Korea Skincare Budget Guide 2025: How to Plan Your Medical Tourism Trip

Planning a medical tourism trip to Korea requires careful budgeting across treatments, accommodation, flights, and shopping. With package deals saving 20-40%, government support offering up to ₩400,000 ($308), and strategic timing unlocking discounts of 30-70%, international visitors can maximize results while minimizing costs. This comprehensive guide breaks down every expense category with sample budgets from $500 ultra-budget trips to $5,000+ luxury experiences.

Total Budget Breakdown: What to Expect

Average Spending by Budget Tier

*Ultra-budget assumes you're already in Asia (e.g., Japan, China) with low-cost carrier options

Budget Category #1: Treatments (40-50% of Total)

Package Deals vs. Individual Treatments

Individual Pricing (No Discount):

• Botox (1 area): ₩95,836 ($74)
• Filler (1cc): ₩91,000 ($70)
• Laser Toning (1 session): ₩70,000 ($54)
• Total: ₩256,836 ($198)

Package Pricing (20-40% Discount):

• "Beginner Package": Botox + Filler + Laser = ₩180,000 ($138)
• Savings: ₩76,836 ($59) - 30% discount

Popular Package Deals (2025)

1. Glass Skin Starter Package

• Includes:
  • Laser toning (3 sessions)
  • Hydrating facial (1 session)
  • Skin booster (1cc)
• Individual Price: ₩410,000 ($315)
• Package Price: ₩280,000-₩350,000 ($215-$269)
• Savings: 20-30%
• Best For: First-timers, sensitive skin

2. Anti-Aging Essentials Package

• Includes:
  • Botox (forehead + crow's feet)
  • Filler (nasolabial folds, 1cc)
  • Skin booster (Profhilo or Juvelook)
• Individual Price: ₩650,000 ($500)
• Package Price: ₩450,000-₩550,000 ($346-$423)
• Savings: 25-30%
• Best For: Ages 35-50, preventive care

3. V-Line Contouring Package

• Includes:
  • Jaw Botox (both sides)
  • Chin filler (2cc)
  • Laser toning (facial slimming illusion)
• Individual Price: ₩550,000 ($423)
• Package Price: ₩380,000-₩450,000 ($292-$346)
• Savings: 20-30%
• Best For: Facial contouring, square jaw

4. Acne Scar Intensive Package

• Includes:
  • Fraxel laser (3 sessions)
  • Microneedling RF (2 sessions)
  • PRP therapy (1 session)
• Individual Price: ₩1,800,000 ($1,385)
• Package Price: ₩1,200,000-₩1,500,000 ($923-$1,154)
• Savings: 20-30%
• Best For: Moderate-severe acne scars

5. Luxury Lifting Package (Apgujeong)

• Includes:
  • Ultherapy Prime (full face)
  • Skin booster (Profhilo, 2 sessions)
  • Filler touch-up (1cc)
• Individual Price: ₩3,300,000 ($2,538)
• Package Price: ₩2,500,000-₩2,800,000 ($1,923-$2,154)
• Savings: 15-25%
• Best For: Ages 40+, significant sagging

Seasonal Discount Calendar

January-February (Winter Promotions)

• Chinese New Year Events: 30-50% off for Chinese tourists
• New Year Packages: "Fresh Start" skin renewal deals
• Average Discount: 25-40%

March-May (Spring Season)

• Cherry Blossom Specials: Tourist-focused packages
• Wedding Season: Bridal skin prep packages
• Average Discount: 15-25%

June-August (Summer Low Season)

• Vacation Packages: 3-day, 5-day, 7-day bundles
• Student Discounts: 20% off with student ID
• Average Discount: 30-50% (highest)

September-November (Fall Recovery)

• Post-Summer Repair: Pigmentation + hydration packages
• End-of-Year Prep: Anti-aging bundles
• Average Discount: 20-30%

December (Year-End Clearance)

• Holiday Specials: Up to 50% off select treatments
• Gift Packages: Skincare + treatment bundles
• Average Discount: 30-50%

Best Time to Book: June-August (summer low season) or December (year-end sales)

First-Timer Discounts

What Clinics Offer:

• Gangnam Station Area: 15-30% off first visit
• Myeongdong: 20-40% off (highest competition)
• Apgujeong: 10-20% off (premium clinics, smaller discounts)
• Hongdae: 25-40% off (targeting younger demographics)

