Checking Out Your Clinic or Hospital

For international patients planning care abroad, this short guide explains the key steps to check and select a reputable medical clinic or hospital.

Preliminary Considerations

Begin by gathering detailed information about the provider: review the clinic or hospital website, request brochures or facility literature, and ask intermediaries or patient coordinators for documentation. Collect your own health information (medical records, allergies, diagnosis and health history) and be ready to share it with the provider so they can assess your case before you book.

Quick pre-book checklist (ask the provider for written confirmation):

• Verified provider credentials and accreditation; links to hospital or doctor profiles.
• Estimated procedure cost, what’s included, and any add‑on fees (rooms, nursing, tests).
• Insurance and payer information — will your insurer cover parts of the visit?
• Appointment scheduling process, expected wait times, and typical clinic times.
• Required paperwork for travel and treatment (visa, medical letters, consent forms).

Another important consideration is the destination country. Confirm visa requirements and extension allowances with the embassy or official government site, and plan extra time for pre-op visits, testing, and any necessary follow-up appointments so your travel arrangements match the provider’s recommended timeline.

Hospital Accreditation and Affiliation

One of the clearest signals of reliable care is formal accreditation from recognized certifying bodies. The Joint Commission International (JCI) is widely regarded as a top standard for patient safety and clinical quality—verify whether the clinic or hospital lists current JCI accreditation and confirm the certification date. You can also consult our list of JCI accredited medical centers for reference.

ISO accreditation is another credential to look for; it indicates the facility follows internationally accepted management and quality procedures. In many countries, national healthcare federations or ministries publish their own accreditation lists—check those as well to see whether the provider meets local regulatory standards.

Some hospitals also maintain formal affiliations with reputable U.S. providers, medical schools, or international university partners. These affiliations can mean shared clinical protocols, visiting specialists, training exchanges, or joint research—ask the facility whether the affiliation is ownership, management, or a clinical partnership, and request documentation. When possible, ask to see the provider’s credentialed doctor profiles, team qualifications, and how they handle transfer of medical records and your diagnosis details during care transitions.

How to verify accreditation (quick steps): confirm the accreditor’s website listing, note the certification expiry date, request copies of certificates, and ask for contact details of the accrediting body if you need independent confirmation.

Non-medical Amenities

Many clinics and hospitals that serve international patients bundle medical care with non-medical services into packages. These can include the cost of procedures, tests and routine treatment, and sometimes offer accommodation options arranged through the facility. Some providers partner with nearby hotels or even provide on-campus rooms with hotel‑style services—availability and quality vary by clinic and destination, so always ask for specifics.

Ask the provider whether they offer an all‑inclusive medical travel package and request a written breakdown of what’s included and what isn’t. Typical items to confirm include:

• Hotel or on‑site room options and star rating (and whether upgrades are available).
• Airport transfer and local transport (pickup/drop‑off times and who bears the cost).
• Pre‑ and post‑op consultations, check‑ups, and any arranged aftercare or recovery facilities.
• Meal options and dietary accommodations, and whether special meals are provided for patients with allergies.

Practical tips: ask for a sample itinerary and itemized quote, check whether the provider uses an online portal or app to manage appointments and information, and verify access to local services (pharmacies, rehabilitation, or family accommodations). Finally, research local costs for meals and transport so you can budget for anything not covered by the package and confirm safety of getting around the area alone.

Hospital / Clinic Facilities and Services

Checking a provider’s facilities and services is a vital step in preparing for your medical journey. Below is an actionable checklist of questions to ask, plus quick notes on how to verify each item so you can make an informed decision as a patient.

• Procedure location: Where will the procedure take place — a private hospital, outpatient clinic, or a doctor’s office? How often do they perform this procedure? (Ask for procedure volumes to gauge experience.)
• Clinic vs. hospital: If it’s a clinic, is it affiliated with or located near a hospital with an intensive care unit (ICU) for emergencies?
• Emergency readiness: Do they have emergency equipment on site (crash cart, defibrillator)? How quickly can they transfer you to a higher‑level facility if needed? (Request transfer protocols.)
• Room options and comfort: What types of rooms are available — private rooms, suites? Are upgrades available and what do they cost? (Ask for photos or a virtual tour.)
• ICU availability: Is there an ICU on‑site? If not, how close is the nearest ICU and what is the transfer time?
• Relationships with other hospitals: Do they maintain cooperative relationships with hospitals in the US or other international centers for referrals or follow‑up care?
• Diagnostic and electronic systems: Do they have up‑to‑date imaging and diagnostic equipment and an electronic medical record system for storing your records?
• Pharmaceuticals and supplies: Which pharmaceuticals do they use? If you require specific medications, confirm availability and ask whether they meet international safety standards (note: the FDA regulates US products; ask the provider which equivalent local or international standards they follow).
• Specialized equipment: Do they have the specialized tools required for your surgery or procedure? (Request make/model or photos of key equipment when relevant.)
• Infection history and rates: Have there been reported post‑operative infections or complications for this procedure? Ask for published infection or complication rates and compare them to international benchmarks where possible.

