Medical Tourism Association reports, over 14 mln people travel abroad to get an alternative treatment annually. A lot of these people, in particular from the USA, Asia, Africa, the UAE, Post-Soviet states, choose Europe for health tourism due to high-quality treatments.
European countries provide medical services of different price levels — the same procedure may cost 2-3 times cheaper in the Czech Republic or Poland than in Germany or Austria, for instance. So, people with different levels of income can find an appropriate option for treatment in Europe.
Bookimed, a leading platform for searching best treatment across the world, has composed a ranking of the top 7 countries for health tourism in Europe. It is based on Bookimed patients' reviews, hospitals' equipment level, doctors' experience. In this article, you will read about the price level for medical services in top European countries for health tourism, leading hospitals, specialties. If you need any additional info or want to find the best option for medical tourism in Europe, fill out a form on our website. This option is free.
Top 7 countries for medical tourism in Europe:
Germany
255,000 medical tourists annually
Price level: medium-high.
Top specialties for treatment:
- oncology
- neurosurgery
- neurology
- rheumatology
- orthopedics.
See the list of top German hospitals here
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Why is Germany a top country for health tourism in Europe?
Germany is among the top destinations for medical tourism in Europe. According to IMTJ data, 255,000 outbound patients from 177 countries choose Germany for treatment annually.
Medical tourists are mostly from the Middle East, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Eastern European countries, the UK, Netherlands, USA.
- Innovative technologies. Germany is a frequently chosen country for medical tourism in Europe due to the usage of the latest developments in diagnostics and treatment. Germany invests the biggest amount of money among European countries in the development of medicine.
- European and German certificates that approve high level of medical services. All German hospitals are strictly checked for their compliance with the demands of the European Union. due to this, a patient can be sure that the treatment is performed according to the highest European standards.
- Clinical trials. German doctors provide scientific research to find new treatment options against severe diseases like cancer, for instance.
- Prices regulated by the government. The cost of treatment in Germany is controlled by the state organs, so medical tourists won't pay more than the local citizens.
Submit a request to get treatment in Germany or another country for medical tourism in Europe. Bookimed manager will find the best hospital in your case, provide you with prices, and arrange your trip shortly. This option is free.
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Spain
100,000 medical tourists per year
Price level: medium-high.
Top specialties for treatment:
- pediatric oncology (sarcoma, blood cancer, etc.)
- cancer of the gastrointestinal tract in adults
- complex neurosurgical operations
- stem cells therapy
- epilepsy treatment.
See the list of top Spanish hospitals here
Why is Spain so popular for health tourism in Europe?
The popularity of Spain among inbound patients for medical tourism in Europe is increasing by 14% annually. Currently, over 100,000 medical tourists choose Spanish hospitals for treatment. About the 3rd part of all medical facilities in Spain are private. They provide high-quality medical service mostly for patients from France, Russia, the UK, the Netherlands, etc.
- Top healthcare system. Spanish healthcare system takes the 7th place according to the WHO (World Healthcare Organization), so patients receive access to the best treatment options and consultations with the leading doctors.
- Innovative treatment approach. Spanish doctors provide permanent scientific research to invent new treatment options. There are breakthrough developments in children's oncology and neurosurgery.
- Tourists' attraction. Spain attracts people from all over the world for its culture, meal, nature, architecture. Due to this, inbound patients can combine treatment and vacations.
Submit a request to receive treatment in Spain. Bookimed manager will choose the best hospital for you, provide with prices, and arrange medical trip shortly. This option is free.
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Switzerland
35,000 medical tourists annually
Price level: high.
Top specialties for treatment:
- plastic surgery
- cancer
- rehabilitation
- orthopedics
- neurosurgery
- cardiology.
See the list of top Swiss hospitals here
Why do people choose Switzerland for medical tourism in Europe?
Switzerland is less popular health tourism destination in Europe compared to Germany or Spain. The reason is quite high prices for treatment. However, patients who look for VIP conditions and high level of comfort are ready to pay for these. Patients from China, India, Brazil, the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, Syria, Russia often choose Swiss hospitals.
- Advanced treatment. The level of medicine in Switzerland is one of the highest in Europe, so a patient can be sure of the best quality of treatment.
- High-level medical services. A patient won't have to wait in queues to get a consultation with a doctor, everything is processed comfortable. The hospital's rooms are cozy with all amenities that helps a patient to relax and speed up the recovery.
- Unique climate for fast recovery. Switzerland is a mountainous country — the air is fresh and clean, the view is incredible. All these make a patient feel comfortable and recover fast after medical procedures or operations.
Fill out a form to get treatment in Switzerland. Bookimed manager will choose the best medical centers in your case, provide with prices, and arrange your trip shortly. This option is free.
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Czech Republic
20,000 medical tourists annually
Price level: low-medium.
Top specialties for treatment:
- plastic surgery
- robotic surgery
- rehabilitation
- orthopedics.
