FAQ
Your questions, answered plainly
If you cannot find what you need here, email hello@vidamed.co.uk and we will reply within one working day.
In an emergency in the UK, call 999 or go to A&E. If you are abroad, contact your treating clinic and local emergency services.
General
About VidaMed
What is VidaMed?
VidaMed is an independent UK coordination and safety-check service for people travelling abroad for elective surgery. We arrange UK screening before you go and UK aftercare when you return.
Is VidaMed a clinic or surgical provider?
No. We do not own clinics and we do not perform surgery. Your surgery is carried out by an independent overseas clinic that you choose.
Who are the clinicians?
Independent UK-registered clinicians, meaning GMC-registered doctors and NMC-registered nurses. Diagnostic tests are carried out by CQC-registered providers.
Which countries do you work with?
We are not tied to one country. We work with overseas partner clinics that have been reviewed against our published Partner Standards. Your clinician or our team can tell you which options currently suit your procedure.
Do you offer remote consultations?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. Some parts of screening, such as blood tests and examinations, need an in-person visit to a diagnostic partner.
Where are you based?
We are starting in London and growing a UK network.
Before surgery
Preparing to travel
What does pre-operative screening involve?
Typically a consultation, blood tests, height, weight and BMI, a review of your history and medicines, and an ECG where it is clinically indicated. Your clinician will decide what is right for you.
What is a Surgical Readiness Summary?
A written summary by a UK clinician of your health, results and anything the operating team should know. It is shared with a clinic only with your consent.
Can I be told I am not ready for surgery?
Yes. If your clinician finds something that needs attention first, they will explain the options, which may include delaying surgery. The final decision about whether to operate rests with the treating surgeon.
How far ahead should I start screening?
As early as you can. Starting some weeks before travel leaves time to act on any results. Your clinician will advise on timing.
Can you help me choose a clinic?
Yes. We can share information on partner clinics reviewed against our Partner Standards. The choice is always yours. You can read the standards on our Partner Standards page.
I have already chosen a clinic. Can I still use VidaMed?
Generally yes. We can arrange your screening, prepare your summary and plan your aftercare. Please tell us the clinic when you enquire.
Should I tell my GP?
Many people find it helpful. Your clinician can advise on what to share and, with your consent, can send information to your GP.
After surgery
Recovering at home
When is my first UK review?
Typically within days of your return. Your plan will confirm timing for your procedure.
What does aftercare include?
A UK review after you return, wound checks, scheduled follow-ups, imaging through diagnostic partners where clinically indicated, and an escalation route if something concerns you.
What if I have a complication at home?
For an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. For other concerns, contact your UK clinician. With your consent, we will also inform your treating clinic.
Will the NHS treat me if something goes wrong?
In an emergency, the NHS will assess and treat you. Routine follow-up and any further treatment are separate matters. Your clinician can explain what to expect.
Can VidaMed guarantee my results?
No. No one can guarantee the outcome of surgery. We can help you prepare and recover as safely as possible.
Clinics
Partner clinics
What does "partner clinic" mean?
An independent overseas clinic that has been reviewed against our Partner Standards and has agreed to work with our UK clinicians on information sharing and aftercare.
Does review guarantee quality?
No. A review checks a clinic against published criteria at a point in time. It does not guarantee quality or outcome.
Do clinics pay for a better review?
No. The same standards apply to every clinic.
How can my clinic become a partner?
Please see our page for clinics and submit the clinic form on our contact page.
Payments
Prices and fees
How much do your packages cost?
Price on request. Prices depend on the package and the add-ons you choose. We give you the cost before you commit.
Do I pay VidaMed for my surgery?
No. You pay the treating clinic for surgery under its own terms. VidaMed charges for UK screening, coordination and aftercare.
Do you receive fees from clinics?
Partner clinics pay a simple per-patient fee. This does not affect our clinical advice, and our clinicians act independently.
What if I decide not to travel?
Please tell us. Refunds depend on the services already provided and our terms. We will explain this before you pay.
Privacy
Your information
Who sees my health information?
The clinicians involved in your care. We share information with a clinic only with your explicit consent.
Is my information sent outside the UK?
If you choose a clinic abroad and consent to sharing, your summary will be sent there. Our privacy notice explains how we protect it.
Can I withdraw my consent?
Yes, at any time. Please email hello@vidamed.co.uk. Withdrawing consent may limit what we can do for you.
How do I complain?
Email hello@vidamed.co.uk with "Complaint" in the subject. Our safety page explains the process.