The strength of sterling, combined with NHS waiting lists, is tempting more and more of us to head abroad for medical treatment. But is this a good idea?
According to the currency broker Currencies.co.uk, one in 20 people have recently had, or are planning to have, a medical or dental procedure outside Britain. But as medical tourist numbers rise, so does the number of corrective procedures British doctors have to perform. So if you are considering either avoiding NHS waiting lists, or the high cost of private treatment in Britain by going overseas, do your research first.
For starters, there is no global regulatory body for medical travel that vets medical centres. However, check whether the hospital or clinic is Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited – this means it has reached the same standard as hospitals in the US. “You should also check your surgeon’s training, patient testimonials and published ‘adverse event rates’,” says Dr Edward Watson in The Sunday Telegraph. The ‘adverse event rate’ basically translates as “how many procedures have gone wrong?”
Don’t take the number at face value: ensure you know the figure for your particular type of surgery, rather than the hospital’s overall rate. “If they do thousands of eye operations and endoscopies, their overall event rate should be very low compared to a hospital that does more complex surgery,” says Watson.
Also make sure you know, or get a second opinion on, the treatment you need. Last year, for example, I needed a simple bit of dental surgery. I had several consultations with my UK dentist, but decided it was a bit pricey so I’d see what it would cost abroad. I sent my dental X-rays to a firm specialising in sending people to Hungary for dental work. They responded saying I needed four dental implants and root canal work in two areas. All for £16,000. Luckily, I already knew I only needed one dental implant, so I wasn’t ripped off.
Finally, make sure aftercare is included in your package. This is as important as the surgery itself. “Patients should guarantee that their treatment includes clear provisions, agreed with their overseas clinicians, for follow-up care after any medical procedures,” says the British Medical Association. The best way to make sure all your medical needs are covered when you are abroad is by booking an all-inclusive package. “Although more expensive, you are more likely to receive a higher quality of care before, during and after a procedure,” says Emma Wall in The Sunday Telegraph. Treatmentabroad.com offers a full guide on what to look out for, what questions to ask and also what to avoid.
Once you’ve decided where you are going for treatment, don’t forget your insurance. Standard travel insurance covers medical treatment needed as the result of an incident or illness that strikes while you are on holiday. It does not cover planned medical procedures. For these you will need specialist insurance.