Guide to Medical Tourism

Getting the best from medical tourism

Member of the

Medical Tourism Association

2

Contents

A Global Guide to Medical Tourism ................................................................................................ 3

An Easy Guide to Planning Medical Tourism ................................................................................ 5

Key Questions to Ask your Potential Doctor/Surgeon ................................................................. 7

Do‟s and Don‟ts of Medical Tourism ............................................................................................... 9

Booking Travel for your Medical Tourism Trip ........................................................................... 12

A Companion Travellers Guide to Medical Tourism .................................................................. 14

Checklist: Before You Travel For Treatment Abroad .................................................................. 16

Coordinating with your Doctor ...................................................................................................... 18

International Accreditations - What Should I look for? .............................................................. 20

Pre and Post Trip Care ..................................................................................................................... 22

How to Make the Most of AllMedicalTourism.com .................................................................... 24

References........................................................................................................................................... 25

Medical Tourism: Getting Started 3

Medical Tourism: Getting Started

For a long time, patients may have found themselves forced to pay prices they

cannot afford – sometimes for surgery that is a necessity. You shouldn‟t have to make a

choice between paying the rent and undergoing expensive medical costs; thanks to

medical tourism, this is now becoming a

reality for many people.

Flying abroad for your medical needs

could seriously reduce your expenses.

Thousands of people are joining the medical

tourism revolution every year, sometimes

saving themselves a lot of money in the

process. In fact a recent report by a lead

management consulting firm, Deloitte, stated

that in 2007 2m American‟s travelled overseers

for treatment, and that level us set to grow to

6m by 2010 and as high as 20m by 2015.

Other reasons for heading overseas may include advancement in technology or a

faster turnaround from consultation through to procedure than is available in a patient‟s

home country. Medical tourism is fast becoming an accepted way to address medical

requirements - whether for cosmetic, dental, surgery or other reasons – it is now a global

phenomenon that is continuing to grow.

Current analysis of the medical tourism market shows:

45% of North Americans travel to Asia for medical treatment overseas, with 26% travelling to South America. 33% of Europeans travel to North America, 39% to Asia and 10% to other countries within the continent 87% of medical tourism patients travelled from South to North America, along with 33% of European patients and 58% of Middle Eastern patients during the same period.

Medical Tourism: Getting Started 4

It is right to be concerned about going abroad for treatment. However, the majority of

overseas providers offering a cheaper options can afford to do so because of lower wages

for medical staff, lower cost of living and subsidised medical care in country (see:

„International Accreditations - What Should I look for?‟). It is clear from the research seen

here, that medical tourism is an acceptable and realistic proposition for many patients

seeking cheaper or better treatment than is available in their home country.

We have found conclusive evidence to support our belief that medical tourism is an

acceptable and realistic proposition for many patients seeking cheaper, faster and better

quality treatment. By using AllMedicalTourism.com, we can get you started on our free

and simple service, offering you price comparisons and tailored quotes from medical

providers around the world.

Getting Organized: Planning Your Medical

Trip 5

Getting Organized: Planning Your Medical Trip

It can sometimes be overwhelming when planning your trip abroad; there is a

wealth of information available, especially online, which can be useful but daunting all at

the same time. We have compiled these simple steps to help get you started:

Advice

Visit your GP or doctor before making a

decision to fly abroad for any medical

procedures. They will be able to advise you on

types of treatment available and your

suitability as a candidate for any particular

procedure.

Research

It is imperative to find a specialist who is

right for you, and offers you the best form of

treatment and value for money. Here at

AllMedicalTourism.com we can offer you a

free and simple service to help get you started:

Choose your home country Select the type of procedure(s) you are

interested in Compare price comparisons and services

available from a range of countries

We will then do all the research and be in

touch with a selection of quotes from specific

providers.

