Essential Checklist for Surgery Abroad, Medical Procedures & Healthcare Travel Worldwide

📋 Critical Medical Documentation

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Medical visa/tourism visa
• Complete medical history (translated)
• Current lab results & diagnostic reports
• X-rays, MRIs, CT scans (digital copies)
• Physician referral letters
• Medical clearance for travel
• Current medication list & dosages
• Allergy & adverse reaction documentation
• Blood type & transfusion history
• Immunization/vaccination records
• Previous surgery records
• Anesthesia history & reactions
• Medical power of attorney
• Living will/advance directives
• Emergency contact information

🏥 Healthcare Facility Information

• Hospital/clinic confirmation letters
• Surgeon/doctor credentials & contact info
• Medical coordinator contact details
• Treatment schedule & timeline
• Hospital address & directions
• Pre-procedure instructions
• Post-procedure care plan
• Discharge planning information
• Follow-up appointment schedule
• Cost estimates & payment information
• Hospital amenities & policies
• Visiting hours & companion policies
• Language interpretation services
• Quality accreditation certificates
• Emergency protocols
• Patient rights documentation

💊 Medications & Medical Supplies

• All current prescription medications
• Extra medication supply (2-3 weeks)
• Medication documentation/prescriptions
• Pre-procedure medications
• Post-procedure pain management
• Antibiotics (if prescribed)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Anti-nausea medication
• Blood pressure medications
• Diabetes management supplies
• Heart medications
• Thyroid medications
• Mental health medications
• Emergency medications (EpiPen, etc.)
• Vitamin supplements
• Herbal remedies (doctor-approved)

🩹 Post-Procedure Care Supplies

• Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
• Medical tape & adhesive strips
• Elastic bandages
• Compression garments
• Surgical bras (if applicable)
• Abdominal binders
• Wound care ointments
• Antiseptic solution
• Disposable gloves
• Thermometer
• Blood pressure monitor
• Pulse oximeter
• Ice packs (reusable)
• Heating pads
• Scar treatment products
• Wound measurement tools

🛌 Recovery & Comfort Items

• Adjustable bed pillow/wedge
• Memory foam pillows
• Body pillows for positioning
• Lumbar support cushion
• Neck support pillow
• Soft, comfortable blankets
• Easy-to-wear clothing
• Front-closing garments
• Slip-on shoes
• Non-slip socks
• Comfortable robes
• Loose-fitting pajamas
• Eye mask & earplugs
• White noise machine
• Essential oils (relaxation)
• Humidifier (portable)

🚶‍♂️ Mobility & Rehabilitation Aids

• Walker (lightweight, foldable)
• Crutches (adjustable)
• Cane (ergonomic grip)
• Wheelchair (if needed)
• Knee scooter
• Physical therapy resistance bands
• Exercise balls (small)
• Foam rollers
• Massage tools
• Joint braces/supports
• Compression stockings
• Heel protectors
• Bed rails (portable)
• Toilet seat riser
• Shower chair
• Grab bars (suction cup)

🌍 International Travel Essentials

• Flight confirmations (round-trip)
• Travel insurance (comprehensive)
• Medical evacuation insurance
• Currency exchange information
• International banking setup
• Credit cards (notify banks)
• Emergency cash reserves
• Power adapters/converters
• International phone plan
• Embassy contact information
• Local emergency services numbers
• Transportation arrangements
• Accommodation confirmations
• Travel companion information
• Time zone adjustment planning
• Cultural orientation materials

🏨 Accommodation & Logistics

• Medical-friendly accommodation
• Hospital proximity lodging
• Accessible room requirements
• Kitchen/kitchenette access
• Refrigeration for medications
• Laundry facilities
• Wi-Fi for telemedicine
• Quiet environment preference
• Air conditioning/heating
• Elevator access
• Room service availability
• Housekeeping schedule
• Security features
• Extended stay arrangements
• Caregiver accommodation
• Emergency evacuation planning

🍽️ Nutrition & Dietary Planning

• Pre-procedure dietary requirements
• Post-procedure nutrition plan
• Protein supplements/shakes
• Vitamin supplements
• Probiotics
• Fiber supplements
• Electrolyte solutions
• Easy-to-digest foods
• Soft foods for recovery
• Clear liquid options
• Anti-inflammatory foods
• Healing herbs/teas
• Special dietary requirements
• Food allergy alternatives
• Meal delivery services info
• Local cuisine research

💰 Financial & Insurance Planning

• Treatment cost estimates
• Payment method arrangements
• Medical tourism insurance
• Travel medical insurance
• Complications coverage
• Extended stay insurance
• Prescription drug coverage
• Emergency fund access
• Medical loan documentation
• Insurance claim procedures
• Receipt organization system
• Currency conversion tools
• Banking fee awareness
• Wire transfer information
• Financial power of attorney
• Tax deduction documentation

