What is your organization doing to reduce its healthcare costs? Have you considered Medical Tourism? There are multiple countries such as Colombia, well known for its high quality healthcare standards and accreditations, high qualified professionals and state of the art technology and infrastructure available at considerably more affordable prices than in the United States.

Proexport Colombia, government organization promoting travel throughout Colombia, investment and exports from Colombia, will provide you with complimentary airfare and customized agenda to meet certified Colombian health service providers and equip you with expert advice on opportunities with some of Latin America’s top medical facilities during ProExport Colombia Business Matchmaking Forum, next May 14, 2013 in Miami, Florida.

Event: ProExport Business Matchmaking Forum

When: MAY 14, 2013
Where: MIAMI, FLORIDA
For more information, contact:
Maria Carolina Quijano
mcquijano@proexport.com.co
(305) 374 3144

http://www.proexport.com.co/en/health-colombia

The Medical Tourism Association has been providing education for travel agents who wish to become involved in the medical tourism industry and profit from it. From webinars to their Certified Medical Tourism Specialist certification, available online and during the World Medical Tourism Congress, the MTA provides resources for travel professionals who are interesting in expanding their business opportunities. The Association sees a massive opportunity in this industry for travel agents, tour operators and travel agencies that wish to expand their target markets and increase their revenues.

This is why the Medical Tourism Association traveled to Berlin to attend ITB Berlin (March 6-10th 2013),  the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. The whole variety of travelling is present at ITB Berlin: Destinations, tour operators, booking systems, carriers, hotels and all other suppliers who want to embellish their customers’ most beautiful weeks of the year.

During ITB Berlin, we had the pleasure to meet with the CEO of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Runsewe 

Jonathan Edelheit, CEO Medical Tourism Association and Cristina Cardona, Executive Global Program Manager

at the Nigerian Pavilion to discuss common plans to brand Nigeria as a viable destination for medical tourism as well as to educate and train medical practitioners in Nigeria.

Attracting 170,000 visitors and 11,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries, ITB Berlin is the leading B2B-Platform in the tourism industry.

ITB has a dedicated section to Health Tourism covering relevant topics and a lively panel discussion. The section on Medical Tourism includes “the Health Tourism Battle”, where different suppliers, including tour operators, hospitals tackling international markets and other organizations put on a four-minute presentation. showing what their product is, how it answers a market need, and what’s unique about it.

The Medical Tourism Association had the honor to participate in the “Health Tourism Battle” as the 6th World Medical Tourism Congress was pre-selected as one of the most innovative participants.

g Cristina Cardona, Executive Global Program Manager -Medical Tourism Association, Presenting at the Health Tourism Battle (ITB Berlin)

The Medical Tourism Association, presented at the Health Tourism Battle, the innovative business to business platform of the 6th World Medical Tourism Congress (Las Vegas, November 3-5th 2013), where international healthcare providers, government organizations, medical tourism facilitators, travel agents, employers and insurance professionals among other industry players come together to learn best industry practices, network and develop new business opportunities.

The presentation focused on the challenges that destinations, tour operators & travel agencies as well as the hospitality industry are experiencing and how medical tourism represents an opportunity to increase sales, tap into the growing healthcare industry and develop new partnerships with providers and buyers of healthcare that will increase revenues and expand market share for travel professionals.

ITIC San Juan (February 26-28th, 2013) was attended by all the major travel/health insurers and assistance companies from the US and Canada, with growing attendance from the Caribbean and Latin American sectors of the industry and the Medical Tourism Association was one of the exhibitors at the conference.

Cristina Cardona, Executive Global Program Manager, and Charlie Rodriguez, Marketing & Engagement Coordinator representing the Medical Tourism Association.

The event which took place in Puerto Rico gathered approximately 200 attendees, and we were able to network with industry executives and decision makers representing the various sectors that shape the US travel and travel health insurance industry – spanning insurers, brokers, assistance firms, cost containers, air ambulance and medical transport companies.

