A private medical insurance provider has launched offering treatment to policyholders in hospitals across Europe.
Passport2health believes its coordinated medical tourism approach will prove attractive to clients and mean premiums are in some cases up to 50% cheaper than traditional plans that see all diagnosis and treatment based in the UK.
Under the insurer's plan, which is available to both companies and individuals, patients have the same access to their usual GP, plus private specialist consultations and diagnostics in the UK.
After diagnosis the insurer makes all the necessary arrangements, including scheduled airline return travel, treatment, accommodation and after-care, plus integration into the UK health service on return.
Passport2Health CEO and founder Frank Levene, told WSB: "Clinical excellence is central to us so all of the hospitals have achieved accreditation by their own national quality measures or an international system such as JCI (Joint Commission International).
"It's hospitals that do this already, they just don't do it with somebody assisting the patient.
"Anybody in the UK can pay for this themselves already, but we're providing the service and insurance.
"All the medical institutions in our network have been carefully selected by our team, led by our medical director, Dr Richard Dale.
"The selection procedure includes on-site clinical and policyholder service visits, evaluation, and assessment of English language capabilities.
"While the overriding quality issues are clinical governance and policyholder safety, we have also placed emphasis on choosing hospitals that have worked to create an ambiance which supports the healing process and ensures that policyholders and their guests feel comfortable," he added.
The insurers' package covers diagnosis in the UK (including MRI, CET and PET scans), and the same elective procedures as many other PMI schemes (including standard surgical procedures in specialisms such as orthopaedics, ENT, cardiology, ophthalmology, urology, and gynaecology).
Premiums for a healthy 30-year-old with no previous medical history start from £19 per month but costs will vary depending on factors such as current health, age and previous medical history.
