Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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If you or your loved one is considering traveling to Houston Methodist for care from our team of experts, it is natural to have questions about the process. We have gathered answers to some of the questions we hear most often from our international patients. These questions are grouped into the following categories:

  • Appointment Process
  • Payment Options
  • Travel Information
  • Additional Questions

Questions and Answers About Your Houston Methodist Care

Appointment Process

How Do I Make an Appointment?

Our Global Health Care Services team members are happy to help you schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Contact us at +1.713.441.2340, or learn how to request an appointment online.

How Can My Doctor Make a Referral?

We will work with your referring doctor to make your referral as simple as possible. Your doctor can:

What Is the Next Step After Requesting an Appointment?

After we receive your request (or your referring doctor’s request) for an appointment, we will contact you to gather information about your medical condition and what type of care you need. We will ask for copies of your medical records and your payment information, along with identifying information about you.

What Information Do I Need to Provide?

You must supply copies of your medical records from your doctor or doctors in your home country. Our medical director will review your records and use that information to help decide which of our specialists is best suited to care for you. These records must be in English. (Third-party medical record translation is available on a fee-for-service basis upon request.)

We will also require a copy of your passport, emergency contact information and other key information for us to serve you quickly and effectively. Learn more about what is required for your appointment.

Once we have all the information we need, our medical director will review your records and determine which of our specialists can best treat you. After that, we will schedule your appointment and help you coordinate your visit.

Payment Options

How Do I Pay for My Care at Houston Methodist?

We accept three main payment options for international patients:

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Embassy sponsorship
  • Self-payment

Our financial services team will work with you and your insurance company to ensure you know the costs of your care and what costs, if any, you may be responsible for paying. Learn more about paying for care.

Travel Information

Where Is Houston Methodist Hospital Located?

Houston Methodist Hospital is located in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. We are a short car ride away from Houston’s major airports, and we are conveniently located near restaurants, shopping and more that you and your loved ones can enjoy during your stay.

Our Global Patient Services office is located in Houston Methodist Hospital’s Scurlock Tower at 6560 Fannin, Suite 570, Houston, Texas 77030.  

Learn more about visiting Houston.

Can My Family Members Come with Me When I Receive Care? If So, Where Can They Stay?

Houston Methodist understands the vital role loved ones play in a patient’s healing. Because each unit is different, the number of visitors and hours may be limited based on patient request, patient care or out of respect for other patients. Your assigned liaison will communicate the appropriate number of visitors and visiting hours based on your specific situation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking extra precautions for you and your loved ones’ health and well-being, including modifications to our visitor policy. Information regarding screening, masking, social distancing and visitation will be provided prior to your arrival. We appreciate your adherence to these restrictions as we try to protect everyone in our community from the spread of COVID-19.

Our hospital is conveniently located near several hotels that offer special discounted rates for international patients and their loved ones, as well as extended-stay apartments if you will be staying for more than 30 days during your care. We encourage you to review these options to find one that best meets your needs.

Additional Questions

How Will I Be Cared for at Houston Methodist?

You can expect advanced care from our team of expert specialists. We are among the best hospitals in the U.S. and the top-ranked hospital in both Houston and Texas, as noted by U.S. News & World Report. We have a culture of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence (ICARE). Every patient we see experiences our ICARE culture as we provide the best care possible for your condition.

What Services Are Available to International Patients?

You have access to our entire array of health care services. International patients often are interested in our Centers of Excellence, many of which are ranked among the best in the U.S.:

You also can take advantage of the following additional specialty services:

Learn more about our medical services.

I Don’t Speak English, or It Is Not My Preferred Language — Is There Someone Who Can Help Me With My Care When I Am at the Hospital?

Yes! You will be assigned dedicated patient liaisons during your visit to Houston Methodist. These professionals will speak your language and can serve as interpreters if you need language assistance. This helps ensure you can understand and follow the instructions your care team gives you as part of your care and that you can ask questions and get answers from your doctor, nurse and other team members.

Learn more about our language assistance and support services.