See the list of top Czech hospitals here
Why do patients choose the Czech Republic for medical tourism in Europe?
The Czech Republic is among most affordable countries for health tourism in Europe. However, more and more international patients choose this place to get treatment. About 20,000 people, mostly from the Western Europe, choose Czech hospitals for treatment annually.
- Affordable prices. Czech hospitals offer 2-3 times lower prices compared to German, Swiss, Spanish medical facilities. This is due to general price policy within the country and living wage level of local citizens.
- High-quality treatment. Private Czech hospitals provide medical assistance at the same high level as German, Italian, Austrian, etc. facilities. The medical centers have got international certificates, and doctors practice in the USA and top European hospitals to interchange the experience.
- No language barrier for German and Austrian patients. The part of the Czech Republic is German-speaking, so patients from Germany and Austria will feel comfortable.
Fill out a form to get treatment in the Czech Republic or another country for medical tourism in Europe. Bookimed manager will choose the best hospital for you, provide with prices, and arrange your trip shortly. This option is free.
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Austria
10,000 medical tourists annually
Price level: high
Top specialties for treatment:
- cancer
- neurosurgery
- rehabilitation
- orthopedics
- spa and wellness procedures
- cardiac surgery.
See the list of top Austrian hospitals here
Benefits of Austria for medical tourism in Europe
Austria has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in Europe and the world according to IMTJ data. However, this destination for medical tourism in Europe is suitable for people who are ready to pay for quality. The prices for medical services in Austria are one of the highest in Europe. 10,000 inbound patients choose Austria for health tourism in Europe.
- Advanced level of medicine. Austrian hospitals (both private and state) provide high-quality treatment of severe diseases. Doctors conduct scientific research to invent new treatment options. Austrian healthcare system takes the 9th place in the world according to the WHO.
- Access to the latest treatment. Austrian medical centers update the equipment and apply new technologies to achieve the best result.
- Excessiveness of treatment. There is a high density of doctors and hospitals in Austria: about 5 doctors per 1,000 people that is the greater number in Europe. This means that patients receive medical help avoiding queues and in the shortest term.
Submit a request to get treatment in Austria or another country for medical tourism in Europe. Bookimed coordinator will choose the best hospital for you, provide with prices, and arrange your trip shortly. This option is free.
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Italy
5,000 inbound patients annually
Price level: medium
Top specialties for treatment:
- cancer
- orthopedics and rehabilitation
- neurological disorders
- check-up
- plastic surgery
- bariatrics
- cardiac surgery
- cardiology.
See the list of top Italian hospitals here
Why do patients choose Italy for medical tourism in Europe?
Medical tourism in Italy is developing quite slow compared to Spain or Germany, for instance. About 5,000 medical tourists mostly from the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Russia choose Italy for health tourism annually.
Italian healthcare complies with the strictest European standards and has chances to become more demanded among medical tourists in the near future.
- Active scientific work. Some Italian hospitals, like Ospedale San Raffaele, are European leaders in developing new treatment options. It allows patients taking part in clinical trials and receive access to the latest developments.
- Ability to combine treatment and vacation. Choosing Italy for medical tourism in Europe, patients receive a great opportunity to get rest during or after treatment.
Submit a request to receive treatment in Italy. Bookimed manager will find the best hospital for you, provide with prices, and arrange medical trip shortly. This option is free.
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Ukraine
Price level: low-medium
Top specialties for treatment:
- stem cells therapy
- ophthalmology
- plastic surgery
- dentistry
- cardiac surgery.
See the list of top Ukrainian hospitals here
Why do patients visit Ukraine for health tourism?
Ukraine is less popular country for medical tourism in Europe among inbound patients than above-mentioned states. However, this tendency is changing, and more and more often visit Ukrainian hospitals to have plastic surgery, dental treatment, stem cell therapy, etc. The main reason is prices — they are 2-3 lower than in Europe, and over 4 times than in the USA. The main benefits of health tourism in Ukraine:
- Low prices. The living wage of Ukrainians is low, so the costs are also cheaper compared to Europe, the USA, Canada, etc. Inbound patients can rent comfortable accommodation and eat in good restaurants but paying less. This allows saving much money during treatment.
- Unique treatment options. Ukraine is the only country where stem cells therapy with fetal cells is available. Stem cells are immune cells that can restore any part or tissue in the body.
- Low-cost flights. There are a lot of low-coasters that fly to Ukraine from Europe, so patients won't pay a lot for travel.
Fill out a form to receive treatment in Ukraine. Bookimed manager will select the best hospital for you, provide with prices, and arrange medical trip as soon as possible. This option is free.
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Medical tourism erases the boundaries and allows patients to get access to the most effective and affordable treatment. Each country for medical tourism in Europe can offer the most adequate option for therapy in your case. All you need — to decide what state is the best for you. If you have any doubts, Bookimed manager is always ready to help you. Our assistance is free.