Last year, foreign tourists who came for medical treatment in Romania left more than 125 million lei in the country, according to National Institute of Statistics (INS). Almost 20,000 foreigners visited Romania for medical purposes, the statistical authority also says, which makes the average expenditure per tourist slightly over 1,000 euros.
Of the total money spent in Romania, about 700 million lei went on medical treatments, another 30 million lei being paid for accommodation. Romania is sought after for a variety of medical procedures, but is particularly known for expertise in: dental care, cosmetic and plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery and oncology treatments, but also for minimally invasive surgeries.
Hungary, on the other hand, lures about 2 million medical tourists annually, 100 times more than Romania. Hungary is particularly known for its excellence in dental care, cosmetic surgery, orthopedic treatments and eye services. Dental procedures such as implants, crowns and bridges are among the most sought-after treatments. The country is also making strides in specialized medical fields such as cardiology and oncology. Most of the target audience for medical tourism in Hungary are Germans and Austrians.
The Czech Republic is in the same category as Romania, with around 20,000 tourists coming annually for medical treatments, and around 3,000 Czechs going to treat their illnesses outside the country. The most popular medical treatments for medical tourism in the Czech Republic include dental care, eye surgery, fertility treatments, reconstructive surgery, stem cell therapy and orthopedic surgery.
Almost 50,000 medical tourists have been reported in Bulgaria, especially for the very low costs in the neighboring country. Treatment in Bulgaria can be 60-70% cheaper than in Western Europe or the US, without sacrificing quality. For example, dental implants in Bulgaria can cost up to 80% less than in the UK, and cosmetic surgery procedures can be up to 50% cheaper than in the US.
Every year, between 40,000 and 60,000 medical tourists also visit clinics in Serbia, according to the National Association of Travel Agencies (YUTA). The most sought after medical services in Serbia are the following: Face lifting or facial rejuvenation; Rhinoplasty; Abdominoplasty; Chemical peeling; Botox.
The post Medical Tourism: Foreign Visitors and Spending in Romania appeared first on The Romania Journal.