How to verify these items: request a written equipment list and certifications, ask for recent photos or a live video tour of the OR and recovery areas, request copies of policies on sterilization and infection control, and ask for staff credentials and team experience. If possible, schedule a pre‑visit video call to discuss logistics, average wait times for appointments, and the expected process and timeline for your care.

Hospital Care during Treatments

Medical travel can save money, and many patients reinvest those savings into higher levels of care and comfort during treatment. Before you arrive, ask clear questions about what care options and amenities are included and what costs are extra so you avoid surprises.

• Accommodation: Is 5‑star or upgraded accommodation available as part of the package, and what is the itemized cost for upgrades? Request photos, room descriptions, and whether the room is on‑site or at a partner hotel.
• Meals and dietary needs: What food options are provided? Ask whether the hospital can accommodate allergies, special diets, or personal meal selections approved by your doctor.
• Nursing and in‑room care: What nursing services are included — standard ward nursing or 24‑hour private nursing? If you need a personal nurse, ask for costs, nurse qualifications, and whether that nurse will coordinate with your physician.
• Language and communication: Are staff, nurses, and doctors fluent in English (or your preferred language)? Ask for the availability of interpreters or a patient coordinator to avoid miscommunication about symptoms, treatment plans, and consent.

Sample questions to ask the provider: “Is a private nurse included in the package?” “Can you provide nurse and doctor credentials?” “How do you handle allergy information and medication instructions?” Also confirm appointment scheduling and expected wait times for tests and procedures, and get written confirmation of any promised services so you have clear paperwork to reference.

Hospital Aftercare Treatments

Aftercare planning is essential — it’s the period when your body heals and when proper support reduces complications and speeds recovery. Before you travel, get a clear, written aftercare plan from the provider that covers practical needs, expected recovery time, and contingency arrangements.

• Companion support: Do they recommend or require a close friend or family member to stay with you during and after treatment? If so, can the clinic help arrange accommodations for companions?
• Length of stay: Will you need to remain in the hospital after the procedure or will you be discharged to a hotel or recovery facility? Ask for a suggested timeline based on your condition and procedure.
• Special care needs: Are there specific wound care, dressing changes, medication schedules, or physiotherapy sessions required? Get details on who provides these services and whether they are included in your package.
• Contingency plans: What happens if complications occur? Request the clinic’s written protocol for transfers, emergency care, or readmission, and ask whether they coordinate with local or international hospitals.
• Activity and follow‑up: What activities are restricted, and when can you resume normal routines? Ask for a clear list of symptoms that should prompt immediate contact with the clinic, plus the schedule for follow‑up appointments and how to book them.

Mini aftercare checklist to request in writing: emergency contact number, medication list and instructions, wound‑care plan, follow‑up appointment dates, and recommended length of stay. Secure this documentation before you travel so you and your family know the expected time for recovery and next steps if issues arise.

Medical Records

Confirming how a destination clinic or hospital manages medical records is essential for safe follow‑up care with your doctor at home. Ask what records they keep (charts, x‑rays, lab results, imaging) and how you can access a copy of your health history and diagnosis details after treatment.

Key questions and actions:

• Do you use an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system? If so, which one, and can you export my medical records in PDF, DICOM (for imaging) or other common formats?
• Can my records be sent electronically to my referring physician or recipient hospital (secure portal, encrypted email, or direct EMR transfer)? If yes, request the exact transfer method and expected timeframe.
• If no EMR export is possible, can you provide printed records and copies of imaging on CD/USB so I can carry them home? Get a complete paperwork list to ensure nothing is missing.
• How do you document allergies, medications and post‑op instructions so my doctor at home can continue care safely?

Sample request wording: “Please provide a complete copy of my medical records, including operative notes, pathology and imaging, in electronic format (PDF/DICOM) and provide secure transfer to my physician at [name and contact].” Verify access procedures and turnaround time today so you aren’t left waiting when you return home.

