Mind & Body

The number of patients seeking healthcare outside of the United Kingdom is expected to rise in 2008, as increasing numbers of patients realise the benefits of dental and medical treatment overseas. Alison Hope of StatMedica.com, which offers advice and support for patients considering treatment in Poland, provides further insight into what is often flippantly referred to in the press as “nip and tuck holidays”....

For many people, the term “medical tourism” conjures up an image of cosmetic surgery followed by recovery on a sun-lounger by a swimming pool or on a beach on the Mediterranean or somewhere more exotic. While there are indeed plenty of companies that can arrange this, this is really just one aspect of the trend for travelling overseas for dental or medical treatment.

Just two and a half hours away

Poland is emerging as a popular destination for a wide range of procedures, including dental treatment, eye surgery, fertility treatment, orthopaedic surgery, as well as cosmetic procedures. It has been a popular choice with patients from just across the border, in Germany for several years. Now that several airlines (notably the low-cost carriers such as Central Wings, Ryan Air and Wizz Air) have increased the number of routes between towns and cities in the United Kingdom and destinations across Poland, patients from the United Kingdom are beginning to realise the advantage of health care options that are just a two and a half hour flight away...

So, why are patients travelling to Poland for dental and medical treatment? There are several factors: Long waiting lists for treatment on the NHS, reduced NHS provisions for dental treatment, anxiety over instances of the MRSA superbug, the high cost of treatment in private hospitals in the United Kingdom are the main reasons for patients considering their options in Poland. Even once the costs of flights and accommodation have been taken into consideration, considerable savings can still be made.

Patients travelling to Poland for their dental or medical procedure can typically expect to save up to 70% compared to the cost of treatment in the United Kingdom, however this lower cost is by no means a reflection if the quality of care or skill of the surgeon – it is a simple fact that the cost of living is much lower in Poland.

Cataracts, Dentist Treatments, Cosmetic Procedures ...

Let's take dental implants as an example: A patient can expect to pay £2,400 for a single implant at a dental clinic in the United Kingdom, yet would pay in the region of £800 in Poland. This price comparison is based on both dentists using the same materials – the same brands of dental implant that are used by dentists in the United Kingdom are also used in Poland, and in most cases come with a 5-10 year guarantee.

It is not just dentistry that is worth considering in Poland: Patients from the United Kingdom are travelling to Poland to have cataracts removed, to have corrective laser eye surgery, for cosmetic procedures such as eye-bag removal and chin-tucks, and for orthopaedic surgery including hip and knee replacements.

The process of finding a dentist or surgeon overseas can seem like an overwhelming process: While the internet enables patients to research clinics and scrutinise the experience and qualifications of dentists and surgeons, having so much information available at the click of a mouse can sometimes send even the savviest web-surfer round in circles.

Companies such as StatMedica.com have taken the stress out of finding the most suitable specialist, by only partnering with highly regarded clinics that are equipped with the latest technologies, and where infection control is treated as a priority. Instances of MRSA are almost unheard of in Polish private clinics. Dentists and surgeons are selected based on their experience and qualifications – all dental and medical professionals in Poland are subject to ongoing training and development which ensures that standards are maintained at a high level.

StatMedica has an English speaking team in Poland that is on call 24 hours a day, and can take care of the logistic aspects of your trip – including meeting the patient at the airport, providing interpreter and translation services and even arranging gentle activities such as sight-seeing.

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?

“But what happens if something goes wrong?” has to be the most frequently asked question whenever the subject of medical tourism is discussed. True, there is always the possibility that complications could occur, but then again, this is just as likely anywhere else in the world – even in the patient's home country.

In fact, it is commonly the case that patients considering treatment in another country will be much more diligent in their research than patients considering treatment in their home town. As with all dental and medical procedures, patients must be aware of any risks involved. It is also crucial that they pay attention to after-care advice given to them by the healthcare professional.

It would be a great shame to be in Poland and not see anything other than the inside of a clinic. Whilst you might not feel like pony trekking across the Bieszczady Mountains or skiing in Zakopane following your dental or medical procedure, there are plenty of gentle ways to enjoy Poland.

Whether you are looking for somewhere to recover after surgery, or simply fancy a relaxing break with plenty of pampering, you would be hard pressed to find anywhere more perfect than a spa resort, of which there are many across Poland. Whether you decide to spend time at a spa resort in the mountains or on the coast, you can look forward to popular spa treatments including massage, hydrotherapy and thalassatherapy. Beauty therapists use well-known branded products, including Clarins, Dermalogica and Thalgo.

Spa Treatments

A stay at a Polish spa resort is also a great opportunity to try out some less common spa treatments: Kryotherapy involves going into a chamber where the temperature is -135°C. While this may seem extreme, the atmosphere is dry, which makes it bearable and you emerge glowing and feeling energised. It has been proven to be beneficial in boosting the immune system and treating sports injuries.

For a more gentle form of spa therapy, you might like to try a salt cave: These are naturally occurring in certain parts of Poland, although some spa resorts have recreated them within their resorts in order to harness the healing benefits of an iodized atmosphere which has been proven to be beneficial in easing thyroid and bronchial conditions. Obviously, it goes without saying that if you recovering from surgery, it is always recommended to take the advice of your healthcare professional before having any spa treatments.

Behind the sensational headlines about “boob-jobs and beach holidays” that so frequently appear in the British press, the concept of travelling to countries such as Poland for dental or medical treatment is becoming more and more acceptable. Whether you are considering a procedure that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive in the United Kingdom, are looking to bypass NHS waiting lists or simply like the idea of combining routine dental treatment with some sight-seeing and an opportunity to pick up some gorgeous pieces of amber jewellery, Poland is definitely an option worth considering.

More Information

For further information, please contact StatMedica.

Tel: 0780 571 5527
www.statmedica.com