Undergoing surgery overseas sounds amazing. Reasonable prices, world-class hospitals and the opportunity to recuperate in a beautiful country — it sounds ideal. But medical tourism is not a holiday. That is a significant health decision.
Every year, millions of people go abroad for procedures such as hip replacements, heart surgeries, dental implants and cosmetic treatments. Many have fantastic experiences. But some return home with complications, infections or no legal means to seek help if something goes wrong.
The difference between a safe trip and a nightmare is often just one thing: the questions you ask before you depart.
This guide takes you through nine smart questions every patient should ask — before they book a flight, or pay a deposit, or sign anything — when considering surgery abroad.
Why People Go Overseas for Surgery in the First Place
Before getting into the questions, it’s useful to know what has driven the explosive popularity of medical tourism in recent years.
Cost is the biggest driver. In the United States, a knee replacement can cost $35,000 or more. The same operation in Thailand or India could run $6,000 to $10,000 — and that includes a private room and individualized nursing care.
Wait times are another reason. In Canada or the UK, some patients wait 12 to 18 months for elective procedures. Elsewhere in the world, that same surgery might be booked within days.
Quality has also improved dramatically. Most international hospitals now have accreditations from internationally recognized bodies and include surgeons trained in the United States, United Kingdom or Europe.
However, none of that matters if you don’t do the homework. If you’re also thinking about how to manage the financial side of your treatment, Global Health Financial offers guidance on healthcare funding options for international patients.
Q1: Is the Hospital Internationally Accredited?
It should be the very first check. Accreditation is the title from an independent organization that gives formal approval to a hospital for meeting certain safety and quality standards.
The gold standard is JCI — Joint Commission International. It is the global arm of the same organization that accredits hospitals in the United States. A hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International has undergone rigorous inspections of everything from surgical cleanliness to patients’ rights.
Other respected accreditation bodies include:
| Accreditation Body | Country/Region |
|---|---|
| JCI (Joint Commission International) | Global |
| NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) | India |
| ACHS (Australian Council on Healthcare Standards) | Australia/Asia-Pacific |
| Trent Accreditation Scheme | UK/International |
| TÜV Rheinland Group | Global |
| ISO 9001 | Global (general quality) |
What to do: Go directly to the JCI website and search for your hospital by name. Don’t just believe what the hospital tells you. Verify it yourself.
It would be a major red flag if you cannot get verification of accreditation from a hospital.
Does Accreditation Guarantee Safety?
Not 100%. But it significantly increases the likelihood of a safe experience. Accredited hospitals have documented standards that apply to them. Unaccredited facilities may be perfectly good — but you have no independent way to know that.
Question 2: What Are the Surgeon’s Credentials and Training?
That hospital building doesn’t do your surgery. The surgeon does. That means the surgeon’s background is just as important — if not more so — than the facility itself.
Ask these specific follow-up questions:
- Where did the surgeon attend medical school and residency?
- Is he/she board-certified in their specialty in that country?
- How frequently have they done this exact procedure?
- Do they have any peer-reviewed and published research?
- Have they done their training or worked in the USA, UK, Canada or Europe?
The fact that a surgeon did a fellowship at Johns Hopkins or trained at a London teaching hospital does not make them automatically better than a locally trained doctor. But international training often involves knowledge of global practices and standards of care.
Volume matters enormously. A surgeon who has performed 2,000 hip replacements will nearly always achieve better results than one who has done 50. If in doubt, ask outright: “How many of these types of surgeries have you done in the past year?”
Do not be embarrassed to ask. Good surgeons expect these questions. A surgeon who becomes defensive or evasive at the mention of credentials is one to steer clear of.
Q3: What If Something Goes Wrong?
This question makes people uncomfortable. Nobody wants to contemplate complications while they’re organizing a surgery. But this is what separates smart patients from unprepared ones.
Complications occur in the best hospitals with the best surgeons. Infections, blood clots and adverse reactions to anesthesia — these are all real risks of any surgery. The consequences of complications get more complicated once you are abroad.
Ask the hospital:
- What is your procedure if I have complications after surgery?
- Is there an ICU on site?
- Do you have a separate aftercare or complication management team?
- What if I need emergency care after flying home?
Ask yourself:
- Does my travel insurance have coverage for medical emergencies abroad?
- Will my home country’s health insurance cover follow-up care for complications from surgery abroad?
- Do I have a local physician or specialist who will care for me when I return?
The vast majority of traditional travel insurance does not cover complications from elective surgery. You require an insurance policy specifically related to medical tourism that will cover you for pre-planned procedures and their subsequent aftermath.
The Dangers of Flying Too Soon After Surgery
There are genuine risks to flying after surgery — including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can form in the legs during long flights. Ask your surgeon exactly how many days you need to wait before flying. Do not accept vague answers.
Question 4: What Do Real Patient Reviews Actually Say?
