BEST CLINICS ABROAD

Clinics Direct helps patients explore options for organising treatment in clinics abroad. We handle requests and help compare clinics and specialists relevant to the stated diagnosis. The clinical assessment, treatment recommendation and decision to accept a patient belong to the receiving medical team. The scope of coordination and support should be agreed before the trip.

Treatment abroad with Clinics Direct means patient comfort and transparent services

Our mission is to help you obtain information about a clinic's specialisation, clinicians and proposed services so you can discuss suitable options with your treating doctor. Availability, the need for further assessment and response times depend on the individual request and receiving clinic.

When comparing a proposed medical trip, clarify the following:

• A trip programme. Request separate information on treatment, accommodation, ticket booking, transfers and additional services. Confirm what has been arranged and what remains your responsibility.
• Timing. Ask when a records review or appointment may be available. A request does not guarantee acceptance, a treatment date or priority access.
• Budget. Compare medical services against your needs and budget. Include possible additional tests, extended stays and follow-up rather than relying only on the headline price.
• Specialist expertise. Check the named clinician's qualifications and experience relevant to the proposed care. Confirm the language of consultation and whether interpretation is needed.
• Openness. Review written estimates and ask what could change after an examination. A general price list is not a confirmed individual treatment cost.
• Confidentiality. Agree which records may be shared, with whom and for what purpose. Ask about the applicable privacy arrangements before sending sensitive information.
• Choice of medical institutions. Compare a clinic's relevant department and the proposed care pathway. Outcome statistics need context, including the diagnosis, patient group and period measured; they cannot promise an individual's result.

Preparing and checking the requested documentation can help the receiving specialist review a case. Complex or rare conditions may require a subspecialist opinion or further investigation before treatment can be proposed.

Medical tourism abroad with Clinics Direct

Medical tourism can involve different types of care. Choose the clinic and travel arrangements according to the medical need and the person's circumstances:

1. Treatment. Care may address cancer, musculoskeletal disorders or other conditions. The method is selected by the treating team. Robot-assisted surgery is suitable for some procedures, requires a trained surgeon and does not guarantee faster recovery or a better outcome for everyone.
2. Diagnostics. PET-CT, CT, MRI and other tests answer different clinical questions. They are selected according to the suspected condition and existing results. No single scan or scanner specification can detect every cancer or replace all other investigations.
3. Recovery and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is planned around functional needs, such as mobility, self-care or communication. Ask about the team, goals and continued care at home. Resort or wellness services should not replace prescribed medical rehabilitation.
4. Treatment of children abroad. Confirm pediatric expertise, age-appropriate assessment and postoperative support. Ask about a parent's stay, communication, psychological support and facilities for the child's needs; arrangements differ between institutions.

Organising treatment abroad: comparing doctors and clinics

One of the most pressing and at the same time difficult questions is choosing a clinic wisely according to its specialisation and main field. First of all, you need to analyse the medical questions and compare the cost of treatment in clinics in several countries. Do not forget the additional costs of travel, accommodation and meals (the cost of a medical trip abroad will vary depending on how many people accompany the patient).

Before a trip, ask for the information that matters to your case: the relevant department, clinician's role, proposed assessment, communication arrangements and support after discharge.

A clinic's research activity does not by itself establish that a treatment is suitable. A clinical trial has eligibility criteria, potential risks and uncertainties that require a separate discussion and consent.

Germany

When considering a clinic in Germany, compare the department and team relevant to your diagnosis, the proposed approach and arrangements for continuing care. A country's reputation or the presence of a particular device does not determine the right treatment for an individual.

Fields to clarify in an individual clinic proposal:

• oncology, with diagnosis-specific assessment and treatment planning;
• cardiac surgery, when a specialist assessment supports an operation;
• orthopaedics, including assessment of surgical and non-surgical options;
• neurosurgery, with an approach selected for the particular condition;
• diagnostic assessment tailored to symptoms, history and risk.

Clinics named in the catalog include Asklepios Hospital Barmbek, Solingen, Nord Klinik Allianz and Helios.

Israel

When considering treatment in Israel, ask for a review of the available records, the reason for any additional tests and a written plan. Admission, specialist availability and eligibility for a particular procedure need confirmation. Topics to clarify include:

• diagnostic services, with imaging or molecular tests selected for a clinical question;
• treatment of cancer;
• maxillofacial surgery;
• transplant assessment, subject to clinical eligibility and applicable donor and legal requirements;
• neurosurgery;
• gynaecology and IVF.

Clinics named in the catalog include Sourasky (Ichilov), Assuta and Matzpen Mental.

Spain

For treatment in Spain, compare the proposed care, communication support and practical arrangements for follow-up. The climate or an overall country ranking cannot predict a medical outcome. Confirm the particular hospital and specialist rather than relying on a country-wide description.

Fields to discuss with the relevant clinic:

• oncology, with treatment matched to the diagnosis and stage;
• orthopaedics;
• ophthalmology, with care matched to the eye condition;
• surgery, with the access and technique selected individually;
• neurosurgery.

Clinics named in the catalog include HM Hospitales, Teknon, ServiDigest, Sanitas CIMA, Delfos and Sant Joan de Deu.

Turkey

For treatment in Turkey, compare itemized proposals for the same clinical need. Check the named specialist, facility, included services and arrangements for complications and aftercare. A lower quoted price does not by itself establish equivalent care or the total cost of the trip.

Treatment areas to check with the receiving service:

• oncology, with procedure-specific selection rather than a technology promise;
• blood stem cell transplantation for defined indications after specialist assessment;
• dentistry;
• neurosurgery, with assessment of suitability and risks for any proposed intervention.

Clinics named in the catalog include Anadolu, Liv Istinye, Medicana, Acibadem, Medipol and Neolife.

Other destinations mentioned in the catalog include Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, Korea and Lithuania. Confirm the relevant clinic's current services, ability to review your case and the practical conditions before making travel arrangements.

A second opinion from a specialist with Clinics Direct

A second opinion can help review a diagnosis and treatment plan. Another specialist may confirm the existing recommendation, suggest alternatives or request additional information. A remote opinion does not automatically change a prescription or replace an examination when one is needed.

How is a second opinion organised? First, the patient prepares the documents they have to hand:

• the treatment programme;
• the doctor's report;
• the medical history;
• discharge summaries and screening results.

The next step is to fill in a request on the Clinics Direct website. Clarify which records the specialist needs, the translation requirements and consent to share documents. The review format, timing, need for an interpreter and any further tests should be confirmed individually. Discuss the resulting opinion with the team responsible for ongoing treatment.

Before proceeding, request a breakdown of any charges for coordination, translation, the consultation and additional tests. Confirm what is included and which services would be billed separately.

Our goal: informed planning for treatment abroad

The purpose of comparing doctors and clinics is to find an appropriate assessment and care pathway for the patient's diagnosis and priorities. Ask about the reasons for the recommendation and any relevant commercial relationships. The treating team should explain the expected benefits, risks and alternatives.

Before travelling, agree who will provide ongoing prescriptions, review results and manage complications after returning home. Keep copies of the treatment plan and discharge records.

Clinics Direct provides a starting point for discussing treatment options and the organisation of a medical trip.

Confirm the proposed next steps with the receiving clinic and your treating doctor before committing to treatment or travel.