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Wednesday, 7 January 2015

Cosmetic Surgery Abroad: What to Expect from Medical Tourism

Cosmetic surgery is one of the most common practices that medical tourists go for abroad. They wish to take advantage of the cheaper costs, modern technologies available and the opportunity to see new places. Before you get a package, you have to learn more about the possible risks and other options you have regarding the procedures. You can make the trip more convenient and easy by finding out the different features and requirements.

About Cost

When going for cosmetic surgery, you have to compare prices between countries and hospitals. Expect to pay 40% to 80% less than what you expect in the United States or United Kingdom. The cost will be determined by your current condition, the type of surgery and other special features. Of course, getting top quality accommodations and other features will also equate to a more expensive medical tourism package. You can get any type of procedure available in America, such as tummy tucks, liposuction, nose jobs, face lifts, breast augmentation, chin repair and many more.

The cost of tummy tucks in the States is around $8000 to $8500. You can get about 60% off, depending on the place and hospital. Breast augmentation will cost you around $6000 to $6500 in America, but getting it in Southeast Asia will only cost you about $2000 to $3000. Expect to spend around $8000 to $8500 for breast lifts in the States. If you plan to get it overseas, you can slash costs by 40% to 75%. Breast reduction will charge you about $8000 to $9000 in first world countries. However, if you choose to go for a medical tourism package, you will only be charged around $5000. Lap-band surgery in America costs around $18000, but getting it in Asia only costs around $6000 to $10000. You can also get liposuction in three various areas for only $5000, compared to the standard $8500 price tag in the United States.

Finding the Right Country

You have to familiarize yourself with the different options you have when it comes to picking the right destination. Read more about each country and determine which factors make it very competitive for medical tourism, specifically cosmetic surgery. Some nations are better known for their expertise at a particular procedure or two. For example, Thailand is highly recommended for its breast lifts and breast augmentation procedure. You can get excellent results when it comes to liposuction and tummy tucks in the Philippines. A lot of individuals travel to Jordan or Israel for lap-band surgery, facelifts and nose jobs.

Also ensure that the medical institution you are visiting is accredited by the JCI or Trent. Other accreditations will also help you make sure that you are dealing with competent and reliable professionals. Learn more about the available facilities and technology they have.

Final Tips

Doctors highly recommend that you get an insurance policy covering your treatment abroad, just in case you experience untoward incidents or are not fully satisfied with the results. There are policies available today covering traveling medical tourists. The coverage will include recovery period and follow-up procedures and surgeries if needed.

3 Best Countries When Medical Touring

There are several countries today competing to get accreditation from the top governing bodies, to hopefully become one of the best when it comes to providing medical tourism packages. There are 3 nations you have to specially consider, though, since these have been very consistent in giving quality care, as well as the most attractive tourist spots this side of the globe. Here are some more details on what to expect and why they're the best.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is situated just between Nicaragua and Panama. It is located between the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, so you can expect tranquil and breathtaking views and great weather most of the year. Costa Rica is only a 2.5-hour flight from Miami, Florida. Compared to other nations in Central America, Costa Rica has high standards of living, as well as a peaceful democratic rule. Some of the favorite activities by medical tourists are scuba diving, surfing, swimming, parasailing and sunbathing.

Costa Ricans mainly speak Spanish, although a lot of medical institutions in the area require most of their staff to be good at English as well. Some of the main reasons why you have to consider Costa Rica for your medical tour are its top quality health institutions, modern equipment and facilities and a highly ranked health care system. The system is actually better compared to the United States and you only pay a fraction of the cost. A couple of hospitals are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most preferred procedures in the country include dental work, weight loss operations, cosmetic surgery and orthopaedics.

India

India is situated in southern Asia with several countries surrounding its borders like Pakistan, Myanmar, China and Bangladesh. India has gone through a huge growth in terms of technology and medicine in recent years. It has also been very active in providing programs and aims to get more accreditation in its many hospitals to become one of the top medical tourist destinations in the world.

At present, there are 13 hospitals in the country that are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most common procedures that patients look for when visiting include cosmetic surgery, dental work, heart surgery and cancer treatment. The cost of care in India is considerably lower compared to other medical tourist spots. Patients can also communicate better with health care providers since majority of Indians are very good at speaking English. Visitors can enjoy their vacation more because of the India's rich culture and unique sights, sounds and attractions.

