Are you planning to travel abroad to seek medical treatment?

Then this blog by Karetrip will guide you through the various aspects to consider while travelling.

Medical tourism has been increasingly popular among patients seeking medical treatment.

But to ensure a safe and comfortable journey patients must do proper research about the destination country and follow certain travel tips.

Things To Keep In Mind For A Safe & Stress-free Journey

• Medical tourists should research well about the medical facilities and medical procedures that they have to undergo.

• Patients also need to research the language, culture and customs of the destination country to understand the local environment better.

• Before travelling the patients must also discuss and seek advice from medical professionals regarding the medications and necessary vaccinations to take before and during travel.

• To ensure a healthy and safe journey, always seek the advice of a medical professional.

• Patients must plan their trip well in advance for a smooth journey free from unnecessary confusion and panic at the last minute.

• Before travelling patients must pack their medical records, prescribed medications and test results.

• The most important point is to maintain the basic precautions to be taken care of during travel. Practice good hygiene and avoid using tap water.

• Always make sure to carry first aid items like paracetamol, ORS, sterile dressing, clinical thermometer and medication for pre-existing medical conditions while travelling.

Quick Tips To Follow While Travelling:

Research and Planning

Every country has different entry and exit requirements. Some countries require travel visas and some even require transit visas. So prior research will help you plan and avoid last-minute confusion.

Having a strategy and travel research checklist guides you to plan your whole journey. Try to be organised during the trip using online apps and files for access to essential information.

Consultation with Medical Professionals

It is always better to get a pre-travel medical consultation with a health care provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before the trip to learn about specific risks that you may have to face due to travel before and after the procedure.

Travellers considering treatments in other countries should understand the potential financial costs associated with follow-up care or emergency care in the event of complications, and review their health insurance policies.

Verification of Credentials and Accreditation

Always do proper research on the qualifications of the clinician who will be doing the procedure and the credentials of the hospital where the procedure is done. Plan ahead how you will communicate with your doctor in case you do not speak the language.

Transparent Communication

Always keep copies of medical records with you including lab tests and other tests and inform the medical staff at your destination if you have any allergies.

Arrangement of Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Make sure to check about Travel Insurance and what all gets covered in it. International travel insurance is mainly a policy that provides comprehensive protection against travel-related uncertainties during an international trip.

It covers all the unforeseen medical and non-medical expenses, like out-patient, and in-patient care, loss of passport, checked-in baggage, trip delays or cancellations, etc.

There are many private health insurers who offer both travel travel and accommodation benefits under hospital cover. These private health insurance benefits generally cover:

• petrol costs for travel by car

• train, bus or airfares

• accommodation costs near the place of treatment for the patient

Ethical Considerations

Try to spend some time learning the politics, history and socio-economic conditions of your destination to have a good connection with your travel destination. It will help you to gain insight into local customs, culture and value systems. And most importantly respect their culture and tradition.

Accommodation and Transportation

Accommodation and travel expenses can be costly, so it is better to have good clarity on your budget and plan the accommodation accordingly.

The most important factor is that the selected accommodation should be accessible to the hospital chosen otherwise you will end up paying a large sum for travel.

Check the location, surroundings and the infrastructure and amenities provided. It is also important to check on the capability of hotel staff to cater to the needs of medical travellers.

Safety Precautions

It is better to get a medical check-up done after return if you experience any of the following conditions:

• If you have been exposed to serious infectious disease while travelling

• Have received treatment for Malaria while travelling

• Experience illness in weeks after returning home

• Return with a fever from destination place

Travellers should provide medical personnel with all information regarding recent travel, including destination, and the purpose and duration of the visit. Frequent travellers should give details of all journeys that have taken place in the preceding weeks and months including pre-travel vaccinations received.

Things To Consider Before You Plan To Travel

• Check whether your travel choices and accommodation suit your needs before and after medical treatment.

• If you’ll you be able to travel alone

• If you need a support person while travelling back

• If the transport provider is able to accommodate medical equipment like a wheel chair or walking aid?

Medical travellers may often require flexible transportation service to hospitals or clinics for doctor appointments and treatments.

Although the travel industry can provide extensive help and sound advice, it is the traveller’s responsibility to seek information, to understand the risks involved and to take the necessary precautions to protect their health while travelling.

Always make sure to arrange accommodation with good hygiene and sanitation, medical care and water quality of high standard so that it poses few serious risks to the health of travellers.

The travellers should be well aware of the diseases in destination countries and take necessary precautions. As far as possible try to avoid exposure to insects, rodents and contaminated food and water.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey. - Disclaimer