Migrants' transnational health care practices. An introductory review

Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject Sociology - Medicine and Health, grade: 1,7, University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)), language: English, abstract: This introductory literature review provides an overview of the phenomenon of migrants' temporary travels to their home country for the purpose of receiving medical care, often referred to as 'transnational health care practices' (THCP). The review explores backgrounds and reasons behind migrants' travels for health care. The reasons for such medical travels vary and include factors such as affordability, availability of specific treatments, dissatisfaction with the host country's health system, perceived better quality of treatment in the home country, language barriers, and cultural preferences. Additionally, the study discusses the role of social class as well as social integration and its relation with the use of transnational health care. The review concludes by highlighting the need for further research to explore the specific circumstances and experiences of different migrant groups and to develop better health care provision strategies in the host countries.