Tips For Patients

Planning for your Visit

We would be pleased to have you choose Florida Hospital for your health care services. When you do, we want you to plan ahead for your visit and will provide you with a list of items we strongly suggest you review to ensure your visit goes smoothly. We encourage you to do this prior to making your airline reservations to allow you sufficient time to accomplish any changes or preparations needed.

Applying for a Tourist Visa | Medical Treatment in the U.S.

You can enter the United States on a B-2 visitor visa for medical treatment. Like a visitor for pleasure, you must apply for a visa and establish that you are qualified for a visa. In addition you need to bring the following information about your medical treatment:

• A diagnosis from a doctor about your medical condition. The doctor must explain why you must go to the U.S. for medical treatment.
• A letter from a doctor or hospital in the United States. This letter must give the following:
  • Statement of willingness to treat your medical condition,
  • Estimate of the costs of the treatment, including doctor's fees, costs of hospitalization and other medical expenses and,
  • Estimate of the length of the treatment.
  • Proof that you (or your sponsor) have sufficient funds to pay your travel and medical expenses in the United States.

In the past some visitors have had major medical treatment which they were unable to pay for. To avoid this situation, the consular officer may ask applicants for visas for medical treatment and their sponsors for additional information. They may be asked to show how expenses for follow-up treatment and hospitalization will be met.

Approvals

To eliminate financial hardship, confusion and delays with your visit check with your payer (insurance company, employer, etc.) to ensure all approvals and paperwork have been processed and that you understand exactly how much of the charges they will cover and how much will be your responsibility.

Airline Tickets

It is best to have your return trip with an open date to avoid extra charges which may be imposed in the event of changes in your travel schedule, due to unforeseen circumstances such as delays in travel, due to extended treatment and/or hospitalization.

Dress Comfortably

At the hospital wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes. A light sweater is recommended all year round since hospital room temperatures are generally very cool.

The Orlando climate is warm year around. April through September are the hottest months of the year with frequently 95% humidity, rain and temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). From October through March there is little precipitation with temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius).

Click here or call 407-303-8217 to contact our International Care Coordinator