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France ranks third in latest World’s Best Smart Hospitals list

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

A beginner's guide to medical tourism: how to plan your trip and choose the right provider

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

Beyond borders: the benefits of having medical treatment abroad

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 

Increasing number of Brits resorting to medical treatment abroad amid long NHS waiting lists

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.

How telehealth can complement medical tourism

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

France Surgery and Sancheng Digital sign partnership

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。"

France Surgery Visit to China

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!  

NHS England looking to crack down on health tourism

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. 

France Surgery once again triumphant at the IMTJ Awards

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.

France Surgery Named as Finalists at Upcoming IMTJ Awards

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.

France Surgery exhibits at the China Workshop in Paris

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.

Reasons to Choose France Surgery as your Treatment Partner

06/10/2016

France has the highest rated healthcare service in the world? (As rated by the World Health Organisation) Yet healthcare costs are often 4 times cheaper than similar services in the USA, Canada or other 1st world countries France is a welcoming, beautiful country and officially the most visited place on Earth As featured on CBS, Healthcare Elsewhere and the Medical Tourism Magazine We can open the doors to the highest level of healthcare for your company and your clients, whilst saving you money too! As our video shows, all of our services are delivered in fluent English and our client care begins right from the moment they touch down in France to the moment they board to fly back home again. Our treatment centers are especially selected from the high quality available across France to ensure your clients are treated only in the very best of our French treatment centers and by our top consultants. Our accommodation is always of a very high standard and, subject to medical agreement, we will ensure your clients enjoy their time in France and see some of our wonderful country too. If you would like to explore France as a treatment destination for your clients, please contact me on any of the options below. I'll be happy to introduce you to the very high standards of treatment we have access to and to the savings we can offer your company. Bien à vous ! Carine HILAIRE France SURGERY 22, Rue St Joseph 31400 TOULOUSE - FRANCE Office : +33 (0)9 53 02 03 09

France Surgery Attends WMTC 2016

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.

FAQs

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.      

France Surgery wins again at IMTJ Medical Travel Awards

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.

Medical Tourism in France to be Stimulated by French Government

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."  

France Surgery Now Officially ‘Medical Travel Agency of the Year 2015’

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.  

Five Benefits of Medical Tourism

09/02/2015

In 2014, more than one million Americans are estimated to have sought medical care abroad. The growing ‘medical tourism’ phenomenon affords many benefits to travellers who are in need of a surgical procedure. Here are five for you to consider: World-Class Healthcare Historically, many people associated overseas healthcare with sub-standard hospitals and medical professionals whose training was perhaps not up to western standards. That’s definitely not the case here in France. Our healthcare system is one of the best in the world and every facility is of the highest standard and every medical professional trained to the highest level. Efficient Services Here in France, waiting lists are short. It’s not a case of get referred by your doctor and then wait for an appointment to come through; far from it. We can facilitate medical procedures quickly, efficiently and with minimum stress. This means that you can use the remainder of your stay in France to take in the culture and experience the fantastic tourist attractions. Lower Costs You only need read our piece last year on the story of Bruce Ryan to see the incredible savings that can be realised by undergoing a procedure here in France. Medical insurance often covers the majority, if not all the costs – providing you have it. If you don’t, the lower costs here will definitely be of interest to you. No Bureaucracy The range of insurance options available today – particularly in the U.S. - means that individuals are sometimes enveloped in bureaucracy and terminology. That’s not the case in France and with our help your entire experience will be hassle-free and free from bureaucracy. It’s France! If the four benefits above aren’t quite enough, then what about the fact that you’ll get to see one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Our cuisine, fine wines and rich history are enough to make any international traveller want to stay a lot longer than their surgery allows, unfortunately.

Ebola Screening now Occurring at French Airports

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.

