How to Get Treatment Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide

That’s when the questions arise: Which country should I choose? How can I find a genuinely good clinic among hundreds of options available? How do I know if a doctor is a true professional? How much will the treatment abroad actually cost, and how can I avoid hidden expenses? How do I properly prepare my documents, apply for a medical visa, find a translator, and arrange accommodation? How can I overcome the language barrier if I don't speak the local language? Where can I find the clinic's contacts and connect with the doctor I need? And most importantly, how do I ensure my privacy?

It all sounds complicated, and it's often unclear where to begin or whom to ask for help. We've prepared a step-by-step guide to turn this chaos into a clear action plan. Medical tourism may seem daunting, but it is an easy-to-manage process. Today, there are platforms and services assisting patients at every stage, from choosing a clinic to returning home. With their help, the entire journey becomes simpler, safer, and more transparent.

Step 1. Get an Expert Opinion Before Traveling

An online consultation with a doctor from an international clinic is a critical first step that defines your entire strategy. Modern technology allows consultations with leading global specialists without leaving home, fundamentally changing the approach to treatment planning.

Many patients rush to book their trip immediately, but from experience, a preliminary consultation saves not only money but also protects their health. This initial step helps you:

• Find out whether the trip is necessary. Treatment abroad is not always needed. Sometimes a foreign expert confirms that the problem can be solved with conservative treatment at home, without complex procedures and expensive travel.
• Clarify the diagnosis. Patients often receive contradictory conclusions from different specialists in their city. A second medical opinion from a reputable foreign doctor helps understand the real picture of the disease, confirm or correct the diagnosis. This is exactly why many plan a trip—to undergo high-quality diagnostics with world-renowned experts.
• Choose the right direction. During the consultation, the doctor will suggest which country and clinic to contact, which specialist is the best for your specific case, and which treatment methods will be most effective. For example, treating a rare oncological disease may require a specific center in Germany, not a general-profile clinic.
• Determine when to plan the trip. The expert can explain how urgent the situation is and when it is best to plan the trip. Sometimes, you will have to complete certain preparations or examinations at home first to avoid wasting time abroad.
• Discuss alternative treatment methods. Foreign specialists often suggest more modern approaches: targeted therapy instead of chemotherapy, minimally invasive operations instead of open surgery. It is better to learn about these options before the trip.
• Get a preliminary cost estimate. After analyzing your medical records, the specialist can provide an approximate cost for the treatment plan. This allows you to prepare the necessary budget in advance.
• Save time and money. Imagine: a patient arrives at a clinic, takes expensive examinations, and then finds out that a simpler method could have been used, or they needed a completely different clinic. A preliminary consultation helps create a precise plan, understand the real costs, and avoid unnecessary expenses.

A Real-Life Case

A patient diagnosed with prostate cancer was advised a radical prostatectomy—the complete organ removal. Before traveling to Germany for the surgery, he decided to get a second medical opinion from a leading German urologist through the MedicusUnion platform.

The professor reviewed the MRI scans and biopsy results and concluded that the tumor was localized and non-aggressive. He recommended active surveillance and targeted radiation therapy. The result: the patient's organ was saved, he preserved his quality of life, and saved tens of thousands of euros.

Step 2. Choose the Right Country and Clinic

Choosing the right destination for medical tourism depends on many factors—from diagnosis to personal preferences. It is important to understand: each country focuses on developing certain medical directions, becoming a world leader in these areas. This helps select the optimal option for a specific case.

How to Choose a Country for Treatment

• Country specialization. Different countries are traditionally strong in certain areas of medicine. Germany leads in oncology, cardiac surgery, and transplantology. Austria offers the highest level of orthopedics, rehabilitation programs, and comprehensive diagnostics (check-up). Israel is famous for achievements in reproductive medicine, neurosurgery, and immunotherapy. Switzerland is a global center for orthopedics and plastic surgery. The United States remains the leader in high-tech medicine, especially in treating rare diseases and developing personalized protocols.
• Level of medicine and innovation. It is important to assess how actively the country implements advanced technologies. Some methods, such as CAR-T therapy or proton therapy, are available only in a limited number of clinics worldwide.
• Treatment cost. Prices for medical services vary significantly between countries and clinics. Higher costs in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria are due to access to the latest technologies, participation in clinical trials, and expertise in particularly complex cases. At the same time, Turkey, the Czech Republic, or South Korea offer an excellent price-quality ratio, making modern medicine accessible to more patients. The choice depends on the complexity of your diagnosis, treatment plan, and budget.
• Logistics and visa regulations. Consider transportation accessibility and how complex it is to obtain a medical visa. Some countries may require a deposit even before treatment begins.
• Language barrier. Countries with developed medical tourism infrastructure have English-speaking and Russian-speaking coordinators, which significantly simplifies communication with doctors and the clinic.

