History Of Medical Tourism

In contrast to popular belief, medical tourism is not a new concept at all.  Since ancient times, many pilgrimages have been made to sacred destinations in the search for treatment (in the form of divine intervention) for ailment and disease. The practice of visiting spa towns in eighteenth century England was probably the first real form of medical tourism, with the mineral water of the spa supposedly providing relieve from a variety of disease such as gout and bronchitis.

The development and growth of the modern day medical tourism industry has been brought about by the timely combination of globalization, technological advances, ease and convenience of travel, as well as the difference between healthcare services between developed and developing nations.

Medical tourism has now expanded from cosmetic procedure and elective procedures to a whole range of essential and life-saving procedures. This is a reflection of not only the changes in laws and regulations that are offering a greater peace of mind for patients, but also the ever-increasing burden placed on health care systems of developed and overcrowded countries struggling to meet the demands of health-conscious citizens.  With no obvious or foreseeable changes to address these issues, there is every sign that the medical tourism industry will continue to flourish and prosper in an age where speed, convenience and costs dictate much of our daily lives.