📞 Communication & Emergency Contacts

• Home country doctor contacts
• Specialist physician numbers
• Insurance company contacts
• Embassy/consulate information
• Medical tourism facilitator
• Local emergency services
• Hospital emergency contacts
• Family/caregiver contacts
• Travel companion information
• Medical interpreter services
• Legal counsel contacts
• Patient advocate information
• Medical equipment suppliers
• Pharmacy information
• Transportation services
• Accommodation emergency contacts

🔬 Procedure-Specific Preparations

Cosmetic Surgery:

• Compression garments (multiple sizes)
• Scar treatment supplies
• Sun protection items
• Gentle skincare products
• Before/after photography setup
• Recovery timeline planning

Dental Tourism:

• Dental records (X-rays, models)
• Soft food options
• Oral care supplies
• Pain management for dental work
• Follow-up dental care planning
• Temporary restoration supplies

Orthopedic Surgery:

• Joint-specific braces
• Physical therapy equipment
• Mobility aid planning
• Weight-bearing restrictions
• Home modification plans
• Range of motion tools

Cardiac Procedures:

• Cardiac monitoring equipment
• Heart-healthy diet planning
• Activity restriction guidelines
• Emergency cardiac medications
• Cardiac rehabilitation materials
• Blood pressure monitoring

Fertility Treatments:

• Hormone medications & storage
• Injection supplies
• Treatment calendar/schedule
• Nutritional supplements
• Stress management tools
• Follow-up monitoring supplies

🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support

• Anxiety management tools
• Stress reduction materials
• Meditation apps/guides
• Comfort items from home
• Family photos
• Favorite music/audiobooks
• Journaling supplies
• Mental health medications
• Counselor contact information
• Support group resources
• Religious/spiritual items
• Entertainment for recovery
• Video calling setup for family
• Positive affirmation materials
• Relaxation techniques guide
• Crisis intervention resources

📱 Technology & Communication Tools

• Smartphone with international plan
• Tablet for medical apps
• Laptop (if needed)
• Portable chargers (multiple)
• International power adapters
• Medical translation apps
• Telemedicine software setup
• Video calling applications
• Medical record apps
• Medication reminder apps
• Recovery tracking apps
• Currency conversion apps
• Local transportation apps
• Emergency alert systems
• Cloud storage for documents
• Wi-Fi hotspot device

🏥 Medical Equipment & Monitoring

• Blood pressure monitor
• Digital thermometer
• Pulse oximeter
• Blood glucose monitor (if diabetic)
• Weight scale (portable)
• Heart rate monitor
• Sleep tracking device
• Activity monitor
• Symptom tracking journal
• Recovery photo documentation
• Wound measurement tools
• Pain scale references
• Medication compliance tracker
• Health monitoring spreadsheets
• Medical alert bracelet
• Emergency medical information card

🌐 Cultural & Language Preparation

• Local language phrase book
• Medical terminology translations
• Cultural etiquette guide
• Local customs information
• Religious considerations
• Food culture understanding
• Healthcare system knowledge
• Legal system awareness
• Local transportation guide
• Climate adaptation information
• Currency and payment methods
• Social norms awareness
• Communication style differences
• Business hour understanding
• Holiday/festival schedules
• Local emergency procedures

🔄 Return Journey & Follow-up Planning

• Medical clearance for travel
• Post-procedure travel restrictions
• Flight medical assistance arrangements
• Compression stockings for flights
• Home healthcare arrangements
• Local doctor appointments
• Physical therapy scheduling
• Specialist referrals
• Medical record transfers
• Prescription transfers
• Insurance claim processing
• Work return planning
• Activity resumption timeline
• Follow-up imaging/tests
• Complication monitoring plan
• Long-term care coordination

🚨 Emergency Preparedness

• Medical emergency action plan
• Hospital emergency protocols
• Complication response procedures
• Emergency medication supplies
• Medical evacuation planning
• Air ambulance information
• Blood transfusion protocols
• Emergency surgery consent
• Family notification procedures
• Legal assistance contacts
• Medical equipment backup
• Communication emergency plan
• Financial emergency access
• Repatriation insurance
• Crisis management resources
• Worst-case scenario planning

📋 Final Pre-Departure Medical Tourism Checklist

• Complete all pre-procedure medical requirements
• Verify all documentation completeness & translations
• Confirm all travel and accommodation arrangements
• Review medication instructions & interactions
• Test all medical and electronic equipment
• Verify comprehensive insurance coverage
• Establish communication protocols with family
• Review emergency procedures & contacts
• Confirm all medical appointments & timing
• Pack systematically by medical priority
• Arrange for home care during absence
• Notify employers/family of travel timeline
• Set up remote medical monitoring
• Prepare post-procedure care environment
• Review cultural and legal considerations
• Establish follow-up care coordination
• Create detailed contingency plans
• Verify emergency contact accessibility
• Conduct final health and fitness assessment
• Confirm mental and emotional readiness

🖨️ Print This Medical Tourism Packing List