Many Australians travel overseas for health care to save money. Some go for treatments that are unavailable in Australia.
No matter why you go, do your research before you commit. Don't decide on cost alone.
Before you decide to go
Talk to your doctor in Australia about your plans and ask for their advice. Get a health check at least 6 weeks before you go.
If you go ahead, carefully choose where your procedure happens and who will do it. It will reduce the risk of things going wrong.
- Research the healthcare system of your destination.
- Look into the reputation of the hospital. See if there are reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Check if the surgeon is qualified and accredited. Research their reputation and the experience of past patients.
- Make sure the hospital and doctor have indemnity and malpractice insurance.
What are the risks?
There are always risks with medical procedures.
You could suffer from complications, or you could die. If your procedure goes wrong, you may end up with a new or worse problem. It could cost more to fix it.
If you have complications they can't treat overseas, you may need medical evacuation back to Australia. This can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Take someone with you. You'll need their support if things go wrong. They may need to make decisions for you.
Medical tourism and insurance
You're responsible for the cost of your treatment overseas. You or your travel insurer will have to pay if you need further care or a medical evacuation.
Basic travel insurance policies rarely cover medical tourism. Get a specialised policy that covers the costs of your procedure.
Ask your insurer about:
- post-operative care
- complications
- medical evacuation.
Know what you're covered for and what's excluded. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).