Medical Tourism Safety Guide
Your comprehensive resource for staying safe while accessing world-class medical care abroad.
Provider Verification
- Always verify a provider's board certifications and medical license with the issuing authority.
- Look for international accreditations: JCI (Joint Commission International) is the gold standard, equivalent to the US Joint Commission.
- Ask for the surgeon's specific experience with your procedure — number performed, complication rates, and outcome data.
- Heyzl verifies all listed providers and requires ongoing credential maintenance.
Payment Protection
- Never wire money directly to a clinic or surgeon. Pay through a platform that withholds the provider's payout until treatment is complete.
- Heyzl releases the provider's payout only after you confirm your treatment was satisfactory.
- Understand the refund policy before booking. A reputable provider will have a clear cancellation and refund policy in writing.
- Get a detailed quote in writing before traveling. The quote should itemize all costs including hospital stay, anesthesia, and follow-up care.
Medical Records & Communication
- Share your complete medical history with your overseas provider in advance. Omitting information can lead to dangerous complications.
- Ensure your overseas surgeon communicates directly with your primary care physician at home.
- Bring copies of all your medical records, medication lists, and known allergies.
- Request a complete copy of your procedure notes, pathology reports, and imaging before leaving the country.
Travel Health Planning
- Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–6 weeks before your trip, especially for developing world destinations.
- Certain procedures require specific post-operative travel windows — confirm flight clearance with your surgeon.
- Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers medical evacuation and complications arising from elective procedures abroad.
- Plan for a longer stay than you think you'll need. Complications can extend recovery time.
Continuity of Care
- Identify a local physician or specialist who will handle your follow-up care before you travel.
- Ensure your overseas provider offers teleconsultation support after you return home.
- Heyzl's Extended Support Package provides 90 days of care coordination post-procedure.
- Keep all foreign provider contact information accessible for your local doctors.
Legal Protections
- Understand that your legal options in case of malpractice abroad are significantly more limited than in the US.
- Some countries have caps on medical malpractice damages or limited patient rights.
- Heyzl's dispute resolution process provides a layer of protection by withholding the provider's payout and mediating disputes.
- For major procedures, consider consulting a medical tourism attorney before booking.
Red Flags — When to Walk Away
- Unusually low prices (significantly below the country average)
- Pressure to book quickly with limited information
- No verifiable credentials or accreditation
- Requests for wire transfer payment up-front
- Unwillingness to provide references from prior international patients
- Vague or changing cost estimates
- No clear policy on complications or revisions
- Communication delays or unprofessional responses
Heyzl Protects You at Every Step
Every provider we list is verified. Every payout is withheld until care is confirmed. Every patient has access to care coordination.