Hospital websites are always going to show glowing reviews. That tells you nothing useful. What you want is an honest, unfiltered reflection from actual patients.
Where to look:
- Google Reviews — Search the name of the hospital and read the negative reviews, not just the five-star ones.
- Trustpilot — Some international hospitals and medical facilitators have profiles here.
- Medical tourism forums — Community forums at sites such as Patients Beyond Borders, the Reddit group r/MedicalTourism, and Facebook groups for specific procedures can be goldmines of unvarnished information.
- YouTube — A lot of patients film their whole experience. Search for “[Hospital name] patient experience” or “[Procedure] in [Country].”
Look for patterns. One negative review could be an aberration. Ten reviews flagging poor aftercare or unexpected charges is a pattern you need to consider carefully.
Also seek out reviews that mention the specific surgeon you are considering, not just the hospital as a whole.
Question 5: Are All Costs Truly Included in the Quote?
Medical tourism packages often have enticing all-in rates. Then patients show up and see a long list of charges that weren’t included.
Get a written, itemized quote ahead of time that specifically lists:
| Item | Included? (Confirm in Writing) |
|---|---|
| Surgeon’s fee | |
| Anesthesiologist’s fee | |
| Operating room fee | |
| Hospital room (how many nights?) | |
| Nursing care and medications | |
| Pre-surgery tests and labs | |
| Post-op dressings and supplies | |
| Follow-up consultations | |
| Airport transfer services | |
| Translation/interpretation services |
The most common hidden costs that surprise patients include: extra nights in the hospital when recovery takes longer than expected, blood products, further imaging such as MRI or CT scans after surgery, and medications to take home.
Ask specifically: “If I do have to stay three extra days for recovery, how much will that cost me per day?”
Currency and Payment Risks
Always verify whether the quote is in local currency or USD/EUR. Changes in exchange rates can have a massive impact on your actual cost. Use a credit card with fraud protection when you can. Never pay the full amount upfront in advance of the procedure.
Question 6: How Well Does the Hospital Support Language Barriers?
You are in a foreign country. You are about to receive anesthesia and undergo surgery. And you must communicate your symptoms, pain levels, allergies and concerns clearly — before as well as after the procedure.
In many medical settings, failures of communication can kill. This is not an exaggeration.
Ask the hospital:
- Is there an English-speaking nurse on duty 24/7 on the ward?
- Will there be a translator at my pre-op consultation?
- Do you provide discharge instructions in English?
- Can I contact a person who speaks my language in case of emergency?
Some hospitals are very good about having multilingual staff. Others provide one person who speaks rudimentary English and works only during business hours.
If you don’t have access to professional language support, consider hiring an independent medical translator for major consultations. It is a long-term investment in your safety.
Also ask if your medical records, consent forms and post-op instructions will be available in your native language. Make sure you completely understand everything you sign.
Question 7: What Is the Aftercare Plan Once You Return Home?
Surgery is one event. Recovery is a weeks and months-long process. And much of that recovery will take place back home, thousands of miles away from the hospital where your procedure was done.
This is one of the most significant gaps in medical tourism planning. People plan the surgery. They do not plan for the recovery.
Before you travel, confirm:
- Will the hospital provide a complete medical report and surgical notes for me to bring home?
- Will they transmit imaging files (X-rays, MRIs) digitally?
- Will your surgeon be reachable by email or video call for follow-up questions?
- How long does the hospital suggest you remain in the country before flying?
Arrange at home before you travel:
- A local physician or specialist willing to see you after your surgery and review foreign medical records
- A physical therapist if your procedure will require rehabilitation
- Airport transportation — you might not be driving yourself for weeks
What many patients find when they return is that their hometown doctors are unwilling to follow up on a surgery they did not perform. It may help to have a frank conversation with your home doctor before you travel and ensure that they will support your recovery.
Foreign Surgeon Follow-Up Via Telehealth
A few international hospitals now provide telehealth follow-up appointments. Find out whether this is available and at what cost. The ability to video call your surgeon in the weeks after coming home can help catch complications early.
Question 8: Can I Trust the Medical Facilitator or Agent?
Many medical tourists work through a medical tourism facilitator — a company or agent that handles their entire trip, from hospital selection to accommodation and logistics. That can help make the experience so much smoother.
But the facilitator industry is mostly unregulated. Just about anyone can call themselves a medical tourism agent. Some facilitators are paid hefty commissions by hospitals in exchange for referrals, creating a conflict of interest.
Questions to ask a facilitator:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you a member of the Global Healthcare Travel Council or the Medical Tourism Association?
- Do you take commissions from hospitals? If so, how much?
- What will happen to my case if your company goes out of business or cannot provide help?
- Do you have references from past clients?
A trustworthy facilitator will provide transparent answers to these questions. They won’t pressure you into making a rapid decision with “a special discount if you book this week.”