Surgery in France Doesn’t Cost an Arm and a Leg

16/10/2014

We wrote a post a few months ago highlighting the popularity of medical tourism and in particular about the huge number of Americans who are seeking healthcare solutions in foreign countries. Is it really surprising, though, that more and more people are choosing to travel abroad for medical care? After all, waiting lists in some countries can be simply too long for people to withstand and so travelling somewhere that has little or no waiting time is highly desirable. However, foreign medical care, including surgery, obviously raises questions in terms of expenses and payments. That’s why here at France Surgery we are dedicated to ensuring that your experience here in France is as smooth as possible. Payments and reimbursements ultimately vary depending on your country of citizenship and status, but you’ll be pleased to know that hospital rates are fixed by the French government. Furthermore, the rates for medical services are consistent right across France, providing that the establishment is certified and subsidised by the health administration. Many of our previous patients, like Bruce Ryan in the link at the top of this post, have actually found that the cost of surgery in France is vastly cheaper than their native countries. Moreover, a huge number of scenarios are covered by existing medical insurance policies, which mean that individuals sometimes end up paying nothing. To find out more about surgery in France and the expenses situation for your personal circumstance, contact us today.

Terms & Conditions

14/08/2014

PART I. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT France SURGERY's scope of activities: Linking people living abroad with clinics or hospitals and doctors or surgeons working in France, Linking them with travel agents, airlines, hotels, restaurants, performers, all providers of concierge services Assistance in organizing the trip: administration and logistics. Prior to the signing of these the Clients acknowledge they have been informed that: France SURGERY are neither a clinic nor a hospital and neither does the company intend to practise medicine or provide any medical or paramedical service. All services offered by clinics or hospitals are their own responsibility and that of practitioners attached to them. Health Facilities provide services in accordance with their own terms and conditions. Some of these conditions may limit or exclude all or part of the responsibility of Health Facilities to their clients. In particular, these conditions may exclude any liability for death, injury or medical error. It is the responsibility of the undersigned client to become aware of possible Terms and Conditions of health facilities before committing themselves. Any document produced or any agreement made with the Health Facilities cannot be the responsibility of France SURGERY . France SURGERY is not a travel agent under the provisions of Articles L.212-1 et seq of France’s tourism regulations (Code du Tourisme) and are not intended to be. All services offered and/or services provided by service partners, are the responsibility of the latter. The conditions set forth herein apply only to clients who are non-commercial individuals and to any territory with the exception of France (including Corsica and the DROM-COM, France’s overseas territories). The parties agree that their relations will be exclusively governed by this contract, excluding any condition previously available on the site, except the legal information which will always remain in force and form an indivisible whole with the present. The present Terms of Use were updated on October 31, 2010 TITLE II. - CONVENTIONS ARTICLE 1. - DEFINITIONS 1.1. "Client" means anyone who notes, books, orders and buys a service offered on the site. 1.2."Service" means any service offered on the site. 1.3. "Site" refers to the infrastructure developed by France SURGERY according to computer formats used on the Internet, including data of various types, such as text, sound, still or moving pictures, videos, databases, intended to be visited or seen  by  the clients to become fully aware of the services offered. 1.4. "Internet" means various networks of servers located in various locations around the world, linked together through communication networks, and communicating using a specific protocol known as TCP/IP. ARTICLE 2. - ORDERS Orders regarding all of the services offered on the site must be placed on-line from the website of the France SURGERY platform An order will be recorded on the site only after clear identification of the client’s login and password. Orders imply that the terms and conditions have been accepted. Any dispute in this respect will come under the framework of a possible exchange and of the guaranties mentioned below. France SURGERY commit themselves to honour the orders received on the site only within the limit of availability of the services and that of their partners. ARTICLE 3. - VALIDITY OF THE ORDER Any Client of the Site who does not hold a client number will