Getting treatment abroad Planning procedures
Talk to the clinician who will carry out your procedure
People have told us that they often travel overseas for treatment to save money, sometimes known as 'health tourism.' But glossy websites, brochures and sales talk can often hide the important details that could help you avoid problems.
For example, although surgery in any country carries a risk, you're unlikely to get the same protection abroad as you do in the UK.
Problems can range from patients being discharged too quickly after major operations to facing unexpected costs, so thorough research is a must.
Key questions
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Who will assess me before, during and after the procedure?
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What are the risks?
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What does the treatment involve?
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Am I well enough to travel?
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What does your quote include and what else might I need to pay for?
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Will I pay in a lump sum or stages and when? By credit card or in cash?
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Can I be refunded if I decide not to go ahead or am not suitable for treatment?
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Can I see evidence of professional registration and monitoring of my clinicians and the clinic?
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What are the qualifications and experience of my clinicians, including specialist knowledge?
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What are the clinicians’ and clinic’s rates of success, complication, readmission and infection?
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What are your facilities for my particular treatment?
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What insurance do you have?
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Are staff fluent in English? If not, when will translators be available?
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What happens in an emergency?
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Where will I stay after treatment?
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What care and recovery time might I need after the procedure and at home?
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When might I fly home safely?
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What happens if I am unhappy with the results? Who pays for extra flights, hotel and remedial work?
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Can I have copies of the cost plan, treatment plan, contract, guarantee, complaints procedure and record of the treatment?
Research your treatment
Try to speak to the clinician who’ll treat you and visit the clinic before you agree to treatment. Some companies with no UK base offer free consultations if you’re prepared to travel. A company should ask for your medical history in advance, and it would be good practice to communicate with your UK clinician.
If you don’t have a consultation before your procedure, you may be expected to consent to treatment quickly without a ‘cooling-off’ period. Read documents carefully, and say if you need more time to consider the treatment.
If you’re unsure of what to expect, speak to a UK clinician who may also give you advice on finding useful organisations in your chosen country. Patient groups online might also help with personal recommendations and questions to ask.
Aftercare
Aftercare, such as physiotherapy, won’t always be part of your treatment package, so check what you’ll need and what is provided. Also remember that your follow-up care may not be provided by the NHS back home.
A treatment guarantee is good to have, but check the terms carefully. Your guarantee might be dependent on you having follow-up appointments at the same clinic.
Make sure there’s clear agreement about what happens in the event of problems and emergencies, and know your legal rights.
Always ask for general advice on recovery, including dos and don’ts, equipment needed and reviews required by a clinician.
Prepare for all outcomes
Chances are your treatment will be fine, but plan with potential problems in mind.
And before you sign up at all, Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal College of GPs, advises you to consider all options and alternatives to any chosen treatment.
He says: ‘People should consider the whole treatment experience, from initial planning to the care needed months after. This is particularly challenging with complex surgery, and overseas treatment may not always be the right choice in such cases.’
