With a sophisticated medical infrastructure in place and as an established tourist destination attracting 2.5 million visitors a year, Cyprus has excellent foundations to develop into a thriving destination for medical tourism offering high quality treatments in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Medical tourism is a rapidly growing sector, generating €12 billion annually with around 5 million patients worldwide travelling for treatments every year. Cyprus has recognised the great economic potential of this niche sector. According to recent research, 10% of EU patients seek some form of healthcare beyond the borders of their country. Cyprus has a competitive edge and could capitalise on this trend as it easily combines excellent healthcare with holidays, and recuperation with enjoyment.
In addition to tourism, health is a robust economic sector providing Cyprus great prospects to cultivate this market. For the size of the country, Cyprus has a substantial private healthcare sector with 80 private hospitals and clinics, state-of-the-art medical centres and the latest high-tech equipment and ER facilities. But most importantly, the small EU member state offers quality medical services at affordable prices.
Highly Qualified Doctors and Cost-Effective Treatments
One of Cyprus’ most significant assets is human capital. The country’s medical professionals are highly qualified and experienced, with most trained abroad in renowned medical schools. Strictly regulated and fully in line with EU legislation, medical industry standards are high in Cyprus.
With increased competition in the global medical tourism market, international patients now expect quality medical care at a low cost. Considering these demands, Cyprus is already set to meet – if not exceed – these requirements. Around 85% of the global medical travel market consists of patients seeking affordable cosmetic surgery, dentistry, infertility treatments and obesity surgery. Fast and cost-effective treatments provided by experienced physicians are the ideal product for this niche sector, and Cyprus has a strong track-record in providing these services.
Some of the most popular medical treatments available in Cyprus are check-ups and diagnostic tests, elective surgery, dentistry, cosmetic and plastic surgery, fertility treatment and eye surgery. Cyprus is also a significantly cheaper option for cardiovascular and orthopaedic surgery. The country has already seen an increase in interest, attracting health travellers from Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia and the Middle East.
Cyprus has strong capabilities to develop niche services in the healthcare industry thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate and specific microclimates within the country. For example, the region of Kyperounda is renowned for its beneficial environment for asthma patients. Developing specialised treatments, such as rehabilitation and phototherapy, could accelerate Cyprus’ brand recognition as a unique medical tourism destination.
Winning Mix of Treatment and Leisure
One of the greatest advantages Cyprus has to offer is the attractive combination of treatment and leisure travel. Offering diverse attractions and entertainment opportunities, post-treatment recuperation for patients and their accompanying family can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Factors such as its strategic location, existing high standard of medical professionals and facilities, mild Mediterranean climate and its full range of hotels are elements that further improve the country’s prospects.
Cyprus has also emerged as one of the leading Mediterranean spa destinations, thanks to its great selection of hotels with holistic wellness and spa services. This coupled with the health-promoting Mediterranean diet and the natural beauty of Cyprus, allow medical tourists to indulge in healing both the body and the soul.
Accessible and Convenient
In addition to cost-effective quality care, Cyprus also has the competitive edge of convenience. Waiting times are short, same day appointments are the norm and it is possible to see a range of medical specialists in a single centre or within a quick drive, thanks to the short distances on the island. Also a considerable number of clinical laboratories offer speedy results for a wide range of both routine and specialised diagnostic tests. An added benefit for patients is the convenience of being treated in a multilingual country. English is widely spoken and with many physicians and nurses trained in the US and the UK, communicating medical conditions and concerns is done with ease. A large proportion of medical professionals also speak German, French, Russian or Arabic.
With a sophisticated infrastructure already in place in both the health and tourism sectors, the country has all the prerequisites and necessary elements to develop itself into a reputable international medical destination.
The implementation of the 2011 EU directive on cross-border healthcare is expected to bring additional business to Cyprus. The directive, recently incorporated into Cyprus law, allows EU citizens the choice of country and healthcare provider to receive treatment within the EU. The freedom to choose medical procedures based on cost and quality, establishes Cyprus as an attractive option. Also other EU national healthcare systems suffering from long waiting lists or high costs could potentially transfer patientsto Cyprus to deliver cost-effective treatment faster.
A Promising Future
As a country aspiring to develop a high-quality medical tourism industry, Cyprus already has the key ingredients to capture a slice of the market and establish itself as a worthy competitor. The combination of a beautiful Mediterranean environment ideal for patient treatment and rehabilitation, a long tradition in healthy nutrition and internationally renowned medical professionals provides the country with excellent foundations to build on. Cyprus’ value for money offer is at the centre of this, as price is an important factor when considering healthcare treatment abroad. Medical tourism could bring substantial benefits to Cyprus and give the economy a much-needed boost. Now Cyprus must focus on its strengths, create synergies and a solid product it can promote globally in order to firmly place the country on the medical tourism map.
