Post-operative care & NHS access

Your care doesn't end when you leave the hospital. Here's what to expect after treatment abroad with My Medical Gateway.

What happens after your treatment abroad?

With My Medical Gateway, your care does not end when you leave the hospital. Every Treatment Package includes structured post-operative support from your chosen hospital — from the moment of discharge through to your follow-up review.

Your treating hospital will provide full discharge documentation covering your procedure, recovery instructions and any ongoing clinical guidance. Your hospital remains your first point of contact for any treatment-related questions or concerns after you return to the UK, and retains responsibility for your aftercare under your Healthcare Contract.

Remote follow-up is included within your Treatment Package. In most cases, a clinical review will be conducted within 90 days of your procedure.

Sharing your discharge summary with your GP in the UK

When you return to the UK, you are responsible for informing your own GP that you have had treatment abroad. Your hospital will provide you with a full discharge summary, which you should share with your GP to support continuity of care, particularly if you are on any regular medication or have other ongoing health conditions.

Your GP cannot be held responsible for aftercare related to your procedure abroad, but sharing your discharge documentation ensures they have an accurate picture of your health and can support you appropriately.

What if you experience post-surgery complications?

If complications arise after returning home, your hospital is your first point of contact. Under your Healthcare Contract, your treating provider is responsible for managing treatment-related aftercare — this may include remote consultation, further clinical review or guidance on next steps.

For urgent medical concerns, you should use NHS services as normal: call 999, contact NHS 111 or attend your local A&E department. For non-urgent concerns, contact your hospital directly in the first instance, and keep your GP informed.

Can you still use the NHS after treatment abroad?

Yes. Choosing private treatment abroad does not affect your right to NHS care. You remain fully entitled to access NHS services based on clinical need, just like any other patient in the UK.

Additional protection and peace of mind

This combination of hospital-led aftercare and NHS access provides a clear and safe pathway for patients returning to the UK.

Patients travelling abroad for medical treatment should carefully consider whether appropriate medical travel insurance is required for their individual circumstances. Specialist policies are available, including from Sure Insurance Services'Medical Travel Shield product. Patients should undertake their own research and obtain independent advice before purchasing any insurance product.

Whether you are comparing private healthcare in the UK or considering treatment in Europe, MMG ensures that your care is supported before, during and after your procedure, with clear accountability and access to trusted clinical support at every stage.