Check the surgeon's qualifications and specialty, the hospital's accreditation, who is responsible for each part of your care, and what happens if something goes wrong. Get all of it in writing before you pay or book flights. The 10 questions below are the ones we would ask in your place.
Why does choosing carefully matter?
Surgery abroad has the same medical risks as surgery at home, with travel, distance and language on top. You need to know who is treating you and how problems will be handled.
The UK government publishes general advice for people travelling abroad for medical treatment, and the NHS has guidance too. Both tell you to research your provider and talk to your GP first.
What questions should I ask before choosing a surgeon abroad?
Ask about the surgeon, the hospital, who does what, the agency's authorisation, the package, complications, aftercare, language, independent reviews and a written plan. Under each we say what a good answer tells you.
1. What are the surgeon's qualifications and specialty registration?
Ask for the surgeon's full name, title and specialty. A plastic surgeon should be a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. A bariatric surgeon is usually a general surgeon with experience in weight loss and metabolic surgery. Specialty training tells you they are trained for your procedure, and with a full name you can check their credentials yourself.
2. Which hospital will I be treated in, and is it accredited?
Ask for the hospital's name, whether it is licensed by the Ministry of Health in Türkiye, and whether it holds any recognised accreditations. Check it has intensive care for the type of operation you are having. If something goes wrong, the hospital's facilities shape how well it can be handled.
3. Who is responsible for what?
Agencies, hospitals and surgeons do different jobs. Find out who performs the surgery, who is in charge of your medical care and who arranges travel and accommodation. If you have a concern, you need to know exactly who to call. With us, we coordinate your treatment and an independent, licensed doctor performs your procedure at a partner hospital.
4. Does the agency hold a health tourism authorisation certificate?
In Türkiye, agencies that arrange treatment for international patients can hold an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate from the Ministry of Health. Ask for the number. It shows the agency is authorised to work in health tourism. MYK Healthroutes holds this certificate and is also a licensed Group A travel agency (no. 17491).
5. What exactly does the package include?
Ask for a written list covering the operation, hospital nights, hotel nights, transfers, tests, medicines, garments and aftercare. Packages differ a lot. For example, our sleeve gastrectomy package includes 2 hospital nights, 7 hotel nights, VIP airport transfers and 2-year aftercare.
6. What happens if there is a complication?
All surgery carries risks. Ask how complications are handled while you are in Türkiye and after you get home, who pays for extra hospital nights, and whether further treatment is included. It is also worth getting travel insurance that covers treatment abroad.
7. What aftercare is provided once I am home?
Ask how long it lasts, how you get in touch and who actually replies. A lot of questions only come up once you are back in the UK. We provide 2 years of aftercare with remote follow-up on WhatsApp. Our guide to aftercare after surgery abroad helps you plan ahead.
8. Will I be able to communicate clearly in English?
Ask whether your surgeon speaks English, or whether a coordinator or interpreter will be with you at consultations and on the ward. You have to understand the risks to give informed consent, and you have to understand your aftercare instructions to follow them. Ask for consent forms and medical reports in English as well.
9. What do independent reviews say?
Look on independent platforms such as Google and Trustpilot, not just the provider's own website. They give a wider picture, including how problems were dealt with. Look for patterns rather than single comments. Ours are on our patient reviews page.
10. Can I have a written treatment plan before I book?
Ask for a plan that sets out the procedure, surgeon, hospital, dates, length of stay, what is included and aftercare. With it you can compare providers properly, show your GP and make sure everyone has the same understanding. The surgeon confirms suitability after assessment.
What are the warning signs of a poor provider?
Be wary of anyone who pushes you to book fast, promises particular results, will not name the surgeon or hospital, or dodges questions about complications. Time-limited deals and vague package details are red flags too. A responsible provider answers clearly and gives you time to decide.
Also watch for:
- no medical questions before a quote
- no mention of risks or suitability
- nothing in writing about aftercare
- reluctance to share credentials or certificate numbers
How MYK Healthroutes can help
MYK Healthroutes is a licensed health tourism agency in Antalya, Türkiye, coordinating bariatric, plastic, dental, hair and dermatology treatment for international patients. A surgeon reviews your health and suitability on WhatsApp first, then we coordinate your hospital stay, hotel, transfers and reports, and 2-year aftercare continues once you are home. You can meet our doctors, read how we work, or Message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check a surgeon's qualifications in Türkiye?
Ask for the surgeon's full name, title and specialty, then look up their professional details and hospital profile. A trustworthy provider will share these without fuss.
What is a health tourism authorisation certificate?
A certificate from the Ministry of Health in Türkiye for agencies and facilities authorised to serve international patients. Ask for the number before you book.
Should I rely on reviews alone?
No. Reviews on independent platforms such as Google and Trustpilot help, but use them alongside checks on qualifications, accreditation and a written plan.
Do I need to tell my GP before surgery abroad?
It is a good idea. Your GP knows your history and can support you when you come back. NHS guidance encourages you to speak to your GP before travelling for treatment.