Why a Timeline Matters
Medical travel has more moving parts than a vacation. Missing a single document can postpone treatment by a week. This is the exact 14-day timeline our case managers use with every coordinated patient.
14 Days Out
- Confirm your S1/S2 medical visa is approved (or pickup date scheduled)
- Book international flight (we recommend arriving 48–72h before treatment)
- Notify your home insurance of travel and check what (if anything) covers overseas
10 Days Out
- Send your most recent labs/imaging to your case manager for pre-arrival review
- Confirm accommodation booking — see our accommodation guide
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
7 Days Out
- Order any prescription medications for the trip + 1 week buffer
- Photocopy passport, visa, hospital invitation letter — keep digital + paper copies
- Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card freezes
- Review the in-hospital schedule one last time with your case manager
3 Days Out
- Pack medications in carry-on, with original prescriptions in English
- Download offline translation packs (see our app guide)
- Send your flight number and arrival time to SSAnkang for airport pickup
- Light, easily digestible meals — avoid alcohol and heavy food
Day Of Departure
- Carry-on essentials: passport, visa, hospital invitation, medication, chargers, snacks, neck pillow
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Hydrate regularly during the flight
What to Bring (Hospital-Specific)
- All original imaging on CD or USB (CT scans, MRIs, X-rays — DICOM format preferred)
- Pathology slides if oncology — courier these separately if your treatment requires them
- Medication list with generic names (brand names vary by country)
- Family medical history summary
- Allergies list — both medical and dietary
What NOT to Bring
- Excessive cash — Alipay covers everything
- Foods like fresh fruit/meat (customs may seize)
- Drones (require permits)
- Lithium batteries above 100Wh in checked luggage
The Day You Land
Your case manager will be on a live message thread from the moment your flight takes off. Airport pickup is included. We escort you to your accommodation, do a quick orientation walk-through, and reconfirm your treatment-day schedule.