How to Claim:

1. Show passport during consultation
2. Mention you're a first-time international visitor
3. Ask: "외국인 첫 방문 할인 있어요?" (Foreign first-visit discount available?)
4. Book through Gangnam Unni app for additional 5-10% off

Expected Savings: ₩50,000-₩200,000 ($38-$154) per visit

Government Support (Korean Residents & Long-Stay Visa Holders)

2025 Consumer Recovery Coupons:

• Total Support: Up to ₩400,000 ($308) per person
• Dermatology Support: Up to ₩150,000 ($115)
• Eligible Procedures: Whitening, acne treatment, blemish removal, soothing care
• Restrictions: Only at registered small-business clinics
• How to Apply: Local government websites, online application

Who Qualifies:

• Korean citizens
• Long-term visa holders (6+ months residence)
• NOT available for short-term tourists

Budget Category #2: Flights (20-30% of Total)

Regional Flight Costs to Seoul (Round-Trip)

From East Asia:

• Tokyo: $150-$400 (2 hours, budget: Peach, Jeju Air)
• Osaka: $200-$500 (2 hours)
• Beijing: $200-$500 (2.5 hours, budget: Air China, Korean Air)
• Shanghai: $250-$600 (2.5 hours)
• Taipei: $250-$600 (2.5 hours, budget: T'way, Jeju Air)
• Hong Kong: $300-$700 (4 hours)
• Manila: $300-$800 (4 hours)
• Bangkok: $350-$900 (6 hours)

From North America:

• Los Angeles: $600-$1,500 (12 hours, budget: Asiana, Korean Air)
• San Francisco: $700-$1,600 (13 hours)
• Seattle: $650-$1,400 (11 hours)
• New York: $800-$2,000 (14 hours)
• Vancouver: $600-$1,400 (10 hours)

From Europe:

• London: $800-$2,000 (12 hours, budget: Korean Air, Asiana)
• Paris: $900-$2,200 (12 hours)
• Frankfurt: $850-$2,100 (11 hours)

From Middle East:

• Dubai: $600-$1,500 (8 hours, budget: Emirates, Korean Air)
• Doha: $700-$1,600 (9 hours)

From Oceania:

• Sydney: $700-$1,800 (10 hours, budget: Qantas, Korean Air)
• Melbourne: $750-$1,900 (10 hours)

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book 2-3 months in advance: Save 20-40%
• Fly Tuesday/Wednesday: Cheaper than weekends
• Use budget carriers within Asia: Jeju Air, T'way, Air Seoul
• Consider layovers: Save $200-$400 vs. direct flights

Budget Category #3: Accommodation (15-20% of Total)

Hotel Options by Budget Tier

Ultra-Budget ($20-$40/night):

• Guesthouses/Hostels: Myeongdong, Hongdae
• Examples: Zaza Backpackers, Kimchee Guesthouse
• Amenities: Shared bathroom, WiFi, kitchen
• Distance to Clinics: 10-20 min subway

Budget ($40-$80/night):

• Business Hotels: Ibis Budget, R&B Hotel
• Location: Near major subway stations
• Amenities: Private room, WiFi, breakfast
• Distance to Clinics: 5-15 min subway

Mid-Range ($80-$150/night):

• 3-Star Hotels: Ibis Styles, Lotte City Hotel
• Location: Myeongdong, Gangnam
• Amenities: Clean rooms, concierge, English staff
• Distance to Clinics: Walking distance or 1-stop subway

Premium ($150-$300/night):

• 4-Star Hotels: Lotte Hotel, Novotel Ambassador
• Location: Central Gangnam, Myeongdong
• Amenities: Luxury rooms, spa, gym, room service
• Distance to Clinics: Walking distance

Luxury ($300-$800/night):

• 5-Star Hotels: Park Hyatt, Four Seasons, Signiel
• Location: Gangnam, Jongno
• Amenities: VIP services, clinic partnerships
• Distance to Clinics: Concierge arranges car service

Clinic-Hotel Partnership Packages

Some premium clinics offer accommodation partnerships:

Example Package (Apgujeong PHD Dermatology + Lotte Hotel):

