Preparing for Surgery Abroad: A Practical Checklist

Good preparation is the foundation of a successful medical trip. When you arrive in India organized and ready, your treatment can proceed smoothly without delays. Poor preparation leads to stress, wasted time, and sometimes postponed procedures.

This checklist covers everything you need to do before leaving home. Print it out, check off items as you complete them, and you will arrive in India ready for your treatment with confidence.

Start your preparation at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. Some items, like visa applications and medical clearances, take time. Rushing at the last minute adds unnecessary stress.

Your medical records are the most important documents you will carry. The hospital in India needs complete information to treat you properly. Incomplete records can delay your treatment or require repeat tests.

Essential medical documents:

• Complete medical history summary
• Current diagnosis and treatment plan from your home doctor
• All diagnostic reports (blood tests, imaging, biopsies)
• CD/DVD or digital copies of CT scans, MRI, PET scans
• Pathology slides if applicable (for cancer cases)
• List of current medications with dosages
• Allergy information and drug reactions
• Previous surgical reports if relevant
• Vaccination records

Make digital copies of everything and store them in cloud storage. Carry physical copies in your hand luggage, not checked bags. If your luggage is delayed, you still have your records.

Without proper travel documents, you cannot enter India. Start this process early because visa applications can take several weeks, especially for medical visas which require additional documentation.

Required travel documents:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Medical visa for India (or e-Medical visa where eligible)
• Visa letter from Indian hospital
• Flight tickets (keep flexible if possible)
• Travel insurance with medical coverage
• Passport-size photographs (carry extras)
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Emergency contact information

Keep digital copies of all travel documents in your email and phone. If anything is lost, you can access copies. Also share copies with a family member at home.

Before major surgery, you may need clearance from your local doctors. This ensures you are fit for the procedure and for international travel. The hospital in India may require specific pre-operative tests.

Pre-surgery requirements:

• General fitness assessment from your physician
• Cardiac clearance if you have heart conditions
• Blood work including complete blood count and clotting profile
• COVID-19 test if required by the hospital
• Dental clearance for certain surgeries
• Clearance from specialists managing any chronic conditions

Ask your Indian hospital what specific tests they need. Some tests must be done within a certain timeframe before surgery. Getting tests done at home can save time and money compared to doing everything in India.

Bring enough of your regular medications to last your entire trip plus extra days in case of delays. Some medications available in your country may not be easily found in India, or may have different brand names.

Medication checklist:

• All current prescription medications in original containers
• Prescription copies from your doctor
• Over-the-counter medications you regularly use
• Pain relievers you are comfortable with
• Anti-nausea medication for travel
• Vitamins or supplements you take daily
• First aid basics (bandages, antiseptic)
• Any medical devices you use (CPAP, glucose monitor)

Check with your hospital about which medications to stop before surgery. Blood thinners and certain supplements often need to be paused. Get specific instructions and follow them carefully.

Pack with recovery in mind. After surgery, you will want loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on. Think about what will make your hospital stay and recovery more bearable.

Comfort items to pack:

• Loose, comfortable clothing with front buttons or zippers
• Slip-on shoes or sandals (no laces to tie)
• Comfortable underwear and sleepwear
• Light robe or cover-up for walking in the hospital
• Pillows or cushions for travel if needed
• Entertainment (books, tablet, headphones)
• Phone charger and universal power adapter
• Comfort items from home (photos, small pillow)

Do not overpack. You can buy most things in India if needed. Lugging heavy bags when you are not feeling well is difficult. Focus on essentials and comfort items.

Medical treatment requires payment, often upfront. Make sure you have access to sufficient funds and multiple ways to pay. Do not rely on a single card or payment method.

Financial checklist:

• Inform your bank about international travel
• Ensure credit/debit cards work internationally
• Carry backup payment cards
• Arrange access to emergency funds if needed
• Carry some USD or Euros to exchange on arrival
• Keep hospital payment receipt copies for insurance claims
• Understand your health insurance coverage and claim process
• Budget for unexpected expenses

Major hospitals accept international credit cards, but having cash as backup is wise. Currency exchange is available at airports and banks. ATMs are widely available but sometimes have withdrawal limits.

Staying connected with family at home and with your medical facilitator is important. Set up communication before you leave so you are ready to use it on arrival.

Communication preparation:

• Unlock your phone for international SIM cards
• Download WhatsApp or other messaging apps
• Save important contact numbers
• Set up video calling apps to stay in touch with family
• Download offline maps of the city you are visiting
• Save hospital address and contact details
• Have your facilitator contact saved and accessible

Local SIM cards in India are inexpensive and provide reliable data and calling. You can get one at the airport or your facilitator can arrange one for you.

You will be away for several weeks. Make arrangements to handle responsibilities at home while you focus on your treatment and recovery.

Home preparation:

• Arrange care for children, elderly parents, or pets
• Notify your employer and arrange leave
• Set up automatic bill payments
• Ask someone to check on your home
• Forward important mail or pause delivery
• Give a trusted person access to important documents if needed
• Prepare your home for your return (especially if mobility will be limited)

Having everything handled at home lets you focus entirely on your health. Worrying about things back home while you should be resting is not good for recovery.

In the final week, focus on last-minute preparations and confirmations. Double-check everything and tie up loose ends.

Final week tasks:

• Confirm flight bookings and check-in online
• Confirm hospital appointment and admission date
• Confirm accommodation booking
• Confirm airport pickup arrangement
• Pack bags and weigh them (check airline limits)
• Print important documents as backup
• Charge all electronic devices
• Have a final check-up with your local doctor if needed

Get plenty of rest before you travel. Long flights and upcoming surgery are taxing on your body. Being well-rested helps you cope better.

If you have worked through this checklist, you are well prepared for your medical journey. Good preparation reduces stress and allows you to focus on what matters most — your treatment and recovery.

Keep this checklist handy and refer to it as your travel date approaches. If you have questions about any item, ask your facilitator. We are here to help you prepare thoroughly.

Remember, thousands of patients travel to India for treatment every year. With proper preparation, you can join them in having a smooth and successful medical trip.