Do and Don't

Before Traveling

Do plan in advance  

The medical tourists should plan in advance as soon as it is possible, especially during peak season (between November to March) so as to have access to specialized doctors, reasonable-price air fares and accommodations. If it is possible, you should plan your itinerary at least three months before your actual departure. In case that you are worried about changes in your travel plan, please try to get your air tickets with flexible terms with your airlines or travel agencies.

Do research on the diagnoses and treatments

The more you understand the required treatments, the more easily you will find appropriate physicians. You will then be able to consult to your doctors to make sure you have the right recommendations. You should inquire medical recommendations in writing if possible. Get to know doctors who will be responsible for your case by inquiring with relevant officers. It is important that you have the peace of mind that you are getting the best treatments available.

Don’t trust data sources on the Internet, not entirely anyway

Data search via internet is a good preliminary method to acquire data. However, you should not fully trust the data retrieved from sources on the Internet. You should verify your findings with other data sources, including journal articles, books, newspapers, magazines, and your travel agencies. 

Do have travel companions

Many medical tourists say they will not be admitted to a hospital unless they are accompanied. You will find friends and family of great help in every step of the trip. You can even have a good time together in the trip.

Do choose accredited medical facilities where you can communicate

English-speaking travelers will find it convenient to get medical services in JCI-accredited hospitals where English is spoken by hospital staff and doctors. When communication is great, you can rest assured that everything else will go smooth.

Do get everything prepared in writing  

Where possible, your expense estimates, appointment, certificates, recommendations, airline itinerary, accommodation reservations, etc should be prepared in writing. Documents help minimize errors. Take all relevant documents with you when you travel.

 Don’t make hasty plans

An unplanned change, missed appointment, or prolonged recovery time could cost a lot more. These cases will incur extra charges in changing your flights or extend your stay. If you expect a recovery period of 5 days, please allow a grace period of 1 day. As a rule of thumb, please add 1 day allowance to every 5 days of planned recovery/treatment time.

Do notify your banks and credit card companies

You should contact your banks and credit card companies before departure to inform them of your travel dates and destinations. If you plan to spend a large amount of money out of the credit limits, it is advisable to get your limits raised before hand to prevent credit suspension.

Do acquire details about your medical doctors

This is most important when you plan to get medical treatment abroad. When you have shortlisted 2-3 candidate doctors, do spend some time discussing with each of them over the phone. Ask as many questions as you can come up with, and clear all doubts before you choose your doctor.

Do choose a reliable travel agent for your medical trip

Even the most adventurous and bravest tourist would eventually benefit from insights, experience, and convenience available through travel agents. Please choose wisely before signing the contract.