• 5 nights accommodation (Lotte Hotel, 4-star)
• Ultherapy treatment
• 2 follow-up sessions
• Airport pickup/drop-off
• Total: ₩3,500,000 ($2,692) - Save 15% vs. booking separately

Average Savings: 10-20% when booking clinic + hotel packages

Airbnb & Serviced Apartments

Advantages:

• Kitchen: Save on meals, store post-treatment products
• Space: More comfortable for 7+ day stays
• Cost: 20-40% cheaper than hotels for weekly rates

Myeongdong Airbnb: $50-$100/night (entire apartment) Gangnam Serviced Apartment: $80-$150/night (hotel amenities + kitchen)

Budget Category #4: Food (10-15% of Total)

Daily Food Budgets

Ultra-Budget ($10-$20/day):

• Breakfast: Convenience store (₩3,000-₩5,000 / $2-$4)
• Lunch: Kimbap or noodles (₩5,000-₩8,000 / $4-$6)
• Dinner: Street food or cheap restaurants (₩8,000-₩12,000 / $6-$9)
• Where: Myeongdong street food, university areas

Budget ($20-$40/day):

• Breakfast: Cafe (₩8,000 / $6)
• Lunch: Korean set meal (₩10,000-₩15,000 / $8-$12)
• Dinner: Restaurant (₩15,000-₩25,000 / $12-$19)
• Where: Local restaurants, chain eateries

Mid-Range ($40-$70/day):

• Breakfast: Hotel or nice cafe (₩15,000 / $12)
• Lunch: Korean BBQ or Japanese (₩20,000-₩30,000 / $15-$23)
• Dinner: Fine dining (₩35,000-₩60,000 / $27-$46)
• Where: Gangnam restaurants, Myeongdong

Premium ($70-$150/day):

• All Meals: Upscale restaurants, hotel dining
• Where: Cheongdam luxury restaurants, hotel restaurants

Post-Treatment Diet Considerations:

• After Jaw Botox: Soft foods only for 24-48 hours (soups, smoothies)
• After Filler: Avoid excessive chewing for 24 hours
• After Laser: Avoid spicy/hot foods for 2-3 days

Budget Category #5: Shopping (10-20% of Total)

K-Beauty Shopping Budgets

Minimal Shopping ($50-$100):

• Post-treatment essentials: Cica cream, sunscreen (₩30,000-₩50,000)
• Sheet masks: 10-20 pack (₩10,000-₩30,000)
• Basic skincare: Cleanser, toner (₩20,000-₩40,000)

Moderate Shopping ($100-$300):

• Full skincare routine: 5-7 products (₩80,000-₩200,000)
• Makeup: 3-5 items (₩50,000-₩150,000)
• Gifts: Friends/family (₩50,000-₩100,000)

Heavy Shopping ($300-$1,000):

• Premium brands: Sulwhasoo, Whoo, La Mer (₩200,000-₩500,000)
• Duty-free haul: Lotte, Shilla (₩200,000-₩600,000)
• Medical-grade products: From clinics (₩100,000-₩300,000)

Where to Shop:

• Olive Young: Budget-friendly, tax refund available
• Aritaum: AmorePacific brands (Laneige, Sulwhasoo samples)
• Duty-Free: Lotte, Shilla (10-30% off retail)
• Clinic Pharmacies: Medical-grade products

Sample Budgets: 5 Detailed Itineraries

1. Ultra-Budget Trip ($500-$1,000 / 3-4 Days)

Profile: Already in Asia, seeking basic treatments

Breakdown:

• Flights: $0 (already in region, or $150 from Tokyo/Shanghai)
• Hotel: $100-$150 (₩130,000-₩195,000 / 4 nights hostel)
• Treatments: $200-$400
  • Laser toning (2 sessions): $100
  • Botox (1 area): $50-$100
  • Skin booster or filler (1cc): $80-$150
• Food: $50-$100 (₩65,000-₩130,000)
• Shopping: $50-$150 (essentials only)
• Transportation: $30-$50 (subway/taxi)

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive, check into hostel, explore Myeongdong
• Day 2: Morning consultation, afternoon laser toning, shopping
• Day 3: Botox + skin booster, recovery, light sightseeing
• Day 4: Follow-up check, final shopping, depart

Savings Tips:

