| Tips for a medical tourist on trip to Poland |
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7/05/2008 Patients who travel abroad for treatment are saving lots of money, with many procedures costing in the region of 50-65% less than they would in the United Kingdom. Not only are they saving money, they are also getting a high standard of care – with careful research you could find yourself in the hands of one of Poland’s leading surgeons. Thanks to the increase in low cost airlines, which make the cost of a flight to Warsaw not much more expensive than the train from London to Bristol, and the internet, which means that a surgeon’s credentials can be checked at the click of a mouse, dental treatment and cosmetic surgery abroad has never been so accessible. What makes treatment in countries like Poland so affordable? The primary reason for treatment costing a lot less in countries in Central and Eastern Europe or further afar is the fact that the cost of living is a lot less. In fact, by considering your options overseas, you may find yourself being treated by one of the county's top specialists. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? Before you book your flight with thoughts of the perfect smile or a spot of nip and tuck, Alison Hope of StatMedica gives the following advice: • There is a lot of information available on the internet, which can make the whole process overwhelming. A company like StatMedica can help you to find the most suitable surgeon or clinic, and is experienced by many patients from the United Kingdom. ● Be thorough in your research – is your surgeon a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons? Or other recognised association. ● Watch out for gimmicks or promotions. Some clinics try to offer free hotel accommodation or flights, however you may find that you end up paying for these freebies in the long run, as some clinics add the cost to the final medical bill. ● Don’t be afraid to be specific about what you have in mind, and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, as this will help the doctor to understand your expectations. As flights to Poland are fairly inexpensive if you fly with a low-cost carrier, you might want to consider travelling to Poland for an initial consultation with your dentist or surgeon before scheduling your procedure. ● Be sure to pay attention to the post-operative advice of your surgeon or specialist. It is worth considering spending a few extra days in Poland, before returning home. ● Take advantage of being in Poland – it is worth investigating other minor dental and aesthetic procedures: It might not be worth travelling to Poland for dental whitening or dermal fillers, yet procedures like these are worth considering as an add-on if you are travelling to Poland for a more expensive procedure. ● Pay careful attention to your travel insurance policy. Many policies do will not provide cover if you if you are travelling for a dental or medical procedure – even if your flight is delayed or your luggage gets stolen. Specialist insurance policies are however now available. ● Make sure that you pack lots of books and magazines to keep you entertained during your recovery. Puzzles, dvds and an mp3 player are also a good idea. ● And finally, make sure that you allow yourself some time to enjoy the culture and soak up history in a fascinating country – one that you may not consider visiting otherwise.
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