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TIPS TO PLAN YOUR MEDICAL TRAVEL

  • buoozturk
  • Jan 26
  • 3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago


Every year over 30 million people choose medical travel to get affordable treatment, access procedures not available in their home countries, or receive care from clinicians who share their native culture and language. To have a safe and successful medical tourism experience, you should research well and take the necessary precautions.

Read more for our tips to plan your medical tourism journey.


RESEARCH THE DOCTOR AND CLINIC


Research well the qualifications of the doctor who will be performing the procedure and the credentials of the clinic/hospital where it will take place. Confirm if they have accreditations from reputable organizations such as Joint Commission International and DNV GL International Accreditation for Hospitals. You should also note that accreditation does not always guarantee a positive outcome as all surgeries carry some risk of complications.


GET A PRE-TRAVEL CONSULTATION


  • Visit your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip for a pre-travel consultation. Discuss general information for healthy travel and specific risks associated with your health status, the procedure, and travel before and after the procedure.

  • You can obtain international travel health and complication insurance that covers the risk of any complication that could happen after you return home.


MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORDS


  • Bring copies of your medical records, including lab test results and other relevant documents related to your health condition. Inform the medical staff at your destination about any allergies you have.

  • Pack a travel health kit containing your prescription and over-the-counter medications in their original packaging, ensuring you have enough medication for the entire trip.

  • Make copies of all your prescriptions and create a list of medications you take, including brand names, generic names, manufacturers, and dosages.


ARRANGE FOR FOLLOW-UP CARE


  • Plan your accommodation in the destination country ahead of your travel.

  • Make sure you can receive any necessary follow-up care in your home country. Understand the potential financial costs of follow-up or emergency care in case of complications.

  • Review your health insurance policy to determine what is covered and consider supplemental travel health insurance, if needed.


PACK ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS AND PAPERWORK


  • Make sure you have all the necessary documents (medical papers and records, passports, and visas) before your trip.

  • Make multiple copies of key documents and keep them in different suitcases to account for the possibility of lost luggage.

  • Research the passport and visa requirements of your destination country well in advance, and exchange currency ahead of time to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.


CARRY ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS AND AFTERCARE PRODUCTS


  • Pack any essential medications (pain relievers and medications) that may not be readily available in the destination country.

  • Depending on the procedure and the country you are visiting, you may also want to bring aftercare products such as wound dressings, gauze, scissors, band-aids, and over-the-counter medications. By being prepared, you can save money and be comfortable during the recovery period.


PACK COMFORTABLE CLOTHING AND OTHER CARE ITEMS


  • Include comfortable clothing suitable for both traveling and the hospital environment. Loose-fitting clothes, pajamas with front buttons, and a robe can provide comfort during your stay.

  • Pack essential items from home - pillows, slippers, and bed linens, to ensure your comfort and maintain familiarity in an unfamiliar setting.

  • Don’t forget to bring insect repellent to protect yourself from disease-carrying insects in certain destinations.


HAVE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE


Prepare a list of emergency contact information with the names, phone numbers, and addresses of your doctors, the hospital, the hotel, and other important destinations. You can easily seek assistance in case of emergencies, especially in countries where you may face language barriers.


CONSIDER BRINGING A TRAVEL COMPANION


You can also bring a trusted companion with you on your medical tourism trip. Having someone by your side can provide emotional support, assist you during the trip, and be invaluable in the case of emergencies.


KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEDICAL TRAVEL


By following these guidelines, you can prioritize your health and well-being throughout the entire medical tourism journey.

 
 
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