Criteria for Choosing a Clinic

• Accreditations and certificates. Look for the best clinics abroad with international JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation or European ISO 9001 standard. This guarantees compliance with high standards of quality and safety. For example, JCI evaluates clinics based on more than 1,400 criteria, including patient safety, staff qualifications, and infection control.
• Specialization and experience. Choose a clinic that specializes in treating your disease. A medical center that performs hundreds of operations of a specific type annually is preferable to a multi-specialty facility.
• Reputation and physician experience. The clinic's reputation is built by its doctors. Learn about the specialists in the department you're interested in, their experience, and achievements. Pay attention to success rates for treating specific diseases.
• Patient reviews. Look for real reviews, especially from patients with similar diagnoses. Pay attention not only to treatment results but also to organizational aspects.

Step 3. Select Your Doctor

Choosing a doctor is perhaps the most important decision in the entire process of treatment abroad. Even in prestigious clinics, specialists work at different levels. Your task is to find someone with maximum experience in treating the specific disease.

How to Verify a Doctor's Qualifications

• Narrow specialization. Look not just for a “good oncologist,” but for a specialist in your type of disease—for example, lung cancer or melanoma. Narrow specialization means deep knowledge and extensive practical experience.
• Academic titles and experience. The title of professor, medical doctorate (MD, PhD), and many years of experience in leading clinics are strong arguments in favor of a specialist.
• Scientific activity. Publications in authoritative medical journals (The Lancet, NEJM) and presentations at international conferences show that the doctor is at the forefront of medical science.
• Membership in professional associations. Participating in international professional communities—such as ASCO for oncologists or EAU for urologists—confirms a high level of competence.

Finding the Right Specialist is Simple with MedicusUnion

The MedicusUnion platform takes on a significant part of this work. We don't just provide a list of doctors—we carefully select experts with impeccable reputations, verify their qualifications, and provide detailed résumés.

Through our platform, you can directly contact the chosen specialist: securely send medical documents, book a video consultation, and receive an official opinion. If, after the consultation, you require treatment abroad, the doctor or clinic can provide an official invitation—the basis for obtaining a medical visa.

Step 4. Prepare Your Medical Documents

Properly prepared medical documents are key to fast and effective communication with a clinic abroad. The doctor must receive comprehensive information about the medical history to form an objective opinion.

What documents should you prepare?

• Laboratory test results. It's important to collect all available results, both recent and earlier ones, so the doctor can see the entire dynamic. If necessary, the specialist may ask you to retake certain tests and provide more current data. Be sure to include comprehensive blood tests, biochemistry, and, for suspected oncology, tumor markers.
• Imaging studies. CT, MRI, ultrasound—must be in DICOM format on digital media. Regular film X-rays do not give the doctor the full picture.
• Histological reports. For oncological diseases, include glass slides for a second review in the foreign laboratory.
• Medical record extracts. Detailed description of disease progression, treatment received, and reactions to medications.
• Specialist conclusions. All doctor consultations with their recommendations and prescriptions.

The key point is quality medical translation. Do not attempt to translate complex medical reports with online translators. Inaccuracy in just one term can distort the entire clinical picture.

MedicusUnion collaborates with certified medical translators who ensure an accurate translation of your documentation. A digital document archive will significantly simplify and accelerate communication with multiple clinics or doctors.

Creating a digital document package is a modern standard that makes the doctor's work much easier. All documents need to be structured chronologically and include a table of contents. Where necessary, the translator provides additional explanations.

Step 5. Budgeting and Cost Transparency

The financial question is one of the most acute issues when seeking treatment abroad. Treatment cost abroad can be high, but the most unpleasant aspect can be unexpected expenses. Transparency at this stage is essential for peace of mind.

