-related services ranging from ticket booking to accommodation and medical insurance. Furthermore, governing agencies of numerous countries have implemented stringent regulations to promote the growth of the medical infrastructure. This, in confluence with extensive research and development (R&D) activities, is anticipated to provide lucrative opportunities for leading healthcare providers across the globe. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 650.8 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.1% during 2024-2032.

Request Free Sample Report:   https://www.imarcgroup.com/medical-tourism-market/requestsample

List of Top 10 Medical Tourism Companies Worldwide :  

Aditya birla health services limited.

Establishment : 2001 Headquarters : Pune, India

Aditya Birla Health Services Limited is a non-government company that offers healthcare services to patients in India. The hospital provides cardiac sciences, critical care, dentistry, internal medicines, mother and child health , nutrition and dietetics, ophthalmology, pain management , anesthesiology, laboratory, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and emergency medical services.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited

Establishment : 1983 Headquarters : Chennai, India

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited is engaged in providing healthcare services and operating standalone pharmacies. The major operating segments of the company include Healthcare, Pharmacy and Others. Amongst these, the Healthcare segment comprises hospitals, hospital-based pharmacies, and projects and consultancy services. Its tertiary care hospitals provide care in over 50 specialties, including cardiac sciences, oncology, neurosciences, critical care, orthopedics, radiology, gastroenterology and transplant. It also offers project research services, consultancy services, health insurance services, and education and training programs. Moreover, it operates birthing centers, day surgery centers and dental clinics.

Asian Heart Institute & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd .

Establishment : 2002 Headquarters : Maharashtra, India

Asian Heart Institute (AHI) & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd. offers quality cardiac care to patients at reasonable costs. It prides itself on quality in design, patient care, medical, paramedical and general staff and infrastructure facilities.

Barbados Fertility Center

Establishment : 2002 Headquarters : Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados Fertility Center is a sole in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic in Barbados, which is a relatively small island located in the Caribbean. It is popular across the globe for IVF treatment due to the high standards it adheres to and the low cost of their services as compared to the United States (US).

BB Healthcare Solutions Ltd .

Establishment : 2015 Headquarters : Basildon, United Kingdom

BB Healthcare Solutions Ltd. is a hospital and healthcare company that offers clinics and services, travel vaccinations, and non-NHS services.

Fortis Healthcare Limited

Establishment : 2001 Headquarters : Haryana, India

Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company include hospitals, diagnostics and daycare specialty facilities. At present, it operates its healthcare delivery services in India, Dubai and Sri Lanka with 36 healthcare facilities, around 9,000 potential beds and over 415 diagnostics centers.

Headquarters : United States

Healthbase, a US-based medical tourism facilitator, offers clients intelligent choices of state-of-the-art hospital facilities and trained professional doctors that are known internationally. It has advanced communication technology that enables an effective exchange of communication. 

KPJ Healthcare Berhad

Establishment : 1981 Headquarters : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

KPJ Healthcare Berhad is a leading provider of private healthcare services. The company’s integrated network comprises more than 27 specialist hospitals located throughout the nation. With its expansion abroad, it currently has two hospitals in Indonesia, one in Bangkok and another in Bangladesh.

Prince Court Medical Centre Sdn Bhd

Establishment : 2007 Headquarters : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Prince Court Medical Centre is a 270-bed private healthcare facility. Its objective is to be one of the leading healthcare providers in Asia that provide medical care at the highest international standards through world-class facilities, innovative technology and excellent customer services.

Samitivej Hospital Group

Establishment : 1979 Headquarters : Bangkok, Thailand

Samitivej Hospital Group is a private hospital that was awarded the prestigious recognition as a Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital by WHO and UNICEF. Other recognitions include the Prime Minister Award for the Most Recognized Service in 2004, hospital accreditation from the Hospital Accreditation Board of Thailand, and JCI accreditation.

Seoul National University Hospital

Establishment : 1885 Headquarters : Seoul, Republic of Korea

Seoul National University Hospital is a tertiary hospital that has been leading medical advancement of the Republic of Korea for the past 130 years. It provides world-class medical services to patients by enhancing the patient-care system and working towards maintaining a comfortable environment.

Headquarters : Leuven, Belgium

UZ Leuven is the largest Belgian hospital, known as a leading international medical center, which strives for high-technology and human patient care. With more than 9,000 employees, it annually admits 57,500 patients and provides 70,100 consultations and 56,600 surgical procedures.

About IMARC Group: IMARC Group is a leading market research and consulting company that offers management strategy and market research worldwide. The company has done multiple projects on the global medical tourism market, which has enabled the clients to set up and expand their businesses successfully. Some of the company’s offerings include:

• Market Research
• Plant setup
• Plant Expansion
• Marketing and sales
• Procurement and Distribution
• Innovation and Product Development

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Authoritative guidance, training and insights on the business of health tourism

What is a medical tourism facilitator, by maria k todd, mha phd.

CEO & Founder Mercury Healthcare International, Inc.

The term, Medical Tourism Facilitator has so many facets to it, that I suggest it is time to revisit the term and perhaps refine the role and qualifications a bit better.

A medical tourism facilitator can be many things to many people.

To a consumer searching for a medical tourism destination and provider, the role is:

• Specially-trained travel planner and logistics coordinator for travelers with very special needs
• Destination management organizer
• Evaluator of clinical quality and safety and hospitality provider appropriateness
• Medical records transfer agent
• Appointment scheduler/agenda manager
• Paid advocate and unbiased adviser of treatment provider solutions and destination options

To a medical provider , the role is

• Free labor to do what the doctor or the hospital doesn't know how to do or have time to do, and does not want to learn or staff and fund the role internally
• Marketing agent /sales agency who is paid only when they close sales for that provider
• Brand promoter /referral partner who is paid only when they close sales for that provider
• Administrative coordinator of appointments and payment transactions who is paid only when they close sales for that provider
• Owner of another website for a back-linking or click-through strategy who is paid only when they close sales for that provider

To the proprietary certification bodies currently selling certification for medical tourism facilitators, the role is:

• Gullible consumer with a checkbook
• Someone willing to pay them money for a quick badge of ersatz competency that can be earned in a day or two

How large is the addressable market?

