How to Prepare For Getting Medical Treatment Abroad
There is no such thing as “too prepared”, especially when it comes to medical care. If you are one of the thousands of Canadians choosing to seek medical care abroad, it’s not as easy as just hopping on a plane. Before travelling outside of your home country it’s important to be prepared, not only for the procedure itself but for the days following and when you return home.
Getting ready for planned medical treatments happens in stages. There are things to do as early as six weeks out from your departure date, right up until the date of your procedure. Stay on top of things with a quick guide to the major considerations before travelling for healthcare services.
Seeking Medical Services Abroad: Getting Ready for Your Trip
The first step to seeking medical care outside of your home country is to select your desired medical team and facilities. The best way to do this is with the help of a reputable medical tourism agency. Once the concrete medical details of your travel are completed there are still a few things to do.
Collect & Copy Medical Records: Get detailed records of your latest medical records, as well as for the past couple of years, as they pertain to your treatment. This should include lab results, x-rays, scans and imaging reports, a list of any medications that you have been prescribed, and any diagnosis from your family doctor and/or specialists. Make copies of all these documents, both to take with you and at least one copy to keep at home with your emergency contact. Many physicians and nursing staff can read and write English but it’s a good idea to have necessary documents translated whenever possible.
Contact Your Health Insurance Provider: With the increasing popularity of medical tourism, many insurance providers are offering coverage to patients who choose to travel abroad for their treatments. By discussing your travel plans and the desired course of treatment with your insurance agency, you can be prepared for any limitations or prior authorization requirements. Patients can also ask about their options for purchasing additional coverage from their provider or if their coverage plan can be combined with other travel insurance agencies.
Consult With Your Doctor: Your family doctor will be able to inform you about possible risks associated with your treatments. Ask about pre-travel vaccinations or preemptively collect any prescriptions that you might run out of while travelling. Your doctor will be able to give you an idea of what to expect before, during and after a surgical procedure. Not all medications are permitted in all countries. Check with your doctor to make sure that all of your current prescriptions are legal in your destination country.
Research Local Healthcare Systems: Not all medical facilities function in the same way. Before travelling it’s a good idea to do a bit of research, or better yet, ask your medical tourism agent! By understanding how things operate you can simplify your procedures and protect yourself.
Compile Travel Documents and Important Information: Even if you are travelling with a companion, it’s a good idea to assign an emergency contact at home. Create a quick and simple guide for who to contact and the best way to reach them. Let your emergency contact know that you’ve chosen them before leaving. It’s also a good idea to carry contact information for your doctor and any national resources that you might need.
Organize Additional Help Where Necessary: It’s important to understand the recovery period following surgery. In some cases, your mobility will be impacted and it will be easier to bring a travel companion who can help you in the first days following a procedure.
Please note that that every patient is unique and these guides should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