Thailand

Thailand is arguably the most popular medical tourist destination globally. It is located in Southeast Asia, just west of Cambodia and south of Myanmar. Visitors like traveling to Thailand because it is conveniently located near other Asian countries, so you can cross the borders and go to several other nations in just one trip. Top quality medical services are offered with a number of private hospitals earning JCI accreditation.

Some of the most popular procedures done in the country include spinal fusions, orthopaedics, prostate surgery, coronary artery bypass grafts and gastric bypass. There are also medical institutions in Phuket, Thailand that specialize in cosmetic surgery, dental work and eye surgery. A lot of hospitals in the area at present have English-speaking staff.

What Awaits You on Your Maldives Holiday?

If you are looking for a perfect holiday, nothing would sound better than lush tropical islands painted with sugar-white sand and heavenly turquoise waters. If this indeed conjures up your idea of a wonderful holiday, then you should start planning a trip to the beautiful islands of the Maldives.

There are perhaps a thousand possibilities when you decide to take a trip to the Maldives but one thing is for sure, beyond these possibilities and realms of imagination is a new, beautiful and lush world.

The Maldives is composed of around 1200 islands beautifully separated by the clear turquoise waters but what's amazing is that only one sixth of these islands are occupied and populated. So are you wondering what's in the deserted islands? Well, that's for you to discover!

Male is the most populated and most popular island in the Maldives. This island, also the capital of the country, is bursting at the seams, covering around one third of the country's population. This leaves the other islands a peaceful and tranquil paradise, perfect enough for a holiday where anyone would want to get away from it all.

Things to do in the Maldives

While the Maldives is popular for its tranquility and peacefulness, it is also a perfect getaway when you are looking for a relaxing yet exciting holiday. Because of the clear waters surrounding the islands, it is the perfect destination for water sports lovers. If you are one of those water sports lovers, the Maldives will definitely fill your holiday with adventure as it offers world class diving experiences, exciting parasailing, adventurous canoeing and fun-filled windsurfing.

Planning your Holiday

Truly, the Maldives are the perfect destination for your most-awaited holiday but this could be more possible when done with careful planning. You don't want to pass up the chance of enjoying the paradise the Maldives offer, do you? To help you really have a perfect Maldives holiday, here are some tips that you might find helpful as you go along with your planning.

1. Set your budget.
You might find the resorts in the Maldives pretty expensive but that should not ruin your plan of having a perfect holiday. Setting your budget will help you narrow down your choices substantially. It may be a better idea to go to an all-inclusive resort.

2. Plan your activities.
Decide on what you want to do during your Maldives holiday. Do you plan to just relax on the sugar white sands or are you in for an adventure-filled holiday by indulging in all the water sports offered by the Maldives? Or, do you want to spend a romantic honeymoon in one of the islands in the Maldives? Deciding on the things that you want to do will help you go to the right place in the Maldives.

3. Choose the most suitable package for you.
After setting your budget and listing all the activities that you plan to do on your holiday, you can start choosing your most suitable package. Again, stick to the budget and keep an eye on the activities offered and you will never go wrong.

There you go – 3 useful tips that will help you make a dream holiday come true. So, if you are planning to go on holiday, look no further than the Maldives. What are waiting for? Plan your holiday now and get to see and experience what really awaits you in the beautiful islands of the Maldives!

Top Things to do on your Maldives Holiday

Are you the type of person who loves to experience something new? Are you someone who would die for that adrenaline rush and thrill to run through your veins? If you are anyone of those mentioned above and you are currently planning to spend your holiday in a tropical paradise that is simply extraordinary, the Maldives is the perfect place to visit. Why? It's because the activities in the Maldives are endless, not to mention the gorgeous scenery the place has to offer!

The Maldives isn't just about pristine and white sandy beaches and clear blue waters; it is also a place that offers great opportunities for relaxing and having fun under the sun. The Maldives is a group of approximately 1,200 islands located along the Indian Ocean in the southwest of India but during the peak season of November to March, this group of islands turns into a tropical paradise that offers all visitors and tourists what they are looking for. To give you a glimpse of how you would enjoy your Maldives holiday, here is a list of some of the top things to do right after you set your foot in the beautiful islands of the Maldives:

1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Because the Maldives is surrounded with tropical waters, it is not a surprise that it is beaming and vibrating with abundant coral reefs and exotic marine life. Different islands in the Maldives have diving sites that can easily be explored either through different diving safari trips or just from the resorts. Many resorts in the islands operate diving schools that offer PADI courses. They also have facilities that could be rented for snorkeling and scuba diving. Some of the best diving sites in the Maldives include Shark Thila, Victory Wreck, Broken Rock or Kuda Rah Thila, Banana Reef and Guraidhoo Corner.

