Why the Philippines is a great destination for Medical Tourism

Since 2006, medical tourism in the Philippines has been growing. It was ranked at the 8th top destination for medical travelers by the International Healthcare Research Center and Medical Tourism Association. About 100,000 – 250,000 patients come from abroad to seek medical care every year.

Three branches of the country, which are the DOH (Department of Health), DOT (Department of Tourism), and the DTI-BOI (Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investments), have been working together to improve the private healthcare sector in the Philippines.

The country’s top 5 hospitals are within a 1 hour drive from the main international airport:

  1. The Medical City
  2. Makati Medical Center
  3. Asian Hospital and Medical Center
  4. St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City, and
  5. St. Luke’s Medical Center –  Quezon City

All 5 hospitals are also certified by the Joint Commission International. JCI sets the gold standards in healthcare and has over 100 member countries worldwide. It measures quality and patient safety in hospitals, and only those who meet their standards receive certification and accreditation.

Aside from government efforts and its top hospitals, several factors sets the Philippines apart in medical tourism:

  1. Everyone speaks English. English is the second language, and the general public is at the very least proficient. Conversing with everyone from the taxi driver to hotel employees is easy. Everyone in the medical industry speaks English fluently.
  2. Filipinos work as caregivers worldwide and are known for their warmth and hospitality.
  3. The year-round warm climate promotes healing and relaxation after procedures and treatments.
  4. Many doctors study and train internationally, so the Philippines have highly trained medical personnel.
  5. Very low cost of medical care, accommodations, and everyday costs of living.

The Department of Health (DOH) specially has increased its collaborations with national government agencies and private sector organizations involved in quality healthcare and patient safety. Its other objectives are also to increase the generation of jobs, institutions with advanced medical utilities, and tourism overall.

Common Cosmetic Surgeries in the Philippines and their prices

  • Heart Bypass  $11,500 to $17,500
  • Kidney Transplant $23,000 to $25,000
  • Hip Replacement $5,000 – $7,600
  • Breast implants  $3,000 – $3,500
  • Liposuction $2,000 – $3,000