• Stay in Myeongdong hostel (walking distance to clinics)
• Book treatments via Gangnam Unni app (10-30% off)
• Eat at convenience stores/street food
• Use first-timer discount (20-40% off)

2. Budget Trip ($1,000-$2,000 / 5-7 Days)

Profile: North American budget traveler, comprehensive treatments

Breakdown:

• Flights: $600-$800 (LAX-ICN economy)
• Hotel: $280-$420 (₩365,000-₩545,000 / 7 nights business hotel)
• Treatments: $400-$800
  • Botox (2-3 areas): $150-$300
  • Filler (1-2cc): $100-$200
  • Laser toning (3 sessions): $150-$250
  • Skin booster: $100-$150
• Food: $150-$250 (₩195,000-₩325,000)
• Shopping: $150-$300
• Transportation: $50-$100

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive, rest
• Day 2: Consultations at 2-3 clinics
• Day 3: Botox + filler
• Day 4: Rest, light sightseeing
• Day 5: Laser toning (session 1)
• Day 6: Laser toning (sessions 2-3), skin booster
• Day 7: Final check-up, shopping, depart

Package Deal: "Anti-Aging Essentials" saves $150-$200

3. Mid-Range Trip ($2,000-$3,500 / 7-10 Days)

Profile: Professional seeking comprehensive rejuvenation

Breakdown:

• Flights: $800-$1,200 (premium economy or business class)
• Hotel: $560-$900 (₩730,000-₩1,170,000 / 8 nights 3-star hotel)
• Treatments: $1,000-$1,800
  • HIFU (Shurink or Ultherapy): $400-$1,200
  • Botox (3 areas): $200-$400
  • Filler (2-3cc): $200-$400
  • Skin booster (2 sessions): $200-$400
  • Laser toning (5 sessions): $250-$400
• Food: $250-$400
• Shopping: $400-$700
• Transportation: $100-$150

Itinerary:

• Days 1-2: Arrive, rest, consultations
• Day 3: HIFU treatment
• Day 4: Rest (mild swelling from HIFU)
• Day 5: Botox + filler
• Day 6: Rest
• Days 7-9: Laser toning (sessions), skin booster, shopping
• Day 10: Final check-up, depart

Package Deal: "Luxury Lifting Package" saves $300-$500

4. Premium Trip ($3,500-$5,000 / 7-10 Days)

Profile: Affluent professional, Apgujeong premium clinics

Breakdown:

• Flights: $1,200-$1,800 (business class)
• Hotel: $1,200-$2,000 (₩1,560,000-₩2,600,000 / 8 nights 4-star)
• Treatments: $1,800-$3,000
  • Ultherapy Prime (Apgujeong): $1,200-$1,800
  • Botox (premium brand, 3 areas): $300-$500
  • Filler (Juvederm, 3cc): $400-$700
  • Profhilo skin booster (2 sessions): $500-$700
  • Laser treatments: $300-$500
• Food: $400-$600
• Shopping: $500-$1,000 (Sulwhasoo, premium products)
• Transportation: $150-$250 (taxis, car service)

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive, 5-star hotel check-in
• Day 2: VIP consultation at Apgujeong clinic
• Day 3: Ultherapy Prime treatment
• Day 4-5: Rest, luxury spa, shopping in Cheongdam
• Day 6: Botox + filler
• Day 7: Profhilo session 1
• Day 8: Laser toning
• Day 9: Profhilo session 2, final shopping
• Day 10: Check-up, depart

VIP Services: Private car, after-hours appointments, hotel room treatments

5. Luxury Trip ($5,000-$10,000+ / 10-14 Days)

Profile: UHNW individual, celebrity-level treatment

Breakdown:

• Flights: $2,000-$4,000 (first class or private charter)
• Hotel: $3,000-$6,000 (₩3,900,000-₩7,800,000 / 10 nights Park Hyatt/Four Seasons)
• Treatments: $3,000-$6,000+
  • Thermage FLX 5.0 (Cheongdam): $2,500-$4,000
  • Ultherapy Prime: $1,500-$2,500
  • Premium fillers (5cc+): $800-$1,500
  • Skin booster series: $800-$1,200
  • Custom laser combinations: $500-$1,000
• Food: $800-$1,500 (Michelin restaurants, hotel dining)
• Shopping: $1,500-$3,000 (luxury K-beauty + duty-free)
• Transportation: $300-$500 (car service throughout stay)
• Concierge Services: $500-$1,000 (personal shopper, translator)

