Treatment abroad, more specifically, in the post-communist countries, becomes more and more popular. In 2010, 58 million tourists made the decision to travel to Poland. It is 9 percent more than in 2009. Within that year, Poland welcomed over 300 000 foreign patients. It is 15 percent more than year before. The largest group of visitors came from Russia.
In 2012, the number of visitors from abroad increased. UEFA Euro 2012, a grand and very prestigious Europe-wide football tournament that was hold in Poland and Ukraine, was the reason why foreigners started to discover and appreciate the post-communist countries. That big tournament ensured tourists that Poland is more developed than they initially thought. Therefore, tourists soon turned into patients.
The reason that justifies treatments abroad, an out-of-ordinary type of tourism, is price. The same surgery is 40-50 percent cheaper in Poland than in the United Kingdom or Scandinavia. In the United Kingdom, dental implants cost more than $4000 while in Poland similar service equals around $800. As it is said by All Medical Tourism, Poland is Britons favorable medical destination. In comparison to Hungary, the dental implants treatment is around 79% cheaper. In the USA, breast treatment costs $10 000. In Poland, the very same treatment is possible for half price or even less. The complexity of treatments influences on price: more complex treatment is, less money patients have to pay.
But price is not a sole factor. Poland is known for its top-notch medical crew that ensures high-quality standards during surgeries. Additionally, foreigners appreciate the fact that they do not have to wait long for treatment. Visitors can also found support in coordinators, who buy plane tickets, pick up patients from airport and book hotel rooms for them. According to Medical For You, the low-cost airlines have discerned some potential in the treatment abroad. They give many attractive discounts that can only encourage people to travel for surgery or treatment.
In Poland, foreign patients mostly prefer to undergo dental treatments and plastic surgeries. Orthopedic treatment or vascular surgeries (e.g. varicose vein treatment) have come into recognition as well. One Norwegian once said that he would rather visit Poland for one day to take care of his four teeth than to remain in Norway and go to the dentist across the street with a single tooth problem. When it comes to plastic surgeries, patients prefer liposuction and abdominoplasty. Breast treatment, nose treatment and eyelid treatment are also very popular. Treatment abroad is very often combined with sightseeing. Before or after the surgery, patients have got time for shopping and exploring the city. Apart from Norwegians and aforementioned Britons, Poland has become a medical safe haven for Germans, Ukrainians and Russians.
Polish medical offer, however, is not confined to opportunities for different types of surgeries. The local nursery homes caught foreigners attention too. The interest has been propelled by the Polish-German agreement concerning the healthcare funds. In effect, in 2010, more than 300 000 patients from abroad made their way to Poland to check-in. Patients have come from Europe and beyond. For example, the Polish nursery homes have been appreciated even by the Israeli.