Polonia belgijska leczy się w Polsce – charakterystyka zjawiska (ang)

This paper explores motivations for diasporic medical tourism. Using a qualitative method it seeks to understand diasporic medical tourism behaviour. Specifically, it examines the case of the Polish diaspora in Belgium making return trips to their country of origin to obtain healthcare services. Narratives suggest that the Polish diaspora in Belgium travels primarily for VFR (visiting friends and relatives), yet medical tourism constitutes a secondary reason while it is well planned and organized up-front. Four motivational factors have an influence on this behaviour: time availability (by-the-by), relative cost, shopping for the best quality and cultural affinity. Furthermore, managerial and theoretical implications of diasporic medical tourism are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.

•Diasporic medical tourism appears to be a well-planned and organized activity of the diasporic travellers.

•Four motivational factors emerged: relative cost, time-availability, search for the best quality & cultural affinity.

•Promoting diasporic medical travel requires working via ethnic and kinship networks.

•Internet, word-of-mouth and strength of national brand shape diasporic attitudes and choices.

Article (link): Home, sweet home? Understanding diasporic medical tourism behaviour. Exploratory research of Polish immigrants in Belgium