Medical tourism: A decision model in a service context

Even if its roots date back to Antiquity, medical tourism is a very recent concept and refers to patients taking advantage of medical services abroad and their rehabilitation in an environment different from that of their everyday lives. Several factors have led to this recent phenomenon: modern communication tools (Internet), high quality healthcare services in medical tourism destinations (highly-qualified physicians and modern facilities), low prices in order to attract tourist-patients (services must be substantially cheaper) and ease of travel (flights are ubiquitous, discounted and patients are taken in charge at their arrival). Consequently, the numbers speak for themselves. A report by Deloitte and Touche portrays North Americans looking abroad for medical treatment by specifying that "6 million Americans will receive treatment in a foreign country in 2010 and 10 million in 2012". It is in this context that we have decided to explore this field of research. The purpose of this article is, first, to present this concept which is still underestimated and, second, to analyze the factors which stimulate it, as well as a model which highlights the factors influencing a patient\u27s decision to seek healthcare abroad. Even though this may be a risky endeavor for consumers, "medical tourism is in good health"