Medical Tourism FAQ

Look for these credentials (non-negotiable):

• JCI accreditation: International healthcare quality standard. Only ~1,200 facilities worldwide have this.
• Local medical licensing: Must be properly licensed in their country (e.g., Turkish Ministry of Health, Mexican health authorities)
• Surgeon credentials: Board-certified in their specialty, member of international societies (ISHRS for hair, ASMBS for bariatric, etc.)
• Verifiable reviews: Real patient reviews on Trustpilot, Google, WhatClinic
• Years in operation: Established facilities with long track records

Request documentation and verify credentials independently—don't just trust what their website says.

Reputable facilities provide aftercare support:

• 24/7 hotline: Call or WhatsApp for urgent concerns
• Remote monitoring: Send photos/videos for assessment
• Revision coverage: Many cover fixing surgical complications within first year
• US partner doctors: Some have relationships with US physicians for local follow-up

Before booking, confirm:

• Their specific complication protocol in writing
• Who pays for revision if needed (travel, procedure, etc.)
• How long aftercare support lasts

Also, find a local doctor willing to provide follow-up care before you go abroad.

Absolutely yes. But understand what it covers:

• Travel insurance (like World Nomads): Covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, emergency evacuation if you get sick/injured during your trip
• Complication insurance (like Med Jet): Covers medical evacuation if something goes wrong with your procedure

What standard travel insurance WON'T cover:

• The procedure itself
• Expected side effects or complications from elective surgery
• Follow-up treatment for known risks

Some medical tourism facilities offer complication coverage as part of packages—verify what's included.

Depends on the procedure:

• Dental: 3-7 days total, back to desk work immediately after returning
• Hair transplant: 5-7 days trip, 1-2 weeks until looking normal, work from home recommended first week
• Bariatric surgery: 2-4 weeks minimum (1 week in Mexico, 1-3 weeks recovery at home)
• Plastic surgery: 2-4 weeks depending on procedure (facial: 2 weeks, body: 3-4 weeks)

Remote work helps—many people work from their hotel during recovery.

Yes, and it's often a good idea. Most packages include:

• Companion accommodation in your hotel room
• Transportation for your companion
• Translator services for both of you

Benefits of bringing someone:

• Help with recovery and daily tasks
• Emotional support
• Extra eyes/ears during consultations
• Help navigating foreign country

You'll just pay for their flights and meals. Some people turn it into a vacation for both.