Health Tourism News

So, you’ve decided to go offshore for your surgery or for medical treatment. Good for you. But now you are stumped about how to go about it. Fret no more. You can look up the internet for a host of companies that offer this service.

Most companies that are involved in medical tourism follow some basic procedures. We are going to broadly outline the process followed by most medical tourism service providers, so that you get a general idea about how this works. However, keep in mind the fact that the nuances may wary from company to company.

Step 1: Fill up an online estimate form. The websites of medical tourism service providers usually have an estimate form. You can fill in the form with details of the surgery that you need to undergo, the country of your choice, etc. The medical tourism company usually responds with a cost estimate within 24-48 hours. The estimate usually contains details about the packages offered by the company, the approximate cost, etc. Based on this information, you can decide if the company meets your own unique needs.

Step2: If you decide to utilize the services of the company, then, they would require you to fill out a detailed medical questionnaire which is then sent to the physicians for a review. You may need to include medical transcripts, scans, x-rays, etc. Most companies would take care of digitalization and transfer of documents.

Step 3: The Company contacts the hospital and arranges for physicians to review your medical condition. The hospital, then, provides the company with an exact cost estimate, treatment options, details about the surgery and the various procedures involved.

Step 4: The Company forwards the information provided by the hospital along with the hospital credentials, the physicians’ resume, testimonials, the city profile, travel plans and tourism opportunities, etc.

Step 5: Once you have decided on the treatment option, the company arranges for you to have discussions with your physician through emails or through a teleconference. Some companies expect you to give a small amount as an advance to confirm your trip.

Step 6: The Company prepares the itinerary, arranges for visa, books flights, arranges travel insurance, international calling cards, cell phones at destination, vaccinations, dietary preferences, complete hospital stay, accommodation before and after surgery, vacation in desired location and so on.

Step 7: You take the flight and reach your destination. Most companies provide you with an option of a Destination Personal Assistant (DPA) who will meet you at the airport and escort you around throughout your stay. She will be fluent in English and will be on call