Key Questions to Ask the Hospital

   

What documents should I carry?

  • Passport and visa (or medical visa, where applicable)
  • Any relevant medical records, tests, investigation reports
  • CD copies of any scans like MRI/CT/ECHO
  • Referrals from your doctor
  • It is always a good idea to scan your important documents and save a copy in your email and your phone, so you can easily recover them in case they get misplaced.

     

    Do I need to get any tests in my local hospital?

    Some investigations are required to determine if you are fit for the surgery, and it is better to get them done at your local hospital and send the reports for the doctor’s review, before traveling to your medical tourism destination.

    This allows the doctor to be sure of your suitability for the particular treatment. It will be emotionally and financially draining to find that you aren’t fit to undergo a knee replacement, after traveling half-way across the world.

    However, most medical tourists opt for the convenience and lower costs of getting the tests done at their destination hospital.

     

    Should I bring a companion?

    Yes, it would be good to have someone accompany you on the trip.

     

    Can he/she stay in my room at the hospital?

    Most hospitals allow one companion to stay in the patient’s room for the entire duration of hospital stay. You must ask if the meals and other amenities are charged separately for the guest.

     

    Name and profile of the surgeon who will be performing your surgery

    The most important questions have to be about the person who is going to perform your surgery. Check the education and experience of the surgeon and ask if you have any questions.

     

    How can I follow-up with the doctors?

    Ask if you will need to revisit for follow-up or if you can consult your local doctor for that. Most doctors are available for follow-up over phone and email, and UniMed helps facilitate that.

     

    What language does the staff speak? Do you have interpreters?

    It is important to have clear conversation with your doctor and the hospital staff. If they do not speak your language, ask for language interpreters.

     

    How far is the hotel/recuperation center?

    Even after the patient is discharged from the hospital, it is advised that you stay in the city for a few days to watch the progress and have your health condition checked by the doctor before flying back home. Look for a hotel that meets your requirements, is conducive to rest and recuperation, and safe for strolling about. You also want it to be near the hospital, so it is easy to reach should the need arise.

    Some hospitals have a mini-hotel inside the campus, which I think is a great option for medical tourists.

     

    How much money can I save?

    Cost might not be the only factor, but it is often a big one. You can expect to save upto even 90% on treatment costs. The travel, accommodation costs are easily offset by the savings you make.

     

    What are the other reasons for medical tourists to travel?

    Other than better costs, medical tourists travel because a certain condition is better understood in a different part of the world.

    Some also travel for the superior hospital care that they receive in places with higher nurse-patient ratio.

    Other than that, we know that the healthcare systems in many countries are overburdened and patients travel to other countries because the waiting time in their local hospitals is too long.

     

    What can I do if I am not sure of which hospital to contact?

    Consult a UniMed executive first. It is FREE.

     

    Will I be able to connect with my doctor before traveling?

    Yes. You must have direct communication with your surgeon and our system encourages that.