Care For Me – Medical Travel to Martinique with West Indies Assistance

In Martinique, the qualifications and credentials of medical staff are aligned with French standards, as Martinique is an overseas region of France. Here are some key points:

1. Medical Education and Training: Medical professionals in Martinique typically undergo rigorous training similar to their counterparts in mainland France. This includes completing medical school, internships, and specialized training programs.
2. Accreditation: The University Hospital of Martinique (CHU de Martinique) is accredited by the French Ministry of Health, ensuring that it meets high standards of care.
3. Continuous Professional Development: Medical staff are required to engage in continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest medical advancements and practices.
4. Regulatory Bodies: Medical professionals must be registered with relevant French regulatory bodies, ensuring they meet all necessary qualifications and standards to practice.

The medical staff in Martinique are highly qualified and trained, with many of them having international experience and recognition. They follow the same rigorous standards and regulations as in mainland France, as Martinique is an overseas department of France. The medical staff in Martinique are fluent in French and English, and some also speak Spanish or Creole.

In the University Hospital of Martinique (UHM), the medical staff consists of over 600 doctors, 300 interns, 250 residents, and 3,000 paramedics and nurses. The UHM is the largest hospital in the Caribbean region, offering a wide range of specialties and services, such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, radiology, and surgery. The UHM is also a teaching and research hospital, affiliated with the University of Antilles and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM).

• The costs of the medical travel package vary depending on the type and duration of the treatment, the choice of accommodation, and the travel expenses. WIA provides an estimate of the total cost based on the patient’s medical records, preferences, and travel plans. The cost includes the fees of the medical team, the hospital stay, the medication, the laboratory tests, and the post-treatment care. It also covers the hotel booking, the airport transfers, the local transportation, and the assistance of a personal coordinator. The cost does not include the airfare, the visa fees, the travel insurance, or any additional services or activities that are not part of the medical package.
• WIA accepts various payment options, such as credit card, bank transfer, or cash. The payment can be made in full or in installments, depending on the agreement with the patient. WIA requires a deposit of 20% of the total cost to confirm the reservation and secure the availability of the medical team and the hospital facilities. The remaining balance must be paid at least one week before the departure date or upon arrival in Martinique, depending on the payment method. WIA offers flexible cancellation and refund policies in case of unforeseen circumstances or changes in the patient’s condition.

Visa Requirements and Travel Regulations for Martinique

Martinique is well-connected by air, with direct flights from major cities in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. There are also ferry services from neighboring islands like Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia. Therefore, the travel arrangements and visa requirements depend on the nationality and origin of the patient.

• For patients who are citizens of France or other European Union countries, no visa is required to enter Martinique for stays up to 90 days, as it is considered part of the Schengen Area. However, they must have a valid passport or national identity card and proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• For patients who are citizens of the United States or Canada, no visa is required to enter Martinique for stays up to three months, provided they have a valid passport. They must also have proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• For patients who are citizens of other countries, such as Saint Lucia or Dominica, a visa may be required to enter Martinique, depending on the length and purpose of their stay. They must also have a valid passport, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination if they are coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, and proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

West Indies Assistance can assist the patients with the visa application process and provide them with the necessary documents and information. WIA advises the patients to check the latest travel regulations and restrictions before booking their flights and applying for their visas, as they may change due to the pandemic situation. There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entering Martinique.

Travel Arrangements and Assistance by WIA

WIA can also help the patients with finding and booking the best flight options for their travel to Martinique. WIA has partnerships with several airlines that offer direct or connecting flights to Martinique from various destinations in the Caribbean, North America, South America, and Europe. 

WIA can also arrange for special assistance or medical escort services for patients who need extra care or support during their travel. WIA will inform the patients about the baggage allowance, the check-in procedures, and the health and safety measures of the airlines. 

WIA will also provide the patients with a detailed itinerary and travel guide that includes the flight details, the contact information of the local coordinator, and the instructions for arrival and departure. WIA recommends the patients to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, cancellation fees, and emergency situations. WIA can suggest some reliable and affordable travel insurance providers that cater to medical travelers.

WIA partners with reputable and accredited medical facilities in Martinique that offer high-quality services and standards of care. The medical facilities are certified by the French Ministry of Health, which ensures that they comply with the strict regulations and guidelines of the European Union. The medical facilities are also accredited by international organizations such as the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), the Joint Commission International (JCI), or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These accreditations testify to the excellence and safety of the medical facilities and their adherence to the best practices and protocols of the global health industry.

The medical facilities in Martinique are equipped with modern and advanced technology and infrastructure that enable them to perform a wide range of procedures and treatments across various specialties. The medical facilities have state-of-the-art laboratories, operating rooms, intensive care units, and recovery rooms that meet the highest standards of hygiene and infection control. The medical facilities also have access to emergency services, blood banks, pharmacies, and diagnostic imaging centers that ensure the patients’ security and convenience.

The medical facilities in Martinique employ qualified and experienced medical professionals who have received extensive training and education in France or other European countries. The medical professionals are licensed and registered by the French Order of Physicians, which regulates and monitors their ethical and professional conduct. The medical professionals are also members of prestigious associations and societies that certify their skills and expertise in their respective fields. The medical professionals are proficient in English and French and can communicate effectively with the patients and WIA’s local coordinators. The medical professionals are dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to the patients and ensuring their satisfaction and well-being.

One of the main benefits of the “Care for Me” service is that WIA provides post-treatment care and follow-up services to ensure the patients’ recovery and satisfaction. Depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, the patients may have to stay in Martinique for a few days or weeks after the treatment to receive the necessary check-ups, medications, and physiotherapy. WIA will arrange the accommodation and transportation for the patients during this period and coordinate with the medical team to monitor the patients’ progress and address any concerns or complications. WIA will also help the patients and its  to access the local attractions and activities in Martinique and enjoy their stay as a medical tourist.

After the patients return to their home country, WIA can continue to provide follow-up services through online consultations, phone calls, or emails. WIA could keep in touch with the patients for at least six months after the treatment to assess the outcomes and satisfaction of the patients and provide guidance and support for any issues or questions. WIA will also facilitate the communication between the patients and the medical facilities in Martinique in case the patients need to obtain their medical records, request additional services, or file a complaint. WIA aims to ensure the patients’ safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the entire medical travel process and beyond.

Another benefit of the “Care for Me” service is that WIA has access to a state-of-the-art cyclotron facility in Martinique, which is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean region. A cyclotron is a device that produces radioactive isotopes that can be used for various medical imaging and diagnostic procedures, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans, and radiotherapy. These procedures can help detect and treat various diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, and infections. By having a cyclotron in Martinique, WIA can offer the patients from the Caribbean region the opportunity to receive advanced and accurate medical diagnosis and treatment without having to travel to other countries or continents. This can save the patients time, money, and stress, and improve their chances of recovery and survival. WIA can also ensure the quality and safety of the radioactive isotopes produced by the cyclotron, as they are subject to strict regulations and standards by the French authorities. The cyclotron in Martinique is a valuable asset for WIA and its “Care for Me” service, as it enables the provision of cutting-edge and innovative medical care to the patients from the Caribbean region.