What Makes Up the Total Cost?

• Medical services: consultations, diagnostics, surgery, anesthesia, medications, and hospital stay.
• Physician's fee. In some countries, such as Germany, a professor's fee may be billed separately.
• Non-medical expenses. Flight, hotel or apartment accommodation, meals, translation services.
• Additional expenses. Visa processing, insurance, purchasing medications for continued treatment at home.
• Reserve for unforeseen circumstances. Always budget 15-20% extra for possible complications or additional examinations.

To avoid financial surprises, request a detailed estimate from the clinic before treatment. It should list all procedures with specific prices. Clarify what's included in the cost and what's paid additionally. This is especially important for complex operations with possible additional procedures.

Ask about possible complications and their cost estimate in advance. The best clinics abroad warn about such risks.

Beware of intermediaries who quote a “final” price over the phone without reviewing documents. This is unprofessional and often leads to hidden commissions.

MedicusUnion helps achieve maximum financial transparency. We request an official estimate directly from the clinic's international department and help understand every item—explaining what is included in the treatment cost abroad and what may require additional payment.

Step 6. Visa, Flight, and Accommodation

Proper logistics planning is the key to a successful treatment trip abroad. Mistakes at this stage can cause canceled procedures and extra costs.

Medical Visa

Depending on your nationality, you may require a special medical visa for trips to Schengen Area countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other destinations. A Schengen visa for treatment in the EU requires a clinic invitation, proof of financial support, and translated medical documents. A UAE visa is processed faster than a Schengen visa and requires fewer documents. An American visa for treatment is the most complex to process and requires a personal interview at the consulate.

Processing times vary significantly: from 5-7 days for the UAE to 1-2 months for the USA. Therefore, plan document submission well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

MedicusUnion assists at all stages of medical visa processing—from obtaining an official invitation from the clinic to preparing a complete document package. We consult on specific consulate requirements, help correctly fill out forms, and translate necessary medical certificates.

Flight

Flight planning requires special attention. Arrive at least one day before the first consultation—this helps adapt to time zone changes and cope with possible delays.

When planning surgery, consider the doctor's recommendations regarding flight timing. Usually, flying is possible 7-14 days after surgical intervention.

Choose refundable tickets with the option to change dates. Treatment abroad may take longer or proceed faster than planned.

Accommodation

It is better to find housing near the clinic. Many medical centers have their own guest houses or partner hotels with discounts for patients.

Pay attention to amenities: kitchen for dietary meals, proximity to pharmacy and stores, and transportation accessibility. For long-term treatment, consider apartments—they are more cost-efficient and comfortable than hotels.

MedicusUnion partners with hotel networks and rental services, providing patients with discounts and helping find the optimal accommodation near the hospital.

Step 7. Language and Cultural Support

The language barrier is one of the main problems when seeking treatment abroad. Miscommunication with a doctor can lead to serious consequences, so saving on an interpreter is unacceptable.

A medical interpreter is not just someone who knows the language. This is a specialist who is fluent in medical terminology in both languages. They understand the peculiarities of national healthcare systems, can accurately convey not only words but also emotional nuances, and know medical ethics and confidentiality principles.

At MedicusUnion, our support includes interpreting conversations with the doctor, assistance with filling out documents, explaining recommendations and prescriptions, and coordinating with medical staff. Professional support is especially important when receiving a diagnosis, discussing a treatment plan, and understanding post-operative recommendations. The interpreter helps ask all significant questions and ensures proper understanding of the doctor's instructions.

Round-the-clock support of a patient coordinator (a specialist who manages all aspects of a patient's medical journey abroad) can be a real lifesaver in stressful situations. When in a foreign country, it is important to know there is someone to contact at any time—regarding medical questions, accommodation problems, or simply for moral support.

The patient coordinator helps solve everyday issues: where to buy medications, how to get to the clinic. They organize additional services—meals, transportation, coordinate changes in the treatment schedule, and maintain contact with relatives at home.

Cultural adaptation is also important for a comfortable stay. Learn in advance about local cuisine—this is especially critical with dietary restrictions. Also, learn about when the institutions work, the public transport system, and other practical matters for a comfortable stay.

