What if there is a complication in the country?

Your doctors are among the best in their fields. They will insist that you remain in the country for at least a few days following your procedure. The main reason is to observe your progress and monitor your condition for any signs of complications, which are more serious than the usual discomforts experienced post-surgery. Most complications arise within a week after surgery. While 95 percent of all surgical patients experience no post-treatment complications, every patient should be able to recognize the warning signs and promptly seek medical help. If there are any complications, the doctors will be able to manage your situation at their facilities.

What if there is a complication at home?

When you return to your home, you should notify your local doctor immediately that you have returned. As part of the service we office, Global Makeovers will have set up a pre-vacation call with you and your doctor at home and abroad. This serves to inform your doctor of your procedure and make him part of the process. This is an important step because if there are any complications at home, your doctor will be in charge of your care and will instruct you on what to do.

How will I know if it is normal discomfort or if it is something more serious?

Before your procedure, your doctor will thoroughly explain it and tell you about any discomforts you can expect afterwards. Discomforts are predictable and unthreatening. Complications, while rarely life-threatening, are more serious and may require medical attention. These are some common discomforts you can expect following your surgery:

• minor local pain and general achiness
• minor swelling or puffiness
• bruising or minor bleeding around an incision
• side effects of anesthesia including headaches, dry mouth, nausea, lingering tiredness and difficulty urinating

Most surgically induced discomforts will recede or disappear altogether during the first few days after your procedure. If discomforts persist or become more pronounced, you should report them to your doctor as soon as possible as they might be the early warning signs of more serious complications.

What are the most common complications?

Complications differ with each type of procedure but you should be aware of the more common ones. Complications are scary but rare; most arise in less than 5 percent of total cases. Most complications occur in patients who are aged or sick before the procedure. While it is important to be informed and vigilant, you should not focus on the complications, anticipating the worst. The most common symptoms of complications include:

• infection, increased pain, or swelling around an incision
• abnormal bleeding around an incision
• sudden or unexplained high fever
• extreme chest pain or shortness of breath
• extreme headache
• extreme difficulty urinating

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should call your physician immediately.

What about malpractice ssabroad?

There is no ideal solution that would put judicial recourse against a foreign entity on par with the remedies available against a US hospital or physician. Legal recourse is generally limited for a patient who has issues with a procedure or physician. This is why Global Makeovers only partners with physicians who have no malpractice claims on their record and we make no exceptions.

Should I get Travel Insurance?

Global Makeovers will not assume your health insurance, home owner's insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or credit card policies will cover you when you travel internationally, because in many cases, they do NOT. This is why Global Makeovers necessarily includes comprehensive travel medical and trip cancellation insurance policies on all of our packages to protect you and your family when you travel overseas.

Is my trip tax deductible?

These expenses may be tax deductible as they are considered health travel. Depending upon your income level and cost of treatment, some or most of your health vacation can be itemized as a medical deduction on your taxes. Medical expenses above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income are deductible expenses, whether they occurred in Toledo, Ohio, or Toledo, Spain. Examples of typical tax-deductible items include any treatment normally covered by a health insurance plan, transportation expenses, including air, plane, train, boat or car travel lodging and in-treatment meals recovery hotels, surgical retreats, and recuperation resorts. Of course, your expenses must be directly related to your treatment, and many specific items are disallowed. You should save all your receipts and keep a detailed expense log, noting time, date, purpose, and amount paid. Ask for letters and other documentation from your in-country healthcare provider, particularly any recommendations made for outside lodging, special diets, and other services. For verification of the tax deductible nature of your expenses, you should consult your accountant, tax planner or contact the IRS directly.

Can I make the trip alone?

Global Makeovers does not recommend you travel alone. Studies have shown that most health travelers fare better with a companion accompanying them. It is very important to realize that a second traveler does not greatly increase the cost of the trip.

Medical Tourism experts strongly recommend that if you do chose to travel alone, you select a travel agency that offers concierge services, like Global Makeovers. With Global Makeovers, you are never alone. Not only do you enjoy the top rated services and quality care of our carefully chosen facilities and hotels, but you will also enjoy our full service concierge service. We will meet you at the airport and accompany you on every step of your luxurious get away and especially at the more stressful portions of your trip such as arrival, departure and medical consultations.

What if I am Gay/Lesbian?

Global Makeovers is there for you every step of the way regardless of your religious beliefs, sexual orientation, race, or any other defining characteristics. If you are in need of any special considerations for you trip, let us know and we will work to accommodate your every need. Some of the destinations are more liberal than others. For example, Cape Town is a prominent destination for gay and lesbian travelers. The South African constitution offers protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In addition, there are many gay night clubs and bars in Cape Town which have become some of the most popular venues.

What precautions will I need to take from diseases in the country where I will have my procedures?

Global Makeovers will check the travel advisories issued by the US Government for the destination of your choice and will ensure that you travel only if there are no major risks of public health/ infectious diseases. You may also check the World Health Organization for more information. We will advise you on any prophylactics you may need to take such as anti-malaria medication and also whether such medication will interfere with your surgery and recovery procedures. However, some of the responsibility also lies with you as the traveler to ensure that you follow doctor’s advice about the use of medication, alcohol and drugs as well as following safe-sex practices during travel to a new country. 

If you have another question?

Email Us @ info@globalmakeovers.com Or Twit Us @ www.twitter.com/globalmakeovers