5 Practical Tips to Prepare for Surgery Abroad

No matter the treatment you need, or where you travel to get it done, we know that you want to be in best hands.

Choosing a foreign destination for your medical treatment, let alone the hospital or the doctor, can get really confusing, and you might not know where to start.

In order to help you make the right decision, we prepared a list of 5 practical tips: from researching destinations to packing your suitcase, our guide can help you plan your medical travel from start to finish.

1. Plan ahead

Take the time to organize your medical travel well in advance: this way you’ll be able to gather all the information you need to make an informed decision.

• Research popular destinations. Countries like Mexico, India, or Turkey offer really convenient rates for medical treatments, but we recommend against going for the cheapest option solely because of price. It is paramount that you double check that the doctor and the clinic you are considering are certified or accredited by a renowned authority in medical care, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI). The good news is that Qunomedical has already done all the legwork for you and offers only clinics and hospitals worldwide that are JCI-accredited or that have received the highest national certification. You can be sure that booking through Qunomedical will allow you to choose among highly specialized and accredited facilities at the best rates available online.

• Get informed about the treatment. Whether it be cosmetic, orthopedic, or oral surgery, it is important to be well-informed about the treatment you’ll undergo, including a thorough understanding of what the procedure involves. Find out as much as you can online, and talk to your doctor or dentist about any specific questions, or to get an expert opinion about how suitable you are for the surgery. You can also contact our Health Managers--they will be happy to give you all the information you need and to organize a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors!

• Check visa requirements. Once you’ve picked your destination, check if you need a visa to travel there and apply for it in advance. It may take up to a few weeks to get all the travel documents you need, and in some cases, you might need to apply for a medical visa, which entails other specific requirements. Make sure you know exactly what documents you need and apply for them in a timely manner.

2. Keep your medical history updated

When choosing a hospital, you’ll be asked to provide detailed information about your medical history. Make sure that your medical records are up-to-date and, if possible, get some copies to bring with you. Don’t forget to also list any allergies you may have and medications that you are taking, including vitamins and supplements.

You should also get informed about what vaccinations are needed for the country you plan to travel to, and don’t forget to check whether all of your boosters are up-to-date.

3. Talk to your doctor and health insurance provider

Your doctor, or dentist, can provide you with a valuable second opinion when making your decision. They can also provide you with advice about treatment options and tell you whether they are necessary or suitable for you. Feel free to talk to them and ask as many questions as you can--it is crucial that you feel confident about the treatment you plan to undergo.

Depending on your country of residence as well as your insurance provider, you might be eligible to get partially refunded for the treatment costs. Check this possibility with your insurance provider and ask about the process to get reimbursed for the amount agreed upon. Do not forget to obtain your medical record while abroad, and bring back copies to give to your local doctor or dentist, including a description of the procedure(s) you underwent, information about medications you received, and the results of medical tests.

4. Plan sufficient 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.

Recovery times vary greatly, depending on the procedure you’ll undergo. Make sure you plan enough time off, and get informed in advance about how much time you’ll need to spend at the clinic before and after surgery, and when it is advisable to travel back home.

5. Pack wisely

Once everything is booked and you are ready to jet off, there is still one thing missing: packing your suitcase! To make things easier for you, we prepared a list of things you should not forget to pack for your medical travel:

• Personal documents

  you will need your personal documents to travel, so make sure you have them on hand at all times, as you may need to show both your personal ID and visa multiple times during your travel.

• Tickets and emergency numbers

  have your boarding pass printed or ready on your mobile phone. Do not forget to also print your treatment confirmation. When you book with Qunomedical, you will receive a detailed treatment confirmation, including hospital contacts, emergency numbers and addresses, so you do not have to worry about collecting this information yourself. The hospital may also require an emergency contact that the staff is able to reach at any time.

• Medical history

  before traveling, your doctor will discuss and clarify your medical history with you. Nevertheless, it is recommended to make some copies of your medical records, so that your surgeon will get a complete overview of your medical history.

• Comfortable clothes

  check the weather forecasts in your destination country before traveling and pack accordingly. As for any medical travel, it is also advisable to bring comfortable clothes for your hospital stay.

• City guide

  many patients traveling abroad for medical purposes decide to take advantage of the opportunity to stay longer and make a holiday out of their medical travel. If you choose to do the same, don’t forget to pack a city guide to go around the city you’re visiting. Qunomedical currently offers medical travel guides with useful health tips and suggestions.

Why plan your travel with Qunomedical?

Still puzzled? We are here to help you! Qunomedical will help you find your destination among a wide range of clinics and hospitals around the world, and get you ready for your medical treatment abroad.

These are just a few of the benefits you’ll get with Qunomedical:

✓ You’ll find the best hospitals worldwide in one place - we do the legwork for you! ✓ You’ll get the best price online, as well as the highest quality. ✓ Your travel will be as worry-free as possible - we are available 24/7 and we will be there every step of the way. ✓ You’ll get the final, real price, and no hidden costs!

Contact us now to get your free quote or more information!