Step 8. Treatment and Monitoring Abroad

Upon arrival at the clinic, you'll have your first in-person consultation with a doctor. The initial consultation usually lasts 60-90 minutes—the doctor reviews all the documents and physically examines you. It's important to answer all questions honestly and not omit information about previous treatment.

You'll likely need to retake some key examinations on the clinic's equipment to confirm data. Additional diagnostics in foreign clinics are often more detailed than at home. Do not be surprised if the doctor prescribes tests that seem excessive—this is the standard of quality medicine.

After examination, a doctor will develop and agree on a treatment plan with you: surgery, a therapy course, or rehabilitation. Surgical interventions are performed according to international protocols with maximum attention to patient safety. The anesthesia plan, possible risks, and alternative treatment options are properly discussed.

Recovery often begins right in the clinic. Foreign doctors pay great attention to the rehabilitation period and quality of life after treatment.

Be sure to collect all medical documentation with translation: doctor's conclusions, recommendations for further treatment, test and examination results, discharge reports with a detailed description of treatment received, medication prescriptions with international names. This documentation will be extremely important for your doctor at home.

The role of the medical coordinator at this stage is invaluable. They help navigate the procedure schedule, accompany to important meetings, and ensure everything goes according to plan. All you have to do is follow doctors' recommendations, not be afraid to ask questions, and report any changes in well-being.

Step 9. Follow-up After Returning Home

Your treatment abroad doesn't end when you are discharged from the clinic. The most significant stage is ongoing follow-up.

To achieve the best results after returning home, it is beneficial to continue observation with a foreign specialist. Modern technology allows doing this remotely.

Using the MedicusUnion platform, you can organize a follow-up online consultation with a doctor from a foreign clinic: discuss test results, adjust therapy, and get answers to all your questions. This ensures continuity of the treatment process.

Be sure to provide all medical documentation to your local physician. Prepare a complete package: examination results, specialist conclusions, recommendations for further treatment, and prescribed medications. If documents are in a foreign language, arrange for professional translation.

Make sure the local physician understands the treatment plan and can continue follow-up. If necessary, organize a consultation between the foreign and local specialists.

Strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations: taking medications, diet, physical activity, and control examinations. Your treatment success depends on this.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

On the path to treatment abroad, it is easy to make mistakes that can cost time, money, and health. Here are the most common ones:

• Trip without a second medical opinion. Many patients consider an online consultation with a doctor an unnecessary waste of money. In reality, it can save tens of thousands of dollars and months of ineffective treatment.
• Choosing a clinic based solely on price. The cheapest offer is rarely the best. This can result in additional costs for correcting errors or repeating procedures. Focus on the price-quality ratio.
• Unprofessional document translation. Underestimating the importance of quality translation of medical documents can lead to diagnostic errors. Never use machine or non-professional translation for medical texts.
• Underestimating living expenses. The cost of living in many countries is high. Budget at least $100-200 per day for accommodation and food.
• Incorrect timing planning. Consider possible complications and the need to extend treatment. Always plan a treatment trip with a time buffer.
• Ignoring cultural features. Disrespecting local traditions can create problems in communicating with medical staff and affect service quality.
• Stopping treatment on your own. Never discontinue treatment without consulting a doctor, even if feeling better. This can nullify all achieved results.

Why Choose MedicusUnion

The MedicusUnion platform was created to solve all the problems described above and make organizing treatment abroad simple, safe, and transparent.

What we do for you:

• We represent your interests at every stage of the treatment process.
• We provide a database of verified specialists from leading clinics worldwide to get a second medical opinion and organize in-person treatment.
• We help you get an official cost estimate from the clinic, ensuring full control over the treatment cost abroad.
• We organize document translation, book online and in-person appointments, and coordinate the invitation letter for your medical visa.
• You don't need to research hundreds of websites or communicate with clinics in a foreign language. Your personal patient coordinator handles all communication and organizational work.
• We stay in touch after you return home, helping to arrange follow-up online consultations with your foreign doctor.

Treatment abroad is not a luxury, but an accessible opportunity to receive the best medical care. With proper organization, this process becomes easily controlled, safe, and effective. Trust the professionals at MedicusUnion—your path to health will be as comfortable and efficient as possible.