have to go through the regular registration procedure in order to obtain one. This number is totally personal. In the event of a loss or if the number is missing, France SURGERY should be informed at short notice. The client should then contact France SURGERY’s customers services and complete the appropriate form provided on the website or call the following number: + 33 953 02 03 09 (€0.49 per minute) In all cases, the online provision of a credit card number followed by the final confirmation of the order will be worth as evidence for the entire order as provided by the Loi du 13 Mars 2000 adapting the law of evidence to Information Technology and dealing with the electronic signature and will cause the sums incurred for the order to become due and payable, in the conditions laid down below under Article 5. This validation is legally valid and considered like a genuine signature and express acceptance of all operations carried out on the site. However, in case of fraudulent use of their credit card, the clients are required, upon the finding of such use, to immediately contact France SURGERY customer services by calling the following phone number: + 33 953 02 03 09 The records stored in France SURGERY computer systems under conditions of reasonable safety, will be considered as evidence of communications, orders and payments between the parties. It is expressly agreed that, except in cases of obvious error made by France SURGERY, the data stored in the information systems of the Company have probative value as to orders placed by the client. Digital or computerized data are valid evidence and, as such, are admissible under the same conditions and with the same evidential value as any document created, received or retained in writing. The filing of orders and invoices is carried out in a reliable and sustainable format in order to correspond to a faithful and sustainable copy in accordance with section 1348 of the Civil Code. ARTICLE 4. - QUOTATIONS - SERVICES 4.1. Customized Quotes Within seven days after registration by the new client, and provided that the file, including the forms to be completed have been regularly and fully filled in, France SURGERY through secure channel will forward a customized quote, which will be accompanied by a comment either during a phone interview or by phone or videoconference. Acceptance of the quotation will remain at the discretion of the clients and their responsibility. In the event that, it would not be possible to establish a custom quote, because of information supplied (including medical ones), the client will be notified within the same period of time. France SURGERY’s mission cannot get started before the quotation has been accepted, dated and signed by the client. 4.2. France SURGERY offers clients the following services: 1 "Medical Care Package" Connecting with the clinic Meeting the client on arrival at the airport or railway station and assistance throughout the stay in hospital Accompanying the client back to airport/ station. 2 "Medical Tourism Package" Connecting with the clinic Meeting the client on arrival at the airport or railway station and assistance throughout the stay in hospital Accompanying the client back to airport/ station. 3 Organization of sightseeing: Hotel, Restaurant and sightseeing Tour Reservations 4 Concierge services on request: "Well being A LA CARTE, make it easy" Babysitters French lessons Cooking Classes Sports club sessions Laundry Footwear repairs Hairdressing Beauty treatments Massages Provision of various everyday life accessories or items (ties, stamps hose/stockings, public transport ticket ...) Restaurant reservations 5 Administrative support services: "France SURGERY Travel Procedures Support" ARTICLE 5. – RATES - PAYMENT - CANCELLATION 5.1. RATES All prices quoted on www.france-surgery.com or in any brochures or Information can be altered at any time without previous warning, particularly when health facilities and/or Service Providers change their price-lists. Prices become final at the signature, by the client, of an agreed estimate defined in consideration of its own specific features.  The prices are quoted in euros and include all taxes. They take into account the amount of VAT applicable on the date of the order, but exclude the taxes and fees not expressly referred to. The rate in force on that day will be applied. Any change of VAT rate will be reflected in the price of services. Prices will not be modified once the client’s order has been placed, except in the event the latter would claim services not included in the original estimate. Similarly, if one or more taxes or contributions were to be created or modified, this change might be reflected in the selling price of the services on France SURGERY ‘s website and sales documents. The prices for services ordered on the site along with the date of the order in question are authentic. Prices are guaranteed at the date when the order is placed. 