What is a FAM trip (Familiarization Trip)?
What is a FAM trip (Familiarization Trip)?
The goal of a Medical Tourism Familiarization Trip is to highlight the quality of care within a specific region.
One of the main reasons for this type of trip is to introduce the region as a destination for medical tourism and to generate an interest from healthcare buyers to send patients to the hospitals and clinics visited on the tour. During a typical trip, visitors will see hospitals and clinics, but they should also engage in tourism activities that a potential patient could elect to enjoy. The trips are fully funded by the providers or government organizing the tour so that the delegation participating in the tour has no out-of-pocket costs.
Who is eligible to attend?
MTA Members, including Insurance Companies, Facilitators, Consultants, and Media/Press, upon request and subject to approval by MTA.
How are the Locations Chosen?
We base our decision for locations for FAM trips based upon the number of MTA members located in the region and the development stage of the medical tourism initiative therein. The sponsoring group or “host” has the right to approve or reject the selection of the participants based upon the region’s particular business objectives. MTA typically requires one hospital on the tour to be an MTA member in order to organize the trip.
Past MTA Trips:
In the last decade, the MTA has organized FAM trips to El Salvador, Jordan, Guatemala, Malaysia, Medellin, Colombia, and, Mexico.
What are the Host Benefits?
Hospital and Clinic Site Tours. Hosts can showcase their country or destination as “One of the top quality healthcare destinations in the world and as a leader in medical tourism and wellness.”
Creating new relationships with healthcare buyers. Throughout on-site tours, attendees will see advanced equipment and technology offered by hospitals and clinics.
Personal interaction. Attendees have the opportunity to meet the physicians and their staff and speak with them one-on-one about sending patients to their hospital.
Tourism and Country Features. It is important to showcase not only the high quality of healthcare in your destination, but also the history, culture, and natural resources it has to offer patients and their companions. These details can set it apart as a top tourism destination.
Government Support. The involvement, participation, and support of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the U.S. Embassy reinforce the commitment of the country as a top medical tourism destination. It represents credibility, accountability, and a commitment to quality.
The MTA Organization Fee includes one article written by a member of the Medical Tourism Magazine Editorial Department covering the experience and highlights of the FAM Trip.
Destination Requirements
Presentations and Tours must be given in English
Hospitals and clinics that will be visited on the tour must be accredited, or at least in the process of accreditation
FAM Trip budget submitted to MTA no later than 3 months prior to the proposed FAM tour dates
FAM Trip Agenda submitted to MTA no later than 3 months prior to the proposed FAM tour dates
MTA Involvement
The MTA can assist in FAM trip logistics in the following ways:
Invitations to MTA Members
Flight Coordination
Travel information & agenda supplied to all attendees prior to the trip
Liaison between FAM trip attendees and hosting country for immediate questions or concerns pre and post-trip