That's been under debate since about 2007. At that time, professional publicity agents began working with hospitals in SE Asia that released figures so large that the media danced in circles believing that it had a new hot topic to write about.  Deloitte published a report in 2008 authored by Dr Paul Keckley that estimated the market at one number with a bunch of zeros, and then redacted and restated those numbers a few times, but few read the revisions. McKinsey also published numbers around the same time that didn't align with the Deloitte numbers.  In actuality, nobody really knows.

Why are credible medical tourism statistics so difficult to obtain?

The reason is actually quite simple. The industry is new from a commercial activity standpoint, and there are no standardized counting methods or definitions of what is or is not a medical tourism visitor.  Until some official definitions and metrics are created and adopted by the industry as a whole, we will never have statistics that are standardized by definition or auditable.

Suffice it to say that any individual, business or trade association that publishes such an industry statistic that estimates health and wellness tourism market size should be carefully assessed to determine what they have to gain by telling you the number they quote. What are they selling? Conference stands, published reports, certifications, advertising services, or something else?

What kinds of individuals establish medical tourism facilitator businesses?

Medical tourism facilitators are an interesting group. Some are doctors and nurses that have no professional training in health travel planning, Some are travel planners without any medical industry experience other than that of having been a patient. Some are people that heard about this sector and found out you don't have to have any qualifications in health or travel as long as they have a website and a way to respond to inquiries and sell packages to consumers.

Think of a Medical Tourism Facilitator Job Similar to that of a New Car Franchise Dealer.

Too often they bring no differentiation to their own business and attempt to sell cheaper priced services than competitors. This reduces them to the epitome of commodities. The world won't miss them if and when they fail. In fact, the world will likely never know that they existed in the first place. Their office will be just like the abandoned car lot of a new car franchise dealer.

• The brand has certain established standards that the dealership must meet to remain an authorized seller of their brand's products and accessories. Otherwise, they lose their credentials to sell that brand.
• The brand has certain established sales criteria. When the dealership exceeds these standards for sales revenue, units sold, and customer service feedback, they win awards and recognition for achieving sales and service goals.
• The key responsibilities of the sales person are to match customers to the vehicle they seek; communicate financial aspects of purchase; promote vehicles' features to prospective buyers
• The brand expects the sales person to be trained on what to say and how to explain the features and benefits of selecting the manufacturers' brands and set realistic expectations.
• The sales staff is not permitted to close the sale without supervisor oversight to check that all the regulatory paperwork, forms, payment and transactional details and explanation of safety features and other benefits have been thoroughly explained to the customer before leaving the showroom with the vehicle.

What Are the Degree and Training Options?

If you decide to pursue a degree, associate's and bachelor's degree programs are available in healthcare or hospitality or travel management that can teach Medical Tourism Facilitators about the three primary sectors that intersect to build professional competence as a medical tourism facilitator. Typical courses cover advertising, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, sales strategy and tactics, regulatory compliance, financial matters, service, safety, and quality warranties, budgeting and customer relations.

Additionally, certificate programs and individual courses in a number of skills that comprise the roles and responsibilities of a medical tourism facilitator that are available from some technical and community colleges that could help you prepare for a career as a medical tourism facilitator. Unfortunately, there are no college or university courses that combine the necessary intersecting skills from the three main sectors, and panel presentations and short 3-4 hour courses only touch on a single focused skill for the time available.

One would have to pay thousands of dollars to travel, book hotels and pay registrations to get enough learning opportunity at these medical tourism industry conferences because most are not focused on education or skills training, they are focused on networking, B2B meetings, and finding people to pay for add on courses and sponsorships to "get one's name" in front of other competitors with the same objectives - which translates to nothing in terms of revenue for the facilitators, and lots of money for the conference organizers.  Many of these conference organizers also prey on unsuspecting new entrants to medical tourism facilitation with certification courses that run one or two days and offer ersatz competencies signified with a fee-based license to post the logo of the certifier on the facilitator's marketing materials - which only amplifies the brand of the certifier and its ersatz competency badge.

Eventually, there will be an Institute for training where one can enroll in a training program provided by working professionals in the three integrated sectors involved in medical tourism. When that happens, there will be several different programs for medical tourism facilitator operations, including programs for prospective facilitators, special needs coordinators (transplant, dialysis, minimally-invasive surgery, large case surgery, second opinion consultations, wellness, rehabilitation, and spa/water-based tourism. There will also be training to help a new medical tourism facilitator understand the risks involved and to help them build a set of quality management policies, practices and procedures required to be worthy of ISO 9001:2015 certification for those seeking global recognition for their commitment to quality and safety.

Where might a Medical Tourism Facilitator find employment?

As a medical tourism facilitator, one might work for a company or a corporation that employs many people to focus on specific parts of the role. One might also work as an employee of a hospital or clinic or at a call center that supports many hospitals and clinics within a network, health tourism cluster or a specific brand of clinic, hospital, spa, or a medical doctor's or dentist's private practice. One might also work as an independent medical tourism facilitator, case manager, destination coordinator, tour operator, or tour escort, or a specialized travel agent. Most facilitators are independent business owners that employ no other staff. In addition to competing with the providers themselves for market share, they will ultimately compete with larger corporate medical tourism businesses which are are increasing in number, brand recognition, and reputation worldwide.

What Might My Job Be Like?

