Medical Tourism תיירות רפואית 

 Medical Care in Israel: The Newest Tourist Attraction

The American Jewish community, which has always maintained a strong spiritual connection to Israel, now has one more reason to visit this country: medical care. 

Israel's advanced medical treatments, some of the best in the world, cost only a fraction of the U.S. equivalent, making it possible to experience a vacation in Israel in addition to the treatment, and still enjoy substantial savings.

Israel, a Magnet for Medical Tourism

Israel has long enjoyed a reputation as a global leader in medical R&D and high-tech applications that save lives and improve the quality of life for millions. The country maintains some of the highest standards of healthcare in the world, available to Israeli citizens and also to visitors from abroad. This has given rise to a phenomenon known as Medical Tourism, which is becoming a sophisticated industry in Israel.

One and a half million Americans went abroad last year as medical tourists. It's an attractive option for those whose insurance policies require the insured party to pay a portion of the bill; the entire medical cost in some countries can still result in a net savings. For those who don't have healthcare insurance to begin with, going abroad is often the only way to receive the necessary treatment.

It's easy to see why Israel is high on the list for these Americans. Israeli hospitals and clinics are offering foreign visitors some of the best healthcare available in any Western country, at costs approximately 65 percent lower than the same treatment in the United States. Not only that, but many Israeli doctors and specialists were trained in the U.S., and quite a few are recognized as authorities in their field, with pioneering techniques and high rates of success.

Of course, Israel is also famous for its unique tourist attractions. Thousands of years of history, religion, archeology and culture are matched by natural wonders and beautiful landscapes. In addition, high standards of comfort and luxury in hotels, malls and fine dining are part of the experience of visiting Israel as a medical tourist.

U.S. Companies Are Taking Note 

American companies, in seeking better healthcare for their work force, have begun offering Medical Tours to Israel as part of their employee health insurance benefits. Not least among the attractions for employees is the prospect of an all-expense-paid vacation in a beautiful Mediterranean climate as part of the treatment deal.  Companies are hoping to attract and keep valued workers with such "perks" in the benefits package.

For American Jews, the combination is compelling. The justifiable pride in Israel's contributions to the world becomes quite personal when Jews from abroad benefit from Israeli achievements first-hand.  And when the expenses are covered by medical insurance, a trip to Israel that "would be nice someday" suddenly becomes realistic. Even for those who finance the trip themselves, the price tag is so reasonable compared with U.S. treatment, it amounts to a vacation that pays for itself. 

One of the most remarkable Israeli Medical Tourism options is IVF treatment (in-vitro fertilization). Couples trying unsuccessfully to have children in the United States can expect to pay more than $20,000 for IVF, since it is not normally covered by medical insurance.  The same treatment is available at 24 different fertility clinics in Israel for around $4000, with the added value of IVF specialists who have one of the highest success rates in the world – between 35 and 40 percent, compared with the global average of around 20 percent,

Other procedures enjoy the same advantages. The reduced costs, together with increased chances of success, make Israeli treatment the obvious choice for patients, employers and insurance companies alike.

Israel Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Medical Tourists

All of Israel's hospitals have established Medical Tourism centers, staffed by professional and multilingual personnel.  The treatments offered are comprehensive and include Orthopedics, Oncology, Cardiology, Urology, Cosmetic Surgery and rehabilitation from injuries, as well as treatment for obesity and infertility. Moreover, the Israeli medical community is home to some of the latest advances in cancer treatment, stem cell therapy, genetic research and minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Israel’s pool of quality doctors and surgeons draw on international training and experience, in addition to broad intercultural skills that assist patients from all over the world to feel safe and secure during their treatments in Israel. An added advantage for North Americans is that English is one of the official languages and commonly in use in Israel.

In order to take advantage of Israel’s medical expertise, there is a question of logistics: How to navigate through the Israeli medical system and arrange all aspects of the trip, including flights and accommodation?

Assistance in Accessing Israel's Medical Tourism

Global Health Israel, the Israeli company representing the international Medical Tourism Association (MTA) in Israel, is networking with American companies and the American Jewish community to raise awareness about Israel's Medical Tourism, and to enable patients to take advantage of the opportunities.

GHI's Vice President of Marketing, Ms. Natalie Steiner notes: "Medical Tourism is booming in Israel - the numbers this past year were almost double those of the year before. Israel is recognized for some of the highest quality healthcare anywhere in the world, with a higher than average success record in certain disciplines. And even with the overseas airfare and hotel accommodations, patients are still spending less than they would for the same medical treatment in the U.S."

Global Health Israel serves as a Medical Tourism operator, connecting patients from abroad with the desired medical specialists and government offices in Israel. GHI services cover every aspect of the client’s stay in Israel, handled by a personal representative: flights, visas, accommodations, day tours, nursing attendants, and any other logistical assistance that may be required. The GHI service relationship begins before the patient leaves the U.S., and includes follow-up after the patient has returned home.

American companies are beginning to integrate GHI's Medical Tourism services in their employee medical benefits package, especially the IVF option. The insurance plan typically covers all expenses for fertility treatment in Israel, including flight, accommodations and local travel, for the patient and a traveling companion as well.

Patients can work with GHI directly to arrange their own medical tour, for fertility treatments or other procedures. They can also ask their employers and/or insurance companies about including the GHI option as part of their health coverage. 

The clear medical and financial advantages, plus a vacation that pays for itself, guarantee that Medical Tourism to Israel will soon become the preferred option for every American seeking the best in healthcare.

For more information on Medical Tourism to Israel, Ms. Steiner can be contacted at:  GHI - Global Health Israel

info@globalhealthisrael.com

Tel: +972.3.9238802

Fax: +972.3.9229750

32 Shacham St., Petah Tikva, Israel

Mailing address:

P.O.B 7790, Petah Tikva Israel 49170