News

17/03/2023

France has ranked third in a list of the world’s best smart hospitals, compiled by a leading US magazine and an online platform specializing in market and consumer data. According to Newsweek and Statista’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2023 – the second iteration of its kind – France is home to more than 6% of the most state-of-the-art hospitals in the world. In fact, only the United States (28%) and Germany (7.6%) have more. Furthermore, the AP-HP - Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière in Paris was ranked third overall among all the European hospitals that made the top 300 list. As outlined in the survey’s methodology, “Smart Hospitals use state-of-the art technology to fundamentally rethink how care is delivered within the health system. Taking advantage of these new technologies can not only improve care delivery outcomes and efficiencies within the hospital but can help to drive health goals around prevention, population health and quality of life outcomes.” The final list of 300 facilities in 28 countries represents institutions that lead in their use of AI, digital imaging, telemedicine, robotics and electronic functionalities. More than 4,000 votes were collected in the month the survey was open (June-July 2022) and a score was calculated for each hospital based on the number of recommendations. The survey itself was developed by a global board of renowned experts. Contact us now to find out more about our services. Photo by Pixabay

02/03/2023

Medical tourism can be a great option for those seeking affordable and high-quality healthcare, but it can also be daunting for those who are new to the process. If you're considering medical tourism, it's important to do your research and plan ahead to ensure a safe and successful trip.  Here are some tips for getting started: 1. Determine your healthcare needs Before you start researching medical tourism providers, it's important to have a clear idea of the medical procedures or treatments you require. Consult with your physician to ensure you are a good candidate for traveling abroad for treatment. 2. Research potential destinations and providers  Look into popular medical tourism destinations and the providers that operate there. Consider factors such as the cost of treatment, quality of care, and the reputation of the facility and its doctors. Look for providers who are accredited and have positive patient reviews. [Related reading: Beyond borders: the benefits of having medical treatment abroad] 3. Check your insurance coverage If you have health insurance, check to see if it covers medical treatments abroad. If not, you may need to purchase travel insurance or consider self-insuring for any potential risks. 4. Plan your travel logistics Once you've chosen a provider and destination, you'll need to plan your travel logistics, including transportation, accommodations, and any necessary visas or vaccinations. 5. Prepare for the treatment Before you leave for your medical tourism trip, be sure to prepare yourself for the treatment. Follow any pre-treatment instructions provided by your provider, and pack any necessary medications or supplies. 6. Follow up with post-treatment care After your treatment, it's important to follow up with any post-treatment care instructions provided by your provider. If you experience any complications or have concerns about your recovery, be sure to contact your provider right away. By following these steps, you can help ensure a safe and successful medical tourism trip.  Here at France Surgery, we can take care of many of the aspects mentioned above to ensure your medical procedure here in France is seamless. If you’d like to find out more, contact us today. *Image by Gustavo Fring

20/02/2023

As hospital waiting lists continue to grow in many countries, the number of people seeking medical treatment abroad has increased in recent times. But aside from getting treatment quicker, there are a number of other benefits associated with having medical treatment abroad, several of which we’ll outline in this article. Quicker access to treatment First and foremost, patients can receive treatment quickly. Waiting lists for certain procedures in developed countries can be months, if not years, long. In contrast, medical facilities in other countries often have shorter waiting times, which means that patients can receive treatment sooner. This can be especially important for procedures that are time-sensitive or for patients who are experiencing significant pain or discomfort. Wider range of treatments available Patients can access treatments and procedures that may not be available in their home country. Medical technology and treatments are constantly evolving, and some countries may not have the latest or most advanced treatments available. By seeking medical treatment abroad, patients may be able to access cutting-edge treatments and procedures that are not available in their home country. Higher quality care Patients often also receive better quality care abroad. Many countries that are popular for medical tourism, including France, have world-class medical facilities that are staffed by highly trained doctors and medical professionals. Patients can expect to receive the same level of care they would receive in their home country, if not better. Combine treatment with a vacation Seeking medical treatment abroad can be an opportunity for patients to combine medical care with a holiday. Many medical facilities in other countries offer packages that include accommodation and sightseeing tours, allowing patients to enjoy a vacation while also receiving medical treatment. This can make the experience of seeking medical treatment more enjoyable and less stressful. Maintain privacy Finally, seeking medical treatment abroad can be a way to maintain privacy and confidentiality. Some patients may prefer to keep their medical procedures and treatments private, and seeking medical treatment abroad can provide an opportunity to do so. Patients can receive treatment without worrying about running into acquaintances or colleagues, which can be a concern in their home country. Overall, there are numerous benefits associated with having medical treatment abroad. However, it is important to do thorough research and consult with a medical professional before deciding to seek medical treatment abroad, as there are also potential risks and drawbacks that should be taken into consideration. Partnering with a reputable organization is paramount. *Image by David Mark from Pixabay 

