Medical Travel – Thoughts for Employers Part 2

As discussed in - Thoughts for Employers Part 1, - medical travel represents a viable option for employers looking to cut costs in their healthcare plans without reducing quality of care. Many employers often save enough money through their medical travel program to initiate incentives for employees using the companies medical travel benefits. Some employers are able to cover all travel expenses and waive the deductible for their employees as incentives to travel abroad.


Employers are often concerned about whether or not their employees will want to travel overseas for a procedure, or stay in the familiar ground of the U.S. While an employer may add a medical travel option to their healthcare plan, it’s a not a requirement to travel abroad for the procedure. The employee always has the option of traveling overseas or staying within the U.S. Employees choosing to travel abroad do so because of the incentives provided by their employer and the high quality of care overseas.


In several countries such as India, Korea, Argentina, and Belgium, care may be better than care in the U.S. with more personalized attention from doctors and staff. Those that choose to travel for a procedure frequently experience better facilities and receive better care than they would by staying in the country. Furthermore, many doctors abroad receive training and certification within the U.S..


Studies are underway to see if employers who provide these benefits to their employees receive job inquires from more qualified and experienced people. Though some employers offer these benefits, others may not do to liability, complications, perceived steerage, and other legal issues. Employers should make themselves aware of the legal issues before they initiate an incentives or benefits plan.


References:
http://www.selectchoicenow.com/services.htm