Procedures that Westerners get overseas: Orthopedics (hip replacement, knee replacement, spinal work); cardiovascular surgery (bypass surgery, valve replacement, heart transplants); cancer diagnosis and treatment; dental care (usually more extensive cosmetic or restorative surgery); cosmetic surgery; fertility treatment; weight-loss surgery.

Most-traveled health destinations: Mexico, Costa Rica, Antigua, Barbados, Brazil, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore.

Tips for the medical traveler:

1. Plan ahead. Begin planning at least three months before departure.

2. Be sure of your diagnosis and treatment preference. Obtain exact recommendations from your U.S. doctor, in writing if possible.

3. Research your overseas doctor carefully. Invest time and money in personal telephone interviews; don’t be afraid to ask questions, lots of them.

4. Get it in writing. Cost estimates, appointment, recommendations, opinions, air and hotel reservations — get as much as you can in writing, and don’t forget to bring it with you.

5. Insist on English. Lack of English skills can be an early warning sign that you should choose another clinic, physician or health travel service.

6. Alert your bank and credit-card company. Tell them your travel dates, where you will be and if you plan to use your credit card for large amounts. Otherwise their consumer fraud units may cancel your account.

7. Inform your local doctors before you leave. They may not approve of your decision, but they will appreciate knowing about it beforehand.

8. Don’t scrimp on lodging. “Budget” accommodations can land you in unsavory parts of town with cold showers and shared bathrooms. Also make sure the hospital and doctor’s office are nearby.

9. Befriend the staff. Nurses, nurse’s aides, paramedics, receptionists, clerks and even maintenance people should be considered vital members of your health team.

10. Don’t return too soon. Ask your physician how much recovery time is advised for your treatment. Then add a few extra days.

Excerpted from Patients Beyond Borders: Everybody’s Guide to Affordable, World-Class Medical Tourism, by Josef Woodman. Health Travel Media. 2007. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. www.patientsbeyondborders.com