Patient Journey: your Guide to Surgery Abroad
Anticipating surgery can be stressful, even without added complications. Travelling abroad for a procedure can heighten this anxiety. However, upon meeting the supportive and knowledgeable team at GMS Cyprus, our patients find their concerns in ease.
Our dedicated staff of empathetic and understanding professionals delivers personalized patient care. We manage all the logistical details of your visit to ensure a seamless experience.
Our patient journey begins with a thorough screening process to determine if surgery with us is a suitable and will be beneficial for your specific case.
Step-by-Step Process for your surgery in Cyprus
The whole process follows several steps on the journey from your initial contact with us, to your return home after the operation in Cyprus.
1. Pre-operative Clinical Assessment
Before your surgery in Cyprus, you will complete a detailed questionnaire as part of your preparation. This allows our doctors to determine if your chosen procedure is right for you.
Our specialist surgeons will thoroughly review your records, including X-rays, scans, blood tests, complete medical and surgical history, and your specific issues to ensure surgery in Cyprus with us is suitable and beneficial for you. All records and documents are handled with full confidentiality.
2. Diagnosis
Our experts will provide a comprehensive diagnosis of your condition, a critical step before your surgery in Cyprus. They will meticulously review your scans, films, and complete medical history, carefully noting your condition, its cause, and its severity.
Rest assured, all your medical records and personal information are handled with the utmost confidentiality. Following the review, a detailed report of their findings will be sent to you, and we will thoroughly discuss all possible options for your surgery in Cyprus.
3. Quotation
Following your GMS Pre-operative Clinical Assessment and confirmation from your surgeon that you are a suitable candidate for surgery in Cyprus, a detailed quotation for your proposed treatment will be provided.
If you have international health insurance, we will contact your provider and manage the communication on your behalf.
Upon your receipt and acceptance of the quotation, you will officially become a GMS Cyprus patient. At this point, you will immediately begin communicating with your dedicated GMS staff member. Our experienced, multilingual team will support you throughout your journey, addressing your questions and ensuring all your needs are met for a seamless experience.
4. Communication, Planning and Personal Assistance
Once your surgeon’s availability is confirmed, we will schedule your surgery, including all logistical details like accommodation, transfers, medical records and documentation needed for your trip to Cyprus.
Patients travelling for surgery to Cyprus are advised to bring a companion and plan for a minimum 4-day stay for the procedure and initial recovery. Your GMS representative will provide specific guidance.
Seven days before your arrival, you will receive a personalized schedule and all essential information, ensuring a stress-free journey.
5. Preparation before you leave
Seven days before your arrival for surgery in Cyprus, you will receive comprehensive pre-operative instructions to help you prepare physically and mentally.
Getting your home ready for your return after surgery in Cyprus is also important:
- As it will be more difficult for you to move around when you come home, arrange furniture and household items to facilitate easier movement during your rehabilitation.
- Remove throw rugs and other tripping hazards from the floor before your departure for surgery in Cyprus.
- Move phone and electrical cords close to walls.
- Place frequently needed personal items on shelves and tables that are easy to reach (above waist level).
6. Upon Arrival
Upon your arrival in Cyprus for your surgery abroad, you will be greeted by our driver and a dedicated GMS team member who will escort you to your hotel. Following your hotel check-in, your assigned caregiver will review your personalized schedule, address any inquiries, and provide necessary clarifications.
Occasionally, before your surgery, additional tests, X-rays, or a physical examination might be required.
The surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss your medical history and the planned surgery procedure, answering any questions you may have.
7. Day before surgery
The night before your surgery, you should not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Depending on the type of surgery, a bowel preparation might be necessary, and our dedicated medical team will provide you with clear and specific instructions to guide you through this.
Our dedicated staff will ensure you feel fully prepared and comfortable before your procedure.
8. Surgery
Your dedicated GMS care member will accompany you to all doctor’s appointments, both before and after your surgery, throughout your stay.