Itinerary:

• Days 1-2: Arrive, settle into 5-star suite
• Day 3: VIP consultation (multiple clinics, doctors come to hotel)
• Day 4: Thermage treatment
• Days 5-7: Rest, luxury spa, private shopping experiences
• Day 8: Ultherapy Prime
• Day 9: Rest
• Day 10: Botox + filler artistry session
• Day 11: Profhilo + laser toning
• Day 12-13: Final treatments, shopping, fine dining
• Day 14: Check-up, depart

Exclusive Access: Private clinic entries, after-hours treatments, celebrity doctors

Money-Saving Strategies

20 Ways to Maximize Your Budget

Before Booking:

1. ✅ Travel in low season (June-August): 30-50% off treatments
2. ✅ Book 2-3 months ahead: Lock in early bird discounts
3. ✅ Use Gangnam Unni app: Exclusive 10-30% discounts
4. ✅ Compare 5+ clinics: Prices vary 50-100% for same treatment
5. ✅ Join medical tourism Facebook groups: Member-only deals

During Booking: 6. ✅ Ask for package deals: Save 20-40% vs. individual treatments 7. ✅ Mention you're a first-timer: 15-40% discount 8. ✅ Book multiple treatments: "Buy 3 laser sessions, get 1 free" 9. ✅ Bring a friend: Many clinics offer "bring a friend" discounts 10. ✅ Pay cash: 5-10% discount at most clinics

Accommodation: 11. ✅ Stay in Myeongdong: 20-30% cheaper hotels, walking to clinics 12. ✅ Book weekly Airbnb: 30% cheaper than nightly rates 13. ✅ Use hotel points: Marriott/Hilton points stretch further in Korea 14. ✅ Stay in hostels: $20-40/night vs. $100-200 hotels

Treatments: 15. ✅ Choose Korean brands: Nabota Botox (50% cheaper than Allergan) 16. ✅ Skip premium districts: Gangnam Station 30% cheaper than Apgujeong 17. ✅ Combine treatments: "Botox + laser toning" packages save 25% 18. ✅ Go to university hospital clinics: Supervised residents, 40% cheaper

Food & Shopping: 19. ✅ Eat at convenience stores: Breakfast for $3 vs. $15 at cafes 20. ✅ Shop at Olive Young: Tax refund + cheaper than duty-free

Potential Total Savings: $500-$1,500 per trip

Hidden Costs to Budget For

What People Forget to Include

Medical:

• Consultation fees: ₩5,000-₩10,000 ($4-$8) per clinic (often waived)
• Anesthesia upgrade: ₩30,000-₩100,000 ($23-$77) - dental block vs. topical
• Aftercare products: ₩50,000-₩150,000 ($38-$115) - clinic-recommended
• Touch-up sessions: Usually free, but confirm policy

Travel:

• Airport express train: ₩10,000 ($8) each way
• Taxi from hotel to clinics: ₩10,000-₩20,000 ($8-$15) per trip if not subway accessible
• Subway pass: ₩20,000-₩40,000 ($15-$30) for 7 days
• Luggage storage: ₩5,000-₩10,000 ($4-$8) per day if needed

Unexpected:

• Emergency medications: ₩10,000-₩50,000 ($8-$38) - pain relief, anti-swelling
• Extra hotel night: ₩100,000-₩200,000 ($77-$154) if recovery takes longer
• Shipping costs: ₩30,000-₩100,000 ($23-$77) to send shopping haul home
• Translation services: ₩50,000-₩150,000 ($38-$115) per day if no English clinic

Buffer Budget: Add 15-20% contingency for unexpected costs

Tax Refunds & Government Benefits

VAT Refund on Medical Procedures (8-10%)

Who Qualifies:

• Foreign tourists (short-term visa)
• Purchases/procedures over ₩30,000 ($23)
• Leaving Korea within 3 months

How to Claim:

1. Keep all receipts from clinics
2. Go to Tax Refund counter at Incheon Airport (before check-in)
3. Show passport + receipts
4. Receive 8-10% refund (cash or credit card)

Example:

• Total Treatments: ₩1,000,000 ($770)
• VAT Refund: ₩80,000-₩100,000 ($62-$77)