Depending on what type of facilitation business one works for, one might spend days indoors in a comfortable home office or in a professional office or hospital or call center. The medical tourism facilitator is likely to spend some of the time traveling to inspect providers that they represent. Day-to-day, much of the workday is spent seated in an office area. Medical tourism facilitators are typically paid referral fees tied to the packages of medical services and hospitality arrangements that they sell. in some countries, payment for referrals to medical providers is against the law, but many are ignorant of the law and others choose to ignore it assuming they will never get caught.

While many may not have earnings goals or sales quotas to fulfill, they don't make any money if they don't sell packages which can make the job competitive, financially risky, and potentially stressful. Some make no profit whatsoever even though they make a little revenue because they are unaware of their fully-loaded costs to operate their business. Medical tourism facilitators typically work less than 40 hours per week, and they may need to work weekends or evenings in order to meet consumer needs and sales goals.

Some medical tourism facilitators enter the business because they've heard that they will be invited to take hosted trips to exotic places to familiarize themselves (fam tours) with potential destinations and medical tourism service suppliers. Frequently these fam tours are so poorly organized that in order to perform a thorough inspection beyond the fam tour meet and greet and cursory walk through, the medical tourism facilitator must return to the provider's location at their own expense at a later date to finish the quality and safety inspection at the level of depth and granularity required to be able to explain what's available to consumer prospects, leads and clients.

How much startup capital is needed?

This all depends on the amount of training and professional assistance anticipated. Costs for a medical tourism facilitator business can include those associated with:

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• training and professional development
• website development, maintenance, software and hardware
• office space and operation
• subscriptions and registration fees
• forms creation, graphics creation, brand image materials
• policies and procedures creation, implementation, testing, and required changes
• professional liability insurance
• product development and package construction
• target market research into likely buyer personas and target source markets to promote the facilitator's business for each package sold
• periodic inspection trips for situation assessments and product knowledge and destination familiarity
• onboarding of selected network providers
• costs of contracting with service providers and legal review of contract terms and conditions
• attendance at industry events

Experience teaches us that to properly onboard each new supplier, inclusive of self-paid site inspections, credentials and license verification, contract negotiation activities, legal review, policies and procedures orientation, quality management and monitoring, and adding the provider to an established website can cost as much as USD 14,000. Most of the costs are recurring every two to three years. Therefore, to consider adding a new supplier to a medical tourism provider network operated by the medical tourism facilitator, one must reasonably expect to recover at least USD $20,000 per year, per provider just to break even without covering the salary and benefits of the medical tourism facilitator.  Otherwise adding that provider is simply a waste of time and money.

Are you thinking about starting a medical tourism facilitator business? Are you a medical doctor or dentist seeking to appoint a facilitator as your marketing agent?

Mercury Advisory Group is the largest and longest established medical tourism business and marketing consultancy in the world. With more than 30 years of practical experience as facilitators and business coaches to healthcare providers, investors, government authorities and facilitators, we take pride in the results delivered by our integrated team of experts in medical tourism. If we don't believe we can help you, we will explain why and decline rather than take your money and

For Aspiring Facilitators and Travel Agents: At Mercury Advisory Group, our experts help new and established medical tourism facilitators to plan, launch and develop their businesses. We offer one-on-one training, business coaching and skills training, quality management certification preparation (ISO 9001:2015), marketing and social media skills training, branding, and provide connections to our medical tourism medical and dental clients.

For Medical and Dental Providers, and Health Facilities: Mercury Advisory Group brings more than 30 years of practical experience working in medical tourism marketing and business development as a consulting firm. Your business will benefit from the convenience and the practical and specific guidance from our experts who bring you more than 1200 years of combined professional work experience in medical tourism business development from one single contact point. Before you can work effectively with a facilitator, trust us to help you develop your product, marketing strategy, brand characteristics, and target source markets and personas. Only then can you begin to discuss with facilitators about a collaborative agency relationship. When you are ready, we can connect you to a short list of qualified and competent professional medical tourism facilitators we've cultivated over the years.

Contact us to learn more!

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Diseiye iyebote, md, eniye woods, ms, rn, msn, guna mahalingham, michael adler, american medical care, leading medical travel agent in the us.

The medical care system in the US is one of the best in the world. There are no two ways about it – even though treatment and care facilities in the US are costlier than many other nations of the world, still, owing to the high quality of American medical services, US medical tourism is on the rise, has steadily grown in recent years – people arriving in the US have doubled in the last few years. It is no surprise that about 0.5% of all tourists arriving by air to the US annually list medical tourism in the USA as the main reason for visiting the country.

American Medical Care – top Medical Tourism agent in the US Being a part of the USA medical tourism industry is a matter of great pride because we believe strongly that we make a difference in someone’s life. With thousands of patients queuing up for Medical tourism USA, top-quality US healthcare treatment from across the world, we are doing our part by facilitating many such people access relevant medical services in the US.

• Ensuring patients worldwide can access different medical procedures in the US – elective, non-elective, and cosmetic procedures.
• As a seasoned medical travel agent, we ensure patients have a smooth entry into the country.
• We aim to help our clients get personalized treatment from the best medical facilities in the country as a top priority for our medical tourism agency in the USA.
• Ensuring patients and their families have their medical appointments scheduled appropriately and with the best healthcare provider amongst our listed providers.
• We take care of your accommodation, local transportation, and other logistics-related needs.
• One of our key focus areas as one of the premier medical tourism companies in the USA is to handle all relevant documentation on your behalf.

As an established medical tourism agent, we specialize in offering end-to-end medical tourism in the United States, ensuring that our patients never feel out of place and in an ecosystem offering the right ambiance for their wellbeing and rapid recovery.

Why hire us as a medical tourism agent?

