Planning Your Visit to Florida Hospital

To receive treatment at any one of our hospitals or centers of excellence, you will need to have the appropriate paperwork. Our international care coordinators will be glad to help you fill out the necessary forms.

Entry into the United States

To enter the United States for medical treatment you need to have a B-2 Visitor Visa. Like any visa, you must apply for this visa and establish that you are qualified to receive it.

Also, you will need to bring the following information with you about your medical treatment:

• A diagnosis from a doctor regarding your medical condition. The doctor must explain why it is necessary to get treatment in the U.S.
• A letter from a doctor or hospital in the United States that will be treating you. This letter must include the following:
  • A statement of willingness to treat your medical condition.
  • An estimate of the costs of the treatment, including the doctor’s fees, cost of hospitalization and other medical expenses.
  • An estimate of the length of treatment.
  • Proof that you (or your sponsor) have sufficient funds to pay for your travel and medical expenses in the United States.

Because some visitors in the past have been unable to pay for the major medical treatment they received from us, the consular office may ask applicants who are requesting a visa and their sponsors additional information. This may include requests to show how follow-up treatment and hospitalization will be paid for.

Approvals

To avoid financial hardship, confusion and delays you will want to check with your primary payer (insurance company, employer, etc.) to ensure that all preapprovals and paperwork are in order. That way you will know exactly how much you will be responsible for and how much your primary payer will cover before treatment begins.

If you’d like more information on financing options, click here. (goes to Financial Arrangements page)

Airline Tickets

We highly recommend that you book your airline reservations with open arrival and departure dates. Doing so allows you flexibility should your procedure be delayed, extended treatment is required or your length of stay cannot be determined prior to admission.

Dress Comfortably

Central Florida’s weather can be unexpected to some visitors, who find the summer months warm. Temperatures during the summer (April through September) can reach well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and the humidity can be 95%. Afternoon thunderstorms are also not uncommon, particularly in the summer.

All of our facilities are air-conditioned and you will find them very comfortable. However, visitors, family members and friends may find it a bit jarring going from the comfort of air-conditioning to the heat of the outdoors or into an afternoon shower. Dressing in layers is the best option, particularly in the winter months when the temperatures can dip unexpectedly. A light sweater or jacket is always a good idea.

Checklist

Before you depart, you want to make sure you have these items with you:

• Passport or other form of photo identification.
• Copies of medical records, diagnostic films (CT scans, x-rays, etc.), pathology slides or other information that may apply to your medical situation.
• Appointment schedule provided to you. If you forgot it or did not receive one, call the International Services department.
• Original authorization letter from insurance company.
• Name, address and telephone number of your referring physician(s).
• A copy of your living will.
• Books, magazines or any other items to keep occupied between appointments.
• Money for payment of services, travel and subsistence.