FAQ

Pangaea Medicine is an internet-based searchable database of healthcare providers around the world. Our Unique directory system helps patients research providers, based on their unique requirements. Our directory provides biographies about doctors, statistics about hospitals, and before and after photos of common treatments. Some common terms for our industry include Medical Tourism, Medical Travel, and Health Tourism.

2. What is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism is a term initially used by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the practice of traveling to another country to obtain health care. Other terms use to describe this phenomenon are medical travel, health tourism, and Medical outsourcing.

These services typically include complex specialized surgeries as well as elective procedures. Some common procedures include cardiac surgery, joint replacement, dental surgery, and cosmetic surgeries. This new phenomenon is primarily driven by the lower relative cost of medical care abroad.

3. How do I register?

You register by simply clicking on the Register link, and providing us with your relevant information. We collect this information to help make the process easier and faster for you. If you have any issues with this process you can email us at info@pangaeamedicine.com

4. How do I search for Doctors?

Simply select a Treatment Area, Treatment and it’s optional to select a country. You can access the blue Search for Doctors box on any page, but you can also find it here.

5. How do I search for Before & After photos?

Visit the before and after photos page and select the treatment you wish to browse. Once you have selected a treatment you can then further sort by country.

6. How do I ask a Medical professional a question?

You can ask one of the medical professionals in our network a question on the questions and answers page. You must login before you are able to ask a question, but you are given the option of posting your questions anonymously.

7. How do I cancel my account?

If you wish to cancel your account please just email info@pangaeamedicine.com with cancel my account in the subject line. Please provide us with your Name, address and reason for removal.

8. What are the Terms and Conditions?

You can read the Terms and Conditions or the Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.

9. What if I need help?

If you have any difficulty please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at info@pangaeamedicine.com. If support is online you can chat with a specialist.

10. Where did you get the name Pangaea Medicine?

According to accepted scientific theory Pangaea, meaning Earth in ancient Greek, was the super continent that existed about 250 million years ago, before each of the component continents were separated into their current configuration. The name was first used by the German originator of the continental drift theory, Alfred Wegener. This super continent is a metaphor for the flat world we live in today where the entire world is a marketplace for all goods and services. Efficient means of travel and increased knowledge has helped bring the most advanced industries on a level playing field. Without the boundaries of national borders or oceans we can all get the best quality medical care at realistic prices.

11. Should I talk to my Doctor?

Pangaea Medicine strongly encourages you to consult with your primary care physician before traveling abroad for medical care. It may be necessary for you to educate your doctor about medical travel and it’s natural for some doctors to be initially skeptical of this practice until they have had a chance to research the doctors and hospitals credentials. If you have a primary care physician, it is in your best interest to keep them in the communication loop.

12. How safe is my information?

Our site is protected with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and all information behind the user login is as safe and secure as other SSL protected websites. We only share relevant information with providers you choose to contact.

13. What is your privacy policy?

Our privacy policy can be read here.

About Medical Tourism

14. Why does medical care cost so much less abroad?

Medical care abroad can be as much as 70% less expensive than comparable care in the United States, Canada, and the UK. The cost of medical malpractice insurance, direct labor, and insurance administration are some of the major reasons why healthcare is less expensive abroad. Most hospitals abroad have lower labor costs, insurance costs, and administrative costs. The cost of land and materials to build hospitals can be considerably less, up to a fifth of the cost to build hospitals in developed nations. In most countries there is also a favorable currency exchange rate.

15. What are some of the Risks?

Medical tourism does carry risks that local medical procedures do not. One of the primary factors that allow international hospitals to perform at a much lower cost is the lack of medical malpractice laws. This means that should complications arise, you may not have the same legal rights you are entitled to in your home country. You may not be able to seek the same compensation from lawsuits. Most countries that have succeeded with medical tourism have limits on medical malpractice litigation. This fact alone is both the primary reason for the lower cost, as well as its biggest drawback.

There is also risk of medical complications if you travel too soon after your surgery. Don’t be confused by the term “medical tourism” because it can be misleading. You must take medical travel seriously and place an emphasis on your health before tourism. Make sure you do adequate due diligence and research your doctor, location, condition and recuperation time thoroughly.

16. Can I get Health Financing?

Information about Healthcare financing can be found on our Health Financing Page.

17. Should I purchase travel health insurance?

We advise patients to take all necessary precautions and purchasing a short term travel health insurance plan is a prudent idea. Be sure to read the fine print, and ask specific questions, because some plans have restrictions. We also have a link to health insurance for the long term.

18. What is hospital Accreditation?

Hospital accreditation is a process that involves an outside entity, separate from the hospital, assessing a hospital to ensure that it meets a set standard of requirements designed to measure its ability to provide quality healthcare. The most well known entity that certifies international accreditations is the U.S. based Joint Commission International. They strive to continuously improve the safety and quality of care in the international community. Another well known accreditation is the U.K. based Trent Accreditation Scheme.

19. How much does it cost to use Pangaea Medicine?

Pangaea Medicine is free for all patients to use. Patients pay absolutely nothing to use the site. Patients may contact providers as many times as they want free of charge.