1. Network of healthcare providers We are well-connected with some of the premier hospitals and medical facilities in the US. The American Medical Care is a seasoned medical tourism agency with strong connections with reputed and credible facilities across the country – Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nigeria.

2. Affordable healthcare services

We understand the emotional and mental trauma and stress of the client and their families. To top it if the treatment costs are way too expensive, the situation can become even more challenging. Hence, at American Medical Care, a leading Medical tourism company, we sincerely try to suit the most reasonable cost estimates so that you can budget accordingly and try consistently to match your pocket. As leading medical travel agents in the US, it is one of the core endeavors of our team to help our clients find the best medical care services at affordable prices.

3. In the foreign land, we ensure you get decent accommodation.

Surrounded by medical uncertainties, arranging an affordable and decent place to stay for an unlimited period can be daunting. Being a top medical tourism travel agency, we handhold so that you get the best place to stay within your budget. We ensure:

• The best place to stay as per the limits of your pocket.
• The place is close to the hospital and is also centrally located.
• The place has affordable and good places to eat in and around the hotel.
• Ensure that all other logistics-related matters are addressed well for a stress-free stay.

Medical tourism companies like us are not just facilitators but an integral part of your treatment plan. We offer comprehensive services that begin from planning your trip to the US till the very end – when you recover and reach back home. Always at your service, we are a health tourism agency accessible round-the-clock. You can never feel lost and out of place in the US.

As a responsible healthcare tourism agency, when you get in touch with us, we help save your time, money, and efforts, taking care end-to-end of all your needs to have a seamless trip and treatment in the US.

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Collaborating with medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies for patient acquisition.

Collaborating with medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies is a crucial strategy for healthcare organizations looking to attract international patients and grow their medical tourism business. Facilitators and travel agencies can play a significant role in patient acquisition, providing valuable referrals and support throughout the patient journey. This article will delve into the benefits of collaborating with these stakeholders and offer practical strategies for building successful partnerships.

The Role of Medical Tourism Facilitators and Travel Agencies in Patient Acquisition

Medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies serve as intermediaries between patients and healthcare providers, assisting patients in finding suitable medical services, managing travel arrangements, and ensuring a seamless experience throughout their medical journey. Their role in patient acquisition is invaluable, as they can connect healthcare providers with a broader range of international patients.

1. Connecting Healthcare Providers with International Patients

Facilitators and travel agencies have extensive networks and marketing resources, enabling them to reach potential patients across the globe. By collaborating with these stakeholders, healthcare providers can tap into these networks and increase their visibility among international patients.

2. Navigating Complex Medical and Travel Logistics

Facilitators and travel agencies possess the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of international medical travel, including managing visas, booking flights and accommodations, and coordinating medical appointments. By streamlining these logistics, they can help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their decision to seek medical care abroad.

3. Enhancing the Patient Experience

Collaborating with facilitators and travel agencies can also contribute to an enhanced patient experience. These stakeholders can offer personalized support to patients throughout their medical journey, addressing their concerns and ensuring they receive high-quality care.

Strategies for Collaborating with Medical Tourism Facilitators and Travel Agencies

1. Identifying and Engaging with Potential Partners

Healthcare providers should begin by researching and identifying potential facilitators and travel agency partners that align with their services and target patient demographics. Once potential partners have been identified, healthcare providers should initiate communication, expressing interest in collaboration and exploring opportunities for mutual benefit.

2. Developing Mutually Beneficial Agreements

To establish successful partnerships, healthcare providers and facilitators/travel agencies should work together to develop mutually beneficial agreements. This may involve outlining referral fees, service expectations, and communication protocols to ensure both parties are clear on their roles and responsibilities.

3. Providing Comprehensive Training and Support

Healthcare providers should offer comprehensive training and support to facilitators and travel agency partners, ensuring they have a thorough understanding of the medical services, costs, and patient care protocols. This can help partners more effectively market healthcare services and manage patient expectations.

4. Establishing Regular Communication and Feedback Channels

Maintaining open and regular communication with facilitators and travel agency partners is essential for fostering successful collaborations. Healthcare providers should establish communication channels and feedback mechanisms to discuss patient experiences, address any issues, and continuously improve their partnerships.

5. Monitoring and Evaluating Partnership Success

Regularly monitoring and evaluating the success of partnerships with medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies is crucial to ensuring their effectiveness in patient acquisition. Healthcare providers should track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as patient referral numbers, patient satisfaction scores, and revenue generated from the collaborations. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement and guide future partnership strategies.

Growing Your International Patient Programs and Medical Tourism Business with Global Healthcare Resources

Collaborating with medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies is a powerful strategy for attracting international patients and growing your medical tourism business. However, building and maintaining successful partnerships can be challenging without the right guidance and support.

Global Healthcare Resources is the leading consulting firm in medical tourism, offering expert assistance to organizations looking to grow their international patient programs and medical tourism business. With extensive industry knowledge and experience, Global Healthcare Resources can help your organization develop and implement effective collaboration strategies with medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies, ensuring successful patient acquisition and growth.

Discover how Global Healthcare Resources can support your organization by visiting their Medical Tourism Consulting page .

Additionally, connecting with referral organizations such as facilitators, employers, insurance companies, and other medical tourism buyers is essential for expanding your medical tourism business. The Global Provider Network offers a platform that enables healthcare providers to build relationships with these referral partners, facilitating the growth of your organization's international patient programs.

Learn more about the Global Provider Network and how it can help you connect with key referral organizations, driving success in the medical tourism industry.

In conclusion, collaborating with medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies is a vital strategy for healthcare organizations seeking to attract international patients and grow their medical tourism business. By leveraging the expertise of Global Healthcare Resources and engaging in strategic partnerships, your organization can successfully acquire patients and expand its international patient programs.

