01 · LOOK BEYOND PRICE AND SPEED

Choose the complete plan—not a promise.

A careful comparison starts with who will assess and treat you, where care will take place, how decisions are made and what happens if the plan changes. Be cautious with pressure, guarantees or unrealistic success claims.

02 · VERIFY THE PEOPLE AND PLACE

Know who is responsible for your care.

Accreditation can provide useful context, but it does not replace verification of the specific clinician, procedure and aftercare plan.

03 · GET IT IN WRITING

Understand treatment, costs and consent.

Request informed consent in a language you understand and an itemized quote showing inclusions, exclusions, cancellation terms and possible additional costs. Confirm medicines, tests, blood products, implants, companion costs and complication care where relevant.

• What could change after an in-person assessment?
• What happens if extra tests or treatment are required?
• Which costs are excluded?
• Who makes the final clinical decision?

04 · PLAN RECOVERY BEFORE TRAVELLING

Aftercare is part of the decision.

Know expected recovery milestones, warning signs, the emergency contact, travel clearance and who manages questions after discharge. Obtain copies of your records and agree how results will reach your Canadian clinician. Review travel-insurance exclusions before paying.

Guidance: Government of Canada—medical care outside Canada and the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist resources.