07 Jul
Turkey

Sun, sand, nip, tuck: one in three up for medical tourism

Looking for an affordable face lift without breaking the bank? Want to combine a tummy tuck with two weeks holiday abroad ? You’re not alone.

Nearly a third of people surveyed around the world say they are open to the idea of medical tourism – traveling abroad to enjoy cheaper medical or dental treatment according to a new Ipsos poll of 18,731 adults in 24 countries.

Indeed, 18 per cent said they would definitely consider it.

TURKEY

What better place to tuck up that turkey neck. Turkey is up and coming as one of Europe’s most reasonable destinations for cosmetic and plastic surgery. Prices are significantly lower than in North America or in Western Europe, but quality standards are decent. Many experienced Turkish surgeons are internationally trained and multilingual, and several Istanbul medical facilities are clean and modern. Of course, you need to choose your surgeon and facility wisely. Ask a lot of questions, verify credentials, check referrals and more. Budget shouldn’t be your only criteria when considering a serious cosmetic procedure.

“The concept of medical tourism is well accepted in many countries,” said Nicolas Boyon, senior vice president of Ipsos Public Affairs.

“With the exception of Japan there are at least one third of consumers in every country we covered that are open to the idea,” he said in an interview.

Whether for economic reasons or perceptions of superior treatment elsewhere, for treatments ranging from cosmetic to life-saving surgeries, Indians, Indonesians, Russians, Mexicans and Poles were the most open to the idea of being medically mobile.

Thirty-one per cent or more people in each of those countries said they would definitely consider traveling for a cosmetic, medical or dental treatment.

Conversely, people in Japan, South Korea, Spain and Sweden were least likely to be medical tourists.

Boyon said it was not surprising that men and women from emerging nations would be medically mobile if the treatments were cheaper.”This probably reflects perceptions of medical care in other countries that is superior to what is available at home,” he said.

But he was intrigued by the percentage of people in developed nations such as Italy, where 66 per cent said they would definitely or probably consider medical tourism, along with Germany (48 per cent), Canada (41 per cent) and the United States, where 38 per cent of people were open to the idea.”It is a reflection that the medical profession is no longer protected from globalisation,” Boyon said.

RISKS VS. BENEFITS

Although medical tourism spans a range of treatments, the most common are dental care, cosmetic surgery, elective surgery and fertility treatment, according to an OECD report.

“The medical tourist industry is dynamic and volatile and a range of factors including the economic climate, domestic policy changes, political instability, travel restrictions, advertising practices, geo-political shifts, and innovative and pioneering forms of treatment may all contribute towards shifts in patterns of consumption and production of domestic and overseas health services,” the report said.

Various studies using different criteria have estimated that anywhere between 60,000 to 750,000 US residents travel abroad for health care each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Along with variations among countries, the Ipsos survey showed that younger adults under 35 years of age were more likely in most countries to consider medical tourism, than people 50 to 64 years old.

Boyon suggested that the cost of travel, proximity, borders and quality of care may also be factors considered by potential medical tourists. In both Italy and Germany, about 20 per cent of adults said they would definitely consider medical tourism. Both countries are near Hungary, a popular destination for health treatments.

Ipsos conducted the poll in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea,Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States.

Based on story published in The Sydney Morning Herald- Traveller

Reuters

29 Jun
Phuket, Thailand

Bed, board and a new pair of boobs

NIP-TUCK holidaymakers booking again!

NIP-TUCK holidaymakers booking in again post-covid for cut-price cosmetic surgery in Asia in record numbers are being greeted with at five-star hospitals.

A Sunday Mail investigation in Thailand a decade ago found Australians are using our partnered pkush hospitals complete with chandeliers and the full VIP service!
Our patients can wake up with new breasts or a trim tummy the day for up to a third the price of surgery at home.

Queenslanders are among the patients flocking to the cosmetic surgery hotspot for new breasts and flat stomachs for as little as $6500.