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

Revolutionizing Medical Tourism with Mastercard and MTA

Become a medical tourism association member.

The Evolution of U.S. Medical Tourism Virtual Summit: Insights and Perspectives

Medical Tourism Patient Survey

The Medical Tourism Association, in collaboration with the International Healthcare Research Center, has gathered critical insights into why patients are increasingly choosing to travel for medical care. This comprehensive 31-page report sheds light on the decision-making process, motivations, and concerns of medical tourists, focusing on aspects like the search for superior medical expertise, trust in healthcare providers, cost-effectiveness, and the appeal of innovative treatments. These findings are crucial for healthcare providers looking to tailor their services to meet the evolving needs and expectations of patients globally, ensuring not only the highest standards of care but also building the essential trust and confidence that underpins the decision to seek medical treatment abroad.

Stats From the Report

We impact the private & public sectors.

The Medical Tourism Association is a global non-profit association for the medical tourism and international patient industry. The MTA works with healthcare providers, governments, insurance companies, employers, and other buyers of healthcare – in their medical tourism, international patient, and healthcare initiatives – with a focus on providing access to transparent, high-quality healthcare.

Medical Tourism Magazine

Medicaltourism.com.

World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress

Strategic partner.

Global Healthcare Accreditation is the official strategic partner of the Medical Tourism Association for training, accreditation and certification. Global Healthcare Accreditation® (GHA) is a recognized global authority in accreditation and certification with a specialized focus in workplace safety, health, and well-being as well as specializations in medical and wellness travel.

New MTA Members

Become A  Member!

The medical tourism association® is a diverse international organization dedicated to the life cycle of healthcare and travel projects from inception to delivery. from the review of bench-marked results to the development of improvement mechanisms developed through proven customer experience techniques and measured outcomes, the medical tourism association® is the dedicated partner for businesses seeking to establish a greater global presence in healthcare, wellness, and tourism industries..

• OUR MISSION To equip medical tourism and healthcare travel professionals with the tools they need to develop their business.
• OUR EXPERIENCE 12+ years of leading events and industry education have allowed us to change the world
• OUR VISION To have a world with the highest standard of healthcare throughout

Become a Certified Medical Travel Professional Today!

Become a recognized expert in your field. With Global Healthcare Accreditations' Certified Medical Travel Professional certification, you can easily link with healthcare or hospitality providers seeking exceptional services for their medical travel clients.

The Medical Tourism Association has been in business for more than 16 years now, working tireless to promote and expand the international patient industry. We’ve been fortunate enough to meet with engaging, intelligent people from every corner of the world, all of whom have one goal in mind – the continuous improvement of medical travel.

Demonstrate the Economic Impact of Medical Tourism in your Destination

The Medical Tourism Calculator (MTC) is an adaptable tool used by industry stakeholders to demonstrate the total economic impact of a medical travel program. It considers important factors like job creation and tax revenues, as well as the impact to hospitality and tourism, which are traditionally deemphasized in medical tourism forecasts.

Featured Clients

Medical Tourism Association

The Medical Tourism Association is a Global Non-profit association for the Medical Tourism and International Patient Industry. The MTA works with healthcare providers, governments, insurance companies, employers and other buyers of healthcare - in their medical tourism, international patient, and healthcare initiatives - with a focus on providing the highest quality transparent healthcare.

Universal Medical Travel

Providing clients with affordable options for Medical and Dental procedures from accredited healthcare providers worldwide.

REQUEST FOR A FREE QUOTE!

Contact us to help you choose a destination and find the best doctor.

What is Medical Tourism?

Medical Tourism is a growing trend in which individuals travel to another country for medical treatment. Medical tourism refers to the practice of traveling abroad to receive medical treatment or procedures. It involves individuals seeking high-quality and cost-effective healthcare options in other countries that may not be readily available or affordable in their home countries.

Example: An individual from the United States travels to Thailand, Turkey, Colombia, South Korea, Mexico, India, Dubai, or any other country for a hip replacement surgery. Despite the long distance, they choose this option due to the significantly lower cost compared to their home country. They also have access to skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in the destination of their choice, making it a wise choice for their medical needs. Additionally, these countries are known for their excellent reputation in the field of medical tourism, with a well-established infrastructure that caters specifically to international patients. The individual can also take advantage of the opportunity to recover in a serene and exotic destination, combining their medical treatment with a relaxing vacation. Overall, seeking healthcare options in other countries provides individuals with a chance to receive top-notch medical care at a fraction of the cost, all while experiencing a new culture and environment.

Growing popularity of medical tourism: The growing popularity of medical tourism is evident in the increasing number of individuals who are traveling abroad for healthcare. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including rising healthcare costs in their home countries, long waiting times for certain procedures, and the desire for specialized treatments that may not be available locally. Additionally, advancements in technology and transportation have made it easier for patients to access medical services in different parts of the world. As a result, countries with well-developed healthcare systems and competitive prices have emerged as popular destinations for medical tourists.

In today’s world, the disadvantages associated with medical tourism are becoming increasingly irrelevant. While there may have been valid concerns in the past, advancements in technology and globalization have addressed many of these issues. While it is important to consider potential risks associated with any form of travel or medical procedure, it is crucial to acknowledge that many of the traditional disadvantages of medical tourism are no longer as relevant in today’s interconnected world. With proper research and planning, individuals can benefit from high-quality healthcare at an affordable cost while experiencing different cultures.

Universal Medical Travel is one of the best medical tourism companies in the United States, offering expert guidance to top doctors, accredited hospitals, and personalized care for your medical needs. 

Top Medical Centers

Explore top medical treatment hospitals and facilities around the world.

