Friday, January 30, 2015

How To Design An Effective Medical Tourism Business Model

By Ines Flores


With treatment procedures becoming more expensive by the day, people are looking for viable alternatives. This makes the medical tourism business model a reasonable way of providing the alternative and something more. It brings together tour operators and medics with the aim of offering a package that meets both needs. The agency locates the best health facility and adds a vacation during the trip.

Medi-tourist numbers are rising in all parts of the world with different alternatives based on need and specialization by destination countries. Airlines have also entered the market to provide such packages as fly-procedure. Specialization is a strong foundation for any business venture. Conduct research and establish the offers available in your market as well as ways you can make them affordable and convenient.

Specialization has been billed as a strong pillar for development. Even at international level, nations are specializing and being recognized for particular services and products. In health-care provision some countries standout as models of success in specialization. India has taken the lead in heart surgery while the mantle for dental procedures goes to Hungary and Philippines. Turkey is spearheading eye surgery as Spaniards become masters in neurosurgery. Such information will guide you as you develop packages and select destinations.

Practitioners are an integral part of any successful medicine related venture. Identify the doctors you are going to work with locally and abroad. Depending on the condition of your patient, there are rules on handling them abroad and when on transit. Familiarize yourself with such rules and make necessary logistical plans.

Though there are no defined licenses for medi-tourism agencies, it remains a business that must operate with valid permits. There are requirements by federal, state and municipal authorities that must be met. Accreditation and certification give credibility to your agency. This makes your operations professional and gives you an upper hand in the face of competition.

Your success as an agency depends on how competitive your packages are. Consider what your competition is offering and identify what would make it more affordable, convenient and valuable. Do not reduce the prices by compromising travel, accommodation and logistical standards. This will affect referrals and return business. Satisfying your customers will increase referrals.

The commissions are distributed across the various stake holders who will be handling the tourists. The stakeholders include hotels, spas, resorts and travel firms. What comes from the medical procedures is as low as twenty percent. Do not expect to make huge profits within the first trip. It takes time for the business to pick and begin to deliver returns.

Tourism remains a key attraction even as you offer medical assistance. Identify exciting destinations along the way to enrich the trip. The basic design of such a package is usually to provide double benefits.

The agency is responsible of ensuring that travel documents like passports and visas are in order. Introduce your clients to exciting attractions, activities and facilities along the way and allow them to choose. These recommendations should consider their budget and health situation. Make known all travel advisories issued by state departments and how they are likely to affect your plans. Knowledge of what is available in different destinations will help you capture more clients and satisfy their needs.




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