Medical tourism involves traveling to a different place to receive a treatment to an ailment, disease, or condition. Now more and more people are taking treatments outside their place of residence, be it for some health related treatment/surgery, or for cosmetic surgeries. But before you set out for such journey, it is important to consider some points for high quality and stress free medical treatment. If you plan properly, it will benefit you greatly and you will return back fully satisfied. Here are some dos and don’ts that you should consider before setting out for medical tourism:
Do’s
1. Do proper research
Before going for a medical treatment abroad, you should first find out whether the treatment you want to take is cut out for you. You can consult your local doctor, and take his opinion. Compare the cost of treatment abroad with that of treatment locally, and the advantages you will get by taking the treatment abroad. Take an informed decision.
2. Do ask about qualifications and training of the surgeon
Don’t take decision by only considering advertisements and information given on internet websites. Look out for patient ratings, testimonials, and additional information from other sources before deciding about your doctor. You can take help of your local doctor, as well as you insurance company for advice on your doctor as well as on treatment that you will take abroad. Nowadays many insurance companies are taking interest in medical tourism and collect information about many hospitals in various countries. They will surely help you, as they will not like you to have some complications later on which they might have to deal with.
3. Do plan ahead
You should plan your trip in advance. Good surgeons are very busy. Take prior appointments, date and time of surgery etc. Book in advance the hotel room for your stay before and after surgery. Ask the hospital about aftercare stay in the hospital.
4. Do check your insurance coverage
Check with your insurance agency about their coverage plan for overseas treatment. Also ask them how they will deal with post care complications, if they arise. Get the clear picture of how your insurance company will handle your treatment abroad.
5. Do check your finances
Consult a financial planner and plan in advice how you will make your payments. Who will be responsible to pay the bills if something unthinkable such as a complication or death happens during or after your treatment?
Don’ts
1. Don’t cut costs
Don’t choose the cheapest doctor for your treatment. You should choose the best. Don’t be in a hurry to return back after treatment. Take full advantage of medical attention available after surgery, and return after you are fully satisfied with your recovery. Take advice of doctor before your return journey.
2. Don’t take unnecessary treatments
Sometimes doctors may suggest many more treatments. You do not go for medical tourism often. This does not mean that you get pressurized and agree for various procedures in a hurry. If you have any doubt, you have every right to take second opinion.
Take advice from medical tourism companies, and take a well researched decision so that you have a stress free experience.
