Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

1:1 Online English classes. Find out more

“Medical Tourism” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Medical Tourism
1. What is medical tourism?
2. Why do people choose to travel for medical treatments?
3. Can you name some countries that are popular for medical tourism?
4. What types of medical procedures do people often travel for?
5. How do you think medical tourism benefits a country’s economy?

II. Pros and Cons of Medical Tourism
6. What are the advantages of seeking medical treatment abroad?
7. What are some potential risks or disadvantages of medical tourism?
8. How can language barriers affect medical tourism?
9. Do you think the quality of healthcare is the same in all countries? Why or why not?
10. How important is it to research a hospital or clinic before going abroad for treatment?

III. Preparing for Medical Tourism
11. What factors should one consider when choosing a country for medical treatment?
12. How can someone find reliable information on medical facilities abroad?
13. What kind of preparations are necessary before traveling for medical care?
14. Should one travel alone for a medical procedure or bring someone along?
15. How does insurance work with medical treatments in another country?

IV. Ethical and Legal Considerations
16. What are some ethical concerns related to medical tourism?
17. Can medical tourism have a negative impact on the healthcare system in the host country? How?
18. Are there legal risks involved in seeking medical treatment abroad?
19. How do countries regulate medical treatments for foreign patients?
20. Should there be international standards for medical tourism? Why or why not?

V. Personal Experiences with Medical Tourism
21. Would you consider traveling to another country for medical treatment? Why or why not?
22. Have you or someone you know ever gone abroad for medical care? What was the experience like?
23. What would be your biggest concern if you were to consider medical tourism?
24. How would you feel about undergoing a major surgery in a foreign country?
25. What would make you trust a doctor or hospital in another country?

VI. Cultural Aspects of Medical Tourism
26. How might cultural differences affect a medical tourist’s experience?
27. In what ways can medical tourists learn from the culture of the host country?
28. Do you think medical tourists should try to learn the language of the country they are visiting for treatment?
29. How can hospitals or clinics cater to the cultural needs of medical tourists?
30. What role does food play in the recovery process for medical tourists?

VII. Post-Treatment and Recovery
31. What are the best practices for recovery after receiving medical treatment abroad?
32. How can medical tourists ensure they receive proper follow-up care once they return home?
33. What challenges might arise after returning home from medical treatment abroad?
34. How important is it to have a local doctor or specialist who understands the treatment received abroad?
35. Can telemedicine help with post-treatment care for medical tourists? How?

VIII. The Future of Medical Tourism
36. How do you think medical tourism will change in the next 10 years?
37. What advancements in healthcare could impact medical tourism?
38. Could political changes in a country affect its medical tourism industry? How?
39. How might technology improve the experience of medical tourists?
40. Do you think the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people view medical tourism? In what ways?

IX. Insurance and Financing
41. How do medical tourists typically finance their treatments abroad?
42. What should one look for in a medical tourism insurance policy?
43. Are there treatments that are usually not covered by insurance for medical tourists?
44. How do costs compare between getting treatment at home and abroad?
45. Can unexpected costs arise during medical tourism? What might they be?

X. Safety and Quality of Care
46. How can a medical tourist verify the quality of care in a foreign hospital?
47. What safety measures should medical tourists take?
48. How do accreditation and certifications affect a hospital’s credibility for medical tourists?
49. What are the common concerns regarding post-operative care for medical tourists?
50. How can medical tourists report any issues or complaints about their treatment abroad?

XI. Impact on Local Communities
51. How does medical tourism affect the local healthcare system?
52. Can medical tourism lead to improvements in healthcare facilities for locals?
53. What are the social impacts of medical tourism on local communities?
54. How can medical tourism contribute to cultural exchange?
55. Do you think medical tourism can lead to inequality in healthcare access? Why or why not?

XII. Making Informed Decisions
56. What resources are available to help make informed decisions about medical tourism?
57. How important is it to consult with a healthcare professional in your home country before deciding on medical tourism?
58. What role do testimonials and reviews play in choosing a medical tourism destination?
59. How can one assess the risks versus the benefits of medical tourism?
60. What advice would you give to someone considering medical tourism for the first time?

🎉 Coming Soon ⏳

🧑‍💻 1 to 1 Online English Classes 👩🏻‍💻

Practice English through Zoom with me, Paul, or one of the teachers I have chosen for you. Suitable for all ages and levels.

Choose the teacher and time you want. 🧑🏻‍🏫👩‍🏫⌚️

You can learn:
– English writing skills (essays, emails, etc.) 
– English conversation practice 
– English pronunciation practice
– Textbook classes
Anything you want

Introductory prices:
60 minute class with native speaker (e.g. Paul): US$34.99 US$24.99
60 minute class with non-native speaker (e.g. Philippines, Indonesia): US$9.99 US$7.99

Interested? Please fill in the form and I will contact you soon!

Feedback