31/01/2023

An increasing number of British people are traveling abroad for medical care, as the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) continues to struggle to serve patients amid nursing strikes and budget cuts. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and still feeling the after effects, NHS waiting lists in England alone now stand at a record seven million. That’s seven million people who are awaiting “routine, or non-urgent, treatment”, like hip replacements, eye care and gallbladder surgery. The situation has become so severe that the chairman of the British Medical Association, Professor Philip Banfield, has described it as a “national scandal”. Talking to Sky News, Professor Banfield said: “What the pandemic has done is aggravate a situation that was deteriorating, and we have been highlighting for ten years or more so if you look at the waiting list the figures had gone from 2.6 to 4.4 million before the pandemic. It has gone over seven million now. This is an absolute national scandal.” Professor Banfield’s comments come after the Royal College of Nursing said twice as many of its members were preparing to go on strike in February if talks with the UK government remain at a stalemate. The UK government says nurses have been offered a "fair" pay deal and it has accepted the recommendations of the independent pay review body "in full". As a result of the record-high waiting times, many Brits are opting to pay for their treatment privately, be it at home or abroad. Indeed, data shows the number of people in the UK searching Google for the term “private healthcare” has risen significantly to hit a record high. Meanwhile, figures from the Private Healthcare Information Network reveal the number of people self-paying for private acute care has increased by more than a third versus before the pandemic. Here at France Surgery, it is certainly something we’ve seen, too, with increased demand from UK patients seeking cardiology care and orthopedic surgery. “Before Brexit, English people came to France for healthcare purposes because they were reimbursed by the NHS. Now, they come to France because of the skyrocketing waiting lists in the UK,” said Carine Briat-Hilaire, chief executive and co-founder of France Surgery.

27/05/2021

Prior to the Covid-10 pandemic, medical tourism was one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Indeed, according to Grand View Research, the global medical tourism market size was valued at US$44.8 billion in 2019, with compound annual growth of 21.1% expected between 2020 and 2027. However, the global SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has significantly impacted travel abroad. Luckily, we are seeing signs that things are slowly returning to normal. [Related reading: France to offer free Covid-19 tests to tourists this summer] Now, something that has come into its own during the coronavirus pandemic is telehealth. In fact, data shows usage of telehealth services has increased by more than 2,000% since 2019. But what’s going to happen to telehealth services once “normal” travel resumes? We believe they’ll still play a pivotal role, particularly when it comes to complementing medical tourism. With telehealth, patients can have consultations with specialists on the other side of the world, negating the need to travel in the first instance. If the patient and clinician agree that travel for surgery or other healthcare is necessary, telehealth can continue to afford benefits, including: - Improve the quality and efficiency of customer service by helping to coordinate care between providers in the patient’s home country and the medical tourism destination - Enhance pre-operative and post-operative care - Optimize patient and family member travel. If you’d like to find out more about our telehealth services and/or how we can help you get any medical treatment you need in France, get in touch today. *Image courtesy of mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

17/09/2018

Sancheng Digital, Europe to China marketing company and France Surgery, France's leading medical tourism company signed a partnership deal this week. The signing took place at TBSeeds - Toulouse Business School's start-up incubator.   (Sancheng Digital and France Surgery have strong links to Toulouse Business School, the founders of both companies having studied at the institution.)  Chinese outbound medical tourism is growing year on year as Chinese consumers seek to access medical treatment unavailable to them in their home country. Hanya Cao co-founder Sancheng Digital: "Sancheng Digital are excited to be working hand in hand with France Surgery to enable them to strengthen their position in the Chinese market." Carine HILAIRE co-founder France Surgery: "Sancheng Digital's expertise in China focused marketing made them a perfect business partner for France Surgery in our quest to build strong relationships with Chinese clients." Annexe: “Chinese outbound tourism figures continue to grow. Estimates show 500,000 outbound Chinese medical travellers spend at least $10 billion a year, lucrative for medical tourism destinations in Southeast Asia, Europe and the USA.” https://www.imtj.com/news/130m-chinese-holiday-abroad-outbound-medical-tourists-estimated-05m/ Sancheng Digital和France Surgery签署战略合作协议      2018年9月11日，Sancheng Digital 和 France Surgery 在法国图卢兹商学院创业孵化中心签署了一项重要合作协议。Sancheng Digital立足法国南部，致力于中欧贸易合作和国际市场营销服务。在协议签署后， France Surgury 将在其助力下进一步打开中国境外医疗旅游市场。     据报道，随着中国经济稳步增长，中国出境医疗旅游市场也成为各国看好的新蓝海。医疗体检和疗养旅游深受中国中产阶级青睐，除此之外，在癌症等恶性疾病治疗领域，欧美等国往往拥有更充足的医疗资源和更先进的研发治疗手段，因此也吸引着越来越多的中国患者前往海外接受治疗。      France Surgery的创始人凯莉.希拉里 (Carine HILAIRE) 说: "目前我们已经为许多来自欧美，中东，北非地区的病患提供了系列帮助，中国将会是我们的下一站，很高兴我们能和Sancheng Digital成为战略合作伙伴，相信在他们的支持下，我们能更好的了解中国病人的需求，推广法国的医疗旅游品牌，帮助更多中国病患在法国接受相关治疗，重获健康。"

19/07/2018

C H E N G D U   H E A L T H   S E R V I C E    C H A M B E R   O F   C O M M E R C E    &      S A N Y I   M E D I C A L    C E N T R E   &   C H I N A   I N T E R N A T I O N A L   M E D I C A L    T O U R I S M   F A I R       O U R    D E L E G A T I O N    The French Medical & Health Delegation, comprised of Dr. Marc Giraud, co-founder of France Surgery and Dr. Jean-Patrick Lajonchère, the President of Hôpital Saint Joseph in Paris, travelled to Chengu, China earlier this month.  They were welcomed by Mr. SHI JUN, President of the Chengdu Health Service Industry Chamber of Commerce, together with representatives of JustGood Health Industry Group, Sichuan Southwest International Medical equipment city and Chengdu Yukang hospital.    This was a good opportunity to bound the Franco-Chinese partnership related to the medical and health industry, that was signed last November in Paris, when France Surgery, together with Mr. Philippe Douste-Blazy and the Hôpital Saint Joseph welcomed the Chinese delegation.   The Chinese tour also comprised a visit at the China International Medical Tourism (Chengdu) Fair and to the Sanyi Medical Center, where we've met esteemed professionals and future collaborators!  

