Ukrainian medical tourism registers appreciable growth

When most of the countries irrespective of their economic status are vying for the larger share of the medical tourism pie, it is quite natural that Ukraine being the largest nation in the world would no longer remain behind. It is a fact that the weak government support in the domestic healthcare sector has forced many Ukrainians seek better affordable healthcare in Europe, Turkey, Cyprus, Korea and Thailand.

But due the weakening of Hryvna last couple of years along with the appreciable development in selected areas of medical treatments, the country is experiencing higher inflows of medical tourists.

Source destinations:

Not only the citizens of former Soviet Republic countries, but  health travelers from Europe and CIS countries are also finding this land quite attractive in availing a range of medical care and support. The percentage chart of medical travelers to Ukraine from different countries is given as follows:

CIS Countries – 73%

Baltic Countries – 13%

Europe -10%

US – 4%

Medical treatments four times cheaper in Ukraine:

As a consequence of the weakened currency as stated earlier, medical services could be accessible at a much reduced price compared to developed European nations and US.

Most demanded treatments:

-Dental Surgery

-IVF Treatment

-Surrogacy

-Cancer treatments

-Stem cell treatment

-Balneotherapy

– Cosmetology

 

It is the concentration of top graded clinics in big cities and around Ukraine that have been attracting an appreciable number of Americans and other foreign medical travelers.

Dental Care:

Dentistry, as per the experts, is the most thought after treatment in Ukraine by the medical tourists. About 44% of the foreign travelers look for some sort of dental treatments in this land.

Dental treatments in the US and European countries are exorbitantly high and excepting the basic treatments, most are not covered under the health insurance policy. Moreover, dentistry becoming an integral part of aesthetic treatments, the affluent class is quite willing to go beyond the border to enhance their appearance through dental aesthetics.

IVF, Surrogacy and ART treatments:

IVF treatment is one of the most popular medical procedures in the country. Ukrainian regulation is quite lenient in IVF and other ART (Assisted Reproductive Techniques) treatments including surrogacy which are strictly forbidden in many European countries and other nations.

As a result, a huge chunk of medical tourists from Italy, Ireland, France, Serbia, China, the US, Australia and Canada set their foot on the Ukrainian soil seeking primarily egg donation and surrogacy programs.

It is important to note, that in most of the countries egg donation and surrogacy programs are bounded by strict legislations. Therefore, Ukraine becomes a safer bet. Above all, medical travelers from other countries interested in any fertility treatment program enjoy the same rights as the Ukrainian citizens.

Considering the cost factor, the fertility treatment packages in Ukraine are 2.5 times cheaper than that available in European and US clinics. Even in the face of tough competition from Spain and Thailand, the country is considered as one of the top 10 countries offering effective ART treatments.

Treatments in Oncology:

Ukraine being one of the countries having acclaimed cancer specialists offering Targeted Therapy for Cancer free of charge is another important factor in the country’s medical tourism growth. Though the patients come here for an experimental treatment, but the highly promising results indicate a better prospect in this specialized area of treatment where affordable and personalized care could form major attractions.

Advancements in Phlebology surgery:

The number of overseas patients seeking varicose vein surgery is also on the rise. The surgery carried out in the Ukrainian clinics is done in an hour involving no cuts or anesthesia assuring a quick recovery in 5-6 days. The cost involved is much less.

Areas demanding improvement:

-The country should increase its healthcare spend for better infrastructure development.

-Need for more public-private joint ventures creating a sustainable healthcare ecosystem.

-Implementation of medical visa.

-Need for more accredited hospitals and tie-ups with reputed hospitals.

-High quality personalized care ensuring the worth of money spent by the patient.

-Organizing innovative pre and post operative services and follow ups.

-Improved marketing strategies to position the country as one of the leading destinations.

-More flexibility in communication easing the language barrier.