In most of the developed countries in the world, the average age of the population is increasing and the health care needs of the aging population are increasing rapidly. In some countries like UK, the public health care system is overburdened and patients have to wait for several months or years before they receive treatment. The other option is private healthcare , which is very expensive for the average wage earner.
Medical tourism solves the problem for patients by providing equivalent medical care at a fraction of the cost the patient would have to pay in his or her country. There are no long waiting lists, and the patient can be operated the day after they reach the country. The hospitals are often affiliated with the top hospitals in USA, UK and other European countries. The most sophisticated equipment is used and the doctors are often trained in the latest practices at medical facilities in USA. The patient receives personalised attention at a much lower cost.
However, there are some disadvantages of medical tourism. In case there are medical complications or malpractices, the patient may find it difficult to take legal action in a foreign country.