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Medical tourism is an old concept followed by the Greek pilgrims who traveled from Mediterranean to Epidauria; a small territory in the Saronic Gulf. Traditionally, patients used to travel to developed countries to get a high-class service but had to bear a deep crunch in pocket. However, over the years the direction of travel for medical treatments has been reversed and has been evolved as what we know today as Medical tourism. The modern day Medical tourism takes us to a phenomenon wherein citizens of developed nations travel to developing nations to receive high-quality and affordable medical services

Here are five quick points that gives the modern day Medical tourism its edge over the Traditional International Medical Travel with reference to Colombia:

1. Cost-effectiveness and affordability ' Perhaps the most common reason why medical tourism is very popular nowadays is the low cost medical procedures that it offers. Developed nations like US have exceedingly expensive cost of medical services. One can actually save up to more than 100% of the actual cost. Colombia's medical tourism for instance, can offer a Brazilian butt lift for as low as $ 5,000 as compared to its $32,000 price in the United States. A knee/hip replacement surgery costs around $8,000 in Colombia as compared to $60,000 in the United States. However, the low prices that are offered by the less developed nations have caused some people to become skeptical about the process. Is it really effective? Is it a scam? The reason why medical services are priced low in other countries is the low cost of labor that most medical institutions in popular medical tourism destination entail. Despite the low cost of treatment, the entire process is facilitated by top notch medical practitioners and high-class facilities which help ensure the best results. Cosmetic Harmony is a Bogota based medical tourism company that has been offering affordable cosmetic surgery procedures for thousands of clients from across the world.

2. Excellent healthcare - Cost is only one factor; the main factor is the experience and skill-set of Colombian surgeons. Due to the huge numbers of surgeries performed in Colombia, the Colombian doctors and nurses are highly trained, fully practiced and experienced to ensure that their medical skills and knowledge meet the international standards. Most of the surgeons and doctors who offer healthcare services to international clients have undergone world-class training and education. They have been certified by Great Britain or the United States. Furthermore, medical institutions acquire accreditation from organizations like ISO or JCAHO as proof of excellence.

3) Instant access ' Timely service is an important factor for urgent medical surgeries. Medical tourism has a big advantage to provide immediate access to healthcare services that it provides its customers. Cosmetic Harmony for instance place clients from other countries on the priority list. The waiting time has completely vanished from the scene and the service is delivered at the earliest possible time.

4) Easy coordination ' With the advanced technologies such as internet and mobile phones, most of the work is completed easily before time. Medical tourism institutions schedule the procedures via internet or phone. In addition to this, people have the flexibility to book flights and schedule their surgery procedures from the comfort of their home. A lot of inconvenience of going to the hospitals or airports is completely eliminated. Due to the pre-arrangements made by the medical tourism institutions, a lot of time is saved and the patient does not have to stay away from home for a long time. Generally, a week or a two is enough to get themselves completely treated, rejuvenated with a new look.

5) Travel Opportunities ' On one hand the cost of treatment in developed nations are increasing day-by-day and the costs of flights and travel is decreasing on the other hand. This is giving a chance to the patients to opt for medical tourism as they can also take a small vacation before or after the surgery. The patients can experience a unique relaxation along with the medical treatment which would cost much less than the total cost of medical treatment in a developed nation. The travel costs to Colombia are significantly cheaper over other medical tourism destinations with none of the visa or travel restrictions imposed by those other destinations.

The value added benefit of medical tourism is that the patient can also take a quick a trip to the host country's most popular tourist attractions.

Reportedly, Colombia is fast becoming a super power in South America. The country has seen tourism grow tremendously over the past few years as the country is rapidly changing into a bustling Mecca for business and tourism. In Bogotá, you will be pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the city, as well as the friendliness to foreigners from the local Colombian people. The city has seen growth in the past few years far beyond anyone's expectations. There have been approximately 80 new shopping malls built since 2005 in Colombia ' 75% of which are located in Bogotá ' in addition to an influx of large multinational companies moving in to set up their South American headquarters. Colombia's capital, Bogotá, is set in a beautiful mountain environment with breathtaking views and a comfortable climate that is very conducive to having surgery.

About the Author:

Anthony Giudice is a president and CEO of 5 international companies.