9 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR MEDICAL TOURISM JOURNEY
Medical tourism, traveling to another country for medical care, is increasingly becoming popular worldwide. Millions of people choose medical tourism each year to seek affordable treatment, access procedures not available in their home countries, or receive care from clinicians who share their native culture and language.
It is important to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful well-being experience.
When planning your medical tourism journey, here are 9 guidelines that stand out as the most important:
RESEARCH THE DOCTOR AND CLINIC
Thoroughly research the qualifications of the doctor who will be performing the procedure and the credentials of the clinic/hospital where it will take place.
Look for accreditations from reputable organizations such as Joint Commission International and DNV GL International Accreditation for Hospitals.
GET A PRETRAVEL CONSULTATION
Visit your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinician at least 4-6 weeks before your trip for a pretravel consultation. Discuss general information for healthy travel and specific risks associated with your health status, the procedure, and travel before and after the procedure.
Obtain international travel health insurance that covers risk of any complication that could happen after you arrive home.
MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORDS
Bring copies of your medical records, including lab test results and other relevant documents related to your condition and care. 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 FOLLOW-UP CARE
Before traveling, identify where you will be staying immediately after the procedure and ensure that you can receive any necessary follow-up care in your home country.
Understand the potential financial costs of follow-up care 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
Ensure that 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 YOUR MEDICATIONS AND AFTERCARE PRODUCTS
Pack any essential medications, including 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 after care products such as wound dressings, gauze, scissors, band-aids, and over-the-counter medications. Being prepared with these items can save money and ensure your comfort 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.
Consider packing essential items from home (pillows, slippers, and bed linens) for 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 AVAILABLE
Prepare a list of emergency contact information, including the names, phone numbers, and addresses of your doctors, the hospital, hotel, and other important destinations.
Having this information easily accessible can help you seek assistance in case of emergencies, especially in countries where you may face language barriers.
CONSIDER BRINGING TRAVEL COMPANION
Whenever possible, it’s good to 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 case of emergencies.
By following these guidelines, you can prioritize your health and well-being throughout the entire journey, from planning to recovery.
HOW DOKUZ HEALTH CAN SUPPORT YOU
Dokuz Health is an all-in-one digital platform, allowing you to take control of your own trip by finding your own doctor, booking your travel, and purchasing insurance – all through our free user-friendly app. Trust us to help you make your healthcare journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you are looking for a smooth well being journey, Dokuz Health specialists are here to help you through your entire process 24/7/365.