24/10/2017

In a step designed to help save the NHS in England money, providers of treatment are now required to make sure patients are eligible for free care before they receive it. If they aren’t, healthcare providers will ask them to pay upfront. It is hoped the measures, which will only apply to planned, non-emergency care, will contribute to £22bn of savings needed in the NHS. Accident and emergency (A&E), general practice and infectious disease treatment will remain free to all. Once the new measures are in place, patients will be asked where they have lived over the past six months. If they have lived abroad, they will be required to prove they are eligible for free treatment on the NHS, by showing a non-UK European Health Insurance Card or similar. Speaking about the proposed changes, Health Minister Lord O'Shaughnessy said: “We have no problem with overseas visitors using our NHS as long as they make a fair financial contribution, just as the British taxpayer does. “The new regulations simply require NHS bodies to make enquiries about, and then charge, those who aren't entitled to free NHS care.” However, the British Medical Association has warned that the changes could prevent vulnerable individuals from getting treatment they need. 

02/05/2017

This year's International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) Awards were held on April 26 in the beautiful town of Opatija, Croatia on the Adriatic coast. France Surgery had been nominated in the 'Best use of technology in medical tourism' category, so a small team travelled from France to Croatia to attend the awards ceremony. The best use of technology category recognises companies that have "developed or demonstrated innovative technology in healthcare enabling technology or applications, or for the innovative use of existing technology in health management to the benefit of the international patient." And it's with great pleasure and much honour that we can reveal that we won! Shown above accepting our award are France Surgery co-founders Carine Hilaire, Françoise Loesch and Dr. Marc Giraud, together with Keith Pollard, the Managing Director of International Medical Travel Journal. We’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our patients and everyone who has helped contribute to our success. Facilitating world-class medical procedures here in France and providing the best recovery services available is our passion, and it's so rewarding to be recognised (again) by the IMTJ. You can find out more information about the IMTJ Awards on the official website here.

02/03/2017

In 2015, France Surgery was named ‘Medical Travel Agency of the Year' at the International Medical Travel awards. Last year, we were a finalist in the ‘Best Marketing Initiative’ category. Now, it's with great pleasure that we can announce we've been nominated once again at the IMTJ Medical Travel Awards 2017, which is scheduled to take place at the Design Hotel Royal, Opatija, Croatia on the evening of April 26th this year. This year, France Surgery is being recognised in the 'Best Use of Technology in Medical Tourism' category, which the IMTJ website describes as: "Awarded to an organisation that has developed or demonstrated innovative technology in healthcare enabling technology or applications, or for the innovative use of existing technology in health management to the benefit of the international patient. Entries will be accepted from clinics, hospitals, hospital groups, medical travel agencies and facilitators, and organisations providing technology services to the medical travel industry.  The judges will be looking for objective evidence of success that can be attributed to the initiative. Supporting information should include evidence of the benefits provided to the medical travel sector." We'll be up against stiff competition, but hoping for a positive result when we head to Croatia next month. You can find out more about the IMTJ Medical Travel Awards, including information about all the categories, on the official website.

28/02/2017

Last Wednesday, France Surgery proudly exhibited at the fourth edition of the China Workshop in Paris. The event, which was held at the Hotel du Collectionneur, saw hundreds of French exhibitors and Chinese visitors brought together under one roof to promote tourism opportunities in France for Chinese nationals. While Europe has always been a popular destination for Chinese tourists, the China Workshop presents a unique opportunity for French companies and Chinese tour operators to get in contact and develop mutual business relationships. France Surgery spent the day forging new business partnerships and promoting France as a medical tourism destination for Chinese nationals. The China Workshop was a fantastic opportunity for us to speak face-to-face with people interested in our services and provide them with detailed information about the medical tourism opportunities that exist for them here in France. France Surgery is already looking forward to next year's China Workshop, which is sure to be another successful event. You can find out more about the event on the official China Workshop website.

29/09/2016

The 9th World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress in Washington D.C. drew to a close yesterday and what an event it was! A small team from France Surgery made the long journey over to the US. You may have seen France Surgery CEO and co-founder Carine Hilaire's Facebook post live from the event. The largest medical tourism event in the world, the World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress this year featured over 3,000 participants, 10,000+ networking meetings and up to 200 qualified buyers of healthcare, as well as industry forums and executive summits. Among the excellent keynote speakers at this year's congress was President and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington. Next year's World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress - the 10th of its kind - will be held October 2-4 2017, in Los Angeles, California. You can be sure that France Surgery will once again be there promoting all the benefits of the excellent French healthcare service. You can find out more about this year's event and get information ahead of next year's over on the World Medical Tourism and Medical Healthcare Congress website.