Some hospitals the Courier Mail visited operated like well-oiled machines with highly trained surgeons  some managed by US and Australian management teams,   leading impressed patients to “upsize” from a single procedure to a range of extras, including botox, dental work, eyelid lifts or liposuction.

Group Tours are are back again with Australians are signing-up to cosmetic surgery group tours popular again.

Pre-covid, in the country’s south, Phuket International Hospital was treating 1000 Australians a year  20 times the number four years ago.

The hospital estimates 10,000 Australians a year are flying to Thailand for cosmetic surgery.

“When you are talking about plastic surgery, it is doubling each year,” they said.

Queenslanders make up a quarter of the patients at the hospital, mostly women having breast enlargements.

In Australia, implants can cost between $8000-$17,000.

That compares to about $5000 in Thailand at a major hospital, including surgery, flights and accommodation.

University of Technology Sydney senior lecturer Dr Meredith Jones and researcher on the Sun, Sea, Sand and Silicone project said more Australians were considering cosmetic surgery only after hearing about the cheap price overseas from their girlfriends.

“They were getting it because it is cheap not because they decided I have to have this, now what is the cheapest option?” she said.

Original story published in The Courier Mail



15 Jun
Phuket, Thailand

Plastic surgery and medical procedures in Thailand: Why more of us are doing it

TRAVELLING for medical procedures is a growing industry but what’s it really like? 

The changing face of healthcare in Australia.

Australians are racing overseas for cheap medical and cosmetic surgeries, after a long pause amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

From dental surgery to face lifts and Botox, these surgeries are generally considered to be much cheaper in locations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, and are often coupled with relaxing, resort-style vacations.

Now you know a medical procedure you needed could be done at the same quality but half the price internationally, would you jump on a plane to have it done?

Prior to covid- it was estimated that around 15,000 Australians are heading overseas for nip tuck holidays every year, spending a total of $300 million on medical procedures — some of them life saving.

It’s called medical tourism, and it’s having a significant impact on global healthcare, including in Australia, where our health system is straining under the weight of an ageing population and long waiting lists for elective surgery.

Pre-covid Thailand was leading the world as a medical tourism destination. Of the 26.5 million people who visited Thailand in 2013, 2.5 million came purely for medical reasons. That number has been growing at an average of 15 per cent a year over the past decade.

“It’s changing the landscape in terms of price; in any facet of our life people want value for money,” says one Sydney based plastic surgeon.

“Medical tourism has been around forever when people would travel for procedures not available in their country. Now people are going to underdeveloped countries for things that are offered in Australia because it’s cheaper,” he says.

So what are the risks involved when travelling to a foreign country for medical treatment? And why is the Australian Medical Association and Society of Plastic Surgeons staunchly against it?

“The biggest risk I think is the post operative care. You might get two to four weeks of care overseas but in Australia you would see your plastic surgeon at least four to six times over the following 12 months,” says Dr Rizk.

However Thailand is changing this image dodgy backyard jobs and unqualified surgeons by offering a select group of world class hospitals, state of the art technology and internationally trained physicians.

And then there’s the value. A trip to the dentist for a filling in Australia will set you back around $150, in Thailand it’s $30. Breast implants will cost at least $8000 at home, compared to around $3000-$4000 in Thailand. It is this reality that is changing the medical landscape, as Australians and travellers worldwide are lured by cheaper costs, no wait lists and technology often better than what they’d find at home.

The hospitals — what they’re really like

The two biggest hospitals targeting medical tourists are Bumungrad International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Group, both located in the country’s largest city.

The impressive private hospitals look more like hotels, which is important when they’re trying to cash in on the huge business of medical tourism.

Bumungrad International Hospital treated more than one million patients in 2013. Forty per cent of these were international patients, including around 8500 Australians.

The country’s move into medical tourism started as a survival strategy in 1998, after Thailand was hard hit by the Asian financial crises. It has transformed the way they deliver healthcare.

