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Objective Even though medical travel is expanding, limited research has identified pitfalls along the full process of medical travel. This study explores the experiences of medical travellers, with a focus on potential issues that may threaten safe and effective medical travel. Methods The experiences of medical travellers were assessed using a cross-sectional questionnaire in the Netherlands in 2014. The questionnaire ( n =101) contained 52 items measuring the transfer of records, quality of care abroad, follow-up care, and reimbursement. Additionally, experts provided feedback on the pitfalls identified. Results 63.1% of medical records were not transferred in advance to the clinic abroad, and for 10.7% of cases these remained unknown during treatment. Although quality of care abroad was rated higher than in the home country, follow-up care was initially refused to 22.2% of patients. Additionally, patients reported problems related to reimbursement. Conclusion More effort is needed to facilitate safe medical travel. Medical professionals should be informed on procedures for medical travellers, especially concerning follow-up care and record transfers. Yet, medical travellers themselves are ultimately responsible for this transfer. Clear information on the necessity of this personal transfer, and clarification on reimbursement options and the authorisation procedure, should be provided by national contact points and third-party payers. Additionally, payment structures to care providers may need adjustments to cover costs of follow-up care.

Patient flows across the regions of the Italian National Health Service can shed light on patient mobility, including cross-border flows within the European Union. We used 2009 data on 11,531 NHS admissions for aortic valve replacement operations to measure the extent of inter-regional patient mobility and to determine whether resident and non-resident patients differ. We also investigated whether public and private hospitals behave differently in terms of attracting patients. For this major cardio-surgical intervention, patient mobility in Italy is substantial (13.6% of total admissions). Such mobility mainly involves patients moving from southern to northern regions, which often requires several hundred kilometers of travel and a transfer of financial resources from poorer to richer regions. Patients admitted in the regions where they reside are older than those admitted outside their regions (69.2 versus 65.6, p