2. Parasailing

Parasailing is indeed the best way to explore the vistas of coral, the scenic splendor of the Maldives as well as the waters beyond them. However, this activity may only be enjoyed in larger resorts.

3. Windsurfing

One of the activities that most Maldives trotters look forward to the most is windsurfing. This is because the Maldives is surrounded with lagoons just ideal windsurfing. There are also water sports centers or schools in the island offering equipment, instructions and even windsurfing lessons. Sails and boards for hire perfectly cater to different skill levels.

4. Fishing

Night fishing is one of the most popular and unique Maldivian sports. It is also one of the favorites of the tourists. The water condition in the Maldives creates an ideal opportunity for relaxing and having fun under the night skies and stars while waiting for big catch.

However, if you prefer to spend a more relaxed and private holiday, you can just ask your hotel concierge or resort representative to book a private picnic for you and your family or friends in an uninhabited island. You can also just take a stroll and wander around Male, the capital island. You may also enjoy the great and picturesque scenery with the friendly people of the Maldives or relax and indulge in the fantastic and relaxing spa facilities offered in your hotel or resort.

Many activities await you in the Maldives so if you think it's now the perfect time to visit the island, book a trip now and have a fun Maldives holiday!

Top 5 Must-See Attractions on Your Maldives Holiday


The tiny islands in the Maldives are truly popular simply because of the beautiful and wonderful white sandy beaches surrounding them. Add to these beaches the richness of the stunning diving sites that are easily accessible both by boat found in the remote areas of the islands and the directly from the beautiful beaches of the island's resort style hotels.

The Maldives is such a popular holiday destination. This island is very well loved by travelers and globe trotters simply because it has so much to offer. Its tranquil beauty is breathtaking and refreshing for those who want to have an awesome experience during their holidays. From spectacular water sports to strolling on its gorgeous shore lines, there is no doubt that the Maldives is a perfect destination for everyone. Out of a very long lists of tourist attractions in the island, given below are some of the must-see attractions to visit when spending a holiday in the Maldives.

1. Male

Male, the Maldives capital city, is often visited during the day time or on the last day of vacation or holiday. Although it is a relatively small city, Male is the home to many interesting museums and mosques. Male's museums house very interesting and precious artifacts procured by the famous explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, when he first visited the Maldives. Also found in Male is the Singapore Bazaar which is popular for traditional handicrafts showcasing the talents and skills of the locals in hard handwork. Just off the Male's shore is a submarine that offers the opportunity to explore the hidden reefs of the island.

2. Esjehi Art Gallery

This art gallery is situated in Male, just on the right side of the also popular Sultan Park. The Esjeshi Art Gallery is simply a perfect treat for those who greatly appreciate art. It is located in one of the most prominent and oldest buildings in Male and although it is relatively smaller compared to other art galleries in other countries, it has a decent and fascinating collection of art, making it a must-see place during your Maldives holiday.

3. Grand Friday Mosque

The Grand Friday Mosque is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Maldives simply because of its grand design and architecture of the bygone times. It was constructed by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656 and it has the capacity to house around 5,000 people.

4. Maldives Fish Market

The Maldives Fish Market is indeed a must-see attraction and this is proven by the crowd that never fails to visit the place. In fact, it is one of the most crowded attractions in the Maldives. Globe trotters are fond of visiting the place because of the delicious fresh fruits, vegetables, tuna, dried fish and other fish variety the place offers. What makes it really unique is its unbelievably clean place despite the wet and perishable goods it offers.

5. Maldives Beaches

Your holiday won't be called Maldives holiday without visiting the island's vivid and exotic beaches. Some of the most popular beaches here are the Sun Island beach, Royal Island Resorts, Paradise Island, Fuammulak and a lot more!

There you go – the top 5 must-see attractions in the Maldives. You can never go wrong when you visit these must-see attractions and after your holiday, you will surely tell yourself that your Maldives holiday was indeed the best holiday you'd ever had!