The agenda covered relevant topics such as Cross Border Healthcare Coverage between the US and Mexico, Medical Tourism in Latianmerica and Regulations for sale of Travel Insurance in different states among other interesting topics.

This event was a perfect opportunity to network with all the attendees during various networking activities including a wonderful pool party where we could enjoy a ”Taste of Puerto Rico”.

Attendees expressed interest in our upcoming congress in Las Vegas, November 3rd-5th 2013 as well as other MTA programs and initiatives tailored to the US travel health insurance industry.

ITIC San Juan is part of the numerous international events where the Medical Tourism Association will participate during 2013.

Our learning, understanding and knowledge are developed in participation with others. In conference education sessions, attendees receive information and outside the education rooms, attendees start to socially construct their own understanding.

Through the sponsored educational sessions at the 6th World Medical Tourism Congress, industry players will be able to create engaging discussions among attendees that will generate excellent business opportunities.

6th World Medical Tourism Congress

BENEFITS OF SPONSORING AN EDUCATIONAL SESSION

Establish your organization as thought leader, focused on education and insightful content, establish credibility in the industry and generate great exposure for your company through superior branding as one of 2013 Speakers of the 6^th World Medical Tourism Congress.

• 25 or 50 minute sessions on the 2013 WMTC Agenda
• One (1) registration to the WMTC
• Banner placement in session room
• Brochure distribution in session room
• Social Media campaign to promote your speaker participation

Engage your customers through active participation and start the conversations that will create knowledge and develop long lasting business relationships. There is a limited number of sponsored sessions available. Contact us to reserve your spot today!

Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be a gold sponsor at the 5th World Medical Tourism Congress which will take place on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami October 24-26th. The event in the largest educational and networking platform in the medical tourism industry featuring expert speakers and covering the most exciting topics in the industry.

Puerto Rico provides the ideal getaway seeking “beaches plus”. On the island, visitors will find diverse geography and wealth of activities. Luxurious lodging, rich history and multiple shopping options are available to all tourists. Besides this amazing array of options, Puerto Rico has an excellent healthcare system. With a network of thirteen hospitals, Metro Pavia Health System (MPHS) is the largest hospital and clinic network provider in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and the center for healthcare necessities. The hospital is also accredited by the Joint Commision.

There are several advantages that Puerto Rico offers to medical tourists. Its population is bilingual – English and Spanish – and its healthcare system provides high quality standards at more affordable prices than other destinations.

For more information visit: http://www.seepuertorico.com/

The Medical Congress Team encourages all participants to network and schedule one-on-one networking meetings with Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s team members through the congress networking platform . Visit them at their booth in the exhibit hall!

International Life Flight will be a bronze sponsor at the 5th World Medical Tourism Congress which will take place on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami October 24-26th. The event in the largest educational and networking platform in the medical tourism industry featuring expert speakers and covering the most exciting educational sessions.

International Life Flight  is committed to providing the highest standard for emergency air ambulance transportation and patient care. Its jet aircrafts are licensed as air ambulance vehicles, they are pressurized, climate controlled, staffed by a highly qualified flight RN and flight paramedic, and are configured with the latest state-of-the-art medical equipment.

International Life Flight : Air Ambulance Services

International Life Flight is committed to providing the highest standards of aviation and medical excellence. Rapid patient evacuation and cruising altitudes of 50,000 feet provide patients with the combination of optimal speed and comfort while receiving state-of-the-art clinical care.  The Lear is a midsized corporate jet capable of 550 mph, cruising comfortably with an extended range of nearly 1,800 miles.  A Lear Jet can travel without refueling to most North American locations.  The Hawker has a stand-up cabin and longer range, private lav, truly world-wide capability.  Each aircraft has a flight crew of two, a flight nurse and flight paramedic, an FAA-approved reclining medical bed, seating for one or two family members and baggage, and a lavatory.  A fast aircraft minimizes the patient’s time en route. 