Medipol Hospital

Aster Hospital

Turan Turan

Cardiac Surgery Greece

MAX HEALTHCARE

Wockhardt Hospital

Gachon University Gil Medical

Seoul St. Mary's Hospital,

Anadolu Medical Center

GLOVI Plastic Surgery

Sheba Medical Center

Sani Dental Group

Vamed Mediterra Clinics

The Vein Center

Dent Glow Clinic

Medisync Center

Dhathri Ayurvedic Clinic

Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness

Other available services.

Explore the top insurance services available for your treatment.

Medical Tourism Insurance Coverage

Specialized Medical Travel Benefits – Coverage You Can Trust

Medical Loan Financing Available

Struggling with medical bills? We’ve got you covered. Explore our flexible financing options tailored to your needs. From routine check-ups to emergencies, we’re here to help you access quality care without the financial stress. Contact us to learn more.

Medical Tourism Process

A medical tourism facilitator handles all the details of a patient’s trip, ensuring they don’t have to manage arrangements themselves. We facilitate information flow and service coordination between patients and medical providers, including flights, lodging, tours, transportation, and passports/visas. Using a facilitator helps avoid language barriers, unresponsive providers, high quotes, long waits, and uncertified providers. Here’s an overview of a typical medical tourism process, which varies based on the procedure.

Our services are free, with no extra fees added to your medical procedure costs. We aim to provide top healthcare services at an affordable price, planning, coordinating, and managing every step of your trip for a successful outcome. Submit a contact form for a free phone call or quote for any medical or dental procedure in your chosen destination!

Most Popular Medical Treatments Abroad

Explore top medical treatment and procedures options available in different locations around the world.

Cosmetic Surgery

Dental treatments, bariatric surgery, hair transplant, stem cell therapy, cancer treatments, orthopedic surgery, eye lasik treatments, why choose universal medical travel, expert guidance.

We help you select highly skilled, board-certified surgeons and accredited hospitals.

Comprehensive Arrangements

We assist with travel-related services such as flights, transportation, tours, visas/passports, and lodging.

Detailed Information

We provide thorough details about hospitals, doctors, destinations, and recommended stay durations.

Privacy Protection

We handle the secure transfer of medical information according to privacy laws.

Affordable Options

We help find top doctors offering competitive prices and provide approximate procedure costs.

Financial Assistance

We help identify financing options and explain travel and health insurance programs.

Transparency

We are open about any claims or complaints against our company.

Continuous Support

We maintain contact with clients and hospitals during the trip and follow up until full recovery.

Top Medical Tourism Destinations

Discover best medical tourism destinations around the world.

Czech republic

South korea, get a free quote for your medical trip.

Why pay more for the same care? Universal Medical Travel connects you to world-class treatments at a fraction of the cost through our network of accredited hospitals and expert physicians. Start planning your affordable treatment abroad today.

Moscow, Beregovoy proezd, 5A/1 Office: +7 (499) 702-33-93 Email: [email protected]

• Alcoholism, drug addiction and other addictions
• Allergology
• Bariatric surgery
• Cerebral palsy
• Diabetes Type 2
• Endoprosthetics
• Fasting on Lake Baikal
• Gastroenterology
• Hepatitis C
• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmology
• Organ transplantation
• Orthopedics
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Plastic surgery
• Rehabilitation
• Second opinion
• Spina Bifida
• Stem cell therapy
• Tradicional chinese medicine
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Northern Cyprus
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Agency of medical tourism from Moscow (Russia). Treatment in Russia, CIS countries and worldwide

Company MedicaTour Ltd. is one of the leading medical tourism companies in the world. It is based in Moscow (Russia) and is engaged in the organization of treatment in Russia, CIS and around the world. Company works with the best hospitals of the world and leading doctors and can select quality treatment for any budget.

• All areas of medicine
• Both classic and innovative treatments
• Large government medical centers and private clinics around the world
• Selection of a medical institution for any budget

Our experts will provide you information about medical institutions in different countries and help you make an effective and safe choice of treatment.

• orthopedic operations (spine, joints, hernias, etc.)
• heart surgery
• cancer treatment
• diabetes treatment
• hepatitis C treatment
• all procedures for aesthetic and plastic surgery
• organ transplantation
• removal of stones from the kidneys, gall bladder, bladder
• all ENT diseases
• a ll types of eye surgery and ophthalmic procedures
• infertility treatment, IVF
• rehabilitation programs
• childbirth organization
• treatment of female diseases
• treatment of male diseases
• treatment of alcohol, drugs and other addictions
• chronic diseases
• healing spa
• detox programs
• anti-aging programs
• diagnostic programs
• weight loss programs

We also work with children's medical centers.

If you are diagnosed and have any doubts about this, we strongly recommend that you get a second opinion (second opinion of a specialist) from another country, or even from several countries.

Innovative treatments

The company is constantly monitoring the medical services market around the world and is aware of the emergence of new innovative treatment methods:

• stem cells treatment
• prostatectomy by Robot da Vinci;
• dendritic cells cancer treatment
• non-surgical treatment of the spine
• virotherapy of cancer
• CAR T-cells treatment of leukemia
• TIL therapy for ovarian cancer
• Vacuum aspiration biopsy (non-surgical removal of breast lesions)

Large state medical centers and private clinics

The main advantage of our services is that we offer you only well-studied and verified data on medical institutions, doctors and surgeons from Asia to the Middle East, Latin America and Europe, Moscow and the near abroad. In many institutions, our specialists visited themselves on study visits.

Contact us - call, send your requests  - we will provide you with the best options and answers. And then the choice is yours.

On June 22, the autograph session of the Founder and CEO of MedicaTour Tatiana Sokolov was successfully held on the occasion of the release of her first fiction book "The Way to Dehradun". At the meeting, the author was asked questions in an informal setting, all participants signed books with wishes and an autograph by Tatiana Sokolov.

