Bottom line up front: Each stage of the 30 days before travel has a specific savings action attached — here's the countdown.
1
Day 30–25: Get 2–3 itemized quotes
Compare within your verified, accredited shortlist — see colombiamedical.co for typical ranges to sanity-check what you receive.
2
Day 24–20: Lock your procedure date and check HSA/FSA eligibility
Confirm with your plan administrator before any payment goes out.
3
Day 19–14: Book flights
This window typically balances fare and flexibility best for most routes.
4
Day 13–10: Choose lodging and decide recovery house vs hotel
Match the choice to your procedure's recovery-window length.
5
Day 9–5: Send your procedure payment via the lowest-cost method
Compare wire transfer, credit card, and transfer-service costs before sending.
6
Day 4–1: Confirm travel insurance and pack per your clinic's guidance
Verify your policy covers elective-procedure complications specifically.
The Takeaway
Spreading these decisions across a real timeline — rather than compressing them into a rushed final week — is itself a savings tactic, since rushed decisions are where corner-cutting and fee-comparison mistakes happen.