FAQs On Medical Tourism

How do I know if medical tourism is suitable for me?

There are many reasons, both personal and practical, for going overseas for medical treatment or procedures. On the other hand, there are many factors that might also immediate exclude or discourage people from seeking medical assistance abroad. There is always an element of unfamiliarity and caution when you are taken out of your comfort, and this applies especially when you are considering something that may have a significant impact on your health and well-being. However, you should consider medical tourism as a strong candidate if you find yourself facing some of these choices or circumstances:

• You lack basic or a sufficient level of health insurance to cover expensive medical procedures or treatment.
• The particular medical treatment you require is not offered in your country.
• You require or prefer immediate medical treatment, but face a long waiting list in your country.
• The quality of healthcare in your country is not sufficient to provide the facilities or care for the treatment you are to undergo.
• The recovery and recuperation costs in your home country are too expensive, even though you can afford the procedural costs.
• You have already made plans to travel abroad and for convenience would like to also have some procedures performed.

Is it advisable to take a companion?

Again this may come down to a matter of personal preference. However, in many cases the trip or experience can be enhanced when you are accompanied by someone who is close to you, especially if you are undergoing an extensive procedure or treatment. They can help to reduce the level of stress by handling some of the paperwork for you and to keep you company.  Obviously this will increase the cost of the trip, although you can also consider finding someone who is considering for planning to go for a similar procedure.

 

How can I determine the credentials of the medical service provider?

In most cases, you should contact the medical facilities directly, either through email, phone or your medical tourism agency. You should expect a prompt and detailed response; otherwise it may be a good idea to consider an alternate health care provider. If you have selected a well-known or well-established medical facility, there should be plenty of information available on websites and forums to get an insight into the credentials and qualifications of the surgeons and medical specialists of the facility. A rule of thumb is that the more information they are willing or able to provide, the more reliable and comprehensive the services that they provide will be.

 

It is extremely unlikely for medical facilities and hospitals to employ unqualified or inexperienced medical professionals. Although the laws and regulations for countries may vary, it is very important for healthcare service providers that promote themselves as “medical tourism providers” to risk bad publicity or reputation because of their reliance on foreign patients to increase their revenue. Therefore, they typically also require their employees to meet standards that reflect the image of the establishment.

 

Any queries or questions you have about the medical professionals should be referred to the agency or the medical institute directly.

 

Do I get a choice of doctors or specialists?

This will vary depending on the health care provider, and how well you are able to plan the procedure or treatment in advance. However, all procedures and treatments will require your consent, and if you are uncomfortable with having a particular person doing the procedure, you should request a replacement or opt out of the procedure in the event that the person you have nominated is unable or unavailable to carry it out.

 

Is language or communication going to be an issue?

In most if not all medical centers and institutions that cater for medical tourism, there will be staff and medical professionals who will speak English fluently. In the event of a communication problem, they will provide a translator for you. If you are not a native English speaker, many of the well-established facilities will also cater for patients of different language and cultural backgrounds. However, it is advisable to plan ahead and check that the healthcare provider is able to accommodate any communication needs that you may require.

 

What about issues dealing with Power of Attorney?

To prevent any complications arising from the medical treatment affecting your ability to make decisions, many people will prepare a durable power of attorney (PoA) document that recognizes your appointment of another individual to act on your behalf with regards to important medical or legal decisions.

 

While it may appear logical and ideal to appoint a close, trusted relative or friend in this role, it is advisable for the power of attorney document to be notarized by the appropriate consulate if you would like to enhance its authority or legitimacy. In fact, you should get this document notarized in both your country as well as the consulate for the country that you will be travelling to.

 

What are the essential checklist of items I need for a Medical Procedure overseas?

In order to avoid medical or legal complications down the road, it is absolutely critical that you keep these items in a safe and secure place that is easily accessible to you when you are travelling abroad for a medical treatment or procedure:

• Passport and certified copies
• Visa papers and certified copies
• Any prescription medication, keeping them in their original package
• Any medical equipment such as asthma inhalers or medical batteries
• Any documentation relating to your medical requirements
• A complete set of medical records and certified copies

In addition, other items that apply specifically to the particular destination you are going should be investigated with the agency or government information website. Most other consumables required can be easily purchased before you leave or while you are overseas.