The decision to have cosmetic or medical surgery abroad is an exciting one, offering world-class results and significant savings. However, it’s natural for questions about safety to be at the forefront of your mind. How can you be sure you’re in good hands thousands of miles from home?
The single most important factor in ensuring a safe and positive medical tourism experience is choosing the right agency. A reputable agency acts as your shield, your advocate, and your guide, vetting every single element of your journey on your behalf.
At Starwise, we believe in transparent, informed decisions. That’s why we encourage you to ask every agency you consider these seven essential questions. How they answer will tell you everything you need to know.
1. How do you vet your surgeons and hospitals?
This is the most critical question. A trustworthy agency doesn’t just have a list of doctors; they have a rigorous selection process. Look for answers that include: board certification in their home country, proven experience in your specific procedure, hospital privileges at JCI- or ISO-accredited facilities, and a portfolio of real patient results. At Starwise, our vetting process is multi-stage and non-negotiable. We only partner with the best.
2. What accreditation do your partner hospitals hold?
Never settle for a simple “yes, they are accredited.” Ask for the specific accreditation. The global gold standard is Joint Commission International (JCI), which signifies the hospital meets rigorous international standards for patient safety, quality of care, and facility management. This is your guarantee of a sterile, modern, and safe surgical environment.
3. What is included in the quoted price?
Hidden fees are a major red flag. A professional agency provides a detailed, transparent breakdown of all costs, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications, implants, and any follow-up care. They should also be clear about what is not included, like flights and extra nights of accommodation, so you can budget accurately.
4. What kind of support do you offer before, during, and after my trip?
Safety isn’t just about the surgery; it’s about the entire experience. Ask about dedicated coordination. Will you have a single point of contact? Is support available 24/7 in case of an emergency? At Starwise, you are assigned a personal patient coordinator who handles everything from your first consultation to your post-operative follow-ups, providing peace of mind every step of the way.
5. What are the plans for follow-up care and handling complications?
A responsible agency has a clear protocol for your recovery. Ask: What are the arrangements for follow-up consultations once I return home? What is the process if I have questions during my recovery? What happens in the rare event of a complication? Your health is a long-term commitment, and your agency’s plans should reflect that.
6. Can I speak with past patients who had the same procedure?
Authentic patient testimonials are invaluable. A confident agency should be able to provide you with verified reviews, before-and-after photos, and even connect you with previous patients (with their permission) to hear about their firsthand experience. This social proof is one of the strongest indicators of a reliable service.
7. How do you handle travel and accommodation?
Your safety extends to your stay in the country. Does the agency work with reputable travel partners? Are the accommodations located near the hospital for convenience and quick access if needed? A full-service agency like Starwise manages all logistics, ensuring you stay in vetted, comfortable, and convenient locations.
Your Safety is Our Foundation
At Starwise, we welcome these questions because our entire business is built on providing safe, seamless, and successful medical journeys. We are proud of our rigorous standards and transparent processes.
Your health is priceless. Don’t entrust it to anyone who hesitates on these answers. Contact Starwise for a consultation where we will gladly address all seven questions—and any others you have—with clarity and confidence.
