Choosing the clinic is only half the decision when you travel abroad for treatment. For many patients, the other half is choosing the facilitator — the company that sits between you and the clinic, arranges the logistics, and is often your only point of contact before you board the plane.
A good facilitator can make a stressful process calm and safe. A poor one can steer you toward a clinic because of the commission it pays, hide the real costs, and disappear when something goes wrong. The industry is largely unregulated, so the quality of the facilitator you choose depends almost entirely on the questions you ask.
Here are the ten that matter most. We've written this as a facilitator ourselves — which means we have an obvious interest — so after each question we've also said how MediTour Nepal answers it. Hold us to the same standard you hold anyone else.
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The short version: a trustworthy facilitator will answer all ten questions clearly, in writing, without pressure — including the uncomfortable ones about money and risk. Vague answers, urgency and guarantees are the warning signs.
First: What a Facilitator Does (and Doesn't Do)
✓ What a good facilitator does
- Matches you with suitable clinics and specialists
- Obtains a written, itemised quote
- Arranges visa advice, airport pick-up and transfers
- Coordinates appointments and translates if needed
- Checks in during recovery and after you return
- Helps you raise concerns with the clinic
• What a facilitator is not
- Not the medical provider — the clinic treats you
- Not a guarantee of results or safety
- Not a substitute for your own research
- Not a replacement for medical travel insurance
- Not an impartial regulator — they are a business
The 10 Questions
1
How do you choose and vet the clinics and surgeons you work with?
Vetting
Why it mattersThis is the single most important question. Everything else depends on whether the clinics are genuinely good. "We only work with the best" is a claim, not a process.
A good answerSpecific criteria: surgeon registration and training, equipment and implant or laser brands, sterilisation standards, experience with international patients, written warranty terms — and evidence they have actually visited the clinic.
Red flagVague praise, a directory of clinics with no criteria, or clinics that appear to have simply paid to be listed.
How MediTour Nepal answersWe assess partner clinics in person against defined criteria before working with them, and we tell you what those criteria are. We also say plainly that vetting reduces risk — it doesn't remove it.
2
Can I speak to my surgeon or dentist directly before I commit?
Access
Why it mattersYou are trusting this person with your body. If a facilitator stands between you and the clinician indefinitely, you can't judge their competence or manner.
A good answerYes — a video or phone consultation with the actual clinician who will treat you, plus the chance to ask about their training, experience with your procedure, and results.
Red flag"The doctor is too busy," or a sales coordinator answering clinical questions on the surgeon's behalf.
How MediTour Nepal answersYour case is reviewed by a specialist at the partner clinic, and a video consultation with them can be arranged for you before you commit, free of charge.
3
How do you make money — and does it affect which clinic you recommend?
Conflict of interest
Why it mattersMost facilitators are paid by the clinics, typically a percentage of the treatment fee. That isn't automatically wrong, but it creates an incentive to recommend the clinic that pays the most, or to push treatment you may not need. Honest facilitators say so openly.
A good answerA direct explanation of the funding model (clinic commission, fee from you, or both), whether the price you pay is the same as booking direct, and how they handle the conflict — for example, telling you when you're not a suitable candidate.
Red flag"Our service is completely free" with no explanation of where the money comes from, or any hesitation to discuss it.
How MediTour Nepal answersWe are paid through a referral arrangement with our partner clinics, so we have a commercial interest in patients proceeding. That's why we give you an itemised quote to compare, encourage you to take your time, and will tell you if a treatment isn't right for you or if Nepal isn't the right destination for your procedure.
4
Will I get a written, itemised quote — and what isn't included?
Transparency
Why it mattersLow headline prices that grow on the day are a common complaint in medical tourism. An itemised quote lets you compare like for like and removes room for surprises.
A good answerA written breakdown naming the procedure, technique and materials (including implant, laser or graft details), what's included (assessment, medication, follow-up) and what isn't (flights, accommodation, any extra work).
Red flagA single round-number price, a quote "valid today only," or refusal to put anything in writing before you pay.
How MediTour Nepal answersYou receive a written, itemised quote from the partner clinic before any travel commitment, and we're clear about what sits outside it, such as flights, accommodation and insurance.
5
Who do I pay, and what are the deposit and refund terms?
Payments
Why it mattersWhere your money goes, and whether you can get it back, is one of the biggest financial risks of travelling for treatment.
A good answerClear terms in writing: who receives the deposit, how much, what is refundable and when, and what happens if the clinic decides you're not suitable after assessment. Payment to a registered business or clinic account — not an individual's personal account.
Red flagPressure to pay a large non-refundable deposit immediately, cash only, or payment to a personal account.
How MediTour Nepal answersPayment is made to the clinic for your treatment, and deposit and cancellation terms are confirmed in writing before you pay anything. If you're unsure about any term, ask us to clarify before you send money.
6
Who will be with me in the country, and how quickly will you respond?
Communication
Why it mattersThe moment you most need a facilitator is when something is confusing or goes slightly wrong in an unfamiliar place. Responsiveness before you book is a good preview of responsiveness after.
A good answerA named in-country coordinator, a direct contact number, and clear expectations on response times — plus replies that are prompt, specific and in plain English during your enquiry.
Red flagSlow, generic or scripted replies; no named person; a contact who disappears once payment is made.
How MediTour Nepal answersYou have a dedicated coordinator who meets you at the airport, accompanies you to key appointments, and checks in during your stay. You can test our responsiveness right now — message us and see.
7
What happens if I'm not a suitable candidate — or I change my mind?