5.2. Terms of Payment Payments can be made: On line when opening an account (registration), by credit card (Carte Bleue, e-cartebleue, Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard, American Express); by bank transfer to pay the full balance of the service. Payments will be made as follows: 40% of the sums due shall be paid to France SURGERY and the clinic at the conclusion of the contract between the parties at the date of "estimate and confirmation’s order's" validation by the client through mail or email confirmation. The remaining 60% of the amount due to France SURGERY and the clinic shall be paid not later than two weeks before the date set for starting the management of the client on the French territory "the date set for starting the management of the client on the French territory," is agreed to be understood as  the date on which the client will benefit from France SURGERY's services in the said territory. 5.3. Cancellation Any cancellation by the Client of this contract will lead to the following payments: In the event of cancellation by the client more than 15 days before the date set for the management of the client on French territory, the amount paid when the contract was signed (40% of the total) will remain vested in France SURGERY and clinic. In case of cancellation by the client less than 15 days before the date set for the management of the client on the French territory, the latter shall pay all the amounts due to France SURGERY and clinic under this contract. The clients acknowledge they have been informed that in case of cancellation of their order by France SURGERY particularly because of the inaccuracy or omission of essential information they would not have provided on their health status or condition (particularly when filling the pre-diagnosis form), the current article shall apply. ARTICLE 6. - CONFIDENTIALITY France SURGERY does everything in its power to ensure the confidentiality and security of data transmitted over the web. To this end, the website uses a secure payment module of SSL type (Secure Socket Layer). ARTICLE 7. - PERSONAL DATA France SURGERY agrees to comply with all operative legal provisions relating to medical confidentiality. France SURGERY staff does not have access to the contents of pre-diagnosis questionnaires, nor to those of email correspondence with the clinic or the practitioner or any other document including medical information. The confidentiality of exchanges between the patient, physicians and surgeons is guaranteed through a system of encryption when capturing and storing data. Only solicited doctors or surgeons have access to the medical information on the patient. France SURGERY reserves the right to collect data on the client being understood however that they will remain strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties. The client is informed that such an Automatic Processing of Personal Data has been declared to the CNIL (the French Data Protection Authority) under the number of HpK0103486y on the 11th November, 2010. Pursuant to the Act of 6 January 1978, the client has a right of access, opposition, rectification of data concerning him, either directly online or by postal mail to France SURGERY, at the following address: 22 rue Saint-Joseph - 31400 TOULOUSE, FRANCE. ARTICLE 8. - LIABILITY Throughout all the stages of the ordering process and during the steps following the conclusion of the contract, France SURGERY has an obligation of means. France SURGERY commits itself to describe the services sold on its site with the greatest accuracy. The information which will be communicated to its client by France SURGERY via www.france-surgery.com, its Internet platform, come from third parties such as health establishments or Service Providers. France SURGERY cannot be held liable for any information item supplied to them by third parties. All information obtained on www.france-surgery.com, or through France SURGERY cannot in any way engage the responsibility of France SURGERY. France SURGERY, via www.france-surgery.com performs the upstream role of a negotiator and compares rates for its international clients. Under no circumstances France SURGERY, via its Internet platform intervenes in the payment of medical benefits; neither can France SURGERY be asked for any refund of sums paid to one or more health facilities or to a practitioner. Similarly, if for some reason, a health care facility or a practitioner fails to fulfill their obligations or fulfil them poorly, it would be the health care facility or practitioner that could be blamed and their the sole responsibility of, excluding all claim or legal action against France SURGERY of any kind. It is the sole responsibility of the client to obtain any permission, passport, visa or other administrative formalities as may be requested by Service Providers or national authorities to be able to complete the trip chosen by the client. France SURGERY accepts no responsibility and provides no guarantee for: Tourist services, Diagnoses, Choice of medical treatment and/or surgical procedures and their appropriateness or not, Implementation of medical treatments and/or surgery, Compliance with medical treatment and/or