04/07/2016

Frequently Asked Questions (GENERAL)   ·         Why should I come to France for an operation? W.H.O ranked the French health system no. 1 in the world. In France you can find elite doctors who are some of the best at their practice, for an affordable rate: Experienced and world-renowned surgeons Clinics carefully selected for their state-of-the-art technologies and the best level of care and safety Highly-personalised services Complete and appropriate medical treatment An excellent recovery environment Short waiting times: 7 weeks on average (as of validation of your file) The best value for money In addition there is the fact that France is the most visited country in the world. Why not use your recovery period to spend time with your family to discover France and all its richness: culture, food, architecture, etc.   ·         Why should I put my trust in France-Surgery as opposed to than another facilitator? France-Surgery has more than 20 years of expertise in the French and international medical industry. These decades of experience allows us to keep contact with the best professionals and select only the most suitable health professionals, for the most precise medical or surgical treatments. We have received the Award for Best Medical Travel Agency in London, April 2015 and are the only certified medical facilitators in France.   At France-Surgery all your requests will be dealt with professionally for your peace of mind and that of your loved ones. We subscribe to the rules of best practice enforced for medical tourism, including the selection of partners accredited by the French Department of Health: Clinics and Hospitals offering the highest level of security, evaluated and accredited by the French National Authority for Health (HAS), Elite surgeons and doctors are members of the French Medical Association (Ordre National des Médecins). They participate in scientific development of their specific medical fields which are subject of scientific publications both in France and abroad. France-Surgery is an all-inclusive, one-stop service, our services include: Personalized information and professional advice to help you in making your decision Administrative procedure support Negotiation of preferential rates with clinics and partners Putting you in direct contact with the clinic and the specialist Support and assistance throughout your stay (clinic and post-operative care) from collection on arrival and drop-off Management of transfers, visits, accommodation, catering for patients and their loved ones     Do all the doctors within France-Surgery’s network work on the same campus?    France-Surgery’s extended medical network spans 120 clinics and hospitals all over France.   France-Surgery will put you in direct contact with any of our 1500 recommended specialists and surgeons.  It is the patient who usually gets to choose which French city would please them most.   All hospitals within our network are renowned for their excellence. Partners within our network are in located dynamic cities that also have a wealth of culture and activity  - including, Toulon, Bordeaux, Monaco, Béziers, Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille.   What types of license and credentials do your doctors have? Our team is composed of several reputable physicians and healthcare professionals with over 20 years of experience in the French medical sector. Aside from the obligatory and rigorously strict national qualifications, France Surgery recommended surgeons and doctors are elite members of the French Medical Association (Ordre National des Médecins).  They participate in scientific development of their specific medical fields, which are the subject of scientific publications both in France and abroad. Many of our doctors teach their peers at hospitals around the globe (eg. In USA, India, the UK) the newest techniques which have been developed within their specific field. What training and licensing do French nurses, pharmacists, imaging technicians and lab technicians receive?   French nurses, pharmacists, imaging technicians and lab technicians of go through rigorous, high quality training in order to pass examinations so as to obtain licenses to practice in France.  Nurses are re-certified every few years. Furthermore, intensive care nurses must receive higher training in specialized areas.   What is the rate of infection in France?   Out of the millions of patients treated at French hospitals each year, the rate of infection is less than 7%. This very low rate is because there is an extremely strict and thorough national infection control programme, which is re-evaluated every 4 years; in order to reduce hospital acquired infections in France. Under French law, clinics and hospitals have to collect data for this 4 yearly evaluation, data that includes (but is not limited to): - Yearly consumption of antiseptic hand-wash products for 1000 hospital days, - Incidence rates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, - Incidence rates of surgical site infections, - Monitoring antibiotic consumption. This information is then required by law to be made available to the public.   The objective is to constantly strengthen and monitor infection control and to improve the quality of care provided in health care institutions.   How do the international patients communicate with doctors and medical staff?   English is widely spoken by most of the doctors within our network. The France Surgery team can also provide French - English (and vice versa) interpretation both linguistically and of documents in situations where it is necessary.     How do I begin / make an appointment?   If you are interested in our offer you can contact France-Surgery directly at (+33) 953 02 03 09 to make an appointment or email us to request a free quotation.   You can also visit our website at www.france-surgery.com where you can then create your medical file in a secure area. This is where where we invite you to specify your pathology and you can upload your medical history and fill in the pre-diagnostic questionnaire intended for the surgeon or doctor on this highly secure eHealth platform.   Then you will be invited to pay the €50 administrative charges, which will be directly credited to your travel account. The eHealth platform secure area will allow: You to transmit your medical file directly to your doctor The surgeon or doctor can contact you directly You can discuss with your doctor or surgeon, the diagnosis and the organization of your future treatment. When you fly back home, you have the ability to send X-rays or other examination documents, for a more thorough post-surgery follow-up. The definitive cost of your treatment will be determined by the healthcare team, after the analysis of your medical file and the first meeting by telephone or videoconference.     How would you recommend the most suitable doctor?   If you request it, we can make a recommendation for you based on your pathology, the medical information you provide us, your desired city, and the appointment date. Otherwise we will send you profiles of doctors of which you can choose.   ·         How do I organize my stay? Once your medical file has been validated, the France-Surgery team will take over, through your secure area, to assist you in organizing your trip: administrative assistance, travel bookings, etc. Our team will contact you to discuss the organization of your travel as well as for the persons accompanying you, and will make proposals corresponding to your wishes and your budget. All your tickets, vouchers, reservations, information, etc. will be sent via this area.     Does France-Surgery make accommodations for the patient’s family members or friends etc.? Should you and your loved ones consider staying at a near-by hotel, France-Surgery would be happy to help you with reservations at hotels near to your clinic. Generally (for a small fee) one relative may accompany a patient in the single rooms at the hospital.  * It is highly recommend that patients travel with a family member or loved one with whom they are comfortable sharing a high level of privacy. *   Are there fun activities we may participate in outside of the hospital stays and appointments?   Based on the type of surgery you have received, your interests and your doctor’s prescription, France-Surgery can help you and your accompanying loved ones find cultural activities (festivals, museums etc) that are available in the city of your surgery. Other wise, each city in France has its own official website. For suggestions of activities happening in your city at the time of your surgery, you may also visit your cities website (eg. Cannes.com), Which will detail the calendar of events happening in that specific city all year. ·         How is the post-operative follow-up organized? After your procedure and during the recovery period in France, your surgeon may wish to see you again (once or twice) for post-operative consultations. During this time, a nurse will provide necessary care, e.g. changing dressings, medications, etc. directly at the hotel where you may be recovering.   When you return home, your surgeon will remain in contact with you by telephone if necessary, and may even contact your general practitioner to make sure your recovery is going well.   Two new check-ups by your French surgeon will take place at the 2-month mark and at the 6-month mark, by exchanging of X-rays/Images and other examinations through your secure area on the France-Surgery’s eHealth platform (login to your account at france-surgery.com)   Should the recovery be unsatisfactory, the surgeon will indicate to you the procedure to follow, and will consider a possible return for another procedure.  In this case, all healthcare costs (consultation and procedure by the surgeon as well as the recovery stay) will be at the expense of the surgeon and clinic. Transport expenses remain the responsibility of the patient. Do you have a pick-up service and drop off service for the airport? Yes! Based on the patient plan you have selected, France-Surgery can pick you up at the airport, and at the end of your trip ensure your safe and timely arrival at the airport for your flight.  Please provide us with your flight arrival time and patient information, prior to your travel date. Additional service charges may apply.     Where is France-Surgery located and what is nearby?   Our offices are located in Toulouse (south-west) France, which has the affectionate nickname ‘la ville rose’ (the pink city) due to the architecture made of pinkish bricks.   Toulouse is conveniently located just a few hours drive from Spain and our international airport provides easy direct access to many major cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels and Munich. Toulouse is a stop on the trans-European network of trains, so you can also easily hop on the train for a more scenic trip to any of these cities. Within walking distance of Toulouse city-centre are many of the most popular hotels, embassies, restaurants and major shopping destinations.   For map information click here.   Does France-Surgery offer cost estimates?   Yes, simply to click the "free quote" icon and fill in the questionnaire at www.france-surgery.com to request a quote and inquire about treatment costs. The total in-patient and out-patient cost estimate includes surgical fees, doctor’s fees, lab tests, medicine, and room fees. It also includes (based on the patient plan you have selected) the assistance of France-Surgery. We assist patients with issues such as translation services (both documents and linguistic), transportation logistics, hotel stays, arranging post-surgery follow-ups by nurses at your hotel, post-surgery comfort packs to help with long flights home, guarantees that you can stay in touch with your French doctor even after you arrive back to your home country. Can my medical costs be covered?   It all depends on the health system of your country. If you are from a country within the European Union, after your treatment stay, you will be given an invoice in English. When you return home, this invoice must be sent to the health care received abroad form that has been duly filled in – this form is available from your health insurance fund – which you send to your insurance company to obtain reimbursement for the health care.   France-Surgery International tel. no.: +33 953 02 03 09 E-mail: contact@france-for-health-surgery.com   ·         Can I pay in several installments? To make your trip easier, France-Surgery allows payment in 3 installments at no additional charge. ·         What are the administrative procedures to follow? For EU citizens – http://europa.eu/index_fr.htm For non-EU citizens – http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/   We can also support you in the entire administrative process.     What happens should I decide to cancel my procedure?   You have the right to change your mind! If you decide to cancel or postpone your trip, you have up to 15 days in relation to your arrival date, to modify or cancel without charge. After this 15-day period, 100% of the paid amounts will be retained due to late cancellation.   What is the legal recourse to take should something happen during my medical treatment? France Surgery is a medical facilitator; we assist with medical travel and accommodation plans. We furnish information about the best health specialists, hospitals and clinics for specific pathologies and conditions. We do not provide medical services ourselves. Although we use a reasonable level of skill and professionalism in choosing our medical network, France Surgery cannot be held responsible for any errors of the doctors, hospitals / clinics (third parties). In case of medical misconduct by any member of a medical team, the patient is directed to contact the third parties directly. By law all French doctors and clinics have to publicly list the details of their insurance (the number etc should be attached to all invoices). Should something happen during surgery, patients should make note of the insurance contact details of the medical professional or institution. Disclaimer: In terms of liability the medical facilitator (France Surgery) is not legally responsible for the actions of the medical staff.      

