UK - Medical insurance - ThinnerTimes

fatalbeauty1 · 12-17-2007, 01:32 PM

Hi to everyone,

Im new here on TT but i have read nearly all the postings and stories, ive found it all very helpfull.

I would like to know if there is anyone from the UK on here who has had surgery abroad and what medical insurance they took out before they travelled? In the Uk the old E111 form has been replaced with EHIC certificate but it doesnt cover you for any problems that may occur following a RNY Bypass. Im a little worried that heaven forbid there is a problem after my surgery i wont have any cover to pay for any medical treatment and i could be thousands of pounds out of pocket...!!!!

My opp is booked for six weeks time and im a little anxious

shereeks · 12-17-2007, 03:26 PM

Hi Olivia

First of all welcome to the forum! How exciting for you - not long to wait now!

I didn't have any kind of medical insurance while in Belgium - it was impossible to get. Yes it was a risk but I had spoken to Dr Dillemans who reassured me that only 1 of his patients had ever needed to pay for extra medical care.

If you can find someone to cover you then great but personally it wasn't something I worried about too much.

Good luck on the road ahead - its a great ride!

Vim&Vigour · 12-17-2007, 05:28 PM

Hello Olivia!
I'm not sure if this is of any help. I was a self-pay patient of Dr. Dillemans (lap RNY 5th December) and I organised my trip to Belgium throuh Direct Healthcare International. This was a package and a portion of this included additional insurance. (www.direct-healthcare.com).
We look forward to hearing how you are getting on. Ask any questions you want!
I have posted my pre-op/op diary "What to expect: my journey in graphic details" if you want an idea of my surgery in Bruges!
Cheers!

fatalbeauty1 · 12-18-2007, 02:51 AM

Shereeks and Vim&Vigour,

Thank you both so much for responding to my message. I found when searching for insurance last night its as rare as hens teeth!!!

I think i may just settle for the new E111 form and hope for the best.xxx

Gwen · 12-18-2007, 02:51 AM

Welcome to the Family Olivia!

I'm with Sheree on this one - I did however take out the EHIC card but fortunately did not need it

Good luck with your journey and keep us posted.

XXX

TheMinxy · 12-19-2007, 02:00 PM

When you go to Dr Dillemans he will ensure you get all the care and treatment you need as an inpatient from the time you enter to hospital to the time you leave it. However, IF you get a post op complication once you have been discharged this is where your E111 ( or whatever it's now called) card comes into play. You will be treated via A&E as any person who attends our local a&e from a foreign country. It doesn't matter that you have had surgery, you are still entitled to this care.

The card will not cover you if you turn up in Brugge with the expectation that you will get your surgery for free as if you were having it on the NHS. For emergency readmissions post discharge though, you are totally covered.

DHI offer a form of insurance that you pay through the nose for, and it's ineffective because you get everything you need without having to pay this extra amount. Go with EOC and you will get the best price and the best service.

fatalbeauty1 · 12-19-2007, 03:02 PM

Dear theminxy,

Ive just had the pleasure of looking and digest every inch of your website!!! You are amazing, and well done with the weight loss in such a short time. The more i hear about Dr Dillemans the more i realise ive made the right choice, ive not heard one negative comment about him or the hospital.

I hope you have recovered well following your cosmetic surgery. I had a breast enlargement way back in 1998 at the ripe old age of 24. I was very lucky, really easy opp, no problems and i even went home the same day. I'm fully aware that im probably going to need some more work done following my weight loss. My tummy has never been flat and even when i was on the skinnier side over the last two years i had this pod of skin sitting there looking up at me!!! Can i be cheeky and ask where you went to in Bruges to have this done? I'm a firm believer in personal recommendation. I had been thinking of going to Elyzea, but i dont know anyone who has been there.

Thank you again for advice, im making a list now of things i must take; lip balm, wet wipes, tongue soluble painkillers..... the list is endless!!!

Do keep in touch.x

TheMinxy · 12-20-2007, 02:35 AM

Dr Dillemans works in the AZ st Jan Hospital in Brugge and it's a huge place, very clean, fabulous views over Brugge.

Dr Dedoncker is my plastic surgeon and he works in the AZ st Jan Portaels in Vilvoorde on the outskirts of Brussels. This is a smaller hospital and there is nothing whatsoever to see or do in Vilvoorde, however he is the best there is (as far as I am concerned) when it comes to plastics post WLS. He is very experienced in operating on us more vascular ladies.

I am healing up really well and I am delighted with his handiwork. I have a tum you could play snooker on and boobs which are very perky !

Thank you for your kind comments about my website. I really appreciate it. I hope you found the pre RNY advice helpful.