A general view of Bangkok hospital in Bangkok May 19, 2014. Thailand is in danger of losing its crown as the world's top destination for medical tourism if foreigners looking for low-cost, quality healthcare are scared off by political unrest, especially
IN PHOTO: A general view of Bangkok hospital in Bangkok May 19, 2014. Thailand is in danger of losing its crown as the world's top destination for medical tourism if foreigners looking for low-cost, quality healthcare are scared off by political unrest, especially at a time of growing competition from Asian rivals. Picture taken May 19, 2014. REUTERS/ Chaiwat Subprasom (THAILAND - Tags: BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST POLITICS HEALTH TRAVEL)
A general view of Bangkok hospital in Bangkok May 19, 2014. Thailand is in danger of losing its crown as the world's top destination for medical tourism if foreigners looking for low-cost, quality healthcare are scared off by political unrest, especially at a time of growing competition from Asian rivals. Picture taken May 19, 2014. REUTERS/ Chaiwat Subprasom (THAILAND - Tags: BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST POLITICS HEALTH TRAVEL)

Because of the rapid pace of growth of medical tourism, Australian insurers are starting to cover medical procedures done abroad. Yearly, about 25,000 Australians undergo cosmetic procedures overseas valued at $300 million, experts said.

A report by finder.com.au/travel-insurance, one of the largest comparison Web sites in Australia, estimated the value of the global medical tourism industry at $100 billion. It also named Go Insurance as the first provider that offered the coverage of dental tourism to Australian travelers.

Another early adopter is NIB, which in 2014 rolled out a new medical tourism offering in which patients are extended a 12-month guarantee on foreign surgery approved by Thai hospitals and physicians.

Go Insurance offer covers compensation for cancelled travel arrangements if the scheduled procedure does not push through, emergency dental treatment from complications, allowances for additional travel and accommodation if the dental tourist must stay overseas longer because of complications or not yet fit to travel and return travel and accommodation for remedial dental treatment if the first procedure was not successful.

The change is noticeable if compared to 2014 when it was very difficult to find Aussie insurers that would cover medical procedures overseas.

"The medical tourism industry is booming and cover like this can help remove some of the worry Australians may have when considering cosmetic work offshore," said Michelle Hutchison, money expert at finder.com.au.

She added that regular travel insurance cover may not include medical cover, so those mulling on going overseas for a medical procedure should seek additional cover and compare insurance policies to find one with the most suitable cover for their needs.

Thailand is the most searched country among Australians for breast implant, while for cosmetic surgery, it is South Korea. Thailand targets to attract 10 million medical tourists by the end for 2015, although its Asian neighbours - the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and India - are also all reporting strong growth in medical tourists.

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The medical travel cover is not limited to Australian insurers. US insurance companies, such as Custom Assurance Placements, have started to offer medical travel insurance to Australians. Custom's offer is for complications up to six months if the procedure is done on an Australian outside the country.

Besides the lower cost of the procedures, tourists are enticed by the exotic destinations where the surgery is done, pool-side recovery and having the procedure, often involving physical alterations, done discreetly, Hutchison said.

To contact the writer, email: v.hernandez@ibtimes.com.au