Please note that certain procedures can vary between providers, and it is essential that

you speak to the provider directly to be 100 per cent sure of what your surgery or

treatment will entail:

Deposit/Payment

You will usually be asked to at least pay a deposit before arriving for treatment, if not the whole payment. You may need to book in advance - not only to secure your place - but also to ensure that you can budget and have the time to save for the whole trip. Make sure you are also insured - for both your travel and medical costs - as if you are unable to go at the last minute, you may not be able to recover any costs you have already incurred. (See „Insurance and Medical Tourism)

Getting Organized: Planning Your Medical

Trip 6

Budgeting

Whilst your treatment will probably be the main cost in your budget, do not forget to include any extras that you may need to add. Examples being: Flights Visas Transfers Accommodation Food Day trips, activities

Getting there

If you are flying abroad, remember that you will need to organise transfers to accommodation, and possible transport to get you around while you away. It may be worth hiring a car if public transport isn‟t sufficient. Your medical provider may be able to advise you on this, or if relevant, the hotel you are staying at. (See „Booking Travel for your Medical Tourism Trip‟)

Length of stay

This can vary depending on your procedure. You may need to take some time off

work in order to go abroad for your procedure, as well as allow for recovery time. Your

specialist will be able to advise you on your individual case.

Returning home and recovery

Returning home can be a daunting prospect, as you will no longer be in the care of your medical provider. However, they will advise you on any medication you may need to take, and any exercises you may need to do to aid the recovery process. Make sure you book an appointment with your doctor to inform them of your procedure and any issues they need to be aware of, for example prescribing medication or seeking physical therapy.

Your provider should give you all the necessary paper work to inform your doctor

of any medical needs. These are just a few simple steps that will help you to get started when planning your trip abroad. Remember that individual needs will vary depending on the patient, type of procedure and medical provider. Do not be afraid to ask any questions – both to your GP and medical provider – regardless of how insignificant they may seem. It is more important to be completely happy and prepared when booking your treatment and trip.

NB Be aware that any medical documents may not be in English (depending on where you go for treatment); however it is very important that you and your doctor have a good understanding of what is required following treatment, so it is worth asking if this is possible

Key Questions to Ask your Potential

Doctor/Surgeon 7

Key Questions to Ask your Potential Doctor/Surgeon

It is always important to be 100 per cent sure of what to expect when considering

surgery, whether dental, cosmetic or otherwise. Sometimes the same surgery type can

vary between medical providers;

examples may include using a

different type of implant for

breast enlargement surgery, or

taking a different surgical

approach to a hernia repair

(i.e.„open‟ or „laporoscopically‟).

This is just one of the

reasons that patients should have

a thorough consultation with

their surgeon before agreeing to

go ahead with any procedure.

Other key questions to ask your

surgeon include:

1. How much will my surgery cost? What does this include (for example flights, health insurance)?

2. If health insurance is included, what does my insurance cover?

3. What type of procedure do you think is most suitable for me? Why?

4. How many other surgeries have you performed for this procedure?

5. Is the medical practise accredited by or affiliated with any medical bodies?

6. If I am staying at the hospital, what type of room will I have? (Please make sure you inform your practitioner of any disabilities/needs you may have).

7. If accommodation is not included in the price, will you recommend somewhere for me to stay?

8. If I am staying somewhere other than the hospital, is there good transportation links? How much will this cost?

9. How much should I budget for spending money (travel, food, accommodation etc.)?

10. Can I bring a companion with me?

11. Do the staff speak English?

12. How long do I have to stay post-surgery before travelling home?

13. If I am staying at the hospital, is there access to the internet / phone so that I can call home?

Key Questions to Ask your Potential

Doctor/Surgeon 8

14. Do I need to take time off work to recover after returning home?

15. Is there anything I need to do to aid my recovery – for example taking medication or doing particular exercises?

16. What do I do if any complications arise at home? Am I covered by my health insurance?

17. What are my legal rights if I am unhappy with my surgery, or the any aspect of my stay?

18. Will you provide me with all the necessary medical documents / prescriptions that I can present to my doctor on my return? Will these be in English?

You should ask these questions before

flying abroad, whether over the phone or via

email; during your pre-treatment face-to-face

consultation, make sure you have any more

questions you may have answered before

going ahead with the procedure. If you are

unsure about what is involved in your surgery, it is always a good idea to consult your

home doctor for information and advice before flying abroad.

