Medical tourism is a popular trend that not only saves money and treats but makes it possible to travel and explore new cultures.
But no matter what are your reasons to travel abroad to get medical assistance — to treat a serious disease or improve your appearance, keep in mind that this trip is still associated with your health. And there could not be over cautiousness.
Here are 10 tips to make your medical trip safe and secure.
Make Sure the Hospital You Have Chosen Is Certified
Typically, hospitals indicate what certificates and awards they have, what kinds of therapies and procedures they provide, so you can easily check if the medical team provides treatments corresponding to international healthcare standards and guidelines.
Use Websites That Provide Reliable Information
These are supported by the local and International Medical Tourism Associations and International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ).
Request Assistance at Online Medical Tourism Platforms
They aim to help a patient contact the right hospital and doctor quickly and in real-time. Some of them, as Bookimed.com, state they provide patients with comprehensive assistance 24/7 including medical records translating, hotel booking, and logistics support with no fee.
Collect Information
There are no daft questions when it comes to your health. Ask your medical agent, ask hospital representatives, ask your doctor everything you are worried about.
Read Reviews
It’s crucial to read stories of real patients who have undergone treatments and procedures in a particular medical facility. Read reviews on the hospital page, social media, independent platforms and resources as trustpilot.com. Don’t be shy to contact a person who has shared the experience if you have any doubts or need more information.
Know Your Rights
A medical tourist has a right to have necessary and reliable information about the rules of entry into the country of temporary stay and the departure from the country, treatment, and its prices, a right to keep medical confidentiality, a right to have a reliable medical tourism agent.
Don’t Lie
Never hide these facts from your doctor even if it’s very awkward telling the truth:
- Your medical history, especially surgeries
- Your age
- Food habits and eating disorders
- Medications, vitamins, dietary supplements you are taking
- Vicious habits
- Depression and mood changes
- Sexual history
This information will help your physician to minimize the risks of treatments and healing.
Don’t Do This Alone
Tell your family and friends. Let one of them accompany you during your visit to the medical center and be your “supportive group.” Any healthcare issues, long-distance itself, new place with new faces are quite stressful and you definitely need someone who can go through it with you.
Read About the Country and Locals
A new country is always a place out of a comfort zone. Still, make sure you know the basic rules of behavior in a new environment. Especially if you go for treatment to the United Arab Emirates. Find out what is the native language of the local citizens, if they speak English so you have no language barrier with your doctor.
Consider Associated Risks
For some tourists, it’s quite hard to adapt to another climate zone. Huge temperature swings can be a real challenge for people with cardiovascular disease or those who require orthopedic surgery. Hot temperatures significantly accelerate insulin absorption as well. And frequent climate zones change can contribute to a weakening of the immune system in general.
Think of infectious disease danger. It is no coincidence that entry to some countries is permitted only after strictly prescribed vaccination.
But now when everything is digitized, patients are smart enough to not be fooled, flights are safe and travel arrangements are transparent, just use your wits — and everything is going to be awesome. Take care!
