Choosing surgery abroad is about far more than finding the right treatment at the right price. It is about trust: knowing who will be treating you, what will happen when you arrive and that someone will be there to support you at every stage of your journey. At Meliva Hospital, that experience is central to the work of Ieva Mockė, Head of Sales for International Markets, whose team coordinates and supports international patients from their initial enquiry through treatment and their return home.
We spoke to Ieva about what MMG’s British patients can expect at Meliva’s hospitals in Vilnius and Kaunas, the expertise behind its surgical teams, how Meliva takes the uncertainty out of travelling abroad for treatment, and why the group sees My Medical Gateway as a natural partner in its growing international ambitions.
For anyone considering medical treatment abroad, price and clinical expertise matter enormously. But so does something harder to capture on a comparison table: what will actually happen to me when I get there?
At Meliva Hospital in Lithuania, the answer is built around making international patients feel supported from the moment their treatment is being planned until well after they return home. Meet Ieva Mocke, Head of Sales for International Markets at Meliva, and learn what MMG’s British patients can expect from Lithuania’s premier hospital group.
An International Team Built Around the Patient
Meliva’s international department has been working with overseas patients for around seven years and continues to expand into new markets.
“My team works directly with the patients,” Ieva explains. “They communicate with doctors about treatment plans, coordinate appointments and surgery dates, meet patients at the clinic and support them throughout their stay.”
Ieva’s own role ranges from working on pricing to resolving complex cases and improving the patient experience. “We are growing and welcoming patients from more and more countries,” she says.
For MMG patients, that international experience matters because travelling abroad for surgery inevitably raises questions that do not arise when visiting a hospital close to home.
“The patient never feels alone”
Ieva readily acknowledges that anxiety.
“I think it is completely normal to feel nervous about having surgery in another country. You are away from home, in a new place and of course you want to know that you are in safe hands.”
Her advice is straightforward: choose the hospital carefully, feel comfortable with the doctor and understand exactly what happens before, during and after surgery.
Meliva’s approach is then to remove as much uncertainty as possible.
“We explain everything before the trip, meet the patient when they arrive, help during their stay and stay in contact even after they go home.”
For Ieva, the principle underlying the whole service is simple: “The most important thing is that the patient never feels alone in the process.”
From the Airport to the Operating theatre — and Home Again
The patient journey begins before anyone boards an aircraft.
Immediately after booking, the patient is introduced to Meliva’s MMG dedicated patient coordinator who can answer questions on any aspect of the treatment journey. Medical information is first reviewed by the appropriate doctor. Meliva then prepares a treatment plan and, if the patient is suitable for treatment, three surgery dates are offered within six weeks of being cleared. This is contractually guaranteed under MMG’s agreement with its fully accredited hospitals.
A surgery date is agreed and arrangements begin. “The patient does not need to organise everything alone,” says Ieva. Meliva can assist with accommodation, while transfers between the airport, hotel and clinic are included within the MMG treatment package.
“When the patient arrives in Lithuania, our driver meets them at the airport and takes them to the hotel or clinic.” At the hospital, MMG’s patient coordinator helps with registration and documentation and explains what happens next. Medical staff speak English, helping remove another common concern for patients contemplating treatment overseas.
Pre-operative tests are generally performed the day before surgery. Patients also meet their surgeon in person before their operation, providing another opportunity to discuss the treatment plan and ask questions.
Depending on the procedure, patients typically remain in hospital for one to three nights, with necessary hospital care, medication and meals included.
Following discharge, Meliva normally recommends remaining in Lithuania for up to a week before flying home, depending on the clinical requirements and the days of included post-op care that may be required to put patients back on their feet. Follow-up appointments may be arranged during this period and Meliva organises the return airport transfer.
Crucially, the relationship does not finish at departures. “Our support does not end when the patient goes home,” says Ieva. “If needed, we can arrange a remote consultation with the doctor, and the patient can always stay in contact with MMG’s patient coordinator.”
Experienced Surgeons and Modern Healthcare
Across Meliva’s four diagnostic and surgical clinics there are almost 1,500 medical professionals.
“For international patients, we work with surgeons who have a lot of experience in their field and in the specific procedures they perform,” Ieva says.
Many hold PhDs, teach at universities and train residents and younger doctors, while continuing their own professional development through courses, conferences and seminars in Lithuania and internationally.
“For us, it is very important that the patient is treated by a surgeon who has strong experience in the procedure they need.”
That combination of expertise, modern facilities and competitive pricing is central to Lithuania’s growing international healthcare proposition.
“In many countries patients face long waiting times, high treatment costs or limited access to certain specialists,” Ieva says. “Lithuania can offer high-quality healthcare, experienced doctors and modern facilities at a competitive price.”
Why Meliva Chose MMG
That patient-centred philosophy also explains Meliva’s decision to work with My Medical Gateway.
“What first attracted us to My Medical Gateway was their clear vision, the focus on innovation and how simple they try to make the process for the patient,” says Ieva.
She particularly highlights MMG’s emphasis on simplicity.
“What stands out to me is how user-friendly and clear the platform is. It is easy to understand, simple to navigate, and the whole process feels straightforward for the patient. I think that makes a big difference, especially when someone is already dealing with health concerns.”
The MMG Treatment Package also fitted naturally with Meliva’s existing approach.
“We usually offer all-inclusive packages where everything is included and there are no unexpected additional costs for the patient.”
And would Ieva recommend MMG to other European hospitals? “I would recommend it. The whole process has been simple and clear.”
Her ambition for the partnership is equally straightforward:
“I hope our partnership will keep growing and that together we can help many more patients get the treatment they need.”
For UK patients considering Lithuania, that partnership is designed to deliver something beyond access to treatment: a clearly organised journey, experienced medical care and personal support from beginning to end.
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