International Life Flight operates from its headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. Their principals have conducted about40,000 air ambulance missions.  The company will soon have bases in Scottsdale, Arizona; Miami, Florida; and, St. Paul, Minnesota.  They also have strategic relationships with a number of superior colleagues – within the US and around the globe – to get the mission done.  Their Captains are Airline Transport Pilot rated and have thousands of hours of flight experience.

International Life Flight provides an ICU environment in an air ambulance with cardiac monitoring, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, IV infusion pumps, pulse oximetry, emergency medication, de-fibrillation with pacing capabilities, and advanced airway management.  Their medical crew members are able to communicate directly with emergency room physicians at any point in the flight.

For more information visit: http://www.internationallifeflight.com/

The Medical Congress Team encourages all participants to network and schedule one-on-one netoworking meetings with International Life Flight’s team members through the congress networking platform . Visit them at their booth in the exhibit hall!

Japan, a country with excellent healthcare service, will be a gold sponsor of the 5^th World Medical Tourism Congress  which will take place on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami October 24-26th.

The Japan Tourism Agency was inaugurated on October 1, 2008. The Japanese government is currently working to enhance tourism-related measures, towards the ultimate goal of creating a tourism nation. The JTA was newly established as an organization to serve as the hub for these efforts, and drive their deployment.

In addition to carrying out measures to expand international tourism exchange such as the Visit Japan Campaign, the JTA works to prepare a national environment friendly to tourist travel. This includes creating appealing tourist destinations in Japan, upgrading tourism industries to fit traveler needs, promoting training and utilization of talent in the tourism field, encouraging the Japanese people to take vacations, and preparing safety measures for Japanese travelers abroad.

Japan’s Roadmap to 30 Million International Visitors

The Japanese government has been strongly supporting medical tourism. The newly appointed Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency led the Medical Tourism Promotion Assembly in June 2012. The Assembly reflected the strong momentum in Far East Asia, with over 100 participants, including representatives from Russia. 

In addition, the Japanese government is providing cohesive supports for medical tourism, under the cross-sectorial collaboration between Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, and Japan Tourism Agency. 

Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) would like to appeal the true strength of Japan’s medical service offerings to the MTA attendees and help Japan to establish the reputation as one of the top medical tourism destinations. In addition, JTA views that the Medical Tourism Congress is a perfect place to exchange information on the current trend in the medical tourism business, and we will be able to share the most up-to-date status of the industry with Japanese counterparts back home”  said Naoko Miake, member of the Japanese delegation attending the congress.

The number of foreign tourists to Japan has been recovering steadily after the temporary decrease after the earthquake and the nuclear power plant accident, given the fact that the radiological dosage in Japan has been kept at the level of other major cities in the world, and this information has been correctly shared globally. In June 2012, the number of tourists exceeded the pre-accident 2010 level.

“Japan Tourism Agency would like to gain more presence for Japan as a medical tourism destination. JTA, as a government organization, would like to welcome patients in a safe, reliable and comfortable environment for all kind of patients/guests” Mrs. Miake added.

 Medical tourism service providers have been growing steadily. There are coordinators and medical institutions that are accepting patients regularly from China and Russia. For example, the focal point for the ion beam oncology center was set up to coordinate the heavy ion radiotherapy, which Japan has the second most facilities in the world.   

For more information about Japan Tourism Agency visit: http://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/en/

The 5th World Medical Tourism Congress is the largest educational and networking platform in the medical tourism industry welcoming expert speakers from different fields and key industry players such as international healthcare providers, government organizations, insurance companies, medical tourism facilitators, travel agents among other players in the global healthcare industry. Visit the agenda designed to cover the most interesting topics at:  http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/agenda/

5th World Medical Tourism Congress is proud to announce the Preliminary List of Participants for the largest educational and networking international event in the medical tourism industry taking place on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami Ocotber 24-26th

With an almost sold out exhibit hall and a list of amazing expert speakers, this year’s event promises an amazing experience for all participants.The 5th World Medical Tourism Congress is providing all attendees and sponsors the most well thought-out educational content and pool of expert speakers in the industry.

Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa at night

The event to network and collaborate strategically

The Congress offers all attendees the oppportunity to join their networking platform which includes the attendees to the 4th Employer Healthcare & Benefits Congress and the 3rd Global Benefits Congress.  Participants will be able to network and pre-schedule one-on-one networking meetings at the event in advance since the platform is open and will remain open until after the congress. 

The Congress offers a predetermined number of discount registrations, free registrations, hotel room nights, and flights to buyers of healthcare such as governments, employers and insurance agents who send patients overseas or are interested in doing so,through its VIP Buyer Program.

The event to learn and be inspired

Experts speakers in the industry will cover various topics of interest such as academic research, the perspective of the buyers of

Westin Diplomat Pool View

healthcare, global benefits , marketing best practices as well as the changes in the US healthcare system which have a positive impact on medical tourism. The event welcomes a diverse group of speakers  who will present valuable case studies, practical skills, and tackle the most important issues in the medical tourism industry.  Attendees will be led by former CNN Headline News Anchor, correspondent, author, and two-times cancer survivor, Bob Losure.  To view the full agenda with session descriptions, please visit: http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/agenda/

 The event to meet the industry decision makers

Some of the highlights of the congress will be the 3rd Global Ministerial Summit and the 1st Medical Director Summit. The first will welcome Ministers of Health, Tourism, Economic Development, Trade Commissioners and Health Attaches to discuss common challenges and best industry practices.

“ As a first time attendee, I am interested in existing programs in other destinations and how I can best market the services we have available in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the person in charge of all tourism marketing done on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I am truly coming to learn as much as possible about this segment, best practices and how I can work with providers in the USVI to increase our share of this revenue generating niche market. In discussion with local providers, your organization and this event came highly recommended. ” said Deputy Commissioner of Tourism. U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and special invitee to the Ministerial Summit.

The Medical Director Summit will welcome medical directors from international hospitals and insurance companies to collaborate and network regarding the challenges in providing quality healthcare and insurance to local and international patients.

“My goal at the congress is to learn more about what services are available, how to fulfill the needs of our clients by getting them quality health care  while maintaining some handle on the costs. I hope to network with other medical directors and get more understanding of this aspect of medicine.  I also hope to network with some of the underwriters and insurance companies that are looking for case management.” Ferial Ladak M.D. Medical Director Global Excel Management

Westin Diplomat Beachfront View

 This is the one event per year where employers, self funded health plans, insurance companies, government officials and medical tourism facilitators that are looking to outsource healthcare overseas have the opportunity to meet with top international hospitals and medical tourism companies, network,  and build strong relationships with key industry partners.

For more information visit:http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/

Collaboration and cooperation between health care industry stakeholders is a necessary strategic step on the road towards the advancement of global health care. Medical tourism provides creative and effective opportunities in times of healthcare reform for interconnected industries such as voluntary benefits, self-funding, global benefits, and corporate wellness and this is one of the reasons why our 5th World Medical Tourism Congress will be fully integrated with the 3rd Global Benefits Conference and the 4th Employer Healthcare & Benefits Congress, one of the largest insurance conferences in the United States.  

 In the case of self-funding – where the employer of an organization assumes the financial risk for providing health care benefits to its employees – medical tourism helps reduce overall costs to be incurred by an employer.

 Similarly, voluntary employee benefits – insurance products that an employee may purchase through their employer at reduced rates – could also provide cost savings through adopting medical tourism, reducing costs to employers and providing value-added opportunity to employees.

