A comprehensive step-by-step checklist for medical tourists — from initial research to post-treatment follow-up. Print this out and check off each item for a smooth journey.
Planning medical treatment abroad involves dozens of decisions and details. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from your first research steps to post-treatment follow-up back home. Bookmark this page or print it out — checking off each item will help ensure a safe and successful medical tourism experience.
Research Phase (6–8 Weeks Before)
This is the most critical phase. Thorough research now prevents problems later.
- 1Get a diagnosis from your local doctor — Have a confirmed diagnosis and recommended treatment plan before looking abroad.
- 2Research 3–5 hospitals in 2–3 countries — Don't put all eggs in one basket. Compare across countries and hospitals.
- 3Verify hospital accreditation — JCI, NABH, or equivalent international accreditation is non-negotiable for complex procedures.
- 4Check surgeon credentials — Google the surgeon's name + publications, conference presentations, and patient reviews.
- 5Request a video consultation — Most international hospitals offer free or low-cost virtual consultations. This is your chance to assess communication quality.
- 6Get a written treatment plan with cost breakdown — Surgeon fees, hospital stay, anesthesia, medications, implants/devices, and post-op care should all be itemized.
- 7Ask about success rates — Request the hospital's specific outcome data for your procedure, not just general statistics.
- 8Read patient reviews and testimonials — Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and medical tourism forums. Contact past patients if possible.
Planning Phase (4–6 Weeks Before)
- 9Compile and share medical records — Lab reports, imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), current medications, allergies, and surgical history.
- 10Apply for medical visa — India's e-Medical Visa takes 3–5 days. Turkey offers visa on arrival for most nationalities. Plan early.
- 11Book flights — Book flexible/refundable tickets. Leave at least 1 day between arrival and surgery for pre-op assessments.
- 12Arrange accommodation — Book a hotel near the hospital for pre-op and post-discharge stay. Many hospitals have attached guest houses or partnered hotels.
- 13Purchase travel medical insurance — Ensure it covers surgical complications, emergency evacuation, and extended stay if needed.
- 14Arrange a travel companion — For major surgeries, having a companion is essential. They can communicate with doctors and help during recovery.
- 15Confirm payment methods — International wire transfer, credit card, or hospital's preferred method. Ask about deposit requirements.
- 16Inform your local doctor — Let your GP know about your plans. Request a referral letter if required.
- 17Start pre-surgical prep — Follow any instructions from the overseas surgeon: stop certain medications, begin exercises, dietary changes.
Pre-Travel (1–2 Weeks Before)
- 18Create a medical folder — Physical and digital copies of: diagnosis, doctor letter, lab reports, imaging CDs, insurance documents, and prescriptions.
- 19Pack comfortable recovery clothes — Loose-fitting, front-opening shirts (for cardiac/shoulder surgery), slip-on shoes, and comfortable travel wear.
- 20Set up international phone/data — You'll need to communicate with the hospital, patient coordinator, and home. Get a local SIM or international roaming plan.
- 21Confirm airport transfer — Most international hospitals offer free or paid airport pickup. Confirm this is arranged.
- 22Notify your bank — Inform them of international travel to prevent card blocks. Know your daily ATM withdrawal limit.
- 23Prepare power of attorney — For major procedures, designate someone to make medical decisions if you're unable to. This is a precaution, not an expectation.
- 24Arrange affairs at home — Work leave, pet care, mail hold, bill payments. For major surgery, plan for 4–8 weeks of reduced activity.
During Treatment
- 25Attend all pre-operative consultations — Meet your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nursing team. Ask every question you have — there are no silly questions.
- 26Complete pre-op tests — Blood work, ECG, imaging. The hospital may repeat tests even if you brought reports from home.
- 27Review and sign consent forms — Read them carefully. Ask for translation if not in your language. Understand the risks documented.
- 28Confirm the cost estimate — Get a final written cost estimate before surgery. Clarify what's included and what's extra.
- 29Follow post-op instructions exactly — Medication schedule, wound care, activity restrictions. If unsure, ask the nursing staff.
- 30Keep a daily recovery journal — Note symptoms, pain levels, medications taken. This is invaluable for follow-up care.
- 31Attend all physiotherapy sessions — If applicable. Early rehab dramatically improves outcomes for joint and cardiac surgery.
Post-Treatment & Travel Home
- 32Collect your discharge summary — In English, with: diagnosis, procedure performed, implant details (if any), medications, and follow-up instructions.
- 33Get imaging CDs — Post-treatment X-rays, CT scans, or MRI on a CD/USB to share with your doctor at home.
- 34Get prescriptions for your home country — With generic drug names (not brand names) so your local pharmacy can fill them.
- 35Attend final follow-up appointment — Before leaving the country, have a final check-up. Get surgeon clearance to fly.
- 36Get itemized bill and receipt — For insurance claims and tax deduction purposes (medical expenses may be tax-deductible in your country).
- 37Exchange doctor contact details — Get your surgeon's email and WhatsApp for post-travel questions. Confirm the teleconsultation follow-up schedule.
- 38Wear compression stockings on the flight — Especially after orthopedic or cardiac surgery. Move regularly during the flight.
Back Home Follow-up
- 39See your local doctor within 1 week — Share the discharge summary, imaging, and medications. Establish local follow-up care.
- 40Continue prescribed medications — Don't stop any medication without consulting both your overseas surgeon and local doctor.
- 41Continue physiotherapy — Find a local physiotherapist and share the rehab protocol from the overseas hospital.
- 42Attend scheduled teleconsultations — Keep all virtual follow-up appointments with your overseas surgeon (typically at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months).
- 43Watch for warning signs — Fever, increasing pain, wound redness/discharge, breathing difficulty, or leg swelling warrant immediate medical attention.
- 44File insurance claims — Submit itemized bills, discharge summary, and proof of payment. Some insurers have specific forms for overseas treatment.
- 45Leave a review — Your experience helps future patients make informed decisions. Leave honest reviews on Google and medical tourism platforms.
- 46Keep all documents for 5+ years — Medical records, imaging, bills, and correspondence. You may need them for future treatment or follow-up surgery.
- 47Schedule annual check-ups — For implants, joint replacements, and cardiac procedures, annual imaging or check-ups are recommended for the first 3–5 years.
Pro tip: Save this checklist to your phone. Create a shared document with your travel companion so you can both track progress. The better prepared you are, the smoother your medical tourism experience will be.
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