Choosing a provider
Provider types
When searching YourSurgeryAbroad's extensive provider listing you will notice there are three types of healthcare service providers that you will encounter, which are:
Medical tourism brokers
Consider this provider as your one-stop-shop. These companies create all-inclusive packages combining healthcare, tourism, administration and travel logistics. Specialising in one or many destinations or treatment areas, they will have established partnerships with surgeons and hospitals. This is considered the simple, hassle free option.International patient departments
Many hospitals and larger clinics have dedicated staff dealing with administration and language logistics for international patients. In fact, many hospitals even have an international treatment department whose sole purpose is to cater to people like yourself. An example of such a facility can be found with Acibadem Healthcare Group in Turkey. Sometimes this provider type offers a more direct and personal service than a broker, but you are limited by the treatments available in that particular hospital/clinic.Self-organised
If you like details then go direct. This may be a less convenient option for some, involving research and keeping on top of logistics, but others may prefer to have the higher level of involvement. Generally this is the most common option for less intrusive and simpler treatments such as dental or eye procedures. Statistics show that thousands of Europeans organise their own medical travel each year. It's no different from choosing and booking with a provider in your own country.
How does YourSurgeryAbroad help?
YourSurgeryAbroad has an extensive database of healthcare providers and offers free, credible information. We have created an easy and honest way to compare providers, as unlike other websites, clinics are listed for free. Our website is designed to get you started on your medical tourism journey so that once you have an idea of which provider you are interested in, you can then begin with your own research.
Researching a provider
Healthcare is a competitive business. Don't be embarrassed to ask lots of questions and let providers know that you're looking at different options. And remember, research, research, research!
Things to keep in mind when researching a provider
Use this list as a starting point.
- Check accreditation and staff qualifications. Ask about their training and professional memberships. Check this out yourself - you can easily verify a surgeon's qualifications on the relevant association's web page.
- Check how often your provider treats patients from overseas.
- What kind of facility is it? Is it a hospital or clinic, how new is the facility and what types of equipment do they work with?
- Your point-of-contact - Will it be an administrative assistant, your surgeon, a broker?
- Language - Is English commonly spoken? How experienced is your interpreter?
- Destination - Visa, climate, local customs, will you need vaccinations, is it easy to get to?
- Can you bring a family member?
- What are the provisions for pre- and aftercare? What type of pre-consultations options are available, do they have an agreement with a clinic in your home country or do you need to fly back the destination for follow-up?
- Ask to see before and after pictures of their work.
- What format will your medical notes be in after your treatment?
Page last updated: Friday, 11th September 2009
