After the initial enquiry phone call or email has been made, and a formal quote for treatment received, the next step is the consultation process, to assess whether a patient is a good candidate for the procedure(s) requested. A consultation is also a good opportunity to learn about anything the surgeon requires you to do beforehand, such as lose weight or take certain vitamins to help the recovery process. With dentistry for example, it’s normal that digital photos and x-rays are all the consultant sees until the patient arrives and pictures don’t always show exactly what is going on, so a pre-consultation process with a local surgeon will not only help provide extra information to the surgeon abroad but make the patient's consultation more accurate.
Check that you have a valid passport. If it needs renewing pick up an application form and apply to your Passport Office. Check also whether you will need a medical visa to visit the country, how long this lasts and whether you can get it upon arrival or if it should be pre-arranged. Many providers/brokers will help and advise on visas and passport matters as part of their service. Make sure you take photocopies of your passport, visa and other documentation and keep them separate to your hand luggage and leave details of where you are going with someone at home. Don’t forget to take the contact details of someone in your home country who can be contacted in case of emergency.
Familiarise yourself with your chosen country’s culture and customs, what are the local customs, religions and etiquette? Is it customary to tip, and if so, how much?
It’s a good idea to purchase some local currency in advance and take either traveler cheques or credit cards which can be used to withdraw money from local ATMs.
Find out what clothing will be appropriate and make a list of some of the tourist attractions you might want to visit.
You should also consider personal safety, check with your Foreign Office, go in person or browse the website for any risks in the country you are visiting that you should be made aware of, and whether you can drink the local water or will need necessary vaccinations.
With major operations plan recreational activities such as diving, surfing, hiking, safari tours, or taking a road trip before the procedure because time to relax and recover will be needed afterwards.
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