27/05/2016

France Surgery was extremely proud and pleased to be named 'Medical Travel Agency of the Year' in 2015 at the International Medical Travel Journal's (IMTJ, www.imtj.com) annual awards ceremony. This year's IMTJ Medical Travel Awards recently took place at the Hotel Melia Avenida America in Madrid, and coincided with the larger IMTJ Medical Travel Summit. France Surgery was competing this year in the 'Best Marketing Initiative' category, so a small team made the short journey to Madrid to attend the awards ceremony. The Best Marketing Initiative category recognises companies that use marketing to effectively promote medical tourism to prospective medical travellers. France Surgery was being judged on its latest initiative “Your Recovery Path", and it's with much happiness that we can reveal we were 'highly commended' in the category (first runners up). It's a fantastic achievement, which highlights all the hard work that everyone here has undertaken over the past year, and being recognised by such a prestigious organisation is reward enough for us.

15/10/2015

The French health and foreign ministries will work together to promote medical tourism across the country and open up the world-class French healthcare system to foreigners by cutting the red tape that has so often got in the way in the past. To inject some much-needed funds into the French economy, the government wants to attract high-end clientele who speak English and want concierge services as well as competitively-priced, high quality medical care, according to the International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ). It comes off the back of a government report that highlighted the attraction of France as a medical tourism destination due to its reputation as one of the world’s best tourist destinations and its excellent healthcare facilities. The report estimates that medical tourism could provide the country with a €2 billion economic boost by 2020 and create some 30,000 employment opportunities in the process. A medical tourism taskforce has been created and tasked with making serious progress on the country’s medical tourism ambitions by the end of this year. François Madelmont, head of consultancy SPH Conseil and coordinator of the new medical tourism task force, said: “It is a cultural revolution. Many hospitals are eager to be on the list and to take in more foreign patients. Some already do it discretely, others advertise and make it part of their strategy.” France Surgery is also mentioned in the IMTJ piece and our co-founder Carine Hilaire is quoted as saying: “Foreigners see the French system as an excellent but very exclusive club."  

28/04/2015

It’s with great pleasure that we can announce France Surgery’s success at the recent International Medical Travel awards in the UK. At a high profile reception at the Royal Garden Hotel in London, France Surgery were named ‘Medical Travel Agency of the Year 2015’ by medical travel publication the International Medical Travel Journal, (IMTJ, www.imtj.com) at their annual awards ceremony. The ceremony, which was part of the overall International Medical Travel Journal Medical Travel Summit, saw medical travel industry experts and providers from all over the globe come together for a special night of awards. Keith Pollard, managing editor of the IMTJ and chairman of the judges on the night said: “Medical travel is an exciting and growing global industry, with many providers delivering excellence in both medical care and customer service. The IMTJ Medical Travel Awards are the first independent awards to recognise those who are the best of the best and hopefully to encourage others to emulate them. The judges wanted to reward innovation and excellence, highlight best practice and celebrate those who are leading the way in the industry and delivering successful outcomes for patients. “All our winners exemplify the way the medical tourism industry should be run – professional, offering exceptional patient care and providing the best possible medical outcomes.” Our patients past and present have told us how fantastic the services we offer are, but it’s always nice to get some recognition in the form of an award – especially one from as prestigious a publication as the IMTJ. We’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success. Facilitating world-class medical procedures and providing expert care here in France is our passion and we’ll continue to do it long into the future.  

20/10/2014

The recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the world’s deadliest to date and represents an international health emergency. In fact, at the time of writing, Ebola has claimed more than 4,500 lives this year. [caption id="attachment_1821" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Photo Credit: NIAID[/caption] It is, therefore, no surprise that many countries have taken steps to stem the spread of the virus by introducing passenger screening at their international airports. In France, officials began screening passengers arriving from Guinea for Ebola-type symptoms last Saturday. Staff at Roissy Airport on the outskirts of Paris used laser thermometers to check the temperatures of around 200 passengers who had just disembarked from a flight from Guinea. Air France unions have called for flights between Paris and Conakry – the capital of Guinea – to be suspended while the epidemic still presents a threat. A similar measure was taken at the end of August when flights to and from Sierra Leone were suspended over similar concerns. However, the fact still remains that France has had no confirmed cases of Ebola to date and the French Health Minister, Marisol Touraine, said the temperature checks were simply "an additional safety measure". France is renowned for its high-quality healthcare services and the decision to introduce Ebola screening is a precautionary measure that will go some way towards keeping French borders safe. If you’re thinking of travelling to France then the Ebola outbreak should not deter you and France Surgery can ensure that all your medical tourism needs are taken care of.

15/07/2014

People looking to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities that medical tourism affords also need the security of a dedicated travel insurance policy. That’s why we’ve formed a new partnership with speciality insurance broker Custom Assurance Placements LTD and more specifically their Global Protective Solutions policy. With more and more people realising the benefits of undergoing medical procedures abroad, a bespoke travel insurance solution was always an eventuality. What is Global Protective Solutions? Global Protective Solutions is specialist travel insurance that has been developed to meet the specific needs of medical tourists. It covers accidents that occur outside the insured’s home country and address the financial implications of travel accident related expenses or accidental complications. How does GPS differ from other medical travel plans? Traditional travel insurance policies usually do not cover trips that are solely for the purpose of medical care. Furthermore, policies that do cover medical travel are often limited when it comes to corrective procedure limits should complications arise as a result of a particular medical procedure. With GPS, individuals receive enhanced cover designed to address complications for up to six months after the original procedure. Moreover, there are additional benefits for any complications that result in the following: Death Additional medical treatment Disability including severe disfigurement Physiotherapy and subsequent rehabilitation Issues relating to reproductive function Dependent care/family co-ordination Home modifications So with such comprehensive medical travel insurance at your fingertips, you can book your upcoming medical procedure in France with total peace of mind.