Red flags with facilitators:
- No physical address or phone number provided
- Only communicates through WhatsApp or DMs on social media
- Cannot provide verifiable patient references
- Offers prices that appear almost impossibly low
- Immediately tries to push you into paying a deposit
Question 9: What Are Your Legal Rights If Things Go Wrong?
This is the question that almost nobody asks. And it could be the most crucial one.
In your home country, you would have legal rights if a surgeon made a negligent error. You can file a complaint. You could file a malpractice suit. You have a clear system of accountability.
Abroad, that system changes completely.
Understand before you go:
- Laws on medical malpractice differ dramatically from one country to the next. In some countries, legal protections for foreign patients are minimal.
- Litigation in a foreign country is costly, slow and often effectively impossible.
- Most international hospitals ask patients to sign arbitration agreements that limit your ability to sue.
- Some countries limit how much compensation a foreign patient can collect.
What you can do:
- Get a copy of every document you sign — including consent forms — before traveling.
- Find out whether the hospital carries professional liability coverage.
- If your procedure is high-risk, ask a medical tourism legal specialist to review the contract before you travel.
This does not mean that you shouldn’t go. It means going with open eyes, knowing that prevention and preparation are your best form of legal protection.
A Quick Pre-Travel Checklist
Before booking surgery abroad, run through this checklist:
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Checked hospital accreditation (JCI or equivalent) | ☐ |
| Surgeon credentials and volume confirmed | ☐ |
| Complication and emergency protocol understood | ☐ |
| Independent patient reviews read | ☐ |
| Written itemized cost quote received | ☐ |
| 24/7 language support confirmed | ☐ |
| Aftercare arranged with local doctor at home | ☐ |
| Facilitator or agent vetted | ☐ |
| Legal rights in destination country understood | ☐ |
| Medical tourism insurance purchased | ☐ |
Top Medical Tourism Destinations at a Glance
| Country | Popular Procedures | Average Cost Savings vs. US | JCI-Accredited Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, cardiac | 50–70% | 60+ |
| India | Cardiac surgery, oncology, orthopedics | 60–80% | 30+ |
| Mexico | Dental, bariatric, cosmetic | 40–70% | 10+ |
| Turkey | Hair transplants, cosmetic, dental | 50–75% | 40+ |
| Malaysia | Cardiac, orthopedics, fertility | 40–65% | 15+ |
| South Korea | Cosmetic surgery, dental | 30–50% | 5+ |
Cost savings are estimates and differ by procedure and provider.
FAQs About Surgery Abroad
Q: Is surgery abroad safe? When you select an accredited hospital, a credentialed surgeon and arrange for your aftercare appropriately, surgery abroad can be extremely safe. The trick is to do the research before you travel — not make assumptions.
Q: What’s the greatest danger of medical tourism? The primary dangers are post-operative complications that arise after you’ve gone home, restricted legal recourse if something goes wrong, and communication hurdles during recovery. All of these can be greatly minimized with proper planning.
Q: How can I find out if a hospital is JCI accredited? Visit the official JCI website at www.jointcommissioninternational.org and use their directory to look up accredited hospitals by country or name.
Q: Do I need a medical tourism facilitator? A good facilitator will save you time and stress. But vet them carefully. Seek membership in respected industry bodies, transparent commission disclosures and verifiable client references.
Q: Will travel insurance cover surgery overseas? Elective surgery — and complications that result from it — isn’t typically covered by standard travel insurance. You require a dedicated medical tourism insurance policy that covers your specific planned procedure and any post-operative care.
Q: Can I bring a support person with me? Yes, and it is highly recommended. Having someone travel with you — whether a partner, family member or trusted friend — can be integral to your safety and emotional wellbeing through recovery.
Q: What if I require more recovery time than anticipated? This is common. Before travelling, confirm daily costs for extended hospital stays or local accommodation. Build buffer days into your schedule and do not book a return flight too soon after your surgery date.
Q: How do I check my surgeon’s credentials in a foreign country? Request the surgeon’s CV and certification documents from the hospital. Credentials can often be verified through the relevant country’s medical licensing board, many of which publish online directories.
Always Ask First: A Smart Patient Principle
Medical tourism can really change lives. People get surgeries they could never afford at home. They get care with little waiting and personal attention. They come back healthier and with their finances intact.
But the patients who do best are never just those who found the cheapest price and booked a flight. They are the ones who took this decision as seriously as any other major life choice.
They asked hard questions. They verified the answers. They prepared for the worst while hoping for the best.
Asking these 9 important questions before getting surgery overseas isn’t about fear. It is about being prepared. And well-prepared patients are safe patients.
Your health is the most important thing you have. Ask each and every question on this list. Ask follow-up questions. And don’t book anything until you have answers you trust.
This article is purely educational and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Never make any medical decision based solely on the information found here.