Processing Time: Immediate (cash) or 1-2 months (credit card)

Medical Tourism Insurance

Recommended Providers:

• Allianz Global Assistance: $30-$80 for 7-day trip
• World Nomads: $40-$100 for 10-day trip
• IMG Global: $50-$150 for comprehensive coverage

What It Covers:

• ✅ Medical complications from procedures
• ✅ Trip cancellation/interruption
• ✅ Lost luggage (including purchased skincare)
• ✅ Emergency evacuation

What It Doesn't Cover:

• ❌ Dissatisfaction with cosmetic results
• ❌ Elective procedure costs themselves
• ❌ Pre-existing conditions

Worth It?: Yes, for trips >$2,000 or major procedures (surgery, extensive lasers)

ROI: Korea vs. Home Country

Is It Worth Flying to Korea?

Break-Even Analysis:

Scenario 1: Los Angeles Resident, Botox + Filler

• USA Cost: $1,200 (Botox 3 areas + 2cc filler)
• Korea Trip:
  • Flights: $800
  • Hotel (4 nights): $300
  • Treatments: $350
  • Food: $150
  • Total: $1,600
• Verdict: ❌ Not worth it for basic procedures

Scenario 2: Los Angeles Resident, Comprehensive Anti-Aging

• USA Cost: $6,000 (Ultherapy + Botox + Filler + Lasers)
• Korea Trip:
  • Flights: $800
  • Hotel (7 nights): $600
  • Treatments: $1,800
  • Food: $250
  • Shopping: $300
  • Total: $3,750
• Savings: $2,250 + Seoul vacation
• Verdict: ✅ Highly worth it

Break-Even Point: Treatments worth $2,000+ make Korea trips economical from USA/Europe

Additional Value:

• ✅ Seoul vacation experience
• ✅ K-beauty shopping (impossible at home)
• ✅ Access to latest technology
• ✅ Try multiple treatments at once

Booking Timeline & Checklist

3-Month Countdown

12 Weeks Before:

• Research clinics on Gangnam Unni
• Read 20+ reviews per clinic
• Book flights (lock in best prices)
• Apply for visa if needed

8 Weeks Before:

• Email 3-5 clinics for consultations
• Request English-speaking doctors
• Get cost estimates
• Book hotel with free cancellation

4 Weeks Before:

• Confirm clinic appointments
• Pay deposits (30-50%)
• Purchase travel insurance
• Book medical tourism packages if available

2 Weeks Before:

• Finalize treatment plan with clinics
• Download Papago translation app
• Research post-treatment care
• Make restaurant reservations

1 Week Before:

• Confirm all appointments
• Pack post-treatment essentials
• Check weather (pack accordingly)
• Print clinic addresses/phone numbers

Arrival Day:

• Get airport pickup (if booked)
• Buy T-money card for subway
• Check into hotel
• Rest (adjust to time zone)

Conclusion

Strategic budget planning can reduce Korea medical tourism costs by 30-50% while maximizing treatment value. Whether you're working with a $500 ultra-budget (Asian residents) or $10,000+ luxury budget, Korea offers unparalleled skincare value compared to Western countries.

The keys to success:

1. Travel in low season (June-August): Up to 50% off
2. Book package deals: Save 20-40% vs. individual treatments
3. Use first-timer discounts: 15-40% off initial visit
4. Choose strategic locations: Myeongdong 20-30% cheaper than Apgujeong
5. Plan comprehensively: Combine multiple treatments to justify flight costs

For North American/European visitors, trips are cost-effective when treatment value exceeds $2,000. For Asian neighbors (Japan, China, Taiwan), even budget $500-$1,000 trips offer significant savings.

Ready to plan your Korea skincare trip? Use this guide to build your custom budget, download Gangnam Unni for clinic comparisons, and book your transformation journey.

Financial Disclaimer: Prices and budgets are estimates based on 2025 market rates. Actual costs vary by season, clinic, exchange rates, and individual treatment needs. Always confirm current pricing directly with clinics before booking. Exchange rate used: ₩1,300 = $1 USD.

Medical Disclaimer: Budget planning information provided for educational purposes only. Medical tourism carries risks including complications, travel delays affecting recovery, and difficulty with follow-up care. Consult board-certified doctors and consider travel insurance before proceeding.