Twelve questions to ask before you travel

Before you commit, ask in writing: who is the named doctor responsible for the plan; what exactly does the written quotation include and exclude; what happens to the plan and the money if you are reassessed on arrival and the plan changes; how long the hospital expects you to stay; whether a companion can stay with you; which language the reports will be released in; who interprets at appointments; what the follow-up schedule is after discharge; how records are sent to your doctor at home; who to contact outside office hours; what the refund or cancellation terms are; and what is not being promised. Keep every answer. A serious hospital or coordinator will give these in writing without being pushed.