CERTIFIED MEDICAL TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL (CMTP)

The medical travel patient experience starts with you.

You can get a Certified Medical Travel Professional designation live at our conference on October 15. Attendees will participate on an 8-hour workshop and give an exam at the end of that workshop. Delivering an outstanding patient/guest experience on a consistent basis is not something that can be improvised; it requires in-depth knowledge of your customers’ needs and expectations. There are considerations regarding culture and language, care management, travel coordination, risk mitigation and legal and privacy issues. Whether you work in the healthcare or hospitality fields, as a Certified Medical Travel Professional (CMTP) you will possess the skills and knowledge to facilitate the seamless integration of quality, safety, and service at all touch points along the Medical Travel Care Continuum™. Not available to attend without the certification ticket.

A Certification for:

Healthcare Management Executives

Travel Agents

Hospitality Professionals

Facilitators.

Insurance Agents & Brokers

Human Resources Executives

Certification benefits:, access to online continuing education resources.

Provides You with Professional Recognition

New Career Opportunities

Offer A Higher Level of Knowledge & Experience to Your Clients & Employer

Learning Objectives

Understand motivations for medical travel and key stakeholders

Learn about the unique needs and expectations of medical travelers

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Medical Travel Care Continuum

Learn about payment models, risk mitigation and marketing

Learn how to deliver an outstanding patient/guest experience

Subscribe to our News and Event Updates

Email/Phone

Stay in Touch

Medicaltourism.com.

MedicalTourism.com is a free, confidential, independent resource for patients and industry providers. Our mission is to provide a central portal where patients, medical tourism providers, hospitals, clinics, employers, and insurance companies can all find the information they need. Our site focuses on patients looking for specific knowledge in the fields of medical tourism, dental tourism, and health tourism.

• KSAT Insider
• KSAT Connect
• Entertainment

FBI agent says 2 officers accepted accountability in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols

Adrian Sainz

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

RowVaughn Wells, mother of Tyre Nichols, closes her eyes during a prayer vigil outside the federal courthouse during the trial of three former Memphis police officers accused of killing her son Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – An FBI agent who interviewed two former Memphis police officers on trial in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols testified Thursday that they accepted accountability for participating.

FBI Special Agent Anthony Householder took the stand in the federal trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to charges of excessive force, failure to intervene, and obstructing justice through witness tampering. Two other former officers, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., have testified after pleading guilty to depriving Nichols of his civil rights.

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Householder said he interviewed Bean and Smith as part of the FBI’s investigation into the January 2023 beating.

Householder said Smith told him that he and Martin both punched Nichols. Smith said he should have stopped Martin from punching Nichols, Householder said.

Smith added that he didn’t tell emergency medical technicians about punches delivered to Nichols because he thought Nichols would be able to tell them himself, Householder said. Nichols died in the hospital on Jan. 10, 2023, three days after the beating.

The officers used pepper spray and a Taser on Nichols, who was Black, during a traffic stop, but the 29-year-old ran away, police video shows. The five officers, who also are Black, then punched, kicked and hit him about a block from his home, as he called out for his mother. Video also shows the officers milling about and even laughing as Nichols struggled with his injuries.

Smith “took ownership” and said he had failed, Householder testified. The FBI agent also acknowledged that Smith cried during the interview.

“He was certainly remorseful,” Householder said.

Bean also accepted responsibility and told Householder that he had previously omitted information about the beating because he did not want to be labeled a “snitch,” the FBI agent testified.

“He didn’t want to throw his team under the bus,” Householder said.

Householder said he did not record the interviews. Under questioning by Bean’s lawyer, John Keith Perry, Householder acknowledged that some agents do record such interviews, which are summarized by FBI agents and known as proffers. But the recordings are not required, Householder said.

Taylor Chesser, a nurse who treated Nichols in the emergency room, said he was in cardiac arrest and not breathing when he arrived at the hospital. Chesser said medical providers eventually were able to restore his heart beat.

Nichols was “dead until we intervened,” Chesser said.

Prosecutors rested their case after her testimony.

Lawyers for the three officers then requested an acquittal based on claims that prosecutors have failed to present enough evidence. U.S. District Judge Mark Norris did not immediately rule on the requests Thursday.

Earlier Thursday, Mills testified he had not previously seen Bean nor Smith participate in the “street tax,” which is police slang for punishing people who run away from police. Prosecutors maintain officers employed the “street tax” or “run tax ” against Nichols.

The officers were part of a since-disbanded crime suppression unit. Under cross-examination from Smith's lawyer, Martin Zummach, Mills said he got to know Smith well in the two years they rode together with the Scorpion Unit. Mills said he had not previously seen Smith abuse people and Smith would not tolerate other officers mistreating suspects.

Mills, who used pepper spray on Nichols and hit him with a baton, said it’s possible that the beating could have ended if one of the officers had said to stop.

Mills, who cried on the stand and apologized during testimony earlier in the week, said Thursday that he “couldn’t hold it no more” after seeing the video of the beating.

“I wasn’t going to stand and say I did right,” Mills said.

Bean, Haley and Smith face up to life in prison if convicted.

The five officers also have been charged with second-degree murder in state court, where they pleaded not guilty. Mills and Martin are expected to change their pleas. A trial date in state court has not been set.

Associated Press reporter Kimberlee Kruesi contributed from Nashville, Tennessee.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Industry News

Wellness and medical tourism: opportunity for travel agents.

With all the options available to book a flight from laptop computers to smart phone applications internet savvy bargain shoppers may view the notion of using travel agents as old-fashioned as a doctor who makes house calls. ‍

Well, these days, news of the demise of the travel agent is quite premature. Instead, travel agents are discovering new ways to reinvent their businesses through niche-industry marketing and value-added product design. ‍

In some respects, travel agents, doctors and spas have actually joined forces at the hip to offer health and wellness seekers quality healthcare services overseas that, in all likelihood, will be less expensive than similar treatments and therapies available from the neighborhood physician down the road.