07/07/2014

  Medical tourism is on the rise globally and it seems that people residing in the US are amongst the most willing in the world to venture abroad for healthcare purposes. But is it any wonder that Americans are seeking alternative medical solutions in foreign countries? After all, some 38 million people living in the US are doing so without medical insurance. Furthermore, a staggering 120 million Americans have no kind of dental insurance - this leaves them with few options in the US where healthcare services come at a premium It should come as no surprise then that Deloitte reported that approximately 1.6 million US residents travelled abroad for medical care in 2012. However, it is only recently that Americans are increasingly looking to Central Europe for their healthcare needs. Traditionally, US residents looking for affordable, high-quality medical care would travel to countries like Mexico, Costa Rica and Brazil. This is because of their close proximity to the US. However, with growing demand follows increased prices and these destinations no longer offer the bang for the buck that they used to. Alternatives such as Thailand and India are also becoming more popular destinations with American medical tourists, but Far Eastern countries pose cultural differences and lengthy travel times. Central Europe, however, now seems to be the destination of choice for an increasing number of US citizens looking for affordable medical care abroad – and for good reason! First, central European destinations such as France are closer to the US than Asian countries and so involve less travel time – something that people needing medical treatment often need due to discomfort levels. Second, European culture is very similar to that of the US and so Americans often feel more at home in European cities. Countries where English is a definite second language appeal far more to Americans Third, European healthcare is on a par with the US, yet doesn’t have the long wait times. This last factor is particularly important for a lot of patients as long waiting times can see a medical condition worsen. Also, some patients are already at the point where they’re in pain and in need of medical relief right away. Lastly, travelling to Europe is appealing for US citizens because it gives them the chance to walk in their forefather’s footsteps and visit historic sites like Normandy. This recent article on the Medical Tourism Magazine website is testimony enough to the benefits afforded by Americans who choose to have surgical procedures undertaken in Europe. Bruce Ryan travelled from California to France for rotator cuff surgery on his shoulder. His entire 21-day trip with his wife included his post-op recovery and aftercare. Furthermore, the couple realised many sight-seeing opportunities whilst in France. But, probably most amazing of all, is that the entire experience cost just $16,000. That represents a 50% saving on the same surgical procedure in the United States. It’s safe to say that Europe is fast-becoming the new destination for American Healthcare and with good reason.

27/03/2014

France Surgery has over 20 years’ experience in the French medical sector. We have a strict employment procedure which is why our Medical and Patients Service teams are of the highest calibre, to ensure your entire time in our care is handled professionally, sympathetically and warmly. To meet our own high expectations, we search out only the best hospitals and clinics in France for your stay, and have extremely qualified specialists to liaise with and treat your individual needs. So why should France Surgery be your first port of call when it comes to medical treatment in France? For a number of reasons, these include: We offer a range of over 150 hospitals, and more than 1,500 experienced specialists country-wide. We offer the largest online platform for medical travel in France. This secure platform enables you to share your medical records safely and allows the surgeon or doctor to have the necessary background information prior to an initial consultation. We give a realistic pre-travel medical evaluation to avoid unnecessary time-wasting. We provide a post-operation / procedure e-follow up to keep you informed of all results and our recommendations. France Surgery offers the full package. We are with you through your decision making, when undergoing treatment and once you return home. You’re not alone with us. Get in touch today to discuss your medical needs. Photo credit: © style-photography.de - Fotolia.com 

10/01/2014

Everybody looks for different things when they are choosing a holiday. Some people want a nice relaxing beach, others want as much adventure as they can, some want snow, others want sun. The differences are endless and there are holiday destinations throughout France to suit everyone’s tastes. When choosing the perfect destination for medical tourism the same priorities will apply but the patient and their family or friends who are going with them will have a few more things to take into consideration. Before choosing a destination it is important to understand how long the patient will be in France and how active they will be able to be after their surgery or medical treatment. A destination such as Pontarlier is probably best suited to someone who can get up and about to explore the fantastic 18th century Triumphal arch of the Porte Saint-Pierre and the gate of the ancient church of the Annociandes. Seeing these on foot allows a person to soak up the atmosphere and see all the details of the craftsmanship, however, of course if a patient is not well enough to be exploring on foot it is possible to see many attractions from the comfort of a car. Museums are also dotted throughout Pontarlier, such as the Municipal Museum, Place d’Arcon and Espera Museum of Franco Sbarro, which gives a person the option of taking their taking in the surroundings at their own pace. Photo credit: Wikimedia

02/01/2014

There are many health problems that are urgent and require immediate medical attention. In these situations it is usual that you receive medical treatment in your native country as this will often be the quickest option in case of an emergency. However, there are many health issues that require treatment but that are not quite so urgent. People often put these treatments off or get stuck on a long waiting list in their own country which usually means time passes and they do not get sorted. If you have health problems that could require surgery then make 2014 the year that you will get your health back on track. France Surgery offers a full range of surgical treatments at affordable prices. If you need surgery then making the trip to France can be very beneficial to your health and well-being. From treatment for varicose veins or carpal tunnel syndrome to thyroid surgery, hernia correction and thyroidectomy, a full list of possible procedures are available online or by contacting the France Surgery team on the phone. The friendly staff can explain the simple procedure and if you choose to go ahead you can usually receive surgery in less than 7 weeks. Medical tourism may seem more complicated than staying on a waiting list in your own country, however, with a full medical care package on offer from France Surgery you will have access to a healthcare system that has been ranked number 1 by the World Health Organisation. You will also have contact with your medical team before you arrive in France and will be involved in making decisions about your treatment. Not only that, France Surgery will arrange your transport and accommodation so that your trip will be as stress free as possible. Photo credit: Copyright France Surgery

06/12/2013

France is a beautiful country with a wealth of history and culture to be explored. Thousands of people choose to visit France each year to experience the weather, attractions and cuisine. It is therefore not surprising that when anyone who is interested in medical tourism is choosing which country to go to France is often near the top of the list. When the fact that France has the best healthcare system in the world is added to the information it is obvious why this is an incredibly popular medical tourism destination. Besançon is the capital and principal city of the Franche-Comte eastern area of France. With a climate that combines the oceanic and continental elements this area of France is perfect for people who like to experience snowy and frosted winters or warm, dry summers. When it comes to finding things to do in Besançon there is plenty. If you are thinking of having surgery through France Surgery and will be up and about fairly quickly then there is so much history to discover. From the Roman remains to the Citadel (which was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2008), the Cathedral of St Jean and the magnificent Renaissance-style buildings. With parks and museums to add to the list of reasons to get out of bed if you choose Besançon as your surgery destination you will be on the road to recovery in no time. Photo credits: Flickr

