Safety
Medical Tourism Safety
A practical safety framework for any US patient considering BPH care outside the United States.
Verify before you travel
- Surgeon credentials, board certification, license status
- Facility accreditation (JCI or equivalent)
- All-in written cost quote
- Written complication-management plan including who pays if you require readmission
Choose procedures wisely abroad
BPH procedures with rapid recovery and low complication rates (Rezum, UroLift) travel well. Larger surgeries with higher complication risk and longer recovery (open simple prostatectomy) carry more travel risk.
Travel logistics
- Do not fly within 24 hours of any procedure under general anesthesia
- Wear graduated compression stockings on the flight home
- Stay hydrated; walk frequently
- Confirm what medications and supplies cross the border
Insurance and money
Most US insurance does not cover care abroad. Some travel insurance plans include medical-evacuation coverage. Use a credit card for chargeback protection. Avoid wire transfers.
Continuity of care
Confirm in writing how follow-up will be handled — by video, in person on a return trip, or in coordination with your US primary care.
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Verify all credentials, licensing, accreditation, and procedure information directly with providers. Sources: Mayo Clinic, Urology Care Foundation, AUA, Cleveland Clinic, NIDDK, AAFP.