Medical tourism guide: Step 8

Prepare before you fly

The essential checklist

• Check you have a valid passport – and be aware that some countries require at least six month’s expiry time on a passport.

• Find out if you need a visa – this is often organised for you by the treatment provider or agency.

• Check you have valid travel insurance. It’s usually organised for you if you use the clinic’s agency to book your flights or accommodation. But if you travel independently, however, you will have to book your own insurance.

• Do a weather check before you fly so you take the right clothing for the time of year at your destination.

• If you’re planning on sightseeing, take a guidebook with you.

• A small amount of local currency can be useful for drinks and tips etc. It’s often simplest to withdraw this from an ATM on your arrival with a debit or Visa card.

• Finally, if you’re going for major surgery, inform your usual physician in your home country of your plans.

10 Steps to Successful Treatment Overseas