How to check a clinic abroad before booking?

Planning treatment abroad? Before booking, clarify not just the cost, but who is responsible for treatment, exactly what has been agreed with the clinic and how support will be organised afterwards.

In brief: before paying, obtain written confirmation of clinic and doctor details, an individual treatment plan, an itemised estimate, cancellation terms and an aftercare plan. Do not book travel until you understand who will provide medical care and what the agreement includes.

Ask the clinic for:

• the full legal name and address of the facility where the procedure will take place;
• its licence or registration number and the issuing authority;
• the doctor's name, specialty and professional registration;
• the legal entity that will receive payment;
• a contact for medical questions, separate from the booking manager.

Check facility and practitioner details against official national registers where available. Make sure documents cover the relevant address and department. If the clinic claims accreditation, verify its validity in the issuing organisation's register. Accreditation is one verification criterion, not a guarantee of a particular result.

The CDC advises patients considering treatment abroad to check practitioner qualifications and healthcare facility documentation.

Ask the doctor or clinic for a plan tailored to your case. Clarify:

• which procedure is proposed and why;
• which stages are planned;
• which tests, scans or consultations are needed;
• which materials or techniques will be used;
• which risks and alternatives to consider;
• what may change after an in-person examination.

A remote assessment may be preliminary. If the final plan depends on an examination, additional diagnostics or test results, ask for this to be explained before travelling. Do not treat a photo assessment as a definitive diagnosis or an unchangeable offer.

If you receive a treatment plan but do not know who made the clinical decision, ask for confirmation of the responsible doctor's name.

Request a written estimate clearly stating included services and possible additional costs. Depending on the procedure, check whether consultation, diagnostics, tests, anaesthesia, materials, medication, laboratory work and follow-up examinations are included.

Also clarify:

• the deposit amount and purpose;
• whether it is refundable if you cancel or the plan changes;
• when the remaining balance is due;
• when the price may change;
• who pays for additional procedures if needed.

Do not buy tickets based only on a general statement that “the procedure takes a few days”. Ask the clinic to confirm in writing:

• how many visits may be needed;
• how long you need to remain in the country;
• when you can travel home afterwards;
• whether a follow-up examination is planned before departure;
• whether timing may change after examination or treatment.

These details depend on the procedure and individual plan. Do not use universal figures for all patients: publish only times confirmed by the clinic for a particular service, explaining what they depend on.

Before booking, clarify who your contact will be after the procedure and how medical information will be passed to a local doctor. Ask the clinic to explain:

• when and how follow-up consultations will take place;
• where to seek help for unexpected symptoms;
• how quickly the medical team can be contacted;
• which documents you will receive after treatment;
• whether a return visit may be needed and who covers the costs.

The CDC and NHS advise discussing aftercare, medical records and possible needs after returning home in advance.

Before paying, request a contract or other document specifying the service, price, payment schedule, cancellation terms and each party's responsibilities. If a warranty is offered, request its terms in writing.

Check:

• exactly what the warranty covers;
• its duration and exclusions;
• requirements for care and follow-up examinations;
• whether a repeat procedure is covered;
• who pays for consultation, travel or accommodation for a return visit.

“Material warranty”, “work warranty” and “result guarantee” may mean different things. Ask for each to be explained separately. Do not rely solely on a manager's verbal promise.

Make sure you have:

• the clinic's legal details and treatment address;
• the responsible doctor's name and professional registration details;
• a written plan explaining the preliminary assessment and possible changes;
• an estimate with included services and possible extra charges;
• deposit, refund and cancellation rules;
• a visit schedule and guidance on travel timing;
• an aftercare plan;
• a contract and written warranty terms, if offered.

To check suspicious promises, urgent pressure or other warning signs, also read our article “How to Avoid a Scam Clinic: A Safety Checklist”.

Medikout helps find clinics relevant to your request and compare their offers. Medikout is not a medical facility, does not diagnose and does not replace a medical consultation. Before booking, ask the clinic to confirm the treatment plan, estimate and aftercare arrangements in writing.

Start with the Medikout quiz: specify the procedure, country and your preferences in the Medikout quiz to find relevant clinics for a subsequent consultation.

What should I check first?

The facility's legal name and address, licence details, the responsible doctor's name, written treatment plan and estimate.

Can I book travel before an in-person examination?

First ask the clinic to explain in writing which parts of the plan are preliminary, what may change after examination and how much time to allow for treatment and follow-up.

What should the estimate contain?

Included services, possible additional costs, payment schedule and deposit and refund terms.

What should I ask about aftercare?

When follow-up will take place, how to contact the medical team, which documents you will receive and where to seek help if problems develop after returning home.

• CDC — Medical Tourism
• CDC Yellow Book — Medical Tourism
• NHS — Treatment Abroad Checklist
• NHS — Going Abroad for Medical Treatment