The 9/11 attacks were a big turning point, as Middle Eastern patients who once travelled to the US for surgery found it harder to get a visa, so they turned to Asia. Primarily Thailand.

Bumungrad hospital went from treating 10,000 Middle Eastern patients each year pre 9/11 to more than 120,000 today.

Walking into the hospital today like PPSI, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a five-star hotel rather than a hospital ward. Lounge areas offer free (non alcoholic) drinks, check-in desks look more like civilised bank tellers, in-house travel agents organise visa extensions and a whole wing is dedicated to interpreters offering translator services for its international patients.

Then there’s the hospital rooms. The top of the line rooms are like small apartments with a living room, bathroom and kitchen all tastefully decorated, offering Wi-Fi, and room for partners or family to stay.

Yes, this is actually a hospital room.

All the comforts of home and room for visitors.

Bumungrad has invested heavily in technology, there’s even a pharmacy robot that dishes out medication into pre made packs to reduce the chance of human error.

Bangkok Hospital tells a similar story. It treated 800,000 patients in 2013, of which 200,000 were medical travellers, including around 2600 Aussies.

Australians and Russians are the biggest customer groups for this service,” Bangkok Hospital Phuket’s director Dr Narongrit Havarungsi.

They can combine the trip to the service with a stay in a four- or five-star hotel,” Narongrit said.

More than 1,000 people, most of them foreigners, visit the Bangkok Hospital Phuket each year for breast augmentation.

The service costs between Bt120,000 and Bt170,000.

He believed foreigners come to his hospital for the service because it was relatively low in cost and good in quality.

People travel here for more than cosmetic surgery. Chronically ill patients are hoping an operation in Thailand could save their life.

A revolutionary Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery is used for cancer treatment, and a less invasive form of open heart surgery, known as OPCAB is also successfully treating patients.

An entire wing is dedicated to sports injuries, where Australian soccer players, AFL stars. and boxers have been treated.

Attached to a shopping mall, it is anything but clinical. Ironically, both hospitals even have a McDonalds to cater for their international visitors.

Cancer patients are choosing Thai hospitals for their revolutionary equipment.

The anti-gravity treadmill treats our injured sports stars.

Then there’s the patient nurse ratio. In Australia the patient to nurse ratio is 8:1, in Thailand it’s 4:1. “The only time the nurse didn’t come was when their buzzer had broken,” said Jackie, a 31 year old professional from the Hunter Valley in NSW who travelled to Thailand for a breast lift, construction and augmentation.

Costs — why is it so much cheaper?

Thailand’s medical procedures are around 30 to 40 per cent cheaper than we’d pay in Australia and up to 50 to 70 per cent less than in the US. While there’s no difference in the cost of medical technology and drugs, it’s the difference in labour costs that make it so competitive.

A nurse can expect to be paid around $17,000 in Thailand compared to $70,000 in Australia. Doctors earn around $50,000 in Thailand compared to $150,000 plus at home. Malpractice premiums are far less too. Doctors may pay around $1000 in Thailand, compared to the US where annual premiums have sky rocketed to $100,000. Then there’s the competition that keeps prices low, as the market battles for the international tourist dollar.

Surgery costs: Australia v Thailand

Breast implants: Australia — $8,000-$12,000, Thailand — $3,000-$4,000

Facelift: Australia — $9,000-$10,000, Thailand — $4,000-$5,500

Tummy tuck: Australia — $7,000-8,000, Thailand — $5,000-$5,200

Dental implant Australia — $3,500-$7,500, Thailand -$2,300

Knee/hip replacement in Australia — $20,000, Thailand — $12,000 -14,000

Fees in Thailand do not include airfares or hotel accommodation (needed for recovery once patients are discharged).

Why are Australians choosing Thailand?

Every patient news.com.au spoke to had a different story for why they are sitting in a five star Bangkok hotel waiting for surgery or recovering from a procedure.

“It’s like the Athlete’s Foot of the boob,” said Michelle, a 33 year old media professional from the Hunter Valley in NSW who had breast implants, teeth whitening and fillings.