13/11/2013

If you have decided that you are going to have a surgical procedure then there are certain ways in which you must prepare for your surgery. Travel arrangements – if you opt for medical tourism then your travel arrangements obviously become a bit more complicated as you need to consider how you will travel to and from the country you have chosen. With France Surgery these travel arrangements are arranged on your behalf by the France Surgery team. Your travel to and from the hospital will also be arranged for you. Pre-operative assessment - 1-2 days before the procedure you will have an assessment to ensure that everything is ready for the surgery and that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Hospital bag – France Surgery will provide you with all the information you need about what to take to hospital with you. Ensure that you have everything you need in order to make your stay more comfortable. Adhere to any advice you have been given – after your assessment you will be informed of anything you must or must not do, e.g. fasting, taking medication or stopping medication. Ensure you follow all of these guidelines. Photo credit: France Surgery

08/11/2013

France Surgery has a lot to offer patients who are considering medical tourism. The level of healthcare across France is of exceptional standard and ranked number 1 in the world by the World Health organization. France Surgery have first class surgical and medical teams waiting to assist in your choices and offering excellent healthcare packages should you choose to have your surgery carried out by them. However, the medical side is not the only consideration why contemplating medical tourism. A patient needs to be happy to travel to chosen destination and to feel comfortable and relaxed enough to recover after the surgery. Marmande in south west France is a great option for a patient who’s not looking for the hussle and bussle of a city and who is not wishing to fill their time with days of tourist attractions. That’s not to say that there are not some fantastic sights. For anyone interested in the history of the area there is the church of Notre-Dame dating from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries and the chapel of St Benoit which dates from the 18th century and has to be seen to appreciate the painted ceilings which represent the Holy Trinity, the Assumption and the Annunciation. With not being a hive of tourist activities, Marmande is a perfect choice for a patient who may not be capable of engaging in many activities before their return home. Photo credit: Flickr

18/10/2013

If you are seriously considering medical tourism or have already decided that it’s right for you but are undecided about where to go to then you have an exciting choice ahead of you. As the highest ranking healthcare system in the world France is the obvious choice, however, with so many clinics there is still a huge amount to think about. Lyon is in the Rhone-Alps region of France, situated in the east-central area between Paris and Marseille. This area of France has a humid subtropical climate which means that the winter is much colder than it is further down in the south of France and the summers are very warm without being unbearably hot. There are many tourist attractions in Lyon that can be enjoyed by patients who are recovering from surgery. Museums such as the Museum of Resistance and Deportation give a fascinating insight into the Resistance movement in World War II, whist the African Museum of Lyon is one of the oldest and popular attractions in Lyon. For people who like the opera Lyon’s Opera Nouvel is a must-visit and the Church of Saint Francis of Sales attracts visitors from around the world and is a great place to visit before returning home. Lyon is also famous for its world class cuisine and so for patients whose recovery leaves them unable to manage full days out, a simple meal in a fine dining restaurant will make leave them feeling thoroughly spolit. Photo Credits: Flickr

16/10/2013

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was an American bill that was signed by President Obama in 2010. As the bill was championed and signed by President Obama, the law has been nicknamed ‘Obamacare’ by both the American people and the government, including President Obama. The purpose of Obamacare is to increase the affordability of health insurance within the United States of America. In turn this is intended to have an impact on the number of uninsured citizens because it will expand the coverage of both the public and private insurance. Arguably the biggest changes will be to the individuals and employers. Obamacare is also intended to improve the quality of the healthcare system in the USA and to reduce the cost of health insurance. Whilst the intention and the aims of Obamacare are to improve health services in America, its implementation is not without controversy and opposition. To many people who already have private medical insurance, Obamacare will not necessarily make a difference as if people are happy with their coverage they do not need to change. However, for people without insurance more options will be made available. For people who are not entirely happy with the system under Obamacare medical tourism is a very real and valid option. Traveling to somewhere such as France where the healthcare system is ranked no.1 in the world is a fantastic opportunity tht can be very competitively priced. Photo Credit: © Ivelin Radkov - Fotolia.com

14/10/2013

It may seem that medical tourism is a much more complicated process than staying in your native country and spending time on a waiting list. However, France Surgery have made the entire process incredibly simple. In fact the process is so simple that from deciding that surgery is the best option for you, to arriving back home recovering from surgery, there are only 10 very easy steps: Step 1 – decide that surgery is the best option for your particular ailment Step 2 – obtain details about all options for your surgery Step 3 – check the France Surgery website to see if your surgery is available. Alternatively call France Surgery for more information Step 4 – request a free, no obligation quote by filling in a simple form. You will be contacted within 48 hours with all the options open to you Step 5 – Fill in pre-diagnostic questionnaires so that your secure file can be created, detailing all your medical information for your doctor or surgeon to access Step 6 – within 1 week you will receive a detailed and personalised estimate of your chosen treatment Step 7 – Accept the treatment plan Step 8 – France Surgery assist in obtaining your Visa, and booking travel and accommodation Step 9 – sit back and wait for your appointment – this is usually less than 7 weeks Step 10 – travel to France, have surgery carried out by highly skilled surgeons, then enjoy a bit of France before travelling home Photo Credit: © jro-grafik - Fotolia.com