 The goal of corporate wellness programs is to create healthier and more productive employees, which results in a mutual benefit for the individual and the company. Allowing employees to travel for preventative care and wellness is shown to result in employee retention, reduced absenteeism, as well as an overall reduction in healthcare costs for preventative conditions.

 Global Benefits, offered by multinational employers and insurers, plays a very large role and future in the medical tourism industry as they will be the first to implement medical tourism plans in their global networks.

 Medical Tourism represents not only an alternative way to satisfy patients domestically and internationally, but it also offers significant cost savings to employers, benefit plans and insurers.

Our annual congress, which will take place on the Beach in Hollywood, Florida (Ocotber 24-26th) provides an international educational and networking platform to bring the players together to learn, share and build business opportunities. Our integrated networking platform will allow all participants to connect prior to the event and pre-schedule one-on-one networking meeting at the congress.

 The Medical Tourism Association™  (MTA) has also launched two certifications and professional designations for both insurance/HR professionals and travel agents. The certification workshops, being held at the congress, will allow insurance and HR professionals and travel agents to take away from their courses the tools necessary to develop strong health and wellness travel programs, and further their understanding of the requisites for implementation and sustainable growth of this niche market opportunity. 

Explore new opportunities and expand your focus thinking strategically about the future of your business so that you can be among the first ones to capitalize on the global trends of the healthcare industry!

Come, Connect, Collaborate at the 5th World Medical Tourism Congress!

Medical Tourism Certification Programs

The Medical Tourism Association™ (MTA) has launched two certifications and professional designations for both insurance/HR professionals and travel agents.

Certified Medical Tourism Specialist™ will be the designation for insurance and HR professionals

Certified Medical Travel Specialist™ will be the designation for travel agents.

Over the last four years, the MTA has worked with industry stakeholders and leaders through workshops and focus groups to establish best practices and protocols for handling international patients. The certifications will allow insurance, HR professionals and travel agents to take away from their courses the tools necessary to develop strong health and wellness travel programs, and further their understanding of the requisites for implementation and sustainable growth of this niche market opportunity.

Renée-Marie Stephano, president of the Medical Tourism Association™, stated, “Due to the increasing number of requests from specific industries such as insurance and HR professionals and travel agents looking for specialized education, the Association has provided a solution which allows these professionals to set themselves apart from others on a platform of best practices as they enter this niche market.”

“The certification program will give them the tools to create a roadmap and turn medical tourism from a concept into an action plan that can actually be implemented and managed with ease. This certification program should also allow more insurance, HR professionals and agents to become educated and will raise awareness and adoption of medical tourism across the globe,” Ms. Stephano added.

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Medical Tourism Specialist ™:

• Demonstrates to employers, insurers and peers that you possess the training and knowledge to successfully implement and manage both an international and domestic medical tourism program

• Sets you apart from the competition and shows colleagues your specialized expertise and commitment to the industry

• Shows that you are up to date with best practices in implementation, communication & engagement

• Opportunities for job promotion and career enhancement

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Medical Travel Specialist ™:

• Educate individual and corporate clients on health and wellness travel

• Add a niche business model, focused on medical, dental and wellness travel, to their portfolio

• Market health & wellness travel and create a new source of revenue

• Implement health & wellness travel as an approved corporate expense

In order to receive either of the two certifications, program participants must: • Finish 8 hours of training/classes (this can be done either in person or online) • Complete a workbook • Meet educational and professional experience requirements • Pass a comprehensive 100+ question . In order to remain certified, Specialists™ must complete five hours of continuing education credits for the three years following certification, to stay apprised of the best practices and standards in the industry.

The first certification courses will be offered Saturday, October 27 in Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Florida, USA, immediately following the conclusion of the MTA’s 5th Annual World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress.  After December 1st, 2012 the certification courses will be available online for anyone in the world to participate.

For more information or to sign up for certification you can go to http//www.MedicalTourismCongress.com. The cost of the program is $1,500 for two years.