{"id":2050,"date":"2023-03-09T17:27:19","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T17:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/?p=2050"},"modified":"2024-05-31T09:52:51","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T09:52:51","slug":"finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding a Health Care Provider When Preparing To Move Overseas"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving overseas? Exciting times! But before you get lost in the riveting plot twists of your global escapade, let&#8217;s shed some light on a prep step that often gets lost in the excitement: finding a healthcare provider. Tackling this task while still in your home country might seem trickier than solving a Rubik&#8217;s Cube blindfolded, but fear not \u2013 it&#8217;s not exactly &#8216;mission impossible.&#8217; All you need is a pinch of tact, a dollop of determination, and this breezy guide you&#8217;re about to devour.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When preparing to move overseas, the best way to find a healthcare provider is to identify your selection criteria before seeking potential candidates. This approach prioritizes your healthcare needs, boosting your chances of finding a provider who meets them effectively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s zoom in on this approach to help you understand what you need to do to ensure that your health will be in the right hands when you eventually make the big move.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Figuring_Out_Your_Selection_Criteria\" title=\"Figuring Out Your Selection Criteria\">Figuring Out Your Selection Criteria<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Your_Medical_History\" title=\"Your Medical History\">Your Medical History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Affordability\" title=\"Affordability\">Affordability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Linguistic_Compatibility\" title=\"Linguistic Compatibility\">Linguistic Compatibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Proximity_to_Your_Residence\" title=\"Proximity to Your Residence\">Proximity to Your Residence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Hospital_Affiliations\" title=\"Hospital Affiliations\">Hospital Affiliations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Availability\" title=\"Availability&nbsp;\">Availability&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Finding_a_Healthcare_Provider_Who_Meets_Your_Selection_Criteria\" title=\"Finding a Healthcare Provider Who Meets Your Selection Criteria\">Finding a Healthcare Provider Who Meets Your Selection Criteria<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Step_1_Assign_a_Priority_Rating_to_Each_Item_on_Your_Selection_Criteria\" title=\"Step 1. Assign a Priority Rating to Each Item on Your Selection Criteria\">Step 1. Assign a Priority Rating to Each Item on Your Selection Criteria<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Step_2_Find_an_Initial_Pool_of_Healthcare_Providers_to_Choose_From\" title=\"Step 2. Find an Initial Pool of Healthcare Providers to Choose From\">Step 2. Find an Initial Pool of Healthcare Providers to Choose From<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Step_3_Gather_Information_About_Each_Provider_in_Your_Initial_Pool\" title=\"Step 3. Gather Information About Each Provider in Your Initial Pool&nbsp;\">Step 3. Gather Information About Each Provider in Your Initial Pool&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Step_4_Create_a_Shortlist_of_Providers_Who_Align_Best_With_Your_Healthcare_Needs\" title=\"Step 4. Create a Shortlist of Providers Who Align Best With Your Healthcare Needs\">Step 4. Create a Shortlist of Providers Who Align Best With Your Healthcare Needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/#Step_5_Evaluate_Shortlisted_Candidates_and_Make_a_Final_Call\" title=\"Step 5. Evaluate Shortlisted Candidates and Make a Final Call\">Step 5. Evaluate Shortlisted Candidates and Make a Final Call<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Figuring_Out_Your_Selection_Criteria\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Figuring Out Your Selection Criteria<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This simply means whipping up a checklist that outlines what you&#8217;re gunning for in your healthcare provider. It&#8217;s a crucial step because it acts as your guide, ensuring you focus on candidates who match up with what you&#8217;re after.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People&#8217;s healthcare wishes and whims are as diverse as a box of assorted chocolates, so I won&#8217;t claim to have a one-size-fits-all checklist for everyone. What I do have, however, is the lowdown on factors you absolutely shouldn&#8217;t overlook when assessing potential healthcare providers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here they are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_Medical_History\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Medical History<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have any pre-existing conditions, ongoing treatments, or other needs requiring specialized care? If yes, make them a top priority when picking your next healthcare provider; it\u2019ll put you on course to pick a provider equipped to handle your unique health needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your medical history is a bit of a mystery, now would be prime time for a full-blown check-up. I know, I know; doctor&#8217;s appointments aren&#8217;t exactly the highlight of anyone&#8217;s week. But if you want to pick a healthcare provider with the right expertise for your needs, you\u2019ll have to suck it up and treat this as one of life\u2019s many \u201cnecessary evils.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Affordability\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affordability<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This isn\u2019t just about choosing the cheapest option available. We all love a good bargain, but choosing solely based on the price tag might lead you down a tricky path when your health is on the line. I\u2019m not saying you should go for the priciest healthcare provider in town, either.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trick is to find that sweet spot where quality meets affordability. It might sound like I&#8217;m describing a healthcare unicorn, but finding a provider who ticks those two boxes is doable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what to look for:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accreditation. