Planning surgery abroad involves more logistics than a standard vacation — and the stakes of a missed step are considerably higher. This checklist covers every category of preparation that materially affects your safety and financial protection before, during, and after your procedure.
Work through each section in sequence. Several steps have dependencies — you cannot enroll in medical travel insurance after departure, and you cannot get pre-operative clearance without giving your US doctor enough lead time.
6–8 Weeks Before Departure
Surgeon and facility verification
- Confirm surgeon's medical degree institution and specialty residency in writing
- Verify national plastic surgery board membership (see country-specific boards)
- Ask how many of your specific procedure the surgeon performs per month
- Request before/after photos from patients with similar anatomy
- Confirm the physical address where the procedure will be performed
- Verify the surgical facility is a licensed hospital or accredited surgical center
- Confirm ICU access at or adjacent to the surgical facility
- Ask explicitly about the complication protocol and post-op follow-up process
Medical preparation
- Inform your US primary care physician of your planned procedure, destination, and dates
- Obtain pre-operative medical clearance (bloodwork, EKG if required, health screening)
- Review all medications with your US doctor — note what to pause before surgery (blood thinners, NSAIDs, supplements)
- Get vaccinations up to date if traveling to a destination requiring them
- Confirm any pre-op testing required by your international surgeon and complete it in the US if possible
Insurance and financial preparation
- Enroll in the GoTripWise Medical Traveler Plan before your departure date
- Save your policy number and the 24/7 emergency contact number in your phone
- Review your US health insurance — confirm it covers emergency care internationally (most do; elective procedure complications are the gap)
- Confirm your payment method for the surgical facility — many require wire transfer or cash
- Budget for unexpected extended stay costs in case of complications
Medical travel insurance must be enrolled before your departure date. This is the most common mistake — patients attempt to purchase coverage after a complication has already developed. Coverage requires enrollment before travel begins.
1–2 Weeks Before Departure
Documentation preparation
- Create a digital folder with all medical records, pre-op test results, and surgeon communication
- Store digital copies in cloud storage accessible from your phone (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Prepare an emergency contact card: insurance policy number, surgeon's contact, US doctor's contact, trusted family contact
- Confirm your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
- Register your trip with the US State Department STEP program (step.state.gov) for emergency notifications
Travel and logistics
- Book accommodation near the surgical facility — not across the city
- Arrange a companion to travel with you if at all possible — especially for complex procedures
- Book your return flight with enough buffer time for post-op recovery (minimum 7 days for most cosmetic procedures)
- Purchase flexible or refundable return tickets if your recovery timeline may change
- Prepare a post-op care kit: compression garments, wound care supplies, any prescribed medications
During Your Procedure Trip
Before the procedure
- Confirm the procedure location, start time, and pre-op instructions with your surgical team
- Follow fasting and medication instructions exactly
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery
- Confirm your surgeon will personally perform the procedure — not a substitute or resident
- Sign informed consent only after fully understanding the procedure, risks, and alternatives
Before leaving the facility
- Collect complete operative notes in English (or with certified translation)
- Collect discharge summary including post-op instructions
- Collect records of all implants, devices, or materials used (brand, model, lot numbers)
- Collect any imaging: X-rays, ultrasounds, surgical photos
- Confirm surgeon's direct contact for post-op questions and telemedicine availability
- Receive a written follow-up schedule and warning signs that require immediate attention
Do not leave the surgical facility without your operative notes and discharge summary. Obtaining these documents weeks later from an international facility is difficult and slow. US physicians treating post-op complications need this information to provide effective care.
Flying Home
Before your return flight
- Get explicit clearance from your surgeon before flying — do not assume you can fly on your pre-planned schedule if your recovery is not progressing as expected
- Wear compression stockings on the flight (DVT risk is elevated after any surgical procedure)
- Stay well hydrated during the flight
- Move and walk the aisle every 1–2 hours on long flights
- Carry all medications in your carry-on bag — never in checked luggage
After Returning Home
Follow-up care
- Schedule a follow-up with your US primary care physician within 1 week of return
- Provide your US doctor with your operative notes and discharge summary
- Follow your international surgeon's post-op instructions exactly until your US doctor advises otherwise
- Know the warning signs for your specific procedure that require immediate emergency care
- Contact your medical travel insurer promptly if you develop any complication — do not wait
If you develop a complication after returning home, contact your GoTripWise insurer before seeking care if possible — or as soon as possible afterward if the situation is urgent. Early contact improves claims coordination and ensures coverage documentation is initiated promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to surgery abroad?
Passport and travel documents, medical travel insurance policy and emergency contact, list of all current medications, pre-op test results, US doctor contact information, post-op care supplies, and a trusted companion if possible. Keep digital copies of all medical documents in cloud storage accessible from your phone.
Should I tell my US doctor I'm having surgery abroad?
Yes — always. Your US doctor needs to provide pre-operative clearance, understand your medical history in context of the planned procedure, and be prepared to manage post-operative care when you return. Doctors who know about planned surgery abroad are far better positioned to treat complications than those who are surprised.
How long should I stay abroad after surgery before flying home?
Minimum 7 days for most cosmetic procedures; 14 days before long-haul flights after bariatric surgery. Follow your surgeon's specific guidance. DVT risk from long flights is elevated after surgery — wear compression stockings and move regularly during the flight regardless of procedure type.
What documents should I bring home from surgery abroad?
Operative notes, discharge summary, implant/device records, imaging, post-op care instructions, surgeon contact information, and your insurance claim contact. These are essential for US follow-up care and for insurance claims if complications develop.
Check Off the Insurance Step
The Medical Traveler Plan must be enrolled before your departure date. Cover complications wherever they develop — in the surgery country or back home.
Get Coverage Before You TravelRelated reading: How to Find a Reputable Surgeon Abroad · How to Vet a Medical Tourism Facility · Surgery Complications Insurance Abroad