Michelle says her experience in the Bangkok medical system was better than anything she had at home. From the doctor patient interaction to the compassion and care of the nurses, the biggest difference was the after-care. She spent three days in hospital and eight days in a five-star hotel after her procedure. She compares this to a friend at home who paid $12,000 for breast implants and was discharged from hospital the same day.

Michelle post breast implants and dental work.

Then there’s 30-year-old Calli from Subiaco in Western Australia, who flew over for rhinoplasty and breast implants. After having her nose fractured twice when she was 19, she booked her surgeries 12 months ago after hearing about it from a couple of friends.

“There’s a get ‘em in, get ‘em out attitude in Australia,” she says. “After one night I wouldn’t have even be able to lift a glass to have a drink of water,” she added, relieved she had longer to recover in a Thai hospital.

From breast implants to whole body transformations, patients range in age from early 20s to 60s.

The end result was worth all the pain for Calli.

Jaye, a 20-year-old recruitment manager from Bunbury in Western Australia paid $2000 for veneers and to have her wisdom teeth removed, and says she is finally confident to smile again.

Tracy, a 51-year-old Australian mother, googled “cosmetic surgery in Thailand” and two hours later it was a done deal. Recovering from an arm, face and neck lift, as well as a tummy tuck and liposuction she paid $20,000 after being quoted more than $80,000 at home.

“It’s been a confidence lift, I did it to make myself feel better,” she said. Two surgeries and seven days in hospital, she said the support has been unbelievable. “They are more interested in what your expectations are here compared to Australia.”

Jaye, a 20-year-old recruitment manager from Bunbury in Western Australia paid $2000 for veneers and to have her wisdom teeth removed, and says she is finally confident to smile again.

Tracy, a 51-year-old Australian mother, googled “cosmetic surgery in Thailand” and two hours later it was a done deal. Recovering from an arm, face and neck lift, as well as a tummy tuck and liposuction she paid $20,000 after being quoted more than $80,000 at home.

“It’s been a confidence lift, I did it to make myself feel better,” she said. Two surgeries and seven days in hospital, she said the support has been unbelievable. “They are more interested in what your expectations are here compared to Australia.”

Michelle can’t stop smiling after having her teeth whitened for a quarter of the cost in Thailand.

Her friend agreed” You’ll forget you’re in a hospital!”

“I’d go back to the hospital just for the service, it was like a hotel,” said Jackie.

“It was the best experience of my life.”

09 Jun
NEWS, Thailand

Young women rush overseas for enlargements Big boob boom

https://www.proquest.com/docview/749474377/EA205BD38FA84156PQ/3?accountid=17095#

YOUNG Gold Coast women seeking `hot looks’ in bikinis through cheap overseas cosmetic surgery have fuelled a breast-enlargement boom.

The number of Gold Coast models going under the knife has soared from 5 per cent five years ago, to 40 per cent today, said director of Lush Models, Rebecca Lush.

She said the the Gold Coast’s first medical tourism agency in Bundall, had influenced the surge.

“Breast enhancements in Australia have always been out of most of the girls’ price range, but now with the much cheaper procedures in Asia it’s become a lot more common,” she said.

Breast implants on the Coast cost between $10,000-$15,000, but in Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok, they are

between $3000-$4000.

Surfers Paradise model Bronwyn Gendall said it cost her $6000 for surgery, flights and 10 days of five-star accommodation.

“It was quite scary heading to another country for surgery, especially with the horror stories of people having botched jobs done over there, but then dodgy operations happen here too – they’re just not as publicised,” she said.

“Within 12 hours of arriving the breast implants were all done, nothing went wrong and the nurses were so lovely; they came in to check on us at the hotel.”

Company director Claire Licciardo said women needed to choose carefully to avoid cosmetic disaster.