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for healthcare providers with recognized certifications or affiliations. It shows that they meet industry standards of quality and professionalism.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparent pricing. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing a healthcare provider who\u2019s upfront about their pricing means you won&#8217;t be hit with surprise bills. Ask for a breakdown of fees, paying attention to potential hidden charges.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilities and equipment. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quality care often goes hand in hand with well-equipped facilities. While most healthcare providers won\u2019t let you tour their facilities in person, you can find information about the infrastructure and technology they have by contacting them, poking around their website, or taking a virtual tour of their facilities (if that\u2019s an option, that is).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insurance options.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A good insurance plan can make quality healthcare more affordable. Check which providers accept your insurance and determine what costs your plan covers. If you don\u2019t have a health insurance plan, start making arrangements for one. Make sure it\u2019s accepted in your destination country (more often than not, choosing an international health insurance plan will solve that problem).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Telehealth options.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Telehealth simply means accessing healthcare services remotely, usually from the comfort of your own home. Choosing a provider who offers that option can significantly cut down your healthcare costs because it eliminates the need to see your doctor for non-emergencies. Plus, telehealth consultations are often priced lower than in-person visits, not to mention that health insurance plans are increasingly covering E-consultations for routine or non-emergency care.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Linguistic_Compatibility\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linguistic Compatibility<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is just a fancy way of saying, \u201cPick a healthcare provider you can communicate with.\u201d Doctors already have their secret lingo that makes most of us feel like we need a decoder ring, and the last thing you want to do is complicate things further by choosing one who speaks a different language.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So either find a healthcare provider who speaks a language you understand or start <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/how-to-learn-the-local-language-quickly-in-a-foreign-country\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">learning the local language <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">well ahead of your move. Other<a href=\"https:\/\/wise.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lpZUa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wise<\/a>, you might find yourself playing a not-so-fun game of charades trying to explain your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Proximity_to_Your_Residence\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proximity to Your Residence<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want your healthcare provider to be easily accessible, and one of the best ways to ensure that is by choosing one located near where you plan on living when you eventually move.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having your doctor around the corner can make all the difference in emergencies. It also makes it easier to keep up with routine check-ups, vaccinations, and other preventive healthcare measures. This encourages regular healthcare maintenance, which is great for your overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, a healthcare provider based in your community will likely be more familiar with nearby hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical facilities. That knowledge can be super helpful when you need medical services they\u2019re not equipped to offer because it makes it easier to get a referral.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can you ensure the healthcare provider you end up with is conveniently located near your residence?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It all comes down to whether you\u2019re trying to find a healthcare provider before or after making housing arrangements:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve already chosen your residence, focus your search on doctors in that location.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you haven&#8217;t finalized housing plans, prioritize proximity to reputable healthcare providers when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/finding-housing-abroad-as-a-new-expat\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finding housing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hospital_Affiliations\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospital Affiliations<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospital affiliations are formal partnerships between healthcare providers (typically individual practitioners or group practices) and specific hospitals or healthcare facilities. When a healthcare provider has an affiliation with a hospital, they often have privileges to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Admit patients to the hospital for procedures, surgeries, or intensive care they cannot provide at their practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the hospital&#8217;s facilities, such as operating rooms, diagnostic imaging, laboratories, and other specialized services required for patient diagnosis and treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Team up with other specialists within the hospital, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access advanced medical technology and equipment available at the hospital.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refer their patients to other specialists or departments within the hospital for more specialized care when needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These privileges are just the tip of the iceberg. Healthcare providers with hospital affiliations often have many more resources at their disposal, and that\u2019s great news for you as the patient because it means more comprehensive care.