India is one of the best destination for the medical treatment across the world. Every year thousands of visitors come to India from around the world for medical check-ups and surgeries. India has one of the best qualified professionals in each and every field of medicine and world class medical facilities. Being the most competitive charges for treatment, India is a very lucrative place for people who want to undergo treatment of medical problems, which do not need immediate emergency treatment. Medical tourism can be broadly defined as provision of 'cost effective' private medical care in collaboration with the tourism industry for patients needing surgical and other forms of specialized treatment.

This process is being facilitated by the corporate sector involved in medical care as well as the tourism industry - both private and public.

Medical or Health tourism has become a common form of vacationing, and covers a broad spectrum of medical services. It mixes leisure, fun and relaxation together with wellness and healthcare.

The idea of the health holiday is to offer you an opportunity to get away from your daily routine and come into a different relaxing surrounding. Here you can enjoy being close to the beach and the mountains. At the same time you are able to receive an orientation that will help you improve your life in terms of your health and general well being. It is like rejuvenation and clean up process on all levels - physical, mental and emotional.

Currently, patients prefer to travel abroad for treatment due to the following possible reasons:

• Lack of procedural insurance: Seeking treatment for non-covered procedures
• Inaccessibility to good medical facilities and hospitals
• Long waiting time to undergo a surgery/treatment
• Leisure: Vacation or convenient element during travel
• Non-regulatory approved treatment such as stem cell treatment, etc.
• Diaspora: Seek treatment back in their native country

Key Statistics:

• Currently, the global medical tourism market is estimated to be around USD 80-90 billion and is expected to grow in double digits for the next five years.
• More than 5 million US patients travel to foreign destinations for various medical procedures, every year. The number is expected to become 6 million by 2010 and 15 million by 2015
• Around 35 countries have enhanced their medical infrastructure to support the increasing amount of patients traveling abroad for medical care
• According to analysts, the medical tourism market is expected to become 7% of total healthcare spend by 2015