Honesty
Why it mattersA facilitator who never says no is selling, not advising. Not everyone is a good candidate for every procedure, and you should be free to walk away.
A good answer"We'll tell you honestly after a remote assessment, and there's no obligation or charge to stop." Ideally with an example of when they've advised a patient against treatment.
Red flagEveryone is "perfect" for treatment; discouraging second opinions; making it awkward or costly to withdraw.
How MediTour Nepal answersThe remote assessment and quote carry no obligation. If you're not a suitable candidate, or a treatment isn't the right choice, we'll say so — and we encourage you to get a second opinion from your own doctor.
8
What are the real risks and realistic outcomes for my case?
Honest risk
Why it mattersEvery procedure has risks and varying results. Marketing that only shows perfect outcomes is a warning sign in itself.
A good answerA frank discussion of possible complications, typical recovery, and what results you can reasonably expect — from the clinician, not just the sales team — with no promises of perfection.
Red flag"Guaranteed results," "no risk," or heavy reliance on before-and-after photos with no discussion of what can go wrong.
How MediTour Nepal answersWe don't guarantee outcomes, because nobody honestly can. Your specialist will discuss the risks and realistic expectations for your specific case before you decide.
9
What happens if something goes wrong — during treatment and after I'm home?
Aftercare
Why it mattersThis is where facilitators prove their worth — or reveal they were only ever a booking agent. Complications are uncommon with good care, but you need a plan before you go.
A good answerA defined process: who you contact, how quickly, whether the clinic offers telemedicine follow-up, written warranty terms, and how records are shared with a doctor in your home country. Also advice to buy specialist medical travel insurance.
Red flag"That never happens," no written warranty, or no follow-up once you've flown home.
How MediTour Nepal answersYour clinic stays available by video and WhatsApp for follow-up, can send a clinical summary to a doctor near you, and we remain your point of contact throughout recovery. We strongly recommend specialist medical travel insurance that covers complications.
10
Can I see real, verifiable patient experiences — including the critical ones?
Evidence
Why it mattersTestimonials on a company's own website are marketing. You want evidence you can check independently.
A good answerReviews on independent platforms (such as Google), willingness to put you in touch with past patients who agree to it, and a candid response to negative feedback rather than deleting it.
Red flagOnly glowing testimonials with no names or dates, stock photos presented as patients, or reluctance to share any independent reviews.
How MediTour Nepal answersWe are an early-stage business, so we'd rather be upfront that our track record is still being built. We encourage you to ask for independent reviews and verify claims yourself — and we'd rather earn trust slowly than overclaim.
Red Flags at a Glance
If you notice several of these, walk away — whichever facilitator it is:
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Pressure and urgency"Book today for this price," or deposits demanded before you've seen a written quote.🎯
Guaranteed resultsAny promise of perfect outcomes or "zero risk" treatment.💸
Prices far below market, unitemisedA suspiciously low number with no breakdown of what's included.🙈
No direct access to the clinicianYou can only ever speak to a salesperson, never the person treating you.🏦
Unusual payment requestsCash only, or payment to a personal account rather than a registered business.🔇
Silence on risk and aftercareNo discussion of complications, warranty, or what happens after you fly home.A Simple Checklist to Take With You
- I have the clinic and surgeon's name and credentials in writing
- I've spoken to the clinician directly, not just a coordinator
- I understand how the facilitator is paid and have factored that in
- I have an itemised written quote and know what's excluded
- Deposit and refund terms are in writing and paid to a registered account
- I know the risks and realistic outcome for my case
- I have a plan if something goes wrong, plus specialist travel insurance
- I've checked independent reviews and taken my time deciding
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Take your time
The best decisions about medical travel are unhurried ones. Compare at least two options, speak to your own GP or dentist, and don't let any facilitator — including us — rush you. If something feels off, trust that feeling and ask more questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need a facilitator, or can I book a clinic directly?
You can absolutely book a clinic directly, and some patients do. A facilitator adds value mainly through vetting, coordination, in-country support and having someone on your side if there's a problem. Booking direct can be fine if you're confident in your own research, comfortable arranging logistics, and speak with the clinic yourself. The right choice depends on how much support you want and how comfortable you are managing the process alone.
Is medical tourism facilitation regulated?
In most countries, medical tourism facilitation is not covered by a dedicated licensing regime, which is why patients need to do their own checks. Some facilitators hold industry certifications or follow voluntary codes, but these vary in rigour. Treat any badge or logo as a starting point to verify, not as proof of quality on its own.
Is it better to use a facilitator paid by me or one paid by the clinic?
Each model has trade-offs. A facilitator paid by the clinic is usually free to you but has an incentive to favour clinics that pay well. A facilitator you pay directly may be more independent but adds a cost. Neither is automatically better. What matters is that the arrangement is disclosed clearly and that the facilitator is willing to tell you when a treatment or destination isn't right for you.
How can I check a facilitator's reviews and reputation?
Look for reviews on independent platforms such as Google, search the company name alongside words like "complaint" or "review," and check how they respond to negative feedback. Ask whether past patients are willing to speak to you. For a newer business, there may be few reviews — in which case, weigh the quality and transparency of their answers to the ten questions above more heavily.
What should I do if I'm already unhappy with a facilitator?
Put your concerns in writing and keep copies of all messages, quotes and payment records. If you paid by card, your card provider may be able to help with disputes. Speak to your own doctor about any health concerns and to your travel insurer if a claim might apply. Don't send further payments until the issue is resolved.
Ask Us the Ten Questions
Put us to the test. Send your details for a free, itemised quote, then ask us every question on this page — in writing. We'd rather you decide with full information than with a good sales pitch.
