New survey on potential Russian medical tourists

A consumer survey on potential medical tourists visiting a medical tourism show is never going to be representative of Russian consumers, but it does bring insights into what Russian medical tourists want. Many countries are targeting Russia as a source of business, but often know little about how healthcare works in Russia, or that many so-called Russian customers are Russian speaking but come from other states that used to be part of the USSR.

A consumer survey on potential medical tourists visiting a medical tourism show is never going to be representative of Russian consumers, but it does bring insights into what Russian medical tourists want.

Many countries are targeting Russia as a source of business, but often know little about how healthcare works in Russia, or that many so-called Russian customers are Russian speaking but come from other states that used to be part of the USSR.

The object of the survey was to find out who are these Russian medical tourists, what do they want, and what do they spend?

The 3,524 visitors attending the Moscow Medshow in March provided an opportunity to conduct a major survey into the requirements and tendencies of the Russian client/patient. 422 people answered questions.

How much would you be prepared to spend on medical treatment abroad?
11% are prepared to spend more than 25,000 euro on their treatment abroad, 36% say that the cost of their treatment could be between 10,000 to 25,000 euro, and 53% say that their budgets for treatments are at a maximum of 10,000 euro.

When are you looking to have medical treatment?
42% planned for treatment within 2-6 months. 22% have chronic conditions and are looking to travel at the earliest opportunity.

What specific treatments are you looking for overseas?
63% are looking for diagnosis and subsequent treatment, 9% are looking for surgery abroad, and 6% are interested in cosmetic surgery, while 7% are looking for dental treatment. 15% express interest in spa and preventative medicine.

What countries are of most interest for your treatment abroad?
Two countries, both with long involvement in the market, lead the list: Germany recorded 32% followed by Israel with 22%. Others are Hungary at 6%, Spain at 5%, Switzerland at 5%, and Czech Republic at 4%. Bulgaria, Austria, Turkey, and China each scored 3%. 36 countries were indicated as medical tourism destinations of interest .The results may suggest that Russians from this region prefer to go to European countries, but those thousands of miles away in Eastern Russia may prefer Asia, and Arab states, or they too may prefer Europe. It may be something countries should research before targeting the Russian market.

What is your primary reason for visiting the Moscow MedShow?
41% were visiting the exhibition to gather first-hand information on what medical treatments are available abroad, their costs, and conditions. 17% have a specific condition that required treatment and are looking for direct meetings/contacts with hospitals/clinics. 9% are looking for information and details on preventative medicine, while 33% are there out of professional interest.

Age and gender
The age of Russian looking for treatment abroad revealed some interesting statistics, as 46% are 30 to 50, 40% over 50 and 14% under 30.58% are female and 42% male.