What Should You Do If You Are Travelling For Treatment?
Because there are a lot of different types of cancer, some of which are rarer than others, some people might be advised to travel to a specialist clinic, which could take them across the country, across the continent or even around the world.
Any clinic with a world-class specialist team will have a dedicated service for international patients to ensure that they can get the care, support and treatment they need without the added stress of independently organising travel documents, preparing accommodation or being away from their support network.
Not every clinic will have the level of expertise in stereotactic radiosurgery or TTFields treatment that our clinic in Austria does, and we not only tailor our treatment plans but will support you throughout with the help of our comprehensive multidisciplinary team.
If international travel is recommended, here are some tips to help you prepare your paperwork, your body and your mind for the trip.
Consult Your Doctor First
As with any medical decision, it is best to discuss any major medical decisions with your doctor first to ensure that this is the right decision for you.
A specialist clinic will need to contact them regardless to ensure that the treatment is in your best interests, and to gain access (with your permission) to relevant medical records, letters and the results of medical scans.
In some cases, it will be your doctor who recommends contacting the specialist clinic or helping you to reach out, but it is important regardless to have an open discussion with them to ensure that the treatment is right for you and to help with the initial stages.
In any case, it is vital to get a second opinion, particularly since your doctor will likely be involved with your care once you return home.
Research The Potential Treatment Clinic
Travelling abroad for treatment should be focused on the merits of the specialist clinic itself and not the beauty of the surroundings.
As beautiful as Vienna is and as wonderful a destination Austria is to travel to and enjoy in between treatment sessions, the focus of your visit is your treatment package and specialist care, and that is the priority when deciding on an international destination to have specialist cancer care.
There should be comprehensive information about the care you are to receive, openness and honesty in all communications regarding treatment outcomes and at least an outline in the initial stages regarding how your treatment will look.
There are several warning signs that a clinic may not be the best option, and any clinic that tries to pressure you with hard sales tactics into making a quick decision about your care without the information you need to make a clear, informed decision is a significant red flag.
Similarly, if there is no clear information surrounding your prognosis, the available care surrounding your treatment and any aftercare options following major procedures, that may be a warning sign.
Have A Video Consultation With The Specialists
Before travelling, make sure you have a distance consultation with the prospective specialists who will lead your treatment.
They will review your diagnosis, explore the specialist treatment options available to you, address any questions regarding the treatment and everything around the treatment, and ensure that you have as much information as possible to make an informed decision regarding treatment.
Typically, people who are consulting international specialists are exploring specific types of high-quality care and treatment, so a video consultation is essential to ensure that this clinic is the right choice.
A specialist clinic will be happy to answer any questions, provide proof of any credentials and showcase the facilities of the institution where you will be treated.
In some cases, it may be beneficial to have an in-person consultation, and a specialist clinic will help assist in organising the journey to the clinic and accommodation.
Arrange Documentation, Travel And Accommodation
If the specialist treatment is suitable for the type of cancer, the clinic will create an expected treatment timeline, and estimate the number of in-clinic sessions required and any additional care alongside this.
The clinic’s International Patient Centre will then help to arrange your journey, accommodation, visas for an extended medical stay and ensure that any family members or other members of your support team can stay with you during your treatment journey.
Your primary doctor will also provide advice regarding travel to and from the clinic, as well as make arrangements if you need a supply of prescription medication or accommodate particular travel needs that can arise as a result of cancer.