03 Jun
NEWS, Turkey

Aussies are heading to Turkey to access cheap cosmetic surgery

Danielle Gusmaroli in London writes this piece for the The Herald Sun as Aussies head over to Turkey to access cosmetic surgery for prices we haven’t seen for years! NipTuck Holidays is the only agency in Australia offering Turkey as a medical tourism destination with our Group Tour getting ready to officially announce for October 2023! Interested?

Australians craving a dramatic makeover are heading overseas to access cosmetic surgery for a fraction of the cost of procedures at home.

Turkey is fast establishing itself as the new medical tourism hub for Aussies craving bargain boobs, butts and bodies.

In a shift away from the one-time cosmetic surgery capital of Thailand, the southeastern European country has enjoyed a 400 per cent jump in bookings since international flights resumed in February 2022.

Much of the lure is price — procedures are up to 275 per cent cheaper than Australia — but there is also a belief among patients that the work is carried out in clean environments.

Venesa Sacco, 46, underwent her second cosmetic procedure in Istanbul in October — a breast lift and Brazilian butt lift (BBL).

“I feel and look totally different, I’m much more confident and like what I see in the mirror now – it’s like getting a haircut, you feel so much better afterwards,” Ms Sacco, from Caulfield, Melbourne, said.

Venesa Sacco underwent a breast lift and Brazilian butt lift, among other procedures, in Turkey.

She claims to have saved $74,450 on what she would have paid in Australia for her eight surgery procedures in two trips to Turkey over 15 months.

Her BBL cost $550 instead of $3000, her breast lift was $4000 versus $15,000, she paid $3000 for veneers that would have set her back $20,000 and her 360 liposuction was $6000 instead of $20,000.

“I’m addicted and I’m thinking of another round of liposuction … and maybe a facelift next year,” she said.

Ms Sacco says she saved $75,000 over her eight procedures by going to Turkey. 

Lisa Consolmagno, 47, from Craigieburn, Melbourne, is part of a WhatsApp group with thousands of Australian members sharing information about plastic surgery in Turkey.

She flew into Istanbul a day after the deadly magnitude 7.8 earthquake for a tummy tuck, removal of old breast implants, breast lift and new implants.

“I went to Turkey because a lot of the men at the gym I go to have had veneers and hair transplants and told me to go,” she said.

Venesa Sacco says she is “addicted” to cosmetic surgery. 

Medical tourism firm Estetica Istanbul said Australian bookings had exploded from one or two a month to 10.

According to another firm, Surgery Savior, at least 10 per cent of its 70 aesthetic procedures and hair transplants a month now went to Australians.

“I keep seeing +61 (the Australian country code) flash up on my phone,” Surgery Savior chief executive Sarah Kasule said.

“After Covid, we got flooded with calls.

“There are five Australians in hotel rooms recovering from rhinoplasty as we speak, three of them girls from Sydney.”

Estetica Istanbul chief executive Mert Karakuzu will next month launch a social media advertising campaign to meet the growing demand from Australia.

“You can’t ignore the numbers, Australia has caught on to Turkey and we are now in discussions to advertise on Facebook,” he said.

AMA President Professor Steve Robson advised exercising caution when opting for plastic surgery overseas.

“We are lucky enough to have one of the best health systems in the world with highly trained doctors, nurses and other health professionals working in world-class facilities,” he said.

“Our outcomes are second to none and when, on the rare occasion, something goes wrong, patients have the security of knowing that the health system will be there to support them.”

Chair of the Communications Committee for the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Fabian Cortiñas shared concerns about the integrity of the industry.

“Safety should be the first priority when deciding to travel to a different country for an aesthetic surgical or non-surgical procedure,” he said.

Turkey aims to lure 1.5 million health tourists in 2023.

The government has certain expectations of clinics, including having an International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, regulated prices and surgical standards.

