Frequently asked questions
Have a question? Find answers to the most common queries people have about travelling for treatment, costs, and what to expect before and after surgery. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just get in touch – our team are always happy to help.
Your Surgical Journey: Pre-Op, Procedure & Recovery FAQs
Do I need to travel abroad for pre-op tests?
No. All pre-operative assessments and tests are done in Ireland by our Irish consultant team, following protocols agreed with the Spanish hospital.
Will I be assessed for fitness before travelling?
Yes. Our Irish consultant will ensure you are medically fit for surgery before you travel, reducing risks and unnecessary trips.
Who arranges my travel and appointments?
Our Medinet Admin Team handles all logistics—flights, accommodation, hospital appointments—so you don’t have to worry.
Will I be alone in Spain?
No. You’ll be accompanied by a dedicated chaperone who speaks English and Spanish, ensuring you feel safe and supported. Our chaperone service will meet you at the airport on your arrival and facilitate the transfer to your hotel. They will be available for you to speak to them and get their support at all times during your visit.
Can I bring a someone with me?
Yes, you are required to bring someone with you and the cost for this person is all included as part of our fees and charges. There is no additional cost for you to bring a this additional person, however this person must share a room with you.
How long will I need to stay in Spain?
The minimum recommended stay is 12 days after which you will be fit to travel. The cost of the 12 day stay is included in our price for both you and your partner. However, should you wish to stay longer and enjoy the beach location and what Marbella has to offer we can arrange this for you. We can offer competitive hotel rates through our agreement with the Hotel company for any additional days you wish to stay.
Where will my surgery take place?
At one of Spain’s top orthopaedic hospitals, selected for its clinical excellence and patient outcomes. We have selected Hospital Ochoa in Marbella. The hospital is located a few meters from the beach and is an internationally recognised centre for Orthopaedic Surgery. The Hospital is registered with the Spanish regulator Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía nº19311.
Who will perform my surgery in Spain?
At Medinet we have developed a fully integrated clinical team between the Spanish and Irish based surgical teams. All consultants in Spain are internationally recognised experts in their field with some of them having worked in the hospitals in the UK. The full integration of your clinical team in Ireland and the clinical team in Spain will ensure that your treatment is delivered at the highest standard and that you receive the pre and post operative care that you require.
What recovery support is included?
You’ll receive a further 3 sessions in the hotel in Spain, after your discharge from the hospital. Once home, you’ll have follow-up consultations with an Irish surgeon and access to physiotherapy in Ireland if needed.
Is there digital support after I return home from surgery?
Yes. You’ll have digital support for post-op guidance, recovery tracking, and direct communication with your care team. We will share this with you.
Other Common FAQs
What is Medinet and what do we do?
Medinet is a patient-focused healthcare provider with over 20 years of experience in the delivery of healthcare services in the UK and have recently expanded its services into Irealand. In Northern Ireland we currently provide Hip and Knee replacements through Musgrave House Medinet with IMC and GMC registered consultants and Anaesthetists. In the Republic of Ireland we currently offer Dermatology services and we are in the process of expanding our services. Using our expertise and IMC registered consultants we can facilitate hip and knee replacement surgeries in Spain for Irish patients under the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive. We offer a clinically integrated service—combining the expertise of Irish and Spanish consultants, with full clinical support before, during, and after your surgery.
How is Medinet different from other providers?
Unlike our competitors, we go beyond travel and surgery. Our service includes: pre-op assessments in Ireland, integrated consultant teams, post-op follow-up in Ireland, admin support for HSE reimbursement, access to physiotherapy and digital recovery tools. This ensures continuity of care and peace of mind throughout your journey, knowing that you will be fully supported by a clinical team on your return home after your surgery.
We go beyond travel and surgery. Our service includes:
- Pre-op assessments in Ireland
- Integrated consultant teams
- Post-op follow-up in Ireland
- Admin support for HSE reimbursement
- Access to physiotherapy and digital recovery tools
This ensures continuity of care and peace of mind throughout your journey.
What is the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive?
It’s an EU law that allows patients in one EU country (like Ireland) to receive medical treatment in another EU country (like Spain) and be reimbursed by their home health system—in this case, the HSE.
Who qualifies for treatment under the Directive?
To qualify for the treatment you must:
- Be ordinarily resident in Ireland
- Be entitled to public healthcare
- Have a referral from an Irish GP or consultant
- Be seeking a treatment that is publicly available in Ireland (Hips and Knees are)
- Obtain prior authorization from the HSE (we help with this)
Will I get help with the HSE preapproval process?
Yes. Our admin team will guide you step-by-step through the HSE Cross Border Directive application, ensuring all documentation is correct and submitted on time.
How are medical treatment costs reimbursed?
You pay for the treatment upfront. After your surgery, we help you submit a claim to the HSE. You’ll be reimbursed up to the cost of equivalent treatment in Ireland. We provide full admin support to make this process smooth. We ensure that our all inclusive cost is within the limits established by the HSE.
What if I can’t afford to pay upfront?
We assist with medical financing applications through trusted lenders, helping you access treatment without financial stress.
Will my GP be informed?
Yes. We ensure a full care file is transferred to your GP so they can continue supporting your recovery.
What if I have questions or concerns at any stage?
You’ll have a dedicated point of contact throughout your journey—before, during, and after your surgery. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Who is eligible from ROI?
You can apply if you:
- Are ordinarily resident in Ireland
- Are entitled to public healthcare
- Have a GP or consultant referral
- Require a treatment that is publicly available in Ireland (e.g., hip or knee replacement)
- Have a G-HIC/E-HIC and an in date valid passport.
Let’s Get You Moving Again
Republic of Ireland: 015134299
Northern Ireland: 07539133922
Email us at: contact@iemedinet.com
Who is eligible from Northern Ireland?
You can apply if you:
- Are an ordinary resident of NI and entitled to the full range of HSC services.
- Have been diagnosed by an HSC Trust consultant.
- Have been on the HSCNI surgery waiting list for ≥1years.
- Your surgery is one commissioned by DoH for their diagnosis and would have received within HSC under the same clinical circumstances.
- Will pay for the surgery themselves THEN reclaim costs from DoH.
- Have NOT sought any other source of reimbursement.