These questions are designed as a general guide only; do not hesitate to contact

your provider to ask anything that you are concerned about, especially if you want to

know more information about your specific procedure.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Medical Tourism 9

The Do’s and Don’ts of Medical Tourism

Here are some pointers to help you become more informed before committing to

payment or treatment with any overseas medical provider. More information is available

throughout the features section of this website, but

use these as a short checklist to get you started:

Things to DO…

Plan Ahead Certain times of the year and particular medical

practises and doctors can become extremely busy. To get the best deals and ensure your treatment is available at a time to suit you, make sure you plan your trip well in advance. Be 100% Certain About Your Treatment Option

Procedures can vary between practitioners, especially when there are different ways of approaching a particular treatment. Be absolutely certain that you are going ahead with the most appropriate procedure for your individual case. This means discussing your options with you home doctor, as well as your potential doctor/surgeon abroad, before leaving. Research

It is essential you have done all of your research before leaving for treatment overseas. This includes planning your travel options, ensuring you have appropriate accommodation, and researching your medical practitioner and their credentials, among others. It is always worth speaking to a few medical providers to compare quality and cost of services, before committing to any one in particular. Confirm Everything in Writing

You need to ensure you have a hard copy all of your documentation from your

medical provider before travelling. This includes the signing of any contracts, cost

estimates, appointments, recommendations, travel documentation, accommodation

bookings. It is acceptable to use email as a way of keeping hold of records, but it is worth

printing these before you leave so that you will always have a hard copy.

Insist on English While you must always respect any different country or culture, going abroad for

medical tourism can be complicated, and it is essential that you understand everything

The Do’s and Don’ts of Medical Tourism 10

that is involved with your medical tourism trip. This includes reading through contracts,

treatment and discussing options with your specialist, among others. However, don‟t be

afraid to try and pick up some basic local language, as it is always appreciated.

Learn About your Destination It is important that you have a decent understanding of where you are going. If

you have some personal time during your visit, you may want to go out on day trips or

explore the area. It is also a good idea to try and pick up a few local phrases such as

„hello‟, „thank-you‟ and „how much‟. A little will go a long way, and local residents will

always appreciate the effort.

Inform your Local Doctor This is imperative. You must inform your local GP or doctor before travelling

abroad for any procedures. They will be able to provide any necessary paperwork for

your overseas carer, as well as advise you on suitable treatments. Although they may not

necessarily agree with you going abroad for treatment, they still need to be informed of

any big decisions involving your health. They may well need to provide prescriptions or

help you in your recovery once you have returned home, and it is important to keep them

„in the loop‟.

Set Aside Money for your Trip You should always take a bit of local currency with you, even if you are not

planning on leaving your medical facility during your stay. You may need this at the

airport, or for local transport. If you do have time to go out during your trip, you may

want to eat out, or do some sight-seeing, and having some local currency with you will

save you time and effort of having to go and exchange your money at the bank, or pay

charges on withdrawals.

Things NOT to do…

Rely Solely on the Internet for your Research

Information found on the internet can vary greatly so always make sure you investigate potential medical providers on a one-to-one basis; email, call or write to them for confirmation of prices, treatment and services provided. While the internet can be a really good way of finding out when and where to go, it is always

The Do’s and Don’ts of Medical Tourism 11

worth using an independent website or agent to help guarantee the quality and price for the type of treatment you are after.

Plan your Trip too Tight Once you have completed your treatment, you may be raring to get back home, but

you need to be prepared for any complications or delays that may arise. You must adhere to the recommendations of your practitioner to help you recover as quickly as possible, even if that means staying an extra few days. As a general rule of thumb, add one day‟s stay for every five days of treatment – if any extra time is needed this will save you having to cancel travel arrangements or pay out more money. Don’t Scrimp on Lodging

Unlike any „normal‟ holiday, it is important that you are comfortable in your accommodation, as you may be feeling exhausted, ill or homesick during your treatment. While there may be some good budget deals around, „budget‟ can vary between countries enormously. In places like Asia or South America, this can mean using shared bathroom facilities, no air conditioning and questionable cleanliness. You do not need to fork out for five star luxuries, but make sure you are staying in satisfactory accommodation. Don’t Stay too Far from your Treatment Centre

