Checklist

Your treatment abroad checklist

Before you book your treatment abroad, use the checklist below so you can feel confident that you're making the right decision.

All types of medical treatment involve some element of risk. It's important to get as much information as possible about your treatment options so that you can make informed choices.

Things to consider

Your reasons

Have you thought carefully about your reasons for going abroad? Make sure your decision is based on the quality of the medical care you would like to receive and not on how appealing the destination seems for a holiday.

A second opinion

Have you spoken to your GP, dentist or clinician? There are several reasons why it's a good idea to involve your doctor in your decision. Your doctor can give you a valuable second opinion as well as advice about treatment options and whether it is necessary. As your doctor could be involved in your aftercare, discuss with him or her how to transfer medical notes to the overseas team.

Research

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Have you done your research?
• Have you checked the qualifications of the medical team treating you?
• Have you been able to ask them questions about your treatment?
• Are you satisfied with the facilities and standards at the clinic or hospital where you will be treated?

UK availability

If the treatment you are seeking abroad is not available in the UK, you may want to think about why it is not available here. For reassurance, you may want to consider:

• Whether the treatment is licensed by the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
• Whether the treatment is approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• Whether the treatment is being offered as part of medical research listed within the international clinical trials database.
• Information from sources other than from the organisation that is offering the treatment abroad. This could help you to verify what you are being told by whoever is offering the treatment and can provide you with questions to ask of your chosen treatment provider.

Effects of treatment

Do you understand the possible complications and side effects that could arise from your treatment?

Aftercare

Are you clear about how your aftercare will be co-ordinated?

Finance

Have you done the maths? If your main reason for going abroad is to save money, make sure you've factored in fluctuating exchange rates, the possibility of extending your stay if necessary and the cost of possible return trips. If you are expecting the NHS to fund the treatment in another EEA country, it's also important that you've checked your entitlement and, if necessary, applied for funding in advance of treatment.

Insurance

Do you have appropriate travel insurance? Have you informed your insurer of your plans to have treatment abroad?

Trust

Do you trust the people you are dealing with?

Last Updated: 01/04/2017 09:00:00