The story inThe Sun Herald: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/aussies-are-heading-to-turkey-to-access-cheap-cosmetic-surgery/news-story/6f1b2817d684d0f864dd01220f08bca6

TOP TIPS FOR OVERSEAS SURGERY

■ Choose a procedure that suits your age and body type. Risk and results of surgery are affected by age and weight

■ Ensure the plastic or cosmetic surgeon is experienced and medically board certified

■ Complications can occur during and after your procedure – check the level of after-care service provided and country’s safety guidelines. Each country has different safety guidelines and the safety levels will vary

■ If the procedure is performed in a hospital, verify the hospital is accredited or certified. Ask your surgeon for certification information and the name of the certifying body.

■ Ensure the surgical setting is safe and authorised by the country’s regulatory system and with trained personnel and emergency procedures in place.

■ Flights make changes in the body’s physiology, always arrive one or two days before the surgery, during those days take time for a physical consultation with your Doctor for final adjustments

■ Never underestimate the post operative period. Take enough time — at least a week — for a full recovery before your flight back.

15 Apr
Bali

Bali’s new hospital is opening soon!

Medical tourism in Bali

The beautiful holiday island of Bali is set to be a medical tourism destination new international hospital built by the Indonesian Ministry of State-owned Enterprises in partnership with the US-owned Mayo Clinic. NipTuck Holidays sources say Sanur International Hospital, the new world-class international 300-bed hospital, is on track for completion in this year with the concept is to position Bali as a world-leading health tourism destination!

The Sanur International Hospital is bringing in consultants from the Mayo Clinic and  international doctors and surgeons who have graduated and practised abroad, with the focus on South Korea.

Currently the legislation makes it hard for doctors and other medical professionals who have trained outside of Indonesia to come to work in the country, however the recruitment process is underway for specialist doctors and that only the best candidates will be chosen.

The Governor of Bali said, “the aim is to position quality, safety, and patient experience at the highest international standards.” He told the audience that the whole project is being designed in partnership with the NipTuck Holidays partners Mayo Clinic, the best hospital in the US. The partnership is developing not only the hospital building itself but working to create the best governance, management, and workplace culture possible.

The international hospital is being built on a former golf course on the coast of Bali near Sanur, close to Grand Inna Bali Beach Resort. The area is on the quiet east coast with white sand beaches and is popular with retirees and elderly tourists.

The hospital grounds merge with the famous Bali Beach Grand Inna Hotel, a new meeting and exhibition center, and a living pharmacy featuring an ethnomedical botanical garden to draw upon traditional Balinese medical practices as complementary therapy to the modern practices within the hospital. There will also be a commercial center for health, wellness, and medical-related medium, small, and micro-enterprises to support the local economy further.

Bali Beach Grand Inna Hotel

While Bali has become synonymous with wellness travel, there will be an even greater focus on medical, health, and wellness tourism and together with NipTuck Holidays to promote Bali as a medical tourism destination.

25 Oct
Cosmetic Holidays, Cosmetic surgery for Men, Medical Tourism, Travel, Turkey

Medical Tourism in Turkey

Published in the International Business Times

Health

By IBT Contributor on 10/21/21 at 4:34 pm edit

Medical tourism in Turkey is one of the driving forces behind its economy as thousands of patients flood the international clinics and hospitals in Turkey every year all year round to undergo different treatments.

The various treatments that foreign patients look for in Turkey include simple non-surgical treatments to the most invasive surgical and medical treatments.

Beautiful view on Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

Why is Medical Tourism in Turkey Popular?

Turkey has a unique geographical location, especially its most famous city Istanbul, which is only a three hours flight from most of the capitals in the world.

Istanbul has gained an irrefutable reputation in the field of medical tourism because of many factors including:

  • Advanced medical techniques and the newest technologies are used in different medical fields.
  • Well-trained and experienced doctors, nurses, physicians, and others working in the medical field.
  • Price may be one of the most effective factors when it comes to the increasing number of foreign patients who choose medical tourism in Turkey.

The cost of treatments, as well as the cost of living in Turkey, is low when compared to different European countries, the USA, or Canada (incl. Australia and the UK) 

  • Hospitals and clinics that are built and operated according to the best European standards.
  • It is easy to acquire a visa to visit Turkey for most nationalities.