If you are not staying „in-house‟ for your treatment, make sure you are not too far from your treatment centre. You do not want to be taking long, traffic-ridden journeys - especially in between treatments - to your provider. Don’t be too Adventurous with Local Cuisine

While it is exciting to be around new people and a new culture, trying different foods can sometimes give you an upset stomach or make you feel very ill. Although the majority of foods will be safe, it is not worth risking your health when you need to feel at your best for your treatment. Avoid raw foods and use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Don’t Settle for Second Best Treatment Options

Budgeting on travel and accommodation is an acceptable way of saving money,

but make sure you find the best quality practitioner your money can buy. It is not worth

the risk of having second-rate treatment or poor quality of care, especially when you

could be risking your health during treatment.

Booking Travel for your Medical Tourism

Trip 12

Booking Travel for your Medical Tourism Trip

Depending on where you travel for your treatment, there will be a variety of travel

options to suit your needs. Make sure you are covered by both your travel and medical

insurance for any type of trip before booking.

Flying

For most people, flying is the quickest and easiest option when going abroad; with

plenty of cheap flights now available (especially in Europe), this needn‟t be at a ridiculous

cost. Generally, the earlier you

book, the cheaper your flights will

be (especially booking online).

If you do choose to fly, you

may need to ensure that the airline

can accommodate any medical

requirements you may have. For

example if you need to have an

oxygen tank with you at all times,

use a wheelchair or need to be

administered with medical

treatment during the flight. It is

essential that you forewarn the

airline of any requests you have before booking, to make sure that they can comply with

your needs.

Driving

Some individuals may prefer to drive, whether for taking the scenic route, saving

money, because they are scared of or unfit to fly, or another reason. If you are driving by

yourself, you need to make sure that you are medically capable, especially for long-

distance journeys. Do not forget to take regular breaks, and if necessary, budget to spend

money on a hotel(s) during your journey.

Please also make sure you become familiar with any changes in driving regulations

within different countries – for example, you may be required to use snow chains by law

if driving through the French Alps at particular times of the year, or have to adjust to

different national speed limits.

Please note, driving can be the most convenient option for getting you door-to-

door, but you may not be able to drive home straight away following your treatment,

especially if you have had surgery. You may be required to wait for a few days or even

Booking Travel for your Medical Tourism

Trip 13

weeks, so it may be a good idea to have someone who can come and pick you up, or

organise a companion to go with you.

Trains

For those who are not keen on flying, and do not wish to drive long-distance, trains

can be a great option. If you are travelling overnight, you may be able to request a private

berth. However, you will need to be prepared for any medical support you need to

receive during your journey, and if necessary, take someone who is fully qualified to help

if any incidents should arise. It is important to notify the service you are travelling with if

you do have any medical requirements throughout the journey.

Transfers by bus from train stations are usually quite regular; however, you may

wish to opt for a taxi for door-to-door service. Your medical provider may also provide a

transfer service, so it is worth enquiring before booking.

Bus

Taking a bus can be the cheapest option, however journeys can be long and

uncomfortable, and you need to make sure that you will be suitable to travel long-

distance, especially on your return. You will probably need to arrange transfers from the

bus station to your accommodation once you arrive at your destination.

A Companion Travellers Guide to Medical

Tourism 14

A Companion Travellers Guide to Medical Tourism

It is common for patients travelling abroad to take a companion with them,

whether a medical professional, partner, friend or relative. Surgery can be a daunting

prospect for anyone, and especially for those

undergoing surgery abroad.

As the companion, you will need to be equally

prepared for travelling abroad with your friend or

relative.

Budgeting

While you are not paying for treatment, any trip can be expensive. It is important to outline all your costs in order to allow yourself time to save. Things you need to allow for include: Flights Visas Transport costs including transfers to and from the

airport, and to the medical facility or hotel. Accommodation – you may be allowed to stay on site with your friend or relative, but

usually you will have to rent a hotel for the duration of your stay. Personal time – you may not need to be with your friend or relative throughout the

whole stay, so may want to spend time sightseeing or doing activities. Food

Passport and visas

In some countries you need to have more than a year left on your passport

following your return date. Make sure your passport is up-to-date following the

guidelines of the specific country you are travelling to. Some countries also require a visa,

which you may need to pay for. Contact the relevant embassy a few weeks prior leaving

to find out if this is necessary.

