Most planning guides tell you to "start early" without saying what that actually means in weeks. Here's a concrete template built around a typical procedure with real downtime.
8–10 weeks out: research and first contact
Identify your procedure category and reach out for an initial consultation — often a video call or WhatsApp exchange to review your case and get a preliminary recommendation. This is also the stage to start verifying credentials using our accreditation guide.
6–8 weeks out: confirm and book
Once you have a confirmed procedure date, book flights (see our flight timing guide) and secure your recovery accommodation. This is also when any required pre-op lab work or documentation typically gets arranged.
2–4 weeks out: final prep
- Confirm all pre-op instructions with your surgeon directly, not just the clinic's general guidelines
- Arrange time off work, factoring in the specific recovery window for your procedure
- Pack according to your procedure's specific post-op needs — compression garments, loose clothing, etc.
Build your return flight date around your surgeon's actual clearance timeline plus a buffer — not around when you'd ideally like to be home. This is the single most common source of last-minute stress in trip planning.
Trip week 1: arrival, consultation, procedure
Arrive at least a day ahead of any scheduled appointment. Most procedures happen within the first several days of the trip, followed immediately by the most intensive phase of recovery.
Trip weeks 2–3: recovery
This is where your recovery house choice matters most — see our recovery house comparison. Follow-up appointments typically happen during this window to confirm healing is on track before you're cleared to fly.
Final days: clearance and departure
Get explicit, in-writing clearance to fly from your surgeon before booking or confirming your return leg's exact timing, even if you booked a flexible-date ticket originally.
Not sure where to start?
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