Due in part to an elevated understanding of the value of prevention, health checks, dental procedures and diagnostic testing abroad brings new meaning to being fit for travel. ‍

Just when some travel agents were suggested to go by way of the dinosaur, many are now redefining their businesses into a profitable cottage industry for themselves, spas, health and wellness providers alike. That burgeoning enterprise includes wellness and medical tourism. ‍

Fit for Travel

Think of the travel agent whose attention to detail stopped short of pulling down the sheets for newlyweds on their dream honeymoon. Now, consider the travel professional asked to go beyond that extra yard and book a wellness experience that might include a treatment that meets a client's physical and emotional needs, transfer of health records, arrangement of hotel and flight accommodations, and an appearance at the airport when the patient arrives.

That's what a travel agent versed in wellness tourism can and should be willing to do to remain competitive in a medical tourism industry that is expected to become even more ambitious and lucrative in the years ahead. ‍

Sizeable, Sustainable Rewards

If all this sounds like a lot for a travel agent to comprehend, it is. But, the rewards for those involved with medical and wellness tourism are potentially sizeable and sustainable. Healthcare providers know this and have slowly come around to realize that the combination of travel and wellness is an altogether different animal. ‍

That's why at events around the world, health-focused companies are aggressively identifying and courting travel agents to form partnerships that streamline wellness and medical tourism processes to the benefit of both patients and their thriving businesses. ‍

Spa and Wellness Travelers

Wellness travel is one of the fastest growing trends in medical tourism today.

According to a report released by Technavio, The global destination spa market is likely to reach USD 15 billion, growing at a CAGR of almost 9%. The report also stated that due to improved economic conditions worldwide, the destination spa segment is expected to growth even more over the next five years and that wellness tourists are the primary customers for destination spas- with 15% of them visiting these spas while on their trip. ‍

Yoga Goes Mainstream

In this respect, travel agents might be more apt to connect an older client with a plan that incorporates rehabilitation treatments and how to prevent diseases, such as osteoporosis, compared to a younger audience who might be more suited to an approach that focuses on maintaining their fresh and natural look.

Both demographics represent a growing number of people intent on developing better fitness habits and lifestyle-changing behaviors to live longer, happier and more productive lives. Wellness tourism allows these seekers opportunities not available and often not affordable at home in addition to enhancing the value of well-needed vacation time. ‍

No matter the guise, wellness tourism does not have to be an exotic concept in itself. Spas and their treatments have, in truth, gone mainstream, with travel agents reporting heavy interest among clients seeking specific programs like stress reduction, fitness, and weight loss.

Modern spas are now shifting toward integrating fitness, complementary and alternative medicines, preventative health, advanced beauty and anti-aging, and weight loss and nutrition with ancient remedies to attract new followers, who expect to receive dedicated support and guidance from the best yoga instructors, nutritionists, doctors, and personal trainers the world has to offer. ‍

Healthy, Productive Employees

This popular trend has the backing of many self-funded employer insurance packages that put a premium on making healthy workers become more productive employees. Both the health-obsessed Baby Boomer generation and the retired crowd as well should continue to fuel this engine and influence where people go and what people do during their vacations. ‍

Corporate wellness programs offered through employers also envision a healthier option for executives to prevent burnout and to take healthier options in their selection of business trip hotels. ‍

All this puts an added emphasis on travel agents to remain up-to-date and understand the tenets of wellness when asked to design creative and attractive offerings that help maintain or enhance the personal health or emotional states of the clients and the corporations they serve. ‍

As more clients begin to grasp the idea of wellness and the need and desire to feel better, more relaxed and connected to their own community, travel agents will have no choice, but to focus more on prevention, maintenance, interventions and nutrition as an ongoing foundation for their health and fitness consultations. ‍

In this respect, travel agents will be held to know that a pillow menu can be just as important to the vacation experience as passports or pedicures are to clients who opt to dip toes in another country's culture on a holistic level. These simple nuances may make the difference in increased revenues, developing new partnerships and expanding market shares. ‍

With this in mind, educational programs are sprouting up in convenient and supportive locations to encourage travel agents who are passionate in professional development and interested in current information about medical tourism, corporate wellness and health destinations to learn about successful case studies, industry best-practices and product and service innovations. ‍

Bright Forecast

Healthcare reform, rising medical costs and economic factors affecting competing travel destinations and providers make the climate ripe for proactive travel agents who have the foresight and intuition to predict tourism trends.

As borders to healthcare continue to be redistributed, choosing the right flight plan to minimize connections for a medical and wellness tourist returning from treatment or therapy abroad may be as crucial as forecasting cloud patterns. ‍

Travel agents then become even more imperative for connecting the dots for clients, who themselves are challenged enough to become more familiar with expanding medical and wellness tourism destinations and practices. ‍

A basic understanding of medical and wellness procedures a patient may be interested in, their physical condition, finances, previous international travel experience and personal preferences are just some of the prerequisites that travel agents will need to equip themselves with in order to stay afoot with an evolving learning curve for the sake of keeping their businesses relevant and thriving. ‍

Many Hats to Wear

Wearing multiple hats is nothing new for an experienced and versatile travel agent. Making a surgical cap or unitard fit might just be a little bit more challenging. The good news is that medical tourism associations and supportive healthcare governing bodies, through education by way of tailored certification programs and networking and partnership opportunities linked to professional conferences and summits, are making one size fit all. ‍

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160412005110/en/Technavio-Expects-Global-Spa-Market-Exceed-USD

Unveiling the Power of Social Media Marketing in Medical Tourism

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.