CROATIA: WORK AND PLAY
Just the place for a luxurious Mediterranean holiday and a cheeky cosmetic touch-up!
As Westerners increasingly seek to reduce medical expenses by travelling abroad, Medical tourism is a booming global industry. Popular destinations for medical tourism include India, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. Croatia is now also recognised as a medical destination of excellence and affordability.
The country is dependent on the hospitality and services industries and is already a hot spot with vacationing LGBTIQ Westerners. It has excellent connections with major airport hubs in Europe, North America and The Middle East. Reaching Croatia from all corners of the globe, including Asia and Australia, is easy.
There are many compelling arguments for medical tourism and cost is just one. Visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and across Europe can expect to save as much as 30 per cent on medical, including cosmetic, procedures. An overseas clinic may help cut a long waiting list at home and gives clients the chance to recuperate away from friends, family and work colleagues before returning home, looking refreshed. The green hills of Zagreb or by the turquoise seas of the Adriatic couldn’t be more conducive to recovery.
Understanding that clients expect professionalism, anonymity and a nonjudgmental space is crucial, says Ognjen Bagatin, CEO of Bagatin Clinic, which has twice won Cosmetic Surgery Clinic Of The Year award from International Medical Travel Journal.
His Zagreb clinic is on the 10th floor of the Double Tree by Hilton hotels, staffed by highly qualified, English-speaking doctors.
Bagatin has also been recognised as the top dermatology clinic in Europe by the Global Competition Review, and the business is keen to strengthen its position and reputation as a highly respected clinic, acquiring certificates and accreditations as a commitment to quality and continuity.
Ognjen says he has a loyal clientele of repeat visitors. What do they come to him for?
In demand at Bagatin Clinic are a wide variety of cosmetic surgical procedures including liposuction, tummy tucks, face lifts and rhinoplasty, along with expert cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Using the latest technology available, including 3D simulations, patients are able to foresee their desired cosmetic outcome.
The dental centre provides the highest standards of dental care from basic preventative dentistry to complex treatments such as oral surgery and prosthetics.
Helping solve skin complications and reducing the appearance of aging is, of course, always popular. Bagatin are specialists in chemical peels, laser, micro-needling and microdermabrasion, which helps reduce the appearance of sun damage and restore a youthful radiance.
Increasingly popular are the injectable aesthetic treatments. Hyaluronic acid fillers are used to augment lips and cheeks and fill wrinkles. Vitabel botullinium is a toxin treatment that can be injected to smooth out wrinkles and treat excessive sweating.
Ognjen Bagatin says his staff are acutely aware of the stress that can be associated with travelling for treatment. The clinic has a customer care team to assist with the organisation of accommodation, from the first point of contact through to therapy and aftercare. >>
Cost is a compelling arguments for medical tourism. In Croatia, visitors can expect to save as much as 30%, including on cosmetic procedures.
>> Bagatin’s partnership with the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Zagreb provides accommodation for their international clients at discounted rates. This modern hotel is close to the centre of town and has all the amenities you’d expect including an impressive indoor pool, spa and sauna. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind after treatment.
Zagreb itself is a surprising city on many fronts. It’s easy to navigate and has a vibrant food, coffee and beer scene; and it is home to the largest number of museums per capita anywhere in the world. This includes the Image Of War Museum, the Chocolate Museum and the Museum Of Broken Relationships.
Architecturally, the city recalls Vienna, Budapest and Prague – with Italy in the mix as well. It has broad, manicured boulevards, little courtyards, and a medieval Old Town with cobbled streets. The city has a youthful feel and is one of the safest cities in Europe.
Bagatin Clinic’s success is such that it has just opened a second clinic in the port city of Split. Hugely popular with Brits, it’s located in the stylish Hotel Dioklecijan And Residence. The hotel has lavish rooms and a spectacular rooftop pool with scenic views. Close to the city, the clinic in Split is a 15-minute walk to The Riva, the famous palm tree boulevard and the world heritage listed Diocletian’s Palace.
Nearby beaches are also in the vicinity. A short boat trip from Split and you’re on the island of Hvar, the gayest island in Croatia with many dubbing it the “Mykonos of Croatia” because of its vibrant nightlife and nude beaches.
Many businesses in Croatia, like Bagatin Clinic, are actively engaging with the LGBTIQ community, and reaffirming the importance of a safe and welcoming environment for gay travellers.
Croatia is a great choice for boat cruises around the Mediterranean, music festivals and cheap drinks, but it has evolved into more than that, becoming a medical tourism destination that is both reputable and affordable. And, according to the awards collected by Ognjen Bagatin, has become a centre for medical excellence.
Many businesses in Croatia, like Bagatin Clinic, are engaging with the LGBTIQ community, and reaffirming the importance of a safe environment.