Getting around

You will need to organise transfers both to and from the airport if not provided, and work out how you will get around while being away. You may be in walking distance to shops, or the medical facility, but if not you will need to organise transport – whether public or private hire.

Personal time

You may find that you have a good amount of time to yourself, while your friend or relative is undergoing their medical treatment. It may be worth organising some activities in advance to keep you occupied while you are away.

A Companion Travellers Guide to Medical

Tourism 15

Organising cover

You may need to organise someone to look after pets, or delay any regular deliveries.

Emotional support

While you are away, your friend or relative will mostly be in the hands of medical professionals. However, you must realise that they may be going through not only a physically strenuous time, but also mentally. They will need your emotional support, and this can be extremely demanding. Make sure that you are both in regular contact with friends and family back home, as this can help you both feel more relaxed in an unfamiliar environment, and it will help to talk to people who are not directly involved.

Looking after your friend or relative

If they are very ill, you may need to organise their trip as much as yours; this can include taking any relevant medical documents, organising travel, accommodation and attending all appointments. Make sure you are in touch with their medical provider and home doctor if this is the case, so you are aware of everything you need to take.

These are just a few pointers to get you started – however, these will vary

depending on the patient, and the type of treatment they are pursuing. Make sure you have talked through your responsibilities with your friend or relative before leaving, as well as their doctor, so you know what is expected of you while you are away.

Checklist: Before You Travel For Treatment

Abroad 16

Checklist: Before You Travel For Treatment Abroad

Once you have booked your medical procedure, you need to prepare for your

treatment abroad as soon as possible. We have prepared a short checklist so that you can

be certain you are as ready as you can be:

Check the paperwork

Make sure you have all the relevant paperwork you need (including contracts, confirmation of appointments, medical history and any other requests from your overseas provider), and that you have provided your local GP or doctor with a copy, so that they are fully aware of your medical procedure and what support they need to provide.

Give yourself time

Because of the savings available through medical tourism, many providers can become very busy. You will need to book in advance to ensure you and your specialist can coordinate your upcoming schedules, and that you can budget to save money if necessary.

Check you passport

Some countries insist that you have up to a year or more left on your passport following your arrival date, so it is important to hold a valid passport (rules change according to specific countries). If you need to renew or buy one, make sure you leave at least six weeks before travelling.

Visas

Some countries require you to obtain a visa before you travel. Sometimes these may be bought in the airport, but it is a good idea to contact the relevant embassy before travelling to arrange your visa if it is necessary.

Book your travel arrangements early

Generally the earlier you book, the better the deal - cheap deals can often be found online, along with other travel options. Don‟t forget to book transfers to and from the airport if they are not provided. (See: „Booking Travel for your Medical Tourism Trip‟)

Avoid school holidays if possible

These tend to be the most expensive times to travel, so if possible, try and avoid Christmas, Easter, summer holidays and half-terms.

Book time off work

If necessary you may need to take time off work – try and do this as early as possible to guarantee the right time slot for your employer and provider. Be aware that you may need time off to recover once you have returned home – your medical provider will discuss with you how long if necessary.

Checklist: Before You Travel For Treatment

Abroad 17

Accommodation

Does your medical provider offer accommodation or will you need to book elsewhere? If they do, enquire as to what type of room you will have, as you may need to share, or pay more to have a private room. For those travelling with a partner or friend, you need to check that they can stay with you if necessary.

Money

If you are staying on site for your treatment, food and drink should be included in the cost. However, you may still need to take some local currency. If not, you may need to budget for eating out, as well as any extra costs - for example transport, activities and tipping.

Personal time

You may find that you have some time to yourself before or after your procedure, so it is worth thinking about what you want or are able to do in your personal time.

Arrange cover

If you have pets you will need to organise someone to look after them, or perhaps delay milk or newspaper deliveries.

