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/

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.

The MTA is proud to announce the addition of Custom Assurance Placements as an exhibitor at the 5th World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress Oct. 24th – 26th at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Fla.  

About Custom Assurance Placements:  

www.customassurance.com

 Assurance Placements (CAP) is a United States based wholesale insurance broker CAP has been a leading developer of insurance solutions for medical tourists and the medical tourism industry for over 4 years. Global Protective Solutions (GPS) was developed to handle the particular and unique risks associated for the Medical Tourism industry. GPS is a specialty travel insurance policy providing benefits for participating medical tourists or medical travelers from almost any country worldwide for accidents and complications. In addition we have a liability insurance cover related to medical tourism for either the facilitator or the employer. If you are in the need of a particular program relating to medical tourism, please contact Custom Assurance Placements.

When asked about the company’s objectives at the conference president Tracy H. Simons commented: ” Custom Assurance Placements Ltd., would like help educate stakeholders on risk management issues as they relate to Medical Tourism and assist them in risk mitigation. It is also an opportunity to educate participants about insurance options that are available for Medical Tourist/ Travelers, Facilitators, Employers, Hospitals, and other medical sending entities.”

International Marketing Director Benjamin G. Simons added: ” 2012 has been the best year yet for Custom Assurance Placements. We are experiencing exponential growth in the utilization of Global Protective Solutions (GPS) and have assisted many participants with unexpected additional expenses as a result of an accident or complication.”

The MTA encourages all attendees interested in learning more about Global Protective Solutions and the other products provided by CAP to visit Tracy and Ben Simons at their booth or to connect with them on the networking software going live soon. http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/en/about-the-software.html

Tras la reciente decisión del Tribunal Supremo de Estados Unidos de mantener la Reforma de Salud presentada por el presidente Obama, el turismo médico se presenta como una alternativa muy atractiva para las compañías y aseguradoras de este país que están buscando opciones que logren reducir sus costes.

Ante esta oportunidad, los países, regiones, ciudades y hospitales internacionales deben prepararse para presentarse como líderes en la industria. Cómo prepararse de la mejor forma teniendo en cuenta la gran competencia actual en este sector? El primer paso sin duda es contar con la información adecuada y entender exactamente cómo afecta la Reforma al sector del turismo médico a nivel global.

Aprovecho esta oportunidad para invitarles a asistir al webinar gratuito sobre el efecto positivo de la reforma de salud de EEUU en el turismo medico que la MTA (Medical Tourism Association) organiza el próximo martes, 17 de Julio. El webinar explicará en detalle la Reforma y ofrecerá recomendaciones dirigidas a todas las organizaciones que desean convertirse en líderes del sector y aprovechar esta oportunidad para competir de manera más efectiva a nivel internacional. Por favor, haga extensiva esta invitación a sus contactos que puedan beneficiarse de esta presentación.

Aprobada Reforma de Salud en EEUU :: Webinar gratuito sobre el efecto positivo en el sector de turismo médico en Español: 17 de Julio de 2012

Regístrese : https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/975401546

Espero que puedan asistir a esta sesión informativa!

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), founded in 1979, has become the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 5,000 organizations accredited in the US. The AAAHC accredits a wide variety of health care organizations including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, primary care practices, managed care organizations, student health centers, and large medical and dental group practices.

 The AAAHC serves as an advocate for the provision of high quality health care and patient safety. The comapny offers health care organizations of all types and specialties a unique peer-based review system that adopts a collaborative, consultative and educational approach to help them meet internationally recognized AAAHC Standards. 

 In 2010, AAAHC International was formed to bring the same process of peer review to health care organizations worldwide. Since then, AAAHC International has helped organizations in Costa Rica, Peru, and India to increase their quality of care and level of patient safety.

Attendees to the 5th World Medical Tourism & Gloabl Healthcare Congress which will take place on the beach on Ft. Lauderdale/Miami October 24-26th, will be able to network with the team at AAAHC as they will sponsor the event.
For more information visit: www.aaahc.org/international/

To attend the Congress and save $500 register at: http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/en/registration.html (only before July 1st)

With medical professionals trained in the United States and cosmetic treatments offered at a fraction of the cost, Taiwan is one of the world’s fastest-growing medical tourism destinations. Taiwan’s healthcare system, which has been rated among the best in the world, has professional medical teams and state-of-the-art technology ideally suited to treat international patients.

Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) will be a silver sponsor at the 5th World Medical & Global Healthcare Congress, which will take place on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami Ocotber 24-26th. The participation in this  Congress is part of TAITRA’s strategy to promote Taiwan as a medical tourism destination.

Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit trade promotion organization in Taiwan.  Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwan businesses and manufacturers with reinforcing their international competitiveness and in coping with the challenges they face in foreign markets.

The Council  boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 600 trained specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters, four local branch offices in Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung, and over 48 overseas branch offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, Far East Trade Services, Inc. (FETS) and Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

 Taiwan External Trade Development Council provides the following services :

• Overseas Market Development
• Strategic Marketing
• Service Trade Promotion
• International Trade Exhibitions
• Trade Exhibition Services
• Convention Services
• Online Sourcing Services
• International Trade Information Services
• Trade Personnel Training & Education

For more information visit: http://www.taitra.com.tw/about_02.asp

The Medical Tourism Association will participate as supporter of the Hotel Opportunities Latin America Summit (HOLA) during May 8-10 in Miami.

In the hotel & hospitality industry it all comes down to the guests’ overall experience. When catering to guests undergoing any level of medical treatment or procedure, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration in order to deliver an exceptional and safe experience. Medical tourism presents a tremendous opportunity for the hospitality industry, with a set growth of 35% for at least the next couple of years.

HOLA brings together the leaders in the hotel industry to discuss important trends, to network, to identify new opportunities, and to do deals through a combination of plenary sessions, breakout panels, and interactive development workshops.  Program tracks on hotel investment in Mexico, Brazil, South America, and Central America are featured.

We hope you can join us in Miami!

The Medical Tourism Association invites employers, insurance companies, governments, employers and insurance agents who send patients overseas or are interested in doing so to be a part of our exclusive VIP Buyer Program and obtain a free pass to the 5^th Word Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress, the largest international networking and educational platform in the world where you will meet the decision makers in the industry  to network, build strong relationships and increase the ROI for your organization.  

What would employers, insurance companies and insurance agents gain by attending the Congress?

• Gain full access to all sessions and workshops. Learn from our renowned speakers the best practices in different areas of medical tourism and global healthcare by attending dozens of hours of educational sessions including keynote presentations, discussion panels and workshops which will address ways to lower healthcare costs effectively while improving quality for your organization.
•  Get access to the exhibit hall with up to 140 sponsors and exhibitors. Look at the list of past sponsors
• Enjoy Coffee breaks, lunches, and cocktail receptions. Network with existing contacts and get new business opportunities
• Increase your networking opportunities through our Improved Networking Software and mobile app. Network months before the Congress with the top healthcare providers from around the world  attendees and schedule one-on-one meetings with the decision makers you want to do business with.
• See the list of past participants

There is a limited number of Free Passes so please submit your application: http://medicaltourismcongress.com/en/vip.html in order to get a free pass. You can also contact us directly:  Cristina Cardona: cristina@medicaltourismcongress.com

We hope to see you in South Florida!