What are the Fields of Medical Tourism in Turkey?

As we mentioned earlier foreign patients come to Turkey seeking many treatments, the most popular of which are:

  • Hair transplantation:

Istanbul is the first destination when it comes to hair transplantation. There are hundreds of hair transplantation clinics that provide their patients with natural results and perform this procedure using different techniques and the latest discoveries in the field.

  • Dental Treatments:

Turkey became among the most famous medical tourism destinations in the field of dental treatments because of the high quality of the materials used in the treatments on the one hand, and the affordable cost of these treatments on the other.

International dental clinics, welcomes thousands of patients every year to have dental implants, dentures, or Hollywood smile treatments among many other dental treatments that are less costly than most of the European countries.

  • Plastic Surgery:

Plastic surgery is one of the beams that hold medical tourism in Turkey. Turkey is among the top ten countries in the world in this field. Patients choose Turkey to have their plastic surgery due to the affordable pieces, high-quality services, accredited hospitals, and clinics.

Prices of treatments, hotels, and other expenses in Turkey are cheaper by 60% to 80% when compared with other different countries especially North America, Canada the UK and Australia.

Dental medical tourism in Turkey witnessed a leap in the number of foreign patients who choose Turkey as the destination for receiving dental treatments. Clinics like Dentakay welcomed thousands of dental patients during the past months who came to Turkey to have dental treatments and spend their vacations in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Istanbul.

It is worth mentioning that the number of medical tourism patients in Turkey in 2019 was 551,748 patients with 2 billion US dollars in revenues. The expected revenue of medical tourism in Turkey by 2023 is 20 billion US dollars according to some Turkish officials who anticipate an increase in the number of patients who choose Turkey as a destination for leisure, business, and medical tourism.

 

01 Oct
Australia, Cosmetic Holidays, Medical Tourism, The state of international travel right now

Confirmed: Australia’s international border will reopen from mid-November

These changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving the nation’s shores.

Morrison also said the government is working towards completely quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand when it is safe to do so.

It will also become easier to enter Australia with the plan abolishing international arrival caps on returning vaccinated Australians.

Citizens and permanent residents fully immunised with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be required to undergo seven days’ home quarantine.

Others will be required to enter 14 days of managed isolation.

After more than 18 months of being shuttered, PM Scott Morrison has confirmed today that Australia’s border will officially reopen to inbound and outbound international travel from mid-November in states that have hit vaccination targets.


You heard it here. It’s finally happening.

Australia’s tough outbound border restrictions will be scrapped when states and territories are expected to hit 80 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday revealed the path back to international travel with the new system expected to start in November.

“There are no surprises here, this is what we set out to do,” said Morrison.

“Australia will be ready for take-off very soon.”

Restrictions on people leaving the country will be scrapped at 80 per cent coverage – expected in early November in some jurisdictions.

Current overseas travel restrictions will be removed and Australians will be able to travel subject to any other travel advice and limits, as long as they are fully vaccinated and those countries’ border settings allow.

These changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving the nation’s shores.

Morrison also said the government is working towards completely quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand when it is safe to do so.

It will also become easier to enter Australia with the plan abolishing international arrival caps on returning vaccinated Australians.

Citizens and permanent residents fully immunised with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be required to undergo seven days’ home quarantine.

Others will be required to enter 14 days of managed isolation.

Home quarantine face recognition

People who cannot be vaccinated including those under 12 or with a medical condition will be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel.

States and territories will begin this program at different times given varying vaccination rates.

Australian travellers will be able to access an internationally recognised proof of vaccination document (Vaccine passport) in the coming weeks to prove their status.

The TGA will also recognise China’s Sinovac and Covishield produced in India as authorised vaccines to enter Australia, meaning Chinese and Indian students, tourists and business travellers can return.

