Take a look at the destinations for treatment abroad. Each country varies in terms of savings, costs and areas of surgical specialty. The US and UK healthcare systems have the long standing reputation of excellence in diagnosis, best medical treatment, surgery, and nursing care. Within Europe, Poland and Hungary are popular destinations for low cost dentistry, Belgium for cosmetic and elective surgery, and France attracts patients for obesity surgery, orthopaedic and heart surgery.
Find out if the intended procedure is available in your chosen country. There are different types of healthcare providers from major hospitals to smaller clinics and private practices, so decide which you would prefer, and whether you want to deal directly with the provider, or go through a company working as a medical tourism tour operator (an agent or broker), who will arrange the full trip abroad, putting you in touch with recommended health providers and organising your medical care, accommodation and travel within a lump-sum package.
If you are going directly to the provider make initial contact via their website or by telephone to enquire about the surgery you are interested in.
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Ask for some literature and brochures detailing more information about costs and the surgeon’s professional background etc,.
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Find out what services are available for Arabic speaking patients – the availability of interpreter services, special diets etc
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Find out all you can about the hospital/clinic’s reputation - the more you know, the more prepared you are, which can also be obtained from the providers’ websites
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Ask if initial consultations and follow up’s can be done in your country as some doctors come to the Arab countries periodically to visit patients. If so, check whether the consultation will be with the same surgeon who will perform the operation, or with a nurse or advisor. Seeing the surgeon / dentist for a consultation locally will give you a better understanding of what is involved and a good consultation will inform you of what the surgeon believes are the best procedures for you and go over the possible risks and complications.
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If it is possible ask to speak to the consultant on the phone or email and ask as many questions as you like. Have your medical history to hand when you do so.
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Check whether after the operation you will stay in the hospital or be discharged and taken to a hotel; ask about special care or assistance after the procedure and about contingency plans in case of complications during the procedure or recovery time.
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Do they recommend having a close friend or family member travel with you to provide support?
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Find out when the country’s high season is so that you can avoid exorbitant flight prices and enjoy more moderate weather.
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Read up on local costs, the prices of meals, transport and hotels, how easy is it to travel around and whether it is considered safe to do so. Your Foreign Office website may help with this and provide tips on travelling.
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