Medical Tourism Checklist: Everything to Do Before, During, and After Your Trip

1. Research your procedure and set realistic expectations

Understand typical outcomes, recovery timelines, and candidacy requirements. Use published clinical studies and before-and-after galleries from accredited clinics – not social media testimonials alone.

2. Ask Doc, or research clinics on your own

Compare at least 3 clinics on accreditation, surgeon experience, annual procedure volume, and pricing. JetWell matches patients with clinics it has already reviewed and approved.

3. Review treatment proposals and ask questions

Request a detailed treatment plan including technique, graft count (if applicable), itemized costs, and what's included. Ask about complication rates and revision policies.

4. Verify clinic accreditation (JCI, ISHRS, or equivalent)

Search the JCI directory at jointcommission.org or the ISHRS member directory. Confirm accreditation is current, not expired. JetWell verifies this for every clinic.

5. Confirm surgeon credentials and experience

Verify board certification, fellowship training, and professional society memberships. Request the surgeon's annual procedure volume – look for 500+ procedures per year for your specific treatment.

6. Understand total costs (procedure + travel + time off)

Calculate: procedure package + round-trip flights ($400–$800) + extra hotel nights + meals + travel insurance + lost income for time off. Net savings should exceed $5,000 to justify the trip.

7. Confirm insurance coverage (JetCover by GPS℠ or equivalent)

Standard travel insurance excludes elective procedures. Ensure you have cover for procedure complications and emergency medical care during your trip. JetCover by GPS℠ is available for eligible procedures booked through JetWell.

8. Book flights and accommodation

Book refundable or flexible flights when possible. Most clinic packages include 3–5 nights of hotel accommodation near the facility. Confirm airport transfer arrangements.

9. Arrange time off work (typical: 7–10 days)

Plan for 5–7 days abroad plus 2–3 days of rest at home before returning to work. Desk jobs can typically resume within 3–5 days post-procedure; physically demanding work may require 2–3 weeks.

10. Get pre-procedure bloodwork done locally

Most clinics require a CBC, metabolic panel, and coagulation studies within 30 days of the procedure. Getting bloodwork done locally saves time on procedure day. Share results with your clinic in advance.

11. Prepare a travel health kit

Pack: prescribed medications, surgeon's contact information, procedure documentation, comfortable loose-fitting clothes, neck pillow for sleeping elevated, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and a hat if having scalp procedures.

12. Share your itinerary with someone at home

Provide a trusted contact with your clinic name and address, hotel details, flight itinerary, JetWell's contact details, and a copy of your treatment plan.

13. Attend your in-person consultation and hairline design / treatment planning session

Day 1 typically includes a face-to-face consultation, physical examination, and finalization of your treatment plan. This is your opportunity to ask remaining questions and confirm details with your surgeon.

14. Complete pre-procedure blood tests and medical evaluation

The clinic will conduct blood tests (if not already done), check vital signs, and confirm you're medically cleared for the procedure. Disclose all medications, supplements, and health conditions.

15. Undergo your procedure

FUE hair transplants take 6–8 hours; dental implant placements take 2–4 hours; cosmetic procedures vary. You'll receive local or general anesthesia as planned. Stay hydrated the night before.

16. Attend all post-operative check-ups and washes

Most clinics schedule 1–3 post-op visits for wound inspection, professional washing (for hair procedures), and aftercare instruction. Attend every appointment – do not skip.

17. Collect all documentation before departure

Obtain: written aftercare instructions, prescribed medications, surgeon's direct contact information, follow-up schedule, and a summary of what was performed (graft count, implant specifications, etc.).

18. Follow recovery restrictions during your stay

Sleep elevated at 45° (scalp procedures), avoid direct sunlight, no alcohol for 72 hours, no strenuous activity, and follow all medication schedules. Your clinic will provide specific instructions.

19. Take progress photos daily

Photograph the treatment area from consistent angles each day. These photos are essential for your remote follow-up appointments and for tracking your recovery progress over the coming months.

20. Schedule your first remote follow-up (7–10 days post-procedure)

Most clinics and the JetWell care team schedule a video or photo-review consultation within 7–10 days. Share your daily progress photos and report any concerns.

21. Continue medications as prescribed

Complete the full course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Do not stop early, even if you feel fine. Report any adverse reactions to your JetWell care team immediately.

22. Follow activity restrictions for the recommended period

Typically: no heavy exercise for 2–4 weeks, no swimming for 4 weeks, no direct sun exposure on the treated area for 8–12 weeks, and no contact sports for 3 months.

23. Know when to contact your clinic urgently

Contact your clinic or JetWell care team immediately if you experience: signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus), fever above 101°F (38.3°C), unexpected heavy bleeding, or severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication.

24. Attend month 1, month 3, month 6, and month 12 remote check-ups

Standard follow-up milestones for most procedures. Share updated photos at each interval. Your surgeon will assess healing progress and set expectations for upcoming growth phases.

25. Track your results with comparison photos

Take photos from the same angles as your pre-procedure and daily recovery shots. Month 3–4 typically shows initial new growth; month 10–12 shows final results for hair transplants.

26. Leave a review to help future patients

Honest, detailed reviews with photos help other patients make informed decisions. Include information about the clinic, surgeon, recovery experience, and whether the results met your expectations.