They cure Ischia, have their eyes lasered in Istanbul, and have their teeth rehabilitated on Mallorca. Because low prices are tempting, hundreds of thousands of Germans become medical tourists every year. The health trips are particularly worthwhile within Europe, because the European Union wants to further promote patient rights (see “Good to know”). In the Tolfioow interview, health expert Kai Helge Vogel explains what needs to be considered.
Package health trips where everything is organized are convenient. Do you advise this? All-inclusive packages are suitable for cures, for example when it comes to rehabilitation measures. If an operation is pending, you should check exactly what to expect. So that there is no surgery because the patient has paid for it and expects it – even though he may not be in the right condition.
But many want to combine the medical procedure with a vacation. Relaxation supports recovery. However, it always depends on what was done. With fresh scars, for example, it is better to leave long sunbaths or exhausting sightseeing behind.
What should be considered when planning treatment abroad? Doing as much research as possible beforehand. The following questions are particularly important: Can I communicate with the doctor? What qualifications does he have? How is the practice equipment? It is also good if the doctor can see documents or x-rays. Ideally, you get to know him before the operation.
GOOD TO KNOW
- With the health directive, the EU Commission wants to place patient rights on a broad legal basis in the future. Among other things, it is planned to regulate the reimbursement of costs, to promote cross-border cooperation and to set up reference networks that specialize in certain diseases.
- If a foreign doctor advertises in German newspapers or by handbill, he can in principle also be prosecuted here. This does not apply to internet advertising.
- The European Consumer Center in Kiel can help with questions.
But that means I have to book the trip twice! That would be ideal. However, this increases costs and is time-consuming. But there is rarely a rude awakening afterwards. In order to save yourself further effort, you should therefore check whether a German doctor is doing the necessary aftercare, especially on further trips. In the case of reimbursable services such as dental treatment, the health insurance companies sometimes work together with panel doctors.
You can save up to 70 percent on dentures in particular. Is that at the expense of quality? Dentures from abroad do not have to be worse. However, a trip across the borders is not necessarily cheaper. It is therefore worth comparing. Get offers from several doctors at home – and only then act!
