Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to have surgery abroad?

Yes. My Medical Gateway works exclusively with fully licensed and regulated private hospitals within the European Union. Every provider goes through a structured accreditation process, including assessments of full licensing, regulatory compliance, insurer accreditation and clinical performance. Hospitals with unresolved sanctions or regulatory concerns are not accepted onto the platform.

What is medical travel?

Medical travel involves going abroad for healthcare, typically to access faster treatment or more competitive pricing than is available domestically.

What treatments can I book with My Medical Gateway?

MMG currently offers 49 elective procedures across 8 specialties, including orthopaedics, general surgery, ENT and ophthalmology. The list focuses on high-demand treatments and continues to expand.

How quickly can I be treated in Europe?

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, hospitals will offer you three treatment dates within the following six weeks.

Who can use MMG?

Currently, MMG's services are available to permanent residents of the United Kingdom. We plan to expand access to other countries in the future.

How much does surgery abroad cost?

Treatment through MMG is typically 20–50% lower than equivalent private surgery in the UK, depending on the procedure and provider.

What is included in the price?

All treatments are offered as a fixed-price, all-inclusive Treatment Package, which includes:

• The procedure and hospital stay
• Pre-operative diagnosis
• Post-operative care, including physiotherapy where clinically required
• A remote follow-up review within 90 days 

The package does not include travel to/from the country of treatment, accommodation and sustenance (except for hospital stay) and your diagnostic tests in the UK pre- and post-treatment.

Are there hidden costs?

No. Treatment package prices are clearly defined upfront, allowing you to compare providers on a like-for-like basis. Your package will set out exactly what is included so there are no surprises. Find out what's included in a Treatment Package.

VAT information

In most cases, medical consultations, diagnostic procedures and surgical treatments provided by accredited hospitals in the UK and the European Union are exempt from VAT. The prices shown on the MMG platform are therefore generally not subject to VAT unless otherwise stated.

How does My Medical Gateway select hospitals?

All hospitals must meet defined legal, clinical and operational criteria before being approved onto the platform. This includes full licensing, regulatory compliance, insurer accreditation and the ability to deliver My Medical Gateway's Treatment Packages. Accreditation is free for hospitals but never automatic. Every approved provider must also agree to our platform Terms and Conditions.

Are EU hospitals comparable to UK private hospitals?

Yes. Many leading private hospitals across Europe provide consultant-led care in state-of-the-art facilities and are comparable to UK private hospitals in terms of quality, safety and patient experience. Cost savings are generally driven by lower healthcare operating costs, not lower standards of treatment.

Do hospital staff speak English?

Yes. All MMG-accredited hospitals have dedicated international patient teams who speak English and support overseas patients throughout their treatment journey.

How does the process work?

Select a treatment, compare MMG-accredited providers and receive fixed-price quotes. Once you choose a hospital, MMG coordinates the entire process, including onboarding, diagnostics, scheduling and payment. Read more.

When do I get a treatment date?

Once your diagnosis has been confirmed using the medical information and test results you provide, your chosen hospital will offer three available treatment dates within the following six weeks.

What is remote diagnosis?

Remote diagnosis allows your chosen hospital to review your medical records and test results before you travel. In some cases, this may include a video consultation. Final pre-operative assessments and tests are always carried out by the hospital before treatment begins.

Do I need new tests?

In most cases, yes. Hospitals require recent diagnostic tests, usually no more than 30 days old, from a recognised provider.

What are the possible outcomes of remote diagnosis?

• Diagnosis confirmed and treatment dates offered
• Treatment adjusted based on updated findings
• Additional tests or a consultation requested
• Not suitable for treatment

Does MMG access my medical data?

No. Your diagnostic data is shared directly with your hospital. MMG does not store or review clinical information.

What happens after I return to the UK?

Your Treatment Package includes post-operative care and follow-up, including remote clinical review and support from your hospital.

What if I have complications?

Your hospital is responsible for treatment-related aftercare under your Healthcare Contract. You can contact them directly for support, including remote consultation.

For urgent issues, you should use NHS services (111, A&E) as normal.

Can I use the NHS after treatment abroad?

Yes. Choosing treatment through My Medical Gateway does not affect your right to NHS care. UK patients remain fully entitled to access NHS services, including GP support, NHS 111 and emergency care, based on clinical need.

Will my GP be informed of my treatment abroad?

Patients are responsible for informing their GP of any treatment received abroad. Your hospital will provide full discharge documentation which you can share with your GP on return. This is recommended to ensure continuity of care.

How does payment work?

• 10% initial payment to secure your booking and begin the process
• 90% payable 14 days before treatment

All payments are processed securely through Adyen, a regulated EU payments provider.

Can I use finance to spread the cost of treatment?

Yes. Eligible patients may be able to spread treatment costs through Klarna financing, helping make private healthcare more manageable.

What does the initial payment cover?

• Secures your booking and price
• Initiates the diagnostic and confirmation process
• Prioritises review by your chosen hospital

Is there a cooling-off period?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund within 14 days of your initial payment.

What if I am not eligible for treatment?

If your hospital determines you are not suitable for treatment, you will receive a full refund of your initial payment.

Do I need medical travel insurance?

Yes, it is strongly recommended. My Medical Gateway provides access to specialist medical travel insurance designed specifically for patients travelling abroad for treatment. Insurance can cover travel disruption, cancellations and additional care if required.

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe for treatment?

UK citizens do not currently require a visa for short stays in Schengen countries. Since 10 April 2026, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational across the 29 Schengen countries. The system replaces manual passport stamping for non-EU visitors with digital registration. On first entry into the Schengen area, visitors will typically undergo fingerprint and facial recognition registration to monitor permitted 90-day stays. The new ETIAS pre-travel electronic authorisation system is currently scheduled to become operational in the last quarter of 2026.

Can I refer a friend?

Yes. You can share your referral link and receive a reward when someone you refer completes treatment through MMG.