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, these arrangements are essentially stamps of approval for healthcare providers.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospitals, especially those with a respectable reputation to protect, don\u2019t just dish out affiliation deals to healthcare practitioners willy-nilly. They usually have a thorough screening process known as credentialling, which involves evaluating healthcare professionals\u2019 qualifications, education, training, licensure, and professional background to ensure that they meet the hospital&#8217;s and regulatory bodies&#8217; standards and requirements.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So when a healthcare practitioner says they&#8217;re affiliated with a top-notch hospital, they\u2019re pretty much brandishing a badge that says, &#8220;I&#8217;m top-notch.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Availability\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Availability&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A doctor who ticks every box on your selection criteria won\u2019t be much help if they never have the time to see you when you need them. So make sure your healthcare provider\u2019s availability aligns with your needs by considering their:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Office hours. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want your healthcare provider\u2019s office hours to align with your availability, especially if you\u2019ve got a busy schedule and need ongoing care. If that\u2019s not possible, choose a provider who offers extended hours or weekend appointments. These options can make it easier to align non-urgent appointments with your schedule.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Appointment scheduling. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prioritize providers with a streamlined appointment system and efficient scheduling process; they\u2019re more likely to accommodate your needs promptly.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urgent care and same-day appointments<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Find out if the healthcare provider offers urgent or same-day appointments for more immediate healthcare needs. This flexibility will come in handy when you need immediate medical attention.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Response time. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before settling on a healthcare provider, contact them and inquire about their average response time for non-emergency communication. Specifically, ask how quickly they or their office responds to emails, phone calls, or messages. Quick response times indicate a commitment to timely patient communication.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patient load.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Do a bit of digging and find out whether the provider you\u2019re eyeing manages patient volumes effectively enough to stay accessible without compromising the quality of care. Local healthcare associations or medical boards usually have this information, so it shouldn\u2019t be hard to find. You can also look up patient load statistics of similar practices in the area you plan on living in when you move. The numbers won\u2019t be exact, but they\u2019ll give you an idea of what to expect.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_a_Healthcare_Provider_Who_Meets_Your_Selection_Criteria\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding a Healthcare Provider Who Meets Your Selection Criteria<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you&#8217;ve crafted the ultimate wish list for your dream healthcare provider, the next step is to find the one who checks all those boxes. Easy, right? Well, not exactly, because you&#8217;re embarking on this quest before your plane even graces the runway in your destination country.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how should you go about it?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s a step-by-step walkthrough.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Assign_a_Priority_Rating_to_Each_Item_on_Your_Selection_Criteria\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1. Assign a Priority Rating to Each Item on Your Selection Criteria<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember when I said that your selection criteria will guide your search? This is its time to shine.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go through your evaluation checklist and assign a priority rating to each item. Why? Because you want to make sure that the most important items on that list carry the most weight when choosing your healthcare provider.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s be real: there\u2019s a good chance you won\u2019t find a doctor who ticks every box on your selection criteria, especially since you\u2019re going on this whole doctor-finding mission when you\u2019re still in your home country. With that somewhat unpleasant reality check in mind, your goal should be to ensure that the healthcare provider you end up with can meet your most pressing needs. Assigning a priority rating to every item on your wish list will help you do just that.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many ways of assigning a priority rating to items on a list. Any will do just fine, but my two cents would be to keep things simple and use a scale of 1 to 5 (where a higher number means higher priority).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also use the High, Medium, Low (HML) scale. This is a simple three-level scale where you categorize items as high priority, medium priority, or low priority.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Find_an_Initial_Pool_of_Healthcare_Providers_to_Choose_From\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2. Find an Initial Pool of Healthcare Providers to Choose From<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now comes the fun part \u2013 hunting down healthcare providers who match as many of your criteria as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by crawling the internet for healthcare providers with a presence in and around where you plan on setting up camp when you move. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.doctify.com\/uk\/blog\/posts\/doctify-find-doctors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctify<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthgrades.com\/find-a-doctor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthgrades<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be super helpful. If you don\u2019t find satisfactory results from these two websites, search \u201chealthcare providers in (enter the location where you plan on living).\u201d Every establishment has an online presence nowadays, so your search is almost guaranteed to return a long list of results.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to check your destination country&#8217;s official health department or government websites, too. These often have directories of registered healthcare providers, including doctors, clinics, and hospitals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also use your health insurance provider to find reliable healthcare providers in your destination. Insurance providers are usually generous with recommendations and details about in-network providers, so shoot yours an email and ask for that information. Some even have online portals where policyholders can search for healthcare providers in specific regions or countries. If your provider offers that option, you might not have to wait for them to respond to your email.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These three methods will likely do the trick as far as finding that initial pool of healthcare providers goes. In case they don\u2019t, here are other sources you can snag that info:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional associations and accreditation boards related to healthcare in the destination country.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your home country&#8217;s embassy or consulate in the destination country.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online platforms dedicated to reviewing healthcare providers in your destination.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, you can always rely on expat communities and other personal connections for recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Gather_Information_About_Each_Provider_in_Your_Initial_Pool\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3. Gather Information About Each Provider in Your Initial Pool&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having looked up potential candidates, the next step is to do some digging to determine how well each suits your healthcare needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obviously, the kind of information you\u2019re going to prioritize will depend on what matters most to you (which you\u2019ll already know at this point because you\u2019ve already assigned a priority rating to each item on your selection criteria). Just make sure you leave no stone unturned because your findings will dictate your choices in the next step.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Create_a_Shortlist_of_Providers_Who_Align_Best_With_Your_Healthcare_Needs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 4. Create a Shortlist of Providers Who Align Best With Your Healthcare Needs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019d say create a shortlist of about three healthcare providers you feel suit you best. Three is the sweet spot because it strikes a balance between having enough options for comparison and not drowning in a sea of choices.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your shortlist is ready, reach out to candidates who made the cut and find out how well they align with your healthcare needs. Virtual consultations are the best way to do this because they&#8217;re more interactive than good old emails. Why does that matter? Well, it helps uncover those tiny but crucial details you might&#8217;ve missed in step 3, like cultural sensitivity and communication styles.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to prepare well for the virtual consultation. Have your questions easily accessible, preferably organized according to importance (as indicated by the priority rating you assigned to your selection criteria). Take notes throughout the consultation, too.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Evaluate_Shortlisted_Candidates_and_Make_a_Final_Call\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 5. Evaluate Shortlisted Candidates and Make a Final Call<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the virtual consultation, you should have an idea of which healthcare provider is best equipped to handle your needs. If there are still question marks, fire off some follow-up questions or snoop around for what the grapevine says about people&#8217;s experiences with the contenders. Those extra nuggets of info could be the game-changer that helps you seal the deal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;ve made the final call, get in touch with your chosen healthcare provider, lock in those appointments, and get the lowdown on how to sign up as a patient. These extra steps will set you up nicely to be able to access healthcare services as soon you arrive.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Moving overseas? Exciting times! But before you get lost in the riveting plot twists of your global escapade, let&#8217;s shed some light on a prep step that often gets lost in the excitement: finding a healthcare provider. Tackling this task while still in your home country might seem trickier than solving a Rubik&#8217;s Cube blindfolded, &#8230; <a title=\"Finding a Health Care Provider When Preparing To Move Overseas\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/finding-a-doctor-and-health-care-provider-when-preparing-to-move-overseas\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Finding a Health Care Provider When Preparing To Move Overseas\">Read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2052,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[42],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-2050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-wellness","tag-reviewed","infinite-scroll-item","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2050","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2050"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2050\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10411,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2050\/revisions\/10411"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2052"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2050"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=2050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}