Pre-Surgery Preparation: A Complete Checklist for International Patients

Introduction: Preparation is Everything

Undergoing surgery is a major life event. Undergoing surgery in a foreign country — with a different language, culture, and healthcare system — requires careful preparation. But here is the good news: thousands of international patients have done this before you, and the process is well-established.

This guide is the most comprehensive pre-surgery preparation checklist available for international patients traveling to China. Work through it stage by stage, and you will arrive at your surgery date fully prepared, informed, and calm.

Stage 1: Medical Preparation (6-8 Weeks Before Surgery)

1.1 Gather Your Complete Medical Records

Before myMedVia can match you to a hospital, you need to assemble your medical history. The more complete your records, the faster the matching process.

Essential documents:

[ ] Diagnosis and condition description — written by your referring physicianAll imaging studies — X-rays, MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds (preferably in DICOM digital format)Laboratory results — blood work, pathology reports, biopsiesSurgical history — any prior surgeries with dates and outcomesCurrent medications — with dosages and frequenciesAllergies — medications, latex, anesthesia, etc.Medical conditions — hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, etc.Immunization records — especially hepatitis B, COVID-19, tetanusRecommended translations:

All records should be translated into English or ChinesemyMedVia can arrange translation if neededKeep originals + 2 copies of everything### 1.2 Obtain Clearance from Your Primary Care Doctor

Your local doctor should confirm you are medically fit for:

The planned surgeryGeneral anesthesiaInternational air travel (including post-operative travel)Ask your doctor to provide:

A letter of medical clearance for travel and surgeryAny pre-operative tests needed (EKG, chest X-ray, blood tests) — some can be done in China insteadRecommendations for managing chronic conditions during travel### 1.3 Dental Check-up

For patients undergoing general anesthesia, a dental check-up is important: loose teeth or dental infections can cause complications during intubation.

Timing: 4-6 weeks before surgery.

1.4 Pre-operative Testing

Your Chinese hospital will tell you which tests they need performed before surgery. Some may be done before you travel; others will be done after arrival:

Commonly needed:

Complete blood count (CBC)Coagulation profile (PT, PTT, INR)Blood type and cross-matchLiver function tests (LFTs)Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN)EKG (electrocardiogram)Chest X-rayUrinalysisInfection screening (HBsAg, HCV, HIV, syphilis)Pregnancy test (for women of childbearing age)If you have these done at home:

Save time after arrivalMust be recent (within 2-4 weeks of surgery)Must be in a format your Chinese hospital accepts### 1.5 Medication Adjustments

Some medications need to be stopped before surgery. Your Chinese surgeon will advise:

Important: Do not stop any medication without specific instructions from your surgeon and cardiologist.

Stage 2: Administrative & Travel Preparation (4-6 Weeks Before)

2.1 Medical Visa Application

Visa type: S2 (medical visa) Application location: Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country Processing time: 3-7 working days (expedited options sometimes available)

Required documents:

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ empty visa pages)Completed visa application formRecent passport photo (48mm x 33mm, white background)Medical invitation letter from your Chinese hospitalProof of round-trip flight booking (recommended but not always required)Accommodation confirmationTravel medical insurance confirmationVisa application feeS2 visa validity: Typically 90-180 days, single or double entry

What if my family wants to come? Family members can apply for S2 visas as accompanying persons. The same medical invitation letter serves as supporting documentation.

2.2 Travel Insurance

Strongly recommended. Your travel insurance should cover:

Verify: That your policy specifically covers elective surgery abroad and that it does not exclude pre-existing conditions related to your planned procedure.

2.3 Communication Preparation

VPN: Install a reliable VPN on your phone and laptop before departure. China blocks many Western websites (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube). A VPN is essential for staying connected.Mobile phone:

Check if your phone supports Chinese SIM cards (most unlocked phones do)myMedVia can help you get a Chinese SIM card on arrivalAlternatively, an eSIM with a China data plan can be set up before you travelMessaging apps:

WeChat (微信) is essential in China — install it before you leaveWhatsApp will work with a VPNDownload myMedVia’s contact information and the hospital’s emergency numbers### 2.4 Financial Preparation

One week before departure, confirm:

The hospital’s deposit policy and payment scheduleAccepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, cash)Whether international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are acceptedATM locations near your hospital (for cash withdrawals)Budget for daily expenses (food, transport, incidentals)Tip: Notify your bank that you will be traveling to China. Some banks block international transactions for fraud protection.

Stage 3: Packing List (2-4 Weeks Before)

3.1 Medical Documents (Carry in your hand luggage)

[ ] Passport and visa[ ] Medical records (originals + copies)[ ] Doctor’s clearance letter[ ] Hospital invitation letter[ ] Travel insurance documents[ ] Prescriptions for all medications (generic names)[ ] List of allergies and medical conditions[ ] Blood type card (if available)[ ] Emergency contact information### 3.2 Clothing

[ ] Loose, comfortable clothing — easy to put on and take off (front-buttoning shirts, elastic waist pants)[ ] Slip-on shoes — no laces needed (swollen feet are common post-op)[ ] Warm socks and a light jacket (hospitals keep operating rooms and wards cool)[ ] Compression stockings (if recommended by your surgeon for DVT prevention)[ ] Pajamas and robe[ ] Underwear (consider disposable for hospital stay)[ ] One set of comfortable clothes for departure### 3.3 Toiletries

[ ] Toothbrush and toothpaste[ ] Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)[ ] Soap and body wash[ ] Deodorant[ ] Lip balm (hospital air is very dry)[ ] Moisturizer[ ] Wet wipes (useful when mobility is limited)[ ] Nail clippers and file### 3.4 Electronics