Quality Disclosures

Reputable hospitals should make performance measures and quality indicators available to prospective patients—request these disclosures in writing and review them carefully before you commit. Key metrics to ask for include infection rates, complication rates by procedure, readmission rates, and average wait times for consultations and surgeries.

How to request and interpret data: ask the facility to provide recent, procedure‑specific statistics (e.g., postoperative infection rate for this surgery over the past 12 months), the methodology used to calculate rates, and any external audits or peer reviews. Compare the figures to international benchmarks where possible and weigh both the numbers and patient experience information (testimonials and independent reviews). If a provider is unwilling to share this information, treat that as a red flag and request alternatives or independent verification.

Questions Regarding Malpractice and Liability

Any medical procedure carries risk, and when you travel for care you should understand how a clinic or hospital handles malpractice, liability and financial responsibility. Before you commit, get answers in writing to specific questions and retain copies of all paperwork and contracts.

• Service contract and accountability: Do you provide a written contract of services? Does it include clear accountability for complications caused by negligence, and what remedies are offered (refund, corrective care, transfer)? Request the exact contract wording and keep a copy.
• Track record and claims history: What is the facility’s history with malpractice claims or patient complaints? Ask for anonymized summaries or references to show how previous claims were handled.
• Insurance and payer coverage: Is there malpractice insurance that covers international patients? Does your insurer or the provider’s insurer cover complications or corrective procedures? Get details on limits, exclusions and whether the insurer will pay for transfers or additional treatments.
• Local regulations and legal recourse: What are the host country’s malpractice laws and how do they differ from the United States? Ask for a plain‑language summary and whether international patients have access to the same legal remedies as local patients.
• Access to legal aid and dispute resolution: If a problem arises, can international patients get assistance from local government agencies, a patient advocate, or non‑profit legal services? Are disputes handled through local courts or through arbitration/mediation?

Practical steps: if you’re booking major procedures, consider consulting a lawyer or patient advocate to review the contract. Request copies of all paperwork and records related to your diagnosis and procedures, and note timelines for when claims must be filed (statutes of limitation). Having documented agreements and an understanding of insurance coverage will protect you and make the process more transparent if complications occur.

Questions Regarding Safety

Safety practices are as important as clinical quality — ask for clear policies so you can judge infection control, hygiene and accommodation security before you travel.

• Infection control and waste disposal: What are the hospital’s standard operating procedures for sterilization and disposal of hazardous materials (needles, biological waste)? Ask whether they follow WHO or CDC guidelines and request a short summary of their protocols.
• Food and hygiene policies: How are patient meals prepared and served? What hygiene measures are in place for inpatient areas and common spaces to reduce cross‑contamination?
• Accommodation security: If the facility arranges hotels or on‑site rooms, how is safety ensured (secure entrances, vetted transport, staff escorts)? Ask for examples of partner hotels and security measures.
• Post‑treatment precautions: What infection‑prevention steps and monitoring do they apply after procedures? Request written post‑op hygiene instructions and audit results or inspection certificates if available.

How to request this information: ask the provider for their infection‑control policy summary, most recent safety audit or inspection report, and any certifications. Acceptable answers should reference recognized standards and provide documentation; vague or evasive responses are a reason to seek additional verification or alternatives.

Seek Recommendations from Other Sources

Doing your own document and credential checks is essential, but independent recommendations and real patient experience help complete the picture. Use third‑party sources to confirm what the provider says and to uncover practical insights about care and the patient journey.

• Personal referrals: Ask friends, family or colleagues who have had treatment at the clinic or partner hospitals for honest feedback about their experience and any paperwork or insurance steps they found helpful.
• Independent ratings and reviews: Check reputable healthcare review sites and accreditation listings rather than relying solely on the provider’s testimonials. Look for verified patient reviews and consistent themes (positive or negative).
• Patient forums and social groups: Read firsthand accounts on medical travel forums, social media groups and eGroups—these often reveal practical tips about appointments, wait times, and local logistics that formal sources don’t cover.
• Online communities and Q&A: Participate in forums to ask specific questions about procedures, care options, or aftercare — people often share details about costs, apps or portals the clinic uses, and how responsive the provider was to follow‑up appointments.

How to evaluate recommendations: prefer verified reviews, watch for repeated complaints (e.g., long wait times, difficulty obtaining records), and be cautious of overly positive testimonials with no detail. Combine these insights with your verification of credentials, insurance coverage and written contracts — together they give a more complete, reliable view of the clinic or hospital today.