5 Practical Tips for a Surgery Abroad (Medical Tourism)

We understand that no matter what treatment you require or where you travel to receive it, you want to be in the best hands possible.

Choosing a foreign destination for medical treatment, let alone a hospital or doctor, can be extremely difficult, and you may be unsure where to begin.

To assist you in making the best decision possible, we have compiled a list of 5 helpful hints for your surgery abroad: From researching destinations to packing your suitcase, our guide can assist you in planning your medical trip from beginning to end.

1. Do your Research

• Research popular destinations: Countries such as Mexico, Spain, and Turkey offer extremely affordable medical treatments, but we advise against choosing the cheapest option solely on price. It is critical that you double-check that the doctor and clinic you are considering are certified or accredited by a reputable medical care authority, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI). The good news is that Global Medical Care has done all of the legwork for you and only offers clinics and hospitals that are JCI-accredited or have received the highest national certification. You can be confident that booking through GMCare will allow you to select from highly specialised and accredited facilities at the best online rates.
• Visa Requirements: Once you’ve decided on a destination, find out if you’ll need a visa and apply for one ahead of time. It may take several weeks to obtain all the necessary travel documents. Some cases, you may be required to apply for a medical visa, which has additional requirements.
• Offered Treatment: It is critical to be well-informed about the treatment you will receive, including a thorough understanding of what the procedure entails, whether it is cosmetic, orthopaedic, or oral surgery. Find out as much as you can online, and talk to your doctor or dentist if you have any specific questions or want an expert opinion on whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. You can also contact our Medical Consultants, who will gladly provide you with all the information you require and arrange for a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors!

2. Consult your doctor and your health insurance provider

When making a decision, your doctor or dentist can provide you with an invaluable second opinion. They can also advise you on treatment options and whether they are necessary or appropriate for you. Feel free to speak with them and ask as many questions as you want; it is critical that you are confident in the treatment you intend to receive.

Based on your country of residence and insurance provider, you may be eligible for a partial reimbursement for treatment costs. Check with your insurance provider about this possibility and the process for getting reimbursed for the agreed-upon amount. Remember to obtain your medical record while abroad and bring back copies to give to your local doctor or dentist, which should include a description of the procedure(s) you underwent, information about medications you received, and the results of medical tests.

3. What’s your health history?

You will be asked to provide detailed information about your medical history when selecting a hospital. Check to see if your medical records are up to date and, if possible, obtain copies to bring with you. Don’t forget to include any allergies you may have as well as any medications you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements.

You should also research what vaccinations are required for the country to which you intend to travel, and make sure that all of your boosters are up to date.

4. Take some time off

In addition to the actual time you’ll need to travel to a different country for your treatment, you’ll need to consider the amount of time you’ll stay at the hospital and the time you’ll need to recover from the surgery.

The recovery time varies greatly depending on the procedure. Make sure you plan enough time off and that you are aware of how much time you will need to spend at the clinic before and after surgery, as well as when it is safe to return home.

5. Pack well

When you’ve booked everything and are ready to fly, there’s only one thing left to do: pack your suitcase! To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of things you shouldn’t forget to bring with you on your medical trip:

• Personal documents, IDs and PCR Test or Vaccination Certificate
• Have your boarding pass ready, either printed or on your phone. Remember to print your treatment confirmation as well, along with the invitation letter you’ll receive from us. When you book with GMCARE, you will receive a detailed treatment confirmation that includes hospital contacts, emergency numbers, and addresses, eliminating the need for you to gather this information yourself. The hospital may also require an emergency contact who can be reached at any time.
• Medical Records
• Comfy clothing suitable for the destination countries weather conditions
• City guides

Still have questions? We are always here to help you, contact us with all your questions. We’ll make sure to find the best hospitals suitable for your unique needs, the best prices for the highest quality care. Your trip will be as stress-free as possible because we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even after your treatment to ensure your results are at an optimal level.