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. Use an escrow service that holds funds until treatment is complete.
- Heyzl's escrow system releases payment to the provider only after you confirm satisfactory treatment.
- 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 holding payment in escrow 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 payment is protected by escrow. Every patient has access to care coordination.