Each year, millions travel abroad for healthcare. With personal choice, however, comes responsibility. Here's what every prospective patient should know before going overseas for treatment.

• Find out from a qualified medical professional if you are fit to travel overseas with your medical condition.
• Make sure the hospital you select is licensed and preferably accredited by a recognized international organization that audits medical quality.
• Check the credentials and experience of the doctor who will treat you.
• Decisions on treatment can be made only after you meet with your doctor. It is unrealistic to expect that any doctor can guarantee treatment or surgery without first examining you to determine the appropriate approach. In most cases, patients do get the procedure they travel overseas for. But it is possible that your doctor, upon examining you, may decide you are not fit for surgery, or recommends treatment different from what you planned.
• Any complaints about your treatment will be resolved in the country where you are treated, according to its laws and procedures.