If you are traveling abroad for medical reasons for the first time, here are certain pointers to help you plan your journey better.
- Ask your local doctor if you are fit to travel overseas with your medical condition.
- Once you decide to continue your treatment in Lifeline, keep your local doctor informed so that you can continue your follow up treatment without a hitch.
- Find out about the procedure and compare your expectations with what's achievable by the surgery. Also inquire about follow-up care needed, time required for recovery, physical therapy, etc.
- Please note that in most cases the final decisions on your treatment will be made only after the doctor meets you and examines you in person. It is possible that your doctor, upon examining you, may decide you are not fit for surgery, or recommends treatment different from what you planned.
- A pickup and drop services to the airport is provided by Lifeline Hospital.
- Certain documents must always be with you. Ensure that you carry multiple copies of the same and keep the originals in a safe place when abroad.
- Records like X-Rays, MRI's, health histories, photographs, immunization records, prescriptions, and any other health records relevant to the surgery. Remember to carry all these medical reports and any medicines in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport and visa: You will need a passport for yourself and your travel companion (if any). Depending upon the country you are traveling from, you may or may not need a visa. For patients getting treated, a medical visa is a must, unless it is an emergency for a travelling tourist or business.
- Credit cards, debit cards and travelers checks: Bring some local currency, travelers checks and one or two major credit cards and debit cards.
- Carry your driver's license and make sure it will remain valid while you're traveling. Always keep in mind that you will require a ‘Fit to fly’ certificate from your port of origin.
- It is essential that the patient and his relative carry multiple copies of their passport size photographs as it will be required to complete various legal formalities.
