Medical Tourism

janullrich

A friend of mine is starting off a new business. She has done up her business plan and is hopefully getting funding (though it is a little slow as it is through the German ministry of finance and they have not said yes or not yet) She has worked Ireland and from her research found that getting medical checks ups or operations in Ireland is very dear compared to a country like Germany which seem to operate more efficienctly and cheaper. It would involve flights, hotels and if need be and wanted tourism in the city, area involved. She asks me my idea on it and I said I don't really know but will check out what people think. So I'm am putting it out on the floor. Has anybody heard of this type of business and is Ireland that poor medically? I don't know myself as I have hardly seen a hospital thank God!

smk89

It sounds like a very good idea. I know that you can go to Poland and get your teeth fixed/improved (delete as appropriate) and make a substantial saving but the medical idea is good.

The only criticism I can make is that if they do find anything wrong with you, you'd have to stay in the hotel and that would cost more money while on the waiting list. I'd probably only recommend it for elective medicine such as cheap operations (in the UK there are companies like this) or so called curiosity medicine where people get MRI and Angiography to check if they are developing the early stages of any diseases.

janullrich

Thanks for the response smk89. Appreciate it and your honesty.

MB74

A lot of people are heading up the north for dental work at the moment.

Also check what the health insurers provide in respect of cover for medical attention abroad, particularly Hibernian. Maybe an oppertunity to provide a service through them?

I read a report around 6 months ago that gave the stats for plastic/cosmetic surgery and that kind of thing for men. Figures showed Arab males used this way more then other races/nations. US was number two and Europe below again.

I wouldnt be just targeting Ireland with a plan like that 1. although I could be wrong I would imagine the irish less likely to have cosmetic surgeries then say other nations, and 2. with the downturn in spending luxuries like implants might have to take back seat.

I would try and find some stats showing which nation gets the best numbers for medical tourism (for women) and then find out from what country the people are going there and really refine your target market

gnxx

Have you considered a pitch to the HSE? I remember that the NHS used a similar scheme to reduce waiting times in the UK.

gnxx

Approaching the health insurance companies is a great idea.

MB74 wrote: »

Also check what the health insurers provide in respect of cover for medical attention abroad, particularly Hibernian. Maybe an oppertunity to provide a service through them?

gnxx

Just one other quick point, never ever use the term "medical tourism" in a pitch / business plan / presentation.

Borzoi

janullrich wrote: »

A friend of mine is starting off a new business. She has done up her business plan and is hopefully getting funding............So I'm am putting it out on the floor. Has anybody heard of this type of business?

Lots of similar businesses out there.

For example: http://www.revahealth.com/

byrne0f56789

Our health system is way over priced. Us entrepreneurs and self employed know all about it. I have to say that the medical services in Poland is amazing. I have heard Poles comparing our health care system to something out of the third world.

They have all the scanning machines in the GP's surgery and you don't have to go through a GP to make an appointment with a specialist. They have specialists in every town unlike here where you have to travel 50+ miles to see a specialist. I definitely see medical tourism picking up particularly in the current economic environment.

janullrich

I totally agree. I went to Poland to get my crown done. It was a lot more efficient and cheaper then it would be in Ireland. All you have to do is look at the Irish Mail yesterday and find out all about the waiting times etc that women have to face here. A disgrace. Mary Harney should have been sacked a long time ago. She is useless. I agree. Medical tourism is picking up. Btw Borzoi. Looked at revahealth. Nice idea but the site needs a lot of work on it.