BUMS TUMS and GUMS

17/05/2026

If you are thinking about medical tourism? It’s one of the best personal decisions I ever made — 17 years ago I diversified from managing travel industry to medical tourism and I have zero regrets.
But here’s what I want you to know: who you go with and your coordinator matters enormously.
This week I had my monthly online meetings with my global partners and coordinators in Turkey Moana McRae, Mexico Pam Bennett and India IndiCure Health Tours, and Bangkok Pattaya hospital and we all agree — before you book anything, ask these questions of the tour company:
Are they properly accredited?
How many years have they been operating in the medical tourism industry ?
Do they hold professional indemnity insurance?
Have you read their medical contracts and have the contracts been rarified by a lawyer?
Do they have strong relationships with their surgeons?
Do they have risk management plans in place?

I have even recently held meetings with our government on this issue-
owning a passport and maybe having one overseas surgery does not make someone qualified to take groups overseas for life changing surgeries . This industry requires expertise in BOTH travel AND group management, strong team infrastructure, and years of trust-building.

Needless to say, all surgeries carry risks, whether performed here in New Zealand or overseas. What matters is how those risks are managed by your coordinator through extensive research, careful planning, and selecting highly qualified, experienced, and professional surgeons. It is essential to choose the very best in the field — not simply the cheapest option available.

You deserve more than someone winging it. Do your homework — and go with confidence.

04/05/2026

Choosing the Right Medical Travel Company – It Could Save Your Life 🌏
With overseas surgery becoming increasingly popular, it’s more important than ever to know who you’re trusting with your health and your life.
My global partner Moana who operates Bariatric in turkey and myself both having 17 years in the Bariatric and aesthetic market were recently interviewed by Radio New Zealand about exactly this topic – and it’s worth a read.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/what-is-medical-tourism-and-what-are-the-risks-of-having-surgery-overseas

There so many fly-by-night companies popping up in the medical travel space, and the risks of choosing the wrong one are very real. Here’s what you must check before committing to any medical travel company:
✅ They are a qualified, licensed travel agent
✅ They have studied and understand travel legislation
✅ They hold proper accreditation and qualifications
✅ They carry professional indemnity insurance
✅ They have risk management protocols in place
✅ They have been operating successfully for many years

One thing many people don’t realise – no New Zealand insurance company will cover elective surgery overseas. This is critical. Moana and I both work with a trusted American insurer who will provide cover for your surgery, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

This is an intricate, specialised industry. Please don’t take chances with your health by going with an unknown operator chasing a cheap deal. Know who the players are, ask the hard questions, and make sure you’re in safe hands every step of the 👇

Explainer – As stories emerge of New Zealanders suffering complications following surgeries overseas, here’s what you need to know about the medical tourism industry.

29/04/2026

25/04/2026

Healing Beyond Borders Podcast: India x New Zealand Healthcare Story

In this episode of Healing Beyond Borders, we dive into a unique partnership between IndiCure and New Zealand-based Bums, Tums & Gums, led by Jackie, bringing patients to India for treatment and recovery.

From first doubts to real success stories, hear the founders talk about:
✨ Why India stood out
✨ What patients were worried about
✨ What their experiences were really like
✨ How trust plays a crucial role in every decision

This is more than just medical tourism. It is about restoring lives, building trust, and making healthcare accessible beyond borders.

25/04/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxzejfT0k2c

7 likes. "Healing Beyond Borders Podcast: India x New Zealand Healthcare Story"

31/03/2026

Our little “Steelo” is on the mend after a cluster of epileptic fits yesterday — a long night in doggy hospital, but today he’s back to his usual self, relaxing and “reading” my book like nothing ever happened.

29/03/2026

Big news from my recent interview with Radio New Zealand — it’ll be up on their website in the next few weeks.

It really feels like medical tourism is absolutely on the rise. I’m seeing strong interest already for our June departure, and there are only a few spots left for aesthetics, including tummy tucks, mummy makeovers, facelifts and more.

Dental continues to be one of the biggest eye-openers. On my last trip, one lady had 13 crowns, 4 implants and a 4-tooth bridge, all for around $14,500 NZD. When you compare that to local pricing, it’s hard to ignore the difference. And if patients have good bone structure, implant work can often be completed in under 18 days, which is incredible compared to what most people expect.

We’ve also got a couple of hip and knee replacements lined up for the next group departing 13 June, alongside dental and cosmetic procedures — a real mix of people taking control of their health and confidence in a more accessible way.

Flights are still running smoothly and on schedule, which is always reassuring, but like everything at the moment, the world does keep us on our toes.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, this might be your sign to start the conversation — spaces are limited for June.

24/03/2026

We had such an amazing trip. We talk so much about cosmetic surgery and orthopaedics, but we don’t often mention the incredible dentistry that happens there too.

Two amazing ladies had struggled with their teeth for years—to the point they were loose and wobbly—and for 2 people still in their prime of her life, it was really getting them down.

Just look at the difference in a matter of 18 days… absolutely life-changing.

21/03/2026

From shocking teeth to film star smiles in just 18 days.

It’s not just about changing teeth — it’s about transforming confidence, how you feel when you walk into a room, and finally loving your smile again. Claire from New Plymouth, her teeth were going from bad to worse but our dental surgeon in India transformed her smile , fixing her teeth all on our one trip.

Real people, real journeys, incredible results. Next escorted surgical and dental trip 13 June.