-- The future of international health tourism may be shaped less by destinations competing for patients and more by the technologies and trust systems that connect them. This was the message delivered by Fatih Ciftci, Founder and CEO of Flymedi, at the Health Tourism and Medical Odyssey event held on September 16–17 at Sofitel The Obelisk, Dubai.
The summit brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and healthcare executives to debate the next era of medical and wellness travel, an industry now valued in the hundreds of billions worldwide.
AI in Medical Tourism: Efficiency Without Losing Humanity
In his panel session, “Redefining Boundaries: The Future of Medical & Wellness Tourism”, Ciftci explored how artificial intelligence is changing patient decision-making, from clinic selection to post-treatment follow-up.
Ciftci noted that while AI offers instant access to accurate information, it cannot replace the human connection central to healthcare.
“AI gives patients access to accurate information in seconds. However, we never put technology ahead of human interaction. This hybrid approach ensures trust and guarantees a seamless experience,” he said.
Industry analysts at the event echoed this view, pointing out that AI could ease language barriers, simplify insurance processing, and help patients compare clinics across borders. Yet, they stressed, empathy and personal guidance remain essential for patients navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems abroad.
Trust and Transparency in Payments: A Long-Standing Barrier
A recurring theme at the summit was the trust deficit in cross-border medical payments. Patients often hesitate to transfer large sums to foreign clinics before arrival, fearing fraud or miscommunication.
To address this, Ciftci announced Flymedi’s secure escrow-style payment model, where funds are held until after a patient’s first consultation.
“It provides complete transparency for both the patient and the healthcare provider, builds a foundation of trust, and makes the entire process safer for everyone involved,” Ciftci explained.
Such mechanisms, attendees suggested, could set new global standards for financial security in medical tourism.
An Industry Looking Beyond Competition
The Dubai discussions underscored that growth in medical tourism will not be driven solely by marketing destinations as competitors. Instead, collaboration between countries, clinics, and platforms—with technology as the enabler—was highlighted as the real driver of sustainable expansion.
Ciftci positioned Flymedi as part of this broader effort: a marketplace bridging patients and accredited providers, rather than a platform amplifying rivalry between medical hubs.
About Flymedi
Flymedi is a global health tourism marketplace connecting patients with internationally accredited healthcare providers. By combining AI-driven tools, a secure payment ecosystem, and a patient-first philosophy, Flymedi aims to increase transparency, trust, and accessibility in international medical travel.
Contact Info:
Name: Kubilay Aydeger
Email: Send Email
Organization: flymedi
Website: https://www.flymedi.com/
Release ID: 89171388
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