More than 45,000 people are stuck overseas waiting to come home with the NSW government indicating it wants to welcome thousands into the country when borders reopen.

“It’s time to give Australians their lives back,” Mr Morrison said.

More to come.

Article published by https://karryon.com.au/.

30 Mar
Medical Tourism, Thailand, The state of international travel right now, Travel

Now taking bookings for Nip ‘Tuck clients in Thailand from July 1, 2021 AND BIG NEW LUXURY HOTEL PARTNERS!

 

 Phuket is planning to open their borders from July 1st, 2021 and cancel all quarantine measures for vaccinated international travelers.

 

We are happy to announce that we are open for bookings from July 1 onwards….📝

 

  • Travellers will need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 virus to travel overseas💉
  • Testing in Thailand for Covid-19 may be required💉
  • Thailand hopes the relaxed travel requirement will revive its tourism industry 
  • Brand new Nip Tuck hotel partners
  • US clients can confirm
  • Australians must apply for special exemptions to be allowed to leave the country at this stage…..waiting to hear from June 17*

Travel to Thailand at this stage looks possible with the Thai Government warming to a plan proposed by struggling local tourism operators.  It seems the online campaign has successful put enough pressure on appropriate Government bodies to re-open to international tourists on the basis that vaccination programs will be well underway by then.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said on Facebook that a review of their vaccinations are important first are the first step so they are prepared, as it’s important that Thailand proceed in line with other countries.

‘Those in the tourism business would like to get certified soon. But there is still a lot to be uncertain about. “The main thing is we have to go along with other countries as well”

And this really is the main issue at the moment globally facing us all! We are seeing hopeful signs of the end to the dreadful COVID-19 pandemic and this is a HUGE FIRST STEP!

 

Tourism is one of Thailand’s biggest industries and major employers, accounting for an estimated 13 per cent of GDP. For our part, together with our hospital teams we are happy to announce that we are open for bookings from October 1 onwards.

 

AND….. We have a huge announcement to make!!! Nip Tuck Holidays we would like to introduce you to our selection of brand new hotel partners partnerships with a selection of international hotels and resorts for the ultimate recovery post-surgery!

 

Four Points Sheraton, Patong Phuket

 

This brand new beachfront, luxury resort two outdoor pools, five fantastic restaurants & bars and the latest facilities for the ultimate holiday in Phuket and recovery post-op. You will come home feeling rested, renewed , looking and feeling like a new person!

In Phuket we have the brand new Four Points Sheraton, Patong Phuket to provide our trademark hands-on approach to our business and clients as you recover in these luxurious surroundings with beachfront views, special privileges and bonus inclusions.

 

The Doubletree by Hilton Banthai Patong, Phuket is a luxury resort in the heart of Patong Beach.While you rest your body in these luxurious surroundings and ease of access to attractions in Phuket such as shopping centres and  beauty clinics which are a favourite post-op for clients recovering from cosmetic surgery.

 

 

 

 

As our clients recover in these luxurious surroundings with beachfront views, we offer special privileges and bonus inclusions we provide options for companions and even suites to bring along the whole family.
As NipTuck clients you will be treated like extra-special guests while you recover from surgery!

In Bangkok, our partnered resort  Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is the best choice for new hotels in Bangkok and so central just a few steps to BTS Asoke  Station!

That means less stress and worry about getting around the city in the heat, especially in bandages and when you have stitches. Here you have all that Bangkok has to offer at your fingertips ensuring your best post-surgery recovery possible whilst recovering in Thailand and having an enjoyable holiday!

 

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 Relax and refresh- sleeping on the signature Four Comfort bed is like sleeping on a cloud, and doctor’s orders upon discharge from hospital.

Recover in style at this  luxury oasis while you sample the best that Bangkok has to offer on this vibrant city.

 

 

We will be rolling out new surgery holiday packages and prices shortly so make sure you are on your newsletter so you have the latest news! Here are our contact details to get in touch! https://niptuckholidays.com/contact-us/

 

 

 

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