1. What if I need a medical procedure that is not listed on the website?
Because CIMA and VITA hospitals are full service hospitals, we perform an extensive array of sophisticated medical procedures and diagnostic tests. However on our website, we have only published the most commonly requested procedures. If you can’t find the procedure you are looking for on our website, please let us know. Your MVT Coordinator will gladly assist you in finding and pricing the procedure you need.
Please feel free to ask!
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2. Why is the cost of medical care significantly lower abroad than in the United States?
The cost of medical care in Latin American countries is lower than the US, because:
- Salaries and wages of professionals are far lower than their US counterpart, including physician and nurses. This is due to the lower cost of living.
- International hospitals and physicians are not burdened by the high costs associated with US malpractice insurance.
- Paperwork and administrative costs are kept to a minimum. (Unlike in the US, the physician receives payment prior to service, and there are smaller administrative costs related to placing insurance claims and receiving pre-authorizations.)
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3. What is included in the Medical Package?
Our Medical Package varies from one surgery to another; however we have identified what the packages generally include:
- Physician Fees (the entire medical team, surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist, etc.)
- Hospital Fees including, pre-op diagnostic workup(radiology, lab, etc) and operating room (if needed)
- Hospital stay (private room)
- All medications in the hospital
- Prosthesis (if needed)
- Local ground transportation**
Again, please feel free to ask your MVT coordinator if you have further questions.
** This service is provided to the patient with companion(s) from airport to hotel and hotel to all related medical trips to the hospital for patient with companion(s). Other ground transportation can be arranged by our staff but will have to be individually paid by the patient and/or companion.
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4. What Costs are not included in the Medical Package?
- Additional preoperative tests, imaging, assessments that the doctor might consider necessary after the initial evaluation at his/her office.
- Additional procedures
- Blood transfusions
- Medications to take back home
- International phone calls
- Companion meals inside/outside hospital
- Travel expenses for patient & companion
- Local lodging
- Complications and extraordinary related expenses
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5. What kind of payments are accepted?
For the prepaid services we accept wire transfer payments, debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) and checks deposited to our US bank account. CIMA hospitals also accept insurance from many American and International providers, including but not limited to Metlife, BUPA, and Blue Cross Blue Shield International.
To cover any additional expenses inside our hospitals, we accept cash in either dollars and/or the local currency, and credit or debit cards; however no personal or travelers checks are accepted. We will work with you in the event there are unexpected expenses of any kind; our goal is to provide you with friendly personal care during your stay with us.
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6. Do I have to give some deposit of guarantee for any additional cost? When is the payment due?
A deposit will be required at the time of your admission to the hospital, we will ask for a credit card and the amount will be determined by the procedure/treatment you will undergo, and the individual hospitals’ policies.
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7. Will I get a refund if physician decides not to perform the scheduled procedure(s)?
If the physician decides not to go through with the procedure and/or treatment due to your actual medical condition and this is discovered at the time of the initial assessment or in the preoperative tests, the amount you prepaid minus the expenses of the preoperative assessment and tests will be deposited back to either your account or will be sent back through your contracting Medical Travel Facilitator. (Be aware that any such cancellations may involve additional charges by your Medical Travel Facilitator, you will have to address these questions with them)
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8. What happens if I want to cancel the Agreement?
You can cancel the Agreement at any time prior to payment of the deposit, and have no further responsibility.
However, if your deposit has already been received and a physician was confirmed, there will be a 25% fee from the total quoted price up to $2,000 USD charged, resulting from the cancellation of all the arrangements.
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9. How far in advance are medical procedures scheduled?
Medical Value Travel recommends having everything ready at least 3 weeks in advance.
The scheduled date for surgery is established by:
- Patient’s schedule and receipt of pre-payment
- Physician’s schedule
- Travel availability
The two other main factors that could influence the departure date are the length of time it takes to obtain medical records and whether or not a new passport is needed. There can of course be unexpected events, but these are the most common delays.
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10. What happens if I need to reschedule?
Regarding the Medical Fees and Hospital Package, we will have to set a new date according to the availability of the physician and the operating room schedule. A $300 USD fee will apply if Medical Value Travel receives the cancellation notice within a week of the programmed surgery.
Medical Value Travel has different agreements with providers that have different rescheduling policies, we will assist you in rescheduling travel and medical services as needed, but in the event such rescheduling involves additional charges, they will have to be covered by the patient and or companion.
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11. What hospital pre-admission procedures are involved?
The most common are the following:
- In the pre-admission process it is necessary to fill out some forms needed by the Hospital such as the Health History Questionnaire.
- The patient needs to provide a copy of a government issued ID (Driver’s License and/or Passport).
- The physician will require pre-operative tests prior to your admission to the hospital.
- The patient must sign an informed consent form.
- It is necessary that the patient gives a credit card number to guarantee additional costs
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12. How will my post-operative care and any complications be handled?
After your procedure your doctor will determine when you can be discharged from the hospital. At this time we will take you back to your hotel. Then the doctor will determine how long you need to rest and recover before you are ready to travel home again. In the unlikely event you have a complication during your admission, take comfort in knowing that your safety is our top priority. We will take all necessary precautions before, during and after any complication to ensure your safety.
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13. How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?
Only your doctor can determine how long you need to convalesce before you are ready to travel home again and return to work.
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14. Will MVT help coordinate follow-up care in my home?
Yes, after you return home MVT can coordinate follow up calls between you and your doctor to monitor your progress. MVT will also send your information to your primary care physician in the US
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