The Medical Tourism in the Philippines

Many will seek the services of Makati dentists and other dental hubs in the Philippines the moment Medical Tourism is in full gear in the country. It seems an odd combination: medicine + tourism; yet it is one of the hottest industries in the country. Some travellers mix business with pleasure but others fall into the category of ‘mixing health and wellness with pleasure.’ A sure win-win deal—you’re treated and at the same time you’re on vacation.

Medical tourism in the Philippines was introduced in the country in 2006 when a bureau was created for it. Since then, it has been making waves internationally.

In an interview in TTG Asia, former Philippine tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said, “A US-based international buyer from the insurance industry chose our country as medical tourism destination.” This is when the 2015 World Medical Tourism and Global Congress Healthcare Congress were held in Washington DC.

The Philippines is on the eighth (8th) spot as one of the top medical tourism destinations in the world, Manila Bulletin reports. This is based on the 2015 list of the International Healthcare Research Center and the Medical Tourism Association (MTA). Canada got the top spot; while the second (2nd) to seventh (7th) spots went to the United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore, Costa Rica, Italy and Germany, in that order.

According to Manila Bulletin, our country caters 80,000-250,000 medical tourism patients or clients annually which came from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Guam, Palau, Australia, Europe, the UK, Filipino expats and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This industry generated $66 million on 2013 and $145 million on 2014.

What makes medical tourists chose our country for cosmetic surgery treatments like orthodontics or dental care? TTG Asia says our country is known for its “competitive pricing; highly-skilled and culturally sensitive doctors and nurses; modern facilities; and English-proficient healthcare workers.” Philippines Travel Guide estimates it saves almost 85% of medical and miscellaneous expenses. That is more than half the price!

With all these brownie points, how can someone avail a medical tourism package in the Philippines? Do they first contact a travel agent then find a medical facility, or the other way around? Not quite. Department of Tourism posted a Patients’ Guide on their website as follows:

Selection of Medical Travel Facilitator
Cost estimate
Selection of healthcare provider
Arranging of full itinerary
Arrival in the Philippines

As you have read, it all starts with a medical travel facilitator and not through a travel agent. Say, you want a Makati dentist, a medical travel facilitator could help you find the best clinic in that area. Only do business with accredited facilitators. Here's the official list posted at the Department of Tourism’s website.

RxPinoy is one of the accredited facilitators of the said government agency which acts an arbiter between the patient and the medical facility. No need to do some digging online because they have a list of medical and dental facilities to choose from. They have quite a handful of providers but a few of the best known are St. Lukes Medical Center and Makati Medical Center for your surgery needs; Asian Hair Restoration Center for, yes, hair restoration; Eye Republic for eye surgeries; and Estetico Manila and Total Body Dentistry which specialize on cosmetic dentistry.

Of course, we won’t forget about the tourism part of the package. Well, in fact, this is a no-brainer because the Philippines is a known travel destination in Asia thanks to islands like Boracay, El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Coron. You won’t have problem relaxing and recuperating after your operation. Just head straight to accredited medical travel facilitators and health facilities in order to get in touch, for instance, to a licensed Makati dentist, because you should still prioritize your safety and welfare considering you’re thousands of miles away from home.