surgery with the commitments made by health care facilities, Security and prevention, Any other kind of service provided by the Health Facilities, practitioner or any other person associated with them or workers related to health facilities from whom the client would have required services. In no event shall France SURGERY intervene in the choice of the practitioner or health facility, such a choice being under the sole responsibility of the patient, france surgery cannot be liable for such a choice. france surgery is not responsible for any acts, errors, omissions, promise, warranty, negligence, or breach of contractual obligations from health facilities, practitioners or any other person associated with health facilities or service providers, neither is it responsible for any physical injury, death, material damage or any other resulting damage or expenses. The client acknowledges that all medical, surgical or other benefits can provide a risk. Therefore, the client declares that: It has obtained information or has been advised by France SURGERY about the need to seek the advice of an independent and qualified practitioner. France SURGERY has not not given any advice or opinions that a reasonable person can consider as an opinion or advice of a medical nature (including, but not limited to, any risks or side effects related to surgery). Even if France SURGERY may have provided information on Health Establishments, it cannot be held responsible for the service delivery by health facilities or practitioners. The client agrees not to hold France SURGERY, its subsidiaries, officers, members, employees, agents, or representatives, liable for any direct or indirect damage (including, but not limited to, profit losses and/or damage resulting from inconvenience, delay, loss of utility, or physical or mental harm) related to or resulting from the use of information from the www.france-surgery.com website or agreements made or information obtained on www.france-surgery.com, or even not to bring proceedings in liability as he/she acknowledges using these services at his/her own risk. In all cases, France SURGERY shall not be made liable if the breach of its obligations will be attributable to an unforeseeable and insurmountable fact of a third party to the contract or to a force majeure event, as defined by the French case law; neither shall it be for any delay or failure due to a fortuitous event, because of the other party or a third party or external causes such as social conflict , intervention by civil or military authorities, natural disasters, fires, water damage, interruption of telecommunications network or power grid. Similarly, the responsibility of France SURGERY will not be engaged for any inconvenience or damage arising from the use of the Internet, including a break in service, external intrusion or presence of computer viruses. ARTICLE 9. - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY All elements of France SURGERY's website, either visual or audio, including the underlying technology, are protected by copyright, trademarks or patents. They are the exclusive property of France SURGERY. A client possessing a personal Internet site and who, for personal use, wishes to place a direct link to France SURGERY on its website, must first submit prior written authorization to the Company. In all cases, any unauthorized link must be removed on simple request by France SURGERY. ARTICLE 10. – DURATION OF THE CONTRACT The present conditions apply throughout the duration of the contractual relationship between the parties. ARTICLE 11. - GENERAL PROVISIONS 11.1. Entire Contract The parties acknowledge that the present Contract constitutes the entire agreement between them and replaces any offer, arrangement or previous agreement, written or verbal, with the exception of legal notices showing on the site and which are an indivisible whole with the present contract. 11.2. Contract Changes No subsequent document, no modification of the contract regardless of the form will not produce any effect between the parties without taking the form of an addendum signed and dated by them. 11.3. Nullity If any provision of this contract turned out to be invalid under the rule of existing law or a judicial decision having become final, it would be deemed null and void, without invalidating the contract or altering the validity of its other provisions. 11.4. Waiver The fact that either party does not claim the application of any clause in the contract or acquiesces in its breach, either permanently or temporarily, shall not be construed as a waiver by that party to the rights arising for it from that clause. 11.5. Domicile The parties elect domicile at the addresses indicated on the order form for the client and on the address appearing on the site for France SURGERY. 11.6. Applicable law and disputes The present conditions are subject to French law. The competent jurisdiction in the event of a dispute regarding the interpretation or enforcement of this contract will be the court of the location of France SURGERY’s headquarters.

