According to the latest report of Jean Kervasdoué made public last February, medical tourism represents the outstanding lever of growth that could create a € 2 billion revenue and 30,000 jobs in France within just 5 years.
FAME Santé is the leader in medical travel organization in France. It has long been on a mission to promote the excellence of French medicine abroad and contribute to the development of medical tourism in France.
Horisis Conseil a consulting structure that for over a decade has developed expertise in the health sector, assisting healthcare facilities that want to improve their performance and increase their revenue.
Horisis Conseil is associated with FAME santé to demystify the fears about medical tourism and introduce you the wide range of benefits for France.
1- Medical Tourism is limited to health care "comfort"
Contrary to popular belief, this market is not limited to health care "comfort", such as cosmetic surgery, dental care or hair transplant.
From simple medical check up to coronary by-pass surgery, from the simple ophthalmologic consultation to the knee prosthesis and renal transplant, Medical tourism now contribute to all healthcare sectors and includes all specialties.
2- Medical tourists seek "low cost"
Although cost is a criterion of choice invariable, it isn’t the primary motivation for the majority of patients who travel abroad for treatment.
According to the McKinsey report (May 2008), 40% of medical tourists seek the most advanced technologies, 32% travel for better care, 15% for shorter waiting times than in their countries of origin and only 13 % for the "low cost" procedures.
3- Medical tourists are VIP in the Middle East seeking preferential treatment
Only 1% of foreign patients who come to France are VIPs Although not necessarily very wealthy, medical tourists from around the world choose France for the quality of its care, high proficiency of medical practitioners and benefits that it offers and cannot be found in their home countries.
4- Reception of foreign patients penalizes insured French people
Some fear that foreign patients will take their place and are therefore favored over French patients.
It is a mistake, there are ways to allow the reception of more foreign patients without penalizing the insured French people : optimization of the organization processes of health institutions, international pricing etc.
On the other hand, revenue excluding social security gives to institutions and their employees some freedom of development and significant financial comfort; it represents a real lever for investment and job creation. Moreover, it can have a major impact on foreign trade and the image of France abroad, as well as its prestigious sectors (tourism, luxury, aeronautics ...).
5- Medical tourists are not paying their care
Medical tourists don’t even pay themselves their care, they are supported by their State, their insurance company or employer that guarantee the payment of bills.
Сoncerning patients without covering theirs expenses by third party, they cannot come to France without paying medical fees.
Finally, it is important to know that all medical tourists pay at least 30% more than French insured for the same quality of care.