Coordinating with your Doctor 18

Coordinating with your Doctor

When heading abroad for a medical procedure, it is vitally important that you keep

your doctor informed of any treatment you are pursuing.

Seek professional advice

If you were recommended treatment by a medical professional, you need to talk

this through thoroughly with them, and explain the situation to your doctor so that they

are aware of any medical needs you may

have. They will help to advise you of who

may be a suitable practitioner, and what

may be the best form of treatment for you,

as many procedures can be performed in a

variety of ways.

Treatment abroad - as much as at

home - can vary between practitioners, so

it is important that you are going ahead

with the most appropriate option for your

individual needs. This is also the best time

to ask all the questions you have about

your treatment, and any worries you may

have, to both your medical provider and

your doctor. (See: „Key Questions to Ask

your Potential Doctor/Surgeon‟).

Conversely, if you are seeking

treatment abroad for cosmetic reasons, you

still need speak with your doctor. They can

advise you on your suitability and talk you

through all your options. They may also

advise you to seek counselling to discuss any type of surgery, especially those who are

considering gender reassignment surgery, or young women looking to have a breast

enlargement. This is not to try and stop you going ahead with any treatment, but to make

sure you are fully aware of any risks and have considered any potential long-term mental

and physical side-effects.

Medical history

Your chosen medical provider will need to know your medical history, so it is

important that you are aware of any problems you have had, or illnesses that may run in

the family, for example heart problems, diabetes and cancer.

Coordinating with your Doctor 19

It is always a good idea to ask your doctor to provide you with details of your

medical history (which may be asked for by your overseas medical provider anyway),

including paperwork from a recent check-up that will show your current state of health,

weight, blood type etc. This will allow your overseas medical practitioner to figure this

into any treatment, and will make your stay an easier experience. They may even ask for

documentation before you travel, and your doctor will need to be informed in order to

send off any necessary paperwork.

On returning home

Your doctor will need to be notified of how your medical procedure has gone, and

whether you need to receive any extended treatment on your return, so it is worth

booking an appointment before you leave, or as soon as you return. Your overseas

medical provider should inform you of any post-care treatment that is needed to aid your

recovery, and provide you with medical documents before you travel home. This may

include directions for prescriptions, undergoing physical therapy or counselling for

example.

It is imperative that you provide these documents to your doctor, especially in the

unforeseen circumstance that something may go wrong during your recovery at home.

Your medical provider may well send their own copy to your doctor, but it is important

that you ask for your own copy for your records.

International Accreditations - What Should I

look for? 20

International Accreditations - What Should I look for?

The myth of cheap deals

It is only normal to be slightly wary of „cheap deals‟ when looking for medical

treatments abroad. In countries such as the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom,

people are willing to pay high rates for private health care and

the „best‟ practitioners, meaning cost of services are pushed up

and sometimes only the very wealthy can afford these

treatments. Although the UK and Canada have Socialised

Health Services - which is free for most treatments - waiting

lists can be excessively long, and they do not cover certain

cosmetic procedures (for example porcelain veneers or breast

enlargement), unless there is a medical reason to do so.

Abroad, however, many medical providers offer cheaper

services due to several factors; these may include lower cost of living, cheap labour, lower

wages for medical staff and subsidised health care, so the „cheap deals‟ may actually come

from high-level practitioners offering quality services.

How can you be sure that you are dealing with a reliable and accredited

provider?

Before committing to any payment or treatment, there are several questions that

you need to ask your chosen medical provider.

1. What are your credentials?

Where did you receive your medical degree and training?

Where was your internship(s)?

Do you participate in continual education workshops?

2. How many patients do you see each month?

How many different types of treatment do you provide?

3. To what associations do you belong?

4. How many patients have you treated who have my condition?

Have they all been treated in the same way?

5. What are the fees for your initial consultation?

6. Can I call you directly before, during and after treatment?

International Accreditations - What Should I

look for? 21

Can I have access to your mobile phone number?

7. What medical and personal health records do you need to assess my condition and treatment needs?

8. Do you practise alone or with others in a clinic or hospital?

9. Who‟s holding the knife during my procedure? Do you do the surgery yourself, or do you have the assistants do the surgery?