Why France Surgery is the Best Choice for Medical Tourism Surgery

13/08/2014

Medical tourism has increased in popularity over recent years and many countries now offer attractive packages for tourists to travel and have medical procedures carried out. With so many countries trying to entice medical tourists the quality and standard of service has to be extremely high. It is therefore a valid question to ask why France Surgery is the best choice for medical tourism surgery. There are many answers to this question, however, here are a few for you to think about: France Surgery has over 20 years of experience in the medical industry There are clinics in over 30 locations throughout France The French Health System has been ranked no.1 in the world by the World Health Organisation You will usually only have to wait a maximum of 7 weeks from getting in contact with France Surgery to traveling to have your surgery completed France Surgery clinics have state of the art technology, the best levels of health and safety and an excellent convalescent environment You will receive a medical package that is specifically tailored to your situation and will include travel, accommodation, surgery and recovery time France Surgery offers excellent value for money and you will be provided with a comprehensive quote so that you will know exactly how much it will cost You can spread the cost over 3 instalments What are you waiting for, contact us today for an initial consultation.

Why Choose To Have Your Surgery with France Surgery?

13/08/2014

If you need to have a surgical procedure then you have a lot of options open to you and you will want to make sure that you decide on the best option for you. One of these options is medical tourism where you can combine a holiday with your surgery and travel to a different country to have the procedure and recover. France is booming in the medical tourism field due to its world class healthcare and fantastic environment for people to recover. France Surgery offers such a wide range of procedures that it is unlikely that you would not be able to have your surgery with them. With clinics in over 33 locations around France there is also a great amount of choice about where you want your recovery to take place. If you choose France Surgery then you will not only beat the waiting lists and have access to highly qualified and experienced surgeons, you will also have many more choices about how your surgery is performed that are often not offered under a native health system. It would be easy to think that these benefits come at a high price, however France Surgery offers very reasonable all inclusive packages so you do not need to worry about a thing. Photo Credit: France Surgery

Guide to Medical Tourism in France

13/08/2014

If you require a medical procedure and either cannot access it, or you do not wish to wait the length of time it will take in your own country, you have many options. One of the best options open to you is to visit France.  Medical tourism is an increasingly popular phenomenon and France now offers a broad range of medical procedures to international visitors. Medical tourism packages are on offer for international visitors to pay for their flights, medical procedures and accommodation in a few easy to arrange steps.  Firstly you receive a quote and have a chat with medical staff who have access to your medical information. Once you have confirmed your procedure and accepted the quote all you have to do is choose your accommodation and flights and wait for your tickets to arrive.  France may not be the cheapest option when it comes to medical tourism, however it has been rated number one by the World Health Organisation for medical care. It offers extremely well qualified doctors and surgeons, as well as clean, safe, regulated facilities for procedures and recovery to take place.   The medical treatment is not all France has to offer either. What better place to recover from your surgery than in the fantastic French climate with so many tourist attractions to choose from before heading home. Photo credit: © 4designersart - Fotolia.com

Recover from Surgery in Grasse

13/08/2014

Choosing which clinic to have your surgery completed in is just as important as choosing that you wish to have surgery or which type of surgery you wish to have. Many companies offering medical tourism will have just one or hospital for you to attend. At France Surgery there are over 30 in various towns and cities around France. Having surgery in an area where you have attractions of interest to get out and see is likely to decrease your recovery time. It is important that you get up and about as quickly as possible after surgery and so planning where you want to go can be an important factor. Attractions don’t have to be big, it could simply be a beautiful park to have a walk around. Grasse, situated on the French Riviera is perfect for anyone who has an interest in perfume. The perfume industry dates back to the 18th century is is still thriving today. With numerous famous perfumeries and the Museum of Perfume this is a must visit place for anyone who wants to know more about the industry. That is not all there is to see however. The Cathedral was founded in the 11th Century and houses work completed by Rubens and Jean-Honore Fragonard and you can also visit the Art History Museum and the Church of Placassier, built in 1644. Photo credits: Flickr

French Knees – Part Two

29/07/2014

Last week, we introduced you to the blog of one of our former patients which details her experience undergoing total knee replacement surgery in France. Having been put in touch with us here at France Surgery via a medical tourism website, she decided to get the ball rolling and see how to progress with her surgery. It seems, from one of her earliest blog posts, that we certainly met her expectations in terms of response time: “Almost within a day I received back a detailed response as to what would be required for one of their surgeons to replace my knee.” She then outlines how we facilitated the communication of her medical records to our surgical specialists here in France. These included MRI scans and X-Rays but the beauty of the internet is that distance is no object. Obviously, the decision to undergo a serious medical procedure in a foreign country isn’t something that anyone would take lightly. But again, the beauty of the internet is that an international affair becomes something that feels much closer to home: “On the internet one can almost research anything.  So the doctors were researched, the Clinique, its reputation, personal accounts by patients all were read by myself and my daughter.” Their research undoubtedly put their minds at rest: “After all this we felt comfortable proceeding.” But for even greater peace of mind we provided her with as much information as possible about the procedure she would be undergoing, the medical professionals involved, including anaesthetists and everything else that would ultimately be useful. However, quite naturally they were still erring on the side of caution and posed the inevitable question to us: “What if it goes wrong…” With surgery, there’s always an element of risk but to find out how we here at France Surgery deal with such questions you’ll have to wait another week for the third and final instalment of French Knees. To be continued…