On the morning of your surgery, you will be admitted to the facility for a pre-operative consultation and any necessary additional tests.
While you are in surgery, our staff will attend to your companions and keep them informed about your surgical progress.
After your surgery and discharge, you can recuperate comfortably in your hotel.
Our Resident Practitioner will monitor your recovery daily to ensure your healing process progresses as expected.
Extra: Excursions
Depending on how you feel and only with the consent of your surgeon, shopping and sightseeing excursions may be organized.
9. “Fit to Fly”
Your surgeon and our Resident Practitioner will monitor your recovery daily. If your healing progresses as expected after your surgery in Cyprus, you will receive a “fit to fly” certificate, indicating you are ready to travel home and your surgical journey with us is almost complete.
At this time, you will also receive post-operative instructions, any necessary prescriptions, and other required documentation. Our staff will then accompany you to the airport to ensure a seamless departure.
10. Post-Operative Follow-Up
Once you are home, your surgeon and our staff will stay in contact with you regularly to monitor your progress.
Patient Rights
GMS is dedicated to explaining patient rights in a way that is sensitive to the specific needs of these individuals.
Health Facilities
Both the American Medical Center and Hygeia Polyclinic Private Hospital boast exceptional modern facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and highly qualified medical professionals, including in-house doctors.
Additional support by GMS for your surgery abroad
- Visa Support & Translators
GMS Cyprus offers comprehensive support to international patients, recognizing that navigating a foreign healthcare system can be challenging. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, GMS provides visa support to assist patients with the necessary travel documentation.
Additionally, multilingual translators are available to facilitate clear communication between patients and medical staff, ensuring that all information is accurately understood and conveyed. This dedicated support aims to eliminate language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles, allowing patients to focus solely on their health and recovery.
- Personal Care Manager
From the moment a patient confirms their acceptance of the quotation and becomes a GMS Cyprus patient, a dedicated Personal Care Manager is assigned to them. This GMS staff member serves as the patient’s primary point of contact and guide throughout their entire medical journey. Our Care Managers have medical education, and can assist with any questions.
They provide continuous support, address any questions or concerns, and ensure all logistical needs are met for a seamless and stress-free experience, offering personalized attention and care from initial communication to post-operative follow-up.
- Counselling support
GMS Cyprus understands that patients may have concerns or anxieties regarding their overall health, the planned surgery, or anticipated lifestyle adjustments following a major operation.
Consequently, GMS offers a personalized one-to-one Counselling Service for our patients and their companions, available upon request. This Counselling Service employs a Collaborative Therapy Process with a qualified professional who will support our patients before, during, and after their surgery, extending even after they return home.
To request counselling services, please speak with your personal care manager, or request one by contacting us.
- Accommodation
Cyprus is a popular holiday destination with diverse, budget-friendly accommodations. We offer a selection of 3- to 5-star hotels in Nicosia and Limassol, ensuring excellent hospitality for patients.
Nicosia, the landlocked capital, is a vibrant business hub with a multinational feel and numerous cultural institutions. Its winding streets showcase a rich history, from the Cyprus Museum to Venetian city walls.
Limassol is a growing cosmopolitan business and service center with luxury coastal resorts, excellent business facilities, and world-class services for dining and shopping. Its historical significance is evident in sites like Amathus ruins and Kolossi Castle, offering exploration during recuperation.
- Payment Options at GMS
Private Pay
For uninsured patients seeking international medical treatment, GMS offers a financially accessible and efficient experience without sacrificing quality. We are dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to our private pay patients.
Private Medical Insurance
Most major insurance providers offer health insurance plans covering a wide range of treatments. Individuals with private insurance, for instance, can typically select their preferred surgeon, anaesthesiologist, and hospital globally for elective surgeries. Patients with pre-approved private insurance coverage are welcome at GMS for surgical procedures.
That being said, not all insurances will cover medical treatments abroad. Please read more about medical insurance coverage abroad. Our team will discuss with you all details regarding insurance, and will assist you in finding solutions when needed.
