How To Design An Effective Medical Tourism Business Model

By Ines Flores


Expensive medical procedures have pushed people abroad in search of alternatives. To meet this need, a well crafted medical tourism business model will help an entrepreneur to fill the gap and in the process make good profit. It requires a combination of tourism and health related skills or awareness to establish such an agency and succeed. You will be required to identify a destination health facility and the tourist attractions lined along that path.

Business analysts indicate that the number of medi-tourists is rising every year. The options range from seeking treatment abroad to fly-procedure packages. When developing your plan, identify the area you would like to specialize and do your homework. The homework includes identifying what the competition is offering and how it can be made better, more convenient and cheaper.

Experts in entrepreneurship advise start-ups to specialize. This trend can be seen even in nations where they are marketing a particular industry or sector. In medicine, for example, India is known for heart operations while Hungary and Philippines are known for dentistry. Turkey is picking up as an eye surgery destination with Spain specializing in neurosurgery. Identify where you want to take your tourists and if the demand can sustain the agency.

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.

Permits and licenses are mandatory for all businesses. Agencies facilitating medi-tourists must seek the licenses from municipal, state and federal government departments to ensure that their operations are legal. Establish the certification and accreditation procedures or requirements in your area of operation and meet them. This will give your operations a professional feel beyond making the business more competitive.

The competitiveness of your business model will determine your success. When developing your package, bear in mind what your competition is offering. Do not compromise standards and quality especially on accommodation and travel in an effort to offer a cheaper package. Satisfied customers will bring you more clients and return business.

Commissions arise from offers made by stakeholders facilitating your clients. Negotiate favorable terms with hotels, airlines, resorts and spas to guarantee the best returns. The volumes you offer will determine what these stakeholders give as commission. It will take time to be profitable and therefore patience is required.

The tourism element in your business must never be forgotten. It is a huge responsibility to ensure that patients receive the best care at their destination. Depending on their condition, organize the tour such that they reap double benefits by the time they return.

As an agency, it is your responsibility to ensure that the visas, passports and other travel documents are in order. Recommend the best restaurants, sites and activities and allow them to choose. Make known all the travel advisories issued by state departments and explain how they affect the trip. It pays to offer variety and build relationships because you will never be disappointed.




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