French Knees – Part One

21/07/2014

Here at France Surgery, we pride ourselves on offering the absolute best service possible when it comes to facilitating medical procedures in France for people living in other parts of the world. Obviously, we love hearing from our patients about their experiences and this feedback usually comes in the form of an email, or in some cases a video. However, one of our especially internet-savvy ex-patients decided to document her whole experience in a blog. Entitled French Knees, it spans a four-month period in which our patient begins her journey with France Surgery and ultimately ends up with a brand new knee. One of the most poignant posts is this one right at the start of the blog. It outlines the torrid time our patient had with her left knee after a nasty boating accident. Following numerous visits to various specialists the solution was clear: a total knee replacement was needed. But in her native Canada this meant a 12-18 month wait, maybe longer – a timeframe that was simply unacceptable because of the pain she was experiencing and the increasing lack of mobility. It was then that one of her daughters who lives in France suggested they explore the possibility of having the procedure performed there. After all, she had heard that France was becoming a popular destination for medical tourists. They promptly investigated the options on a medical tourism website and were recommended to contact us here at France Surgery. This is where their medical journey with us began. To be continued…

Healthcare Elsewhere Podcast with Carine Hilaire

15/07/2014

France Surgery CEO Carine Hilaire was interviewed back in April for the Healthcare Elsewhere Podcast. Since then, the episode has experienced a surge in popularity, being downloaded more than 3,300 times since it was posted. The Healthcare Elsewhere Podcast has one very simple mission: to make the benefits of medical tourism more well-known and educate people across the globe of the opportunities that exist in other countries when it comes to affordable, yet world-class healthcare services. Being interviewed by John Cote was a great opportunity for Carine to highlight the numerous benefits of using France Surgery to coordinate and facilitate a French medical procedure for you. The podcast is just over 30 minutes long and you can listen to it here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/johncote/HEALTHCAREELSEWHERE007.mp3 Podcast: Listen in New Window | Download [Right click to save as] Key highlights: Hear about the kinds of procedure and surgeries available in France Discover the benefits of travelling to France over other countries for a medical procedure Learn what you can expect in terms of after-care as a France Surgery client Find out more about the facilities and physicians used by France Surgery, including reviews Listen to the story of one American client who saved more than $40,000 on one procedure and then received a refund from his insurance policy The popularity of the Healthcare Elsewhere Podcast can be seen in its daily download rate of more than 4,000! Carine’s episode has so far been listened to by people in more than 75 different countries, with 65% of the audience originating from the US. It has also struck a chord with French residents who account for 15% of the audience numbers. Click here to find out more about how France Surgery can help facilitate an affordable, world-class medical procedure for you.

Our new Partnership with Global Protective Solutions

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.

Why Europe is the new Destination for American Healthcare?

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.

Podcast: Making the French Healthcare Connection with Carine Hilaire →

03/07/2014

http://healthcareelsewhere.com/2014/04/25/french-healthcare-connection-carine-hilaire/ On today’s show, we are excited to be speaking with Carine Hilaire. Carine is the CEO of France Surgery, a medical tourism company that helps people get into the French healthcare system. Carine’s organization is a necessary link between patients in search of a medical or surgical solution and highly-experienced French specialists. While providing the highest level of professionalism and exceptional support, France Surgery also works with select insurance providers in the United States and Great Britain. Listen to this episode to find out what you can expect from France Surgery’s services and the incredible French healthcare in general. In This Episode, You’ll Learn What kind of procedures and surgeries people travel to France to receive The benefits of going to France, over other countries, for a medical procedure The type of after-care you can expect as a France Surgery client Where to find reviews of the facilities and physicians available through Carine’s organization The testimonial of an American client who went through a $60,000 hip replacement surgery for $16,000, including his stay expenses in France, and then received a refund from his insurance http://healthcareelsewhere.com/2014/04/25/french-healthcare-connection-carine-hilaire/

France Surgery: Top for Medical Tourism

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 

Is Pontarlier your perfect medical tourism destination?

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

Is 2014 the year to get your health sorted?

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

Recover from Surgery in Besançon

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

How to prepare for surgery in France

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

Recover from Surgery in Marmande

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

Recover from Surgery in Lyon

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

What is all the fuss about ‘Obamacare’?

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

Step by step guide to working with France Surgery

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

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