10. Are you the physician who oversees my entire treatment, including pre-surgery, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy recommendations and post-surgery checkups?

Once you have asked these questions, you can begin to ascertain if your chosen

provider can offer you the quality of service and care you require, and at a reasonable

cost. These questions are a general guideline however, and you may have more in-depth

questions that you are keen to ask.

Pre and Post Trip Care 22

Pre and Post Trip Care

Pre treatment

Depending on your treatment, you

may be asked by your physician to

prepare yourself in advance; for example

you may need to undertake certain

exercises, stop smoking, take a course of

medication or go on a special diet prior to

your operation. This can be imperative in

aiding the course of surgery and recovery

overall.

For instance, patients seeking

LASIK eye surgery are not allowed to

wear contact lenses for two weeks prior

to surgery, and not doing so could result

in a very expensive and wasted trip. For

smokers, wounds can take a lot longer to

heal, and it is advised that you stop

before any surgery to reduce recovery

time and risks.

It is really important that you

understand what is expected of you, and

have everything either on email or a hard

document, so that if there are any complications when you arrive, you know you have

followed all the instructions of your provider and therefore will not have breached any

contract.

Post treatment

Be as prepared as you can be following any surgery or treatment. Make sure you

have spoken to the medical staff and know what to expect in terms of side-effects. You

may be in some discomfort and being away from home can be difficult during these

times, but if you are prepared for what to expect it will save you worry. However, if

anything does not feel quite right or you are suffering unexpected symptoms, you must

tell your physician straight away, as complications can occur and may need immediate

attention.

Make sure you always stick to your doctor‟s advice; they are only there to help you

recover and to get you home and feeling well as soon as possible. If you do not take

Pre and Post Trip Care 23

prescribed medication, or perhaps avoid doing physical therapy sessions, you will only

prolong your recovery period, and may even cause serious - and possibly irreparable -

damage to yourself.

As when arriving for your treatment, make sure you have all the necessary

documentation when you leave hospital, including test results, prescriptions, exit papers

necessary for leaving the country, insurance forms, x-rays and photographs and other

instructions.

It is important that you inform your local doctor or GP of any of these medical

requirements and present them with a copy of your paperwork, so that they can support

you as much as possible both before and after your treatment.

How to Make the Most of

AllMedicalTourism.com 24

How to Make the Most of AllMedicalTourism.com

Our goal at AllMedicalTourism.com is to provide a trusted and impartial source of health information for consumers - regardless of procedure and destination choices. We understand that patients are looking abroad for better value, faster turnaround times or higher quality alternatives for healthcare and treatments than are available in their country. However, with the wealth of information available online, sometimes searching for the right treatment and provider can be a daunting task.

AllMedicalTourism.com is a search engine to help you through this process by putting your needs as the patient, first. It's free and easy to use with absolutely no obligations, and everything is done in three simple steps, helping you to save time and money while optimising your choice of location and desired procedure. 1. Search and compare medical treatments and options

Simply find your originating country from the first drop-down menu, choose the type of procedure you are interested in and then the specific procedure itself, and finally click „search‟. For example if you are from Canada and interested in having facelift surgery, you would choose: Canada –> Cosmetic Surgery -> Facelift Alternatively, if you were from Austria and considering having porcelain veneers: Austria -> Dental -> Porcelain Veneers

2. Compare options

A list of treatments from a variety of countries will then appear on your screen, offering you price comparisons and reviews. Select the countries you would like to compare and click on „Find Providers Now!‟ 3. Find quotes

Simply fill in your name and email, and we will supply you with an impartial list of quotations from potential medical providers. You can then contact these providers directly and ask them any questions you may have, before decided who is right for you. (See „Key Questions to Ask your Potential Doctor/Surgeon‟).

Come and try us now!

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References

McKinsey & Company., 2008. Effectively Characterizing Medical Travel: Current and Potential

State Available from: http://McKinseyQuarterly.com.

Woodman, F., 2007. Patients Beyond Borders.

Deloitte Development LLC. “Medical Tourism: Consumers in Search of Travel” 2007