Whether you moved abroad and need surgery as an expat or you’re wondering if you should make the trip overseas for a cheaper procedure, make sure to do your research and establish a clear plan of care in advance.
Surgeries are categorized into two types: emergency and elective. Doctors perform emergency surgeries to correct an urgent medical condition such as a stroke. In the event of an emergency, you typically cannot choose your healthcare provider or facility. For elective surgery, however, such as a joint replacement, you do have more control over the operation.
Read on for a complete guide to surgery for expats. Get advice on everything from finding good insurance coverage to managing the risks associated with going abroad for surgery.
Why Are Expats Getting Surgery Abroad?
Why is there a need for surgery for expats? Patients might need a procedure due to a condition they developed after moving abroad.
Or they might have chosen to wait and get surgery overseas for an issue they already had. This can be due to reasons such as a change in symptoms or a new time-off work policy.
Some expats may opt for surgery in a different country if it offers a higher quality of healthcare than the one in their country of residence.
Some people who are not expats undergo surgery overseas. This may be because other countries offer better care than their home country can provide.
Surgery may be significantly cheaper abroad, and patients can save tens of thousands of dollars in healthcare costs by crossing the border for an operation.
Sometimes, the surgery a patient wants isn’t available or approved in their home country, so they seek care somewhere else. In other cases, their insurer may encourage them to undergo surgery abroad.
Health Insurance and Going Abroad for Surgery
Travel insurance covers unexpected medical costs, but it does not cover medical procedures performed abroad. An international health insurance plan will cover surgery abroad. Here are the things to know before undergoing surgery.
Make Sure Your Facility and Providers are In Network
Many expat insurance plans have facility and provider networks. If you use these networks, you will receive a higher level of benefits.
In addition, your insurer may pay the bill directly, so you never have to worry about payment. If you know you need surgery, contact your insurer well in advance to determine where the procedure will be performed.
Traveling to a Third Country for Surgery for Expats
If the medical care in your country of residence is not of the best standard, you may wish to travel to another country for surgery.
If you do, you must make sure that your plan will allow you to have surgery in this country. In some cases, your insurer may encourage you to travel to another country with better medical care for surgery and recovery.
Obtaining Prior Authorizations for Surgery for Expats
Even if your insurance company has confirmed it will pay for a portion or the entirety of your surgery, it still may request a prior authorization (or a few) before you get wheeled into the operating room.
The company typically wants to know the reason you and your doctor have chosen this surgery for your condition, and that you’ve already tried less costly options.
Some insurance companies, for example, may like to see that you’ve tried physical therapy for back pain before choosing surgery.
Be prepared to have your surgeon and associated doctors send documentation to your new country explaining why you need the surgery and providing related details about your medical history.
Along with the actual surgery, your surgeon or doctor may order imaging exams to assess your health before, during, or after the operation.
Your insurance company may also want a prior authorization for these scans. The insurance company, for example, could authorize payment of a CT exam but not an MRI exam due to the cost.
Your insurer may also ask about the type of facility you’ve chosen. Some insurance companies may recommend visiting an outpatient center instead of a hospital to save money.
So before consenting to any treatments, make sure you know what your international health insurance will and will not cover in the country you’ve chosen to have surgery in.
After you’ve got a solid international health insurance plan in place, it’s time to either find, confirm, or reevaluate your surgical team and facility.
If you know you need surgery but are feeling unsure of where to go, your insurance company can help you find an in-network doctor and surgery center.
Surgical Certifications
While browsing or after choosing a provider, make sure to research the person. In the United States, for example, surgeons must be certified by a national surgical board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
If they’re board-certified in the U.S., it means the surgeons have completed an approved residency training program and have passed a rigorous specialty exam. In the U.K., the General Medical Council maintains the List of Registered Medical Practitioners.
Surgeons in the medical register have met the standards laid out by the GMC. The Medical Council of Ireland maintains a similar register.
German surgeons are certified not on the national level, but instead in the region (Bundesland) where they practice.
Some countries don’t require their surgeons to get board certifications or uphold such rigorous standards, so research the type of health care providers you’re about to trust.
Countries such as Singapore and Canada are known for state-of-the-art facilities and surgeons with advanced degrees, while others have very loose regulations.
Ensure you feel comfortable with the level of training surgeons receive in the facility where you will undergo surgery.
Ask Your Surgeon These Questions
No matter which country you have your surgery in, during your pre-surgery consultation, ask about:
Previous training
Academic qualifications
Certifications and proof of documents
Outcomes of patients who underwent the same procedure
The safety precautions taken at the operating facility
During the consultation call or initial appointment, make sure you review your complete medical history with the team.
It’s also essential to share copies of your previous records from your doctor in your home country with the new surgeon. You should also have a list of all medications you take.
The bottom line? You should feel confident in your surgeon’s abilities and the precautions the whole staff takes. You want to feel safe and happy with the outcome. So don’t be afraid to ask your doctor a complete list of questions.
Risks Associated with Surgery for Expats
The country you choose for surgery may have robust safety protocols in place and a solid track record. You could still, however, encounter some risks associated with going abroad for surgery.
Language Barriers
Before having surgery, if your care team doesn’t speak your native language, be sure to request an in-person translator. They will help you navigate the experience on the day of your procedure.
This professional can also review and explain any documents the surgical team asks you to sign. It’s essential to understand every step of the process, no matter the language.
So, prepare for some assistance if you don’t speak the same language as your care team.
Air Travel
After surgery, healthcare teams typically recommend avoiding flying for a specified period. This is due to the risk of blood clots and other complications.
If you plan to travel soon after the surgery, whether for vacation or to visit home, evaluate your itinerary and discuss your personal risks with your doctor.
Care Continuity
Along with travel, if you relocate after surgery or seek care at a different location than where you had your procedure, ensure you have a coordinated post-care plan.
Ensure you obtain all your discharge paperwork. Also, get copies of your post-operative labs and other tests to maintain good health after surgery is complete.
You can usually have a positive experience undergoing surgery abroad if you conduct thorough research, review your personal medical history and associated risks, and protect yourself financially through health insurance.
If you have doubts about anything, consult your personal doctor or other health agencies for guidance.
Amanda Hoffman is an award-winning marketing and communications professional with a background in journalism. She works with small businesses, nonprofits, and political organizations, sharing expertise in healthcare, travel, and international communications.
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