WHY IS THE PHILIPPINES AN IDEAL MEDICAL TOURISM DESTINATION?

Although I love to think that I live in one of the world’s best countries, it’s impossible to ignore that the US also has one of the most expensive healthcare systems. The US also has one of the most expensive healthcare systems, so the Philippines is an ideal medical tourism destination. Thanks to a well-paid job and a good retirement plan, I didn’t struggle with it so much. Yet, I have friends who did and who had to go to a country with more affordable healthcare. That’s how I discovered there is a term called medical tourism.

Philippines In Vitro fertilization.

My friends, Mark and Jenna, struggled with infertility for years, and they sacrificed a lot for something that wasn’t working. They didn’t want to give up despite nearing forties and running out of cash. At the time, I thought they went to the Philippines on a second honeymoon, but they explained the real reason after coming back with some happy news, twins. Unfortunately, they couldn’t afford more fertility treatments in the US. After exploring options, they found that the Philippines offer low-cost and quality solutions.

Now, with 10-year old twins, Mark and Jenna are not alone anymore. And they are not the only examples of outstanding medical tourism in the Philippines. That’s when I started wondering why I would spend so much on dental and dermatology services if I could get equally good healthcare for less money.

In the end, I became one of the medical tourists who also get to enjoy the fantastic beaches and nature of the Philippines. While I’m not just a tourist anymore, I will share why you should consider the Philippines as your medical tourism destination.

PHILIPPINES MEDICAL TOURISM WORLDWIDE

Foreigners worldwide pick the Philippines as their medical tourism haven for inexpensive dental and aesthetic medical treatments and procedures. They hope to experience the same care and kindness they would receive in the hospitals of Australia, the US, Canada, or the Middle East. These clinics either have a long history or an emerging trend of training Filipino physicians and nurses. 

But foreign nationals aren’t the only ones who find the Philippines to be their go-to medical tourism destination. Filipino expatriates also stay loyal to the medical care of their country of birth, which is also an opportunity for visiting family.

Philippines Medical Tourism is supported by the Government.

The Philippine Congress created the Medical Tourism Bureau in 2006, which was the catalyst for the nation’s health tourism promotion. The decision wasn’t in vain, and after a few lucrative years, the Philippines became a world-renewed destination in the health industry. As a global medical tourism destination, The Philippines rank as 24th for 2020-2021. 

Having such a high global ranking isn’t surprising, considering that health travelers describe Filipino medics as highly competent and fluent in English. Thus, most of their doctors and nurses have training and internships abroad and in Western countries. That can make you feel at home and in good hands. The only issue will be to choose one among more than 2.000 top-notch hospitals.

Is Philippines Medical Tourism safe?

Many people still fear trusting foreign medics with their health, which is understandable. But 313 stellar medical education institutions in the Philippines develop and nurture exceptional professionals and health staff. If that’s not enough, up to 80 percent of these professionals will have training abroad or acquire an international degree. 

The Filipinos are indeed the second major international students who get their diplomas in US medical institutions. However, as Filipinos are known for being hardworking and knowledgeable, they implement all the latest tech skills and techniques once they come back to work in the Philippines.

Philippines Medical Tourism for dental is on the rise.

Besides, dentistry students’ educational program includes four years of mandatory preparatory and two years of practice. Even after they pass the dentistry board, they still have to go through up to two years of specialization. On the other side, the pre-med studies of future physicians last between four and five years. 

What follows are the practical medicine for four years and a one-year long internship. They can only participate in the medical board exams, which falls under the Philippine Board of Medicine’s authority. The board belongs to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). PRC assures the highest standards and enforces the regulatory laws and policies of the country. 

Philippines Medical doctors have the same specialties.

When students pass these board exams, they get the title of a General Practitioner, which still doesn’t mean that they can engage in the most difficult specialized medical fields. Instead, physicians have to undergo up to eight years of medical specialization for surgical expertise. If you thought all of that is enough, there is also the Philippine Medical Association to monitor and administer all medics practice. 

The Philippines Department of Health takes care that every hospital goes through periodic accreditation and some of these have the Joint Commission International’s credentials. 

It’s also essential to highlight that I had some of the best experiences with private hospitals in Metro Manila. Besides, you can find exceptional care and accommodation in the National Capital Region that can rival Western health institutions. Although I heard great stories of health tourists who went to public hospitals, I still recommend the private ones because they have outstanding medical tourism packages. 

These are some of the best hospitals for health tourists in the Philippines:

• Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Muntinlupa City
• Manila Doctor’s Hospital, Ermita (Manila)
• Philippine Heart Center, Quezon City
• St. Luke’s Medical Center, Fort Bonifacio Global and Quezon City
• Manny & Pie Calayan Clinic, Cebu

Health tourists go to the Philippines for various reasons: aesthetic procedures and cosmetic surgery, dentistry, fertility treatment, dermatology, weight loss surgery, etc. Hence, whether a person needs a laparoscopic gastric bypass or facelift, the average savings go up to 94 percent. That’s what makes the Philippines an ideal medical tourism destination.

If you decide to reduce your health spending and visit the Philippines, you won’t only encounter affordable healthcare but also well-trained medics and top-notch facilities. And if that’s not enough, you will also get to see some of the most amazing beaches in the world and relax in a tropical paradise.

~ Staff

Tags:

• Philippines medical tourism,  
• health tourism in the Philippines, 
• Philippine medical tourism program,  
• medical tourism in the Philippines 2020,  
• medical tourism industry in the Philippines,  
• medical tourism Philippines,  
• medical tourism Philippines cost,  
• evolution of medical tourism in the Philippines,