01 Do plan ahead. The farther in advance you plan, the more likely you are to get the best doctors, the lowest airfares, and the best availability and rates on hotels - particularly if you are travelling during the peak tourist season. If possible, begin planning at least three months prior to your expected departure date. If you’re concerned about having to change plans, do be sure to confirm cancellation policies with airlines, hotels, and travel agents.

02 Do be sure about your diagnosis and treatment needs. The more you know about the treatment you’re seeking, the easier your search for a physician will be. Do work closely with your local doctor or medical specialist, and make sure you obtain exact recommendations - in writing, if possible. If you lack confidence in your doctor’s diagnosis, seek a second opinion.

03 Do research your in-country doctor thoroughly. This is the most important step of all. When you’ve narrowed your search to two or three physicians, invest some time and money in personal telephone interviews, either directly with your candidate doctors or through your health travel-planning agency. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, lots of them, until you feel comfortable that you have chosen a competent physician.

04 Don’t rely completely on the Internet - for your research. While it’s okay to use the Web for your initial research, don’t assume that sponsored Web sites offer complete and accurate information. Cross-check your online findings against referrals, articles in leading newspapers and magazines, word of mouth, and your health travel agent.

05 Do consider travelling with a companion. Many health travellers say they wouldn’t go without a close friend or family member by their side. Your travel companion can help you every step of the way. With luck, your companion may even enjoy the trip!

06 Do engage a good health travel planner. Most of the hospitals are now served by at least one qualified health travel agent. Even the most intrepid, adventurous medical traveller will benefit from the knowledge, experience, and in-country support these professionals can bring to any health journey. Do thoroughly research an agent before plunking down your deposit.

07 Do get it in writing. Cost estimates, appointments, recommendations, opinions, second opinions, airline and hotel accommodations-get as much as you can in writing, and do be sure to take all documentation with you on the plane. Email is fine, as long as you retain a written record of your key transactions. The more you get in writing, the less chance of a misunderstanding.

08 Do insist on using a language - you understand. As much as many of us would like to have a better command of another language, the time to brush up on a foreign language is most definitely not when negotiating medical care! Establishing comfortable, reliable communication with your key contacts is paramount to your success as a health traveller.

09 Don’t plan your trip too tightly. Don’t plan your trip with military precision. A missed consultation or an extra two days of recovery can mean expensive rescheduling with airlines. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra day for every five days you anticipate for consultation, treatment, and recovery.

10 Do alert your bank and credit card company. Contact your bank and credit card company (or companies) prior to your trip. Inform them of your travel dates, and tell them where you will be. If you plan to use a credit card for large amounts, alert the company in advance, and reconfirm your credit limits to avoid card cancellation or unexpected rejections.

11 Do learn a little about your destination. Once you’ve settled on a choice of your health travel destination, spend a little time getting to know something about its history and geography. Buy or borrow a couple of travel guides. Read a local newspaper. Your hosts will appreciate your knowledge and interest.

12 Do inform your local doctors - before you leave. Preserve a good working relationship with your family physician and local specialists. Although they may not particularly like your travelling overseas for medical care, most doctors will respect your decision. Your hometown healthcare providers need to know what you are doing so they can continue your care and treatment once you return.

13 Don’t be too adventurous with - local cuisine. One sure way to get your treatment off to a bad start is to enter your clinic with even a mild case of stomach upset due to a change in water or diet. Prior to treatment, avoid rich, spicy foods and exotic drinks. Bottled water may be safer for your stomach. During any inpatient stay, don’t be afraid to ask the hospital’s dietician for a menu that’s easy on your digestion.

14 Don’t scrimp on lodging. Unless your finances absolutely demand it, avoid hotels and other accommodations in the “budget” category. You don’t want to end up in uncomfortable surroundings when you are recuperating from major surgery. On the other hand, you should be able to find a good hotel in a price range that suits you. Ask your hospital or health travel agent for a recommendation.

15 Don’t stay too far from your - treatment centre. When booking hotel accommodations for you and your companion, make sure the hospital or doctor’s office is nearby.

16 Don’t settle for second best in - treatment options. While you can cut corners on airfare, lodging, and transportation, always insist on the very best healthcare your money can buy. Focus on quality, not just price.

17 Do befriend the staff. Nurses, nurse’s aides, paramedics, receptionists, clerks, and even maintenance people are vital members of your health team! Take the time to chat with them, learn their names, inquire about their families, and perhaps offer a small gift. Above all, treat the staff with deference and respect. When you’re ready to leave the hospital, a sincere thank-you note makes a great farewell.

18 Don’t return home too soon. After a long flight to a foreign land, multiple consultations with physicians and staff, and a painful and disorienting medical procedure, most folks feel ready to jump on the first flight home. That’s understandable but not advisable. Your body needs time to recuperate, and your physician needs to track your recovery progress. As you plan your trip, ask your physician how much recovery time is advised for your particular treatment. Then add a few extra days, just to be safe.

19 Do set aside some of your medical travel savings for a vacation. You and your travel companion deserve it! If you’re not able to take leisure time during your trip abroad, then set aside a little money for some time off after you return home, even if only for a weekend getaway.

20 Do get all your paperwork before leaving the country. Get copies of everything. No matter how eager you are to get well and get home, make sure you have full documentation on your procedure(s), treatment(s), and follow-up. Get receipts for everything.

ABOVE ALL, trust your intuition. Your courage and good judgment have set you on the path to medical travel. Rely on your instincts. If, for example, you feel uncomfortable with your in-country consultation, switch doctors. If you get a queasy feeling about extra or uncharted costs, don’t be afraid to question them. Thousands of health travellers have beaten a well-worn path abroad, using good information and common sense. You can, too! Safe travels!

***Extracts from Patients Beyond Borders by Josef Woodman www.patientsbeyondborders.com