Before You Travel
By: Source: Bulletin Date Posted:
1. Research, research, research. Read articles, do Internet searches and talk to people who've been treated abroad. Examine the credentials, licensing and success rates of prospective doctors. Check hospital accreditations and how many relevant procedures they perform annually. Confirm prices. If you're having an implant, check the device's safety record.
2. Consider working with a health travel agency that can find you quality medical sources and coordinate a trip. Keep in mind that such agencies aren't regulated as health care professionals, and they may receive fees from participating hospitals.
3. Enlist the advice and support of your doctors at home.
4. Gather medical records you'll need—drug lists, test results, etc.—and find out what records you'll need to bring back home.
5. Travel with an "advocate"—a spouse or close friend.
6. If you're insured, check to see if your overseas treatment will be covered.
7. Contact (by phone, e-mail or mail) the hospital where you intend to seek treatment. Interview your prospective doctor—make sure that you can communicate easily with him or her.
8. Find a destination where you'll feel comfortable being treated and recuperating. Local culture affects everything from food to bedside manner to hospital management.
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