We explain it
Your clinician tells you what was found, what it may mean and what the options are, in plain language.
Pre-op Clearance
A clearer picture before you travel
A UK-based health assessment ahead of surgery abroad. Your clinician reviews your history, arranges the right tests and prepares a Surgical Readiness Summary for your chosen clinic.
Purpose
Why screening in the UK matters
Surgery and anaesthesia are safer when the team knows your health in detail. Your overseas surgeon can only plan around what they are told.
Pre-op Clearance gives you an independent review by UK-registered clinicians who can access your usual records, ask follow-up questions and explain results in plain English.
It is not a guarantee that surgery will go well. It is a structured check that helps you and your surgical team make informed decisions.
What is checked
Which tests, and why
Your clinician decides what is appropriate for you. The table shows what is typically considered.
| Check | What it involves | Why it is done |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | A conversation with a UK clinician about your health, medicines and plans | To understand your overall suitability and any questions you have |
| Medical and surgical history | Past conditions, operations, allergies and anaesthetic experiences | To flag anything the surgical team should know in advance |
| BMI and measurements | Height, weight and blood pressure | Some clinics and procedures have body-mass limits, and blood pressure affects anaesthetic planning |
| Blood tests | A sample taken at a diagnostic partner | To check for anaemia, blood sugar control, kidney and liver function and other markers your clinician considers relevant |
| ECG | A short heart tracing, where indicated | To look for heart rhythm or other findings that may matter for anaesthesia |
| Medicines review | A check of prescribed and over-the-counter medicines and supplements | Some medicines may need adjusting before surgery. Your clinician will advise. |
| Lifestyle factors | Smoking, alcohol, activity and general wellbeing | These can affect healing and recovery |
Not every test is needed for every person. You will only be asked to have tests that your clinician considers clinically appropriate.
The result
What your Surgical Readiness Summary contains
A concise document written for your overseas clinic and for you. It is shared only with your consent.
| Section | Contents |
|---|---|
| Patient details | Name, date of birth and procedure planned |
| Health history | Relevant conditions, previous surgery, allergies and anaesthetic history |
| Medicines | Current medicines and any advice given about them |
| Measurements | Height, weight, BMI and blood pressure |
| Test results | Blood test and ECG findings, where done, with clinician comments |
| Clinician's observations | Points the surgical and anaesthetic team may wish to consider |
| Outstanding items | Anything that still needs attention before surgery |
The summary supports your clinic's own assessment. It does not replace it. The treating surgeon and anaesthetist remain responsible for deciding whether surgery is suitable for you.
Timeline
When to start
Starting early leaves time to act on any findings.
- 8 weeks before
Initial consultation
You speak with a UK clinician about your health and plans. Your clinician arranges tests and, if needed, asks for records from your GP.
- 7 to 6 weeks before
Tests and checks
Blood tests and, where indicated, an ECG at a diagnostic partner. Your measurements are recorded.
- 6 to 5 weeks before
Results review
Your clinician goes through the results with you and explains anything that needs follow-up. Medicines advice is given.
- 5 to 4 weeks before
Readiness Summary issued
With your consent, the Surgical Readiness Summary is sent to your chosen clinic and a copy is given to you.
- Final weeks
Preparation
You finalise travel and prepare for recovery. You can contact us with questions at any point.
Shorter timelines are sometimes possible. Your clinician will tell you if more time is needed.
If something is found
What happens if concerns are identified
We arrange next steps
This may be repeat tests, a conversation with your GP, or a referral for specialist advice. Some findings can be managed before surgery.
You decide with full information
You may proceed, delay or reconsider. Where a finding is relevant, we tell your clinic with your consent so they can make their own assessment.
If you feel unwell or have urgent symptoms at any point, call 999 or go to A&E. Pre-op Clearance is not an emergency service.
Included
What you receive
- A consultation with a UK-registered clinician
- Tests arranged through CQC-registered diagnostic partners
- A review of results and medicines
- Your Surgical Readiness Summary
- Optional dietitian support
- Optional psychological readiness session
- Combine with Aftercare or the Complete Journey
- See all add-ons
Questions
Common questions
Does Pre-op Clearance mean I am approved for surgery?
No. It is a UK health check and summary. Your overseas surgeon and anaesthetist make the final decision about whether surgery is suitable.
Can I have the consultation by video?
Often, yes. Tests and any ECG still need to be done in person at a diagnostic partner.
Do you share my information automatically?
No. Your Surgical Readiness Summary is shared with a clinic only with your consent. See our privacy notice.
Can I use my own recent test results?
Sometimes. Your clinician will advise whether recent results are suitable or whether repeat tests are needed.
Start your pre-op check in good time
Book a consultation and a UK clinician will explain what is needed for your procedure.
Book a consultation