[ ] Phone (unlocked for Chinese SIM)[ ] Laptop or tablet (for entertainment)[ ] VPN already installed[ ] Chargers and cables[ ] Power bank (for hospital bed use)[ ] Power adaptor (China: Type A/I, 220V, 50Hz)[ ] Headphones (noise-cancelling recommended for hospital stay)[ ] Headphones (noise-cancelling recommended for hospital sleep)[ ] Camera (to document recovery milestones)### 3.5 Entertainment & Comfort Items

[ ] Books, e-reader, or tablet loaded with reading material[ ] Downloaded movies, TV series, or podcasts (no internet needed)[ ] Small notebook and pen[ ] Travel pillow[ ] Eye mask and earplugs (hospital nighttime lighting can be bright)[ ] Favorite snacks (non-perishable, familiar comfort food)### 3.6 Miscellaneous

[ ] Small amount of cash in both USD and Chinese RMB ($500-1,000 equivalent)[ ] Credit cards[ ] Photocopies of passport, visa, and other important documents[ ] Passport photos (4-6, for hospital registration and visa purposes)[ ] Travel lock for luggage[ ] Laundry bag[ ] Small gift for your coordinator and nursing staff (optional)## Stage 4: Health Optimization (2-4 Weeks Before)

4.1 Prehabilitation

Prehabilitation (“prehab”) is preparing your body for surgery. It improves outcomes and speeds recovery.

What to focus on:

Nutrition: High-protein diet (lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, tofu), adequate calories, vitamin supplementation your surgeon recommends.Hydration: Drink plenty of water.Exercise: Walk daily, maintain cardiovascular fitness if your condition allows.Sleep: Optimize sleep hygiene — well-rested patients have better surgical outcomes.Smoking: Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery. Smoking significantly increases complication risk.Alcohol: Avoid alcohol for at least 1 week before surgery.Weight loss: If your surgeon recommended weight loss before surgery, now is the time.### 4.2 Mental Preparation

Educate yourself: Read about your specific procedure, what to expect in recovery, typical timelines for milestones.Set realistic expectations: Your recovery will have ups and downs. Prepare mentally for the “day after” being the worst (for most surgeries).Talk to your family: Make sure your travel companions understand their role in supporting your recovery.Meditation or relaxation techniques: Useful for managing pre-surgery anxiety.## Stage 5: Final Week Before Departure Checklist

7 Days Before

[ ] Confirm with myMedVia: arrival time, airport pickup details, accommodation[ ] Confirm with hospital: check-in date, pre-op tests schedule[ ] Fill prescriptions for any chronic medications (enough for your entire stay)[ ] Stop blood thinners, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements as instructed[ ] Confirm travel insurance is active### 3 Days Before

[ ] Pack your bags using the packing list above[ ] Check passport and visa are together and accessible[ ] Download offline maps of your destination city[ ] Charge all electronics[ ] Set up your VPN and confirm it works[ ] Download WeChat and add your myMedVia coordinator[ ] Notify bank and credit card companies of travel[ ] Arrange transportation to the airport### 1 Day Before (Travel Day)

[ ] Double-check: Do you have all documents in your hand luggage?[ ] Take your regular medications as scheduled[ ] Nothing by mouth if instructed (usually only applies to day of surgery)[ ] Wear comfortable travel clothes[ ] Bring snacks for the flight[ ] Stay hydrated during the flight[ ] Move around periodically on the plane to prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis)[ ] Arrive relaxed — this is the beginning of your journey to health### Day of Arrival in China

[ ] myMedVia coordinator meets you at the airport[ ] Transfer to accommodation[ ] Rest — do not schedule any hospital visits on arrival day[ ] Install your Chinese SIM card or activate eSIM[ ] Connect to WiFi[ ] Confirm first hospital appointment details with myMedVia[ ] Eat a light meal, stay hydrated[ ] Call family to confirm you arrived safely## Stage 6: Hospital Check-in & Pre-Op (On Arrival)

Day 1 at the Hospital

What to Ask During Your Surgeon Consultation

Exactly what procedure will be performed?What approach will be used (open, laparoscopic, robotic)?How long will the surgery take?What kind of anesthesia will I receive?How long will I be in the hospital?What pain management options will I have?What are the specific risks for my case?When can I start walking / eating / showering?What are the milestones for discharge?Who do I contact if I have a problem after hours?### What to Ask During Your Anesthesia Consultation

What type of anesthesia (general, regional, local with sedation)?How will my chronic conditions (if any) be managed during surgery?What are the side effects specific to my anesthesia?How will pain be managed post-operatively?## Stage 7: Common Concerns & Solutions

myMedVia Support During This Process

Throughout your preparation, myMedVia provides:

Pre-departure:

Document checklist review (we check your records are complete)Visa application guidanceHospital matching and cost estimationTravel coordinationOn arrival:

Airport pickupAccommodation check-inHospital orientationPre-op appointment coordinationDuring hospitalization:

Daily visits or check-insInterpretation during medical discussionsAssistance with any concernsCoordination with your family at homePost-discharge:

Follow-up care coordinationTelemedicine setupMedication managementTravel clearance confirmation## Final Words

Preparation is the most important factor in a successful surgical outcome abroad. Work through this checklist systematically, and you will arrive at your surgery date feeling prepared, informed, and confident.

Thousands of patients have come before you and made this journey successfully. So can you.

Ready to get started? From your first consultation to recovery back home, myMedVia is with you every step of the way. Contact our patient coordinator →

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