Planning a Medical Treatment Trip Abroad to London, UK

London has been a hub of world-class healthcare for decades, attracting patients worldwide seeking the best medical and healthcare expertise. When travelling for medical reasons, it's important to have comfortable and convenient accommodation as it can aid in your preparation and recovery. Read on to find out what to consider when finding the right accommodation to make your visit as comfortable, convenient, and stress-free as possible.

Types of Accommodation For Medical Tourists

There are various types of accommodation available for rent in London and here are some potential options for medical tourists:

Hotels

offer a range of room types, from standard to luxury suites, and can provide a variety of services, including meals, housekeeping, and concierge services. However, in hotels, the rooms are usually smaller and located close to each other, making it uncomfortable for medical tourists to have privacy and rest peacefully after medical treatment. Additionally, the rooms in hotels are usually designed for short-term stays and do not offer kitchen facilities, which can make it difficult for medical tourists to follow a specific diet or prepare their own meals.

Home-stays

are more budget-friendly options. They involve staying with a local family, often in a spare room. This type of accommodation can provide a more immersive cultural experience and the opportunity to learn about local customs. Be noted that with the main purpose of medical care, easy access to medical institutions or hospitals might not be possible in remote home-stays. Additionally, sharing common areas with the host family or other guests can lead to potential conflicts in cultural differences, habits, or beliefs, and eventually add more stress to medical tourists.

Serviced Apartments

are popular options for medical tourists who need to stay for an extended period. They offer fully-furnished apartments with kitchen facilities, as well as housekeeping and laundry services. In comparison with hotels, serviced-apartments are more cost-effective when staying in long-term, and can provide a more home-like environment with more spaces, as some have their own terraces and view/access to a private garden. Serviced apartments with long-term rental options are ideal for medical tourists undergoing treatments that require a longer recovery period, such as cancer treatment, transplantation, cardiology, and rehabilitation. 

Factors to consider when choosing a London Serviced Apartment for Medical Treatment Abroad

When choosing a serviced apartment for medical tourism, there are several factors to consider to ensure your stay is convenient, safe, and especially comfortable enough for recovery:

• Size: Extra space  is normally required for medical tourists to relax and recover, as well as to accommodate any medical equipment or supply you may need. If you are  travelling with a companion, family members or nursing assistant, you may need a larger apartment with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Also, consider the size of the living area and the workspace if any of your companions need to work during your stay.
• Location: Choose a serviced apartment that is located close to the medical facility, where you will receive treatment, as this will make it easier to travel to and from your appointments. Also, consider the proximity to other amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants, which are normally clustered in central areas in London.
• Amenities: For medical tourists, it's important to have a fully equipped kitchen, as you may need to prepare special meals or follow a specific diet. Other amenities to look for include laundry services, housekeeping services as well as windows with natural light or a terrace for fresh air.
• Safety and Security: Consider the safety and security of the serviced apartment. Look for apartments that have secure entrances, 24/7 concierge services and CCTV surveillance. Also, check if the apartment has smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment.
• Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and ratings from other guests who have stayed in the serviced apartment. This will give you an idea of their experiences and help you make an informed decision.

Where to Stay in London for Medical Treatment Abroad

Fraser Residence Prince of Wales Terrace has  luxury serviced apartments located in Kensington, where Cromwell Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and Royal Brompton Hospital are all nearby, with services and amenities that cater to the needs of medical tourists:

• Spacious apartments: range from 92 sqm (990 sq ft) to 210 sqm (2260 sq ft) that comes in three-, and four-bedroom apartments or penthouses with spacious living room, multiple bedrooms, and bathrooms, with kitchen and dining area. Most areas in the apartments have big windows for natural light and fresh air, which is important for those who are not able to leave the apartment for extended periods of time.
• Fully furnished apartments: with modern appliances in the kitchen such as a fridge, oven, microwave, cooking utensils, cutlery, and dishwasher. This allows guests to cook their own meals and follow a specific diet. 
• Housekeeping and laundry services: Daily housekeeping ensures that the apartments are kept extra clean and tidy during your stay, ensuring a high level of hygiene for the best environment to rest and recover.
• Entertainment facilities: including comprehensive home entertainment systems in every room. Additionally, steam, sauna and 24/7 fully equipped gym in the vicinity ensure companions or family members can maintain daily exercise during the extended stay. 
• 24-hour concierge: Serviced apartments have a 24-hour reception desk, allowing guests to check-in and check-out at any time of the day or night. The reception desk can also assist guests with any queries they may have during their stay, including arranging doctor appointments and providing medical supplies