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When you are thinking about travelling abroad for medical treatment, nothing is more reassuring than hearing the voices of patients who have already gone through the journey. Reading or watching real patient testimonials gives you an authentic picture of what to expect, beyond medical results, it shows you the level of care, communication, and support you can receive.
Ribera Care International is part of the Ribera healthcare group in Spain and works with some of the country’s most advanced hospitals, including IMSKE Hospital Valencia (Instituto Médico de Salud y Deporte). These facilities specialise in high-quality, patient-focused care for people from all over the world.
In this article, you will discover three inspiring real-life stories of Karim, Linda, and Carol, whose experiences at IMSKE Hospital show exactly why Spain is becoming one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism. You’ll also find practical information and a detailed FAQ section to help you plan your own treatment journey.
IMSKE Hospital Valencia: Where Innovation Meets Compassion
IMSKE Hospital is a modern, specialised medical centre in Valencia, Spain, designed to combine advanced technology with a deeply human approach to patient care. It focuses on orthopaedics, sports medicine, rehabilitation, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and other complex surgical specialties.
For international patients, IMSKE offers more than just world-class surgery, it provides a complete support system from the moment you first enquire until long after you return home. The hospital’s strengths include:
- Highly experienced surgeons and specialists who work in multidisciplinary teams.
- State-of-the-art surgical technology, including minimally invasive techniques and advanced imaging systems for precise diagnosis and treatment.
- Personalised rehabilitation programmes that start almost immediately after surgery to speed up recovery.
- International patient services, including multilingual staff, help with travel logistics, and coordination of follow-up care.
This combination makes IMSKE not just a hospital, but a place where patients feel confident, supported, and respected throughout their entire journey.
Karim’s Story: Clear Vision After Cataract Surgery
Karim, a 60-year-old retiree from London, had spent decades as a hospital director before moving to sunny Spain. Over time, his vision declined due to cataracts, making daily life increasingly difficult.
While searching online for treatment options, he found Ribera Care International. Their international patient team promptly explained the procedure, recovery, and how they would coordinate his care. Karim chose IMSKE Hospital and ophthalmologist Dr. Vallejos for the surgery.
“The medical and auxiliary staff were superb. They guided me through every step, made me feel completely at ease, and even met me personally after the operation for a check-up. I’d recommend Ribera to anyone considering surgery.”
Karim’s story shows how Ribera Care International combines advanced medical expertise with clear communication, cultural understanding, and exceptional patient support for those travelling from abroad.
Linda’s Story: From Knee Pain to Walking Without Discomfort
Linda, originally from Scotland, had always loved long walks, but for months she was unable to walk at all due to severe knee pain. She had developed advanced osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
During her stay in the south of Spain Linda used online resources to find orthopaedic surgery options in Spain until she discovered Ribera Care International. Dr. Pedro Antonio Martínez Victorio who specialized in traumatology and orthopaedic surgery at IMSKE Hospital became Linda’s consultant after her search for Spanish orthopaedic surgery options led her to Ribera Care International.
The proposed solution was a total knee replacement, a procedure that replaces the damaged joint surfaces with an artificial implant, relieving pain and restoring function. Linda was reassured to know that IMSKE had a multidisciplinary team—surgeons, anaesthetists, rehabilitation therapists, and nursing staff—all working together to ensure the best possible outcome.
The surgical procedure went without any issues. She started walking again after two days in the hospital and returned to her post-operative check-up without using crutches. Linda praised the hospital’s multilingual support, saying:
“The medical and auxiliary staff were superb. They guided me through every step, translated everything, and made me feel completely at ease. I’d give them 10 out of 10.”
Her case illustrates how Ribera Care International combines advanced medical expertise with clear communication and cultural understanding, which is essential for patients travelling from abroad.
If you’d like to read more about this type of surgery and how it’s performed at Ribera Care International, click here: Knee replacement surgery.
Carol’s Story: A New Confidence Through Body Contouring Surgery
Carol’s journey to IMSKE Hospital began almost by chance—she was passing by, stopped for coffee nearby, and decided to enquire about a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). She had been thinking about the procedure for years but didn’t believe it was truly possible for her. Even though she exercised regularly, she couldn’t achieve the abdominal appearance she wanted.
At IMSKE, Dr. Ariel Marshall, a plastic and reconstructive surgery expert, recommended combining abdominoplasty with liposuction on the anterior, lateral, and posterior areas. This comprehensive approach allowed the medical team to address all problem areas in one surgery, reducing the need for multiple operations and shortening the recovery period.
Carol describes the whole experience as life-changing:
“It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I feel fantastic and so much more confident. The team even came to my house one evening to check on me. I was looked after from day one until the day I was discharged—and even beyond.”
IMSKE demonstrates its dedication to patient satisfaction through her story which shows both excellent surgical outcomes and comprehensive emotional and logistical support for patients who are away from home.
Why International Patients Choose IMSKE Hospital in Spain
- Specialised Expertise – From orthopaedics to plastic surgery, IMSKE’s surgeons have extensive experience in complex procedures.
- Advanced Technology – Minimally invasive techniques, 3D surgical planning, and modern rehabilitation facilities.
- Comprehensive Patient Care – Medical, psychological, and logistical support before, during, and after treatment.
- Multilingual Assistance – English, French, Russian, Arabic, and more, ensuring patients can communicate easily.
- Spain as a Recovery Destination – High-quality healthcare, pleasant climate, and excellent infrastructure make recovery smoother.
Travelling for treatment? Discover how we help international patients plan every step of their journey — from arrival to recovery — in our dedicated guide: Planning Your Visit.
Conclusion: Your Health Journey, Our Commitment
IMSKE Hospital Valencia provides international patients with complete care through its surgical services as demonstrated by Karim, Linda and Carol. IMSKE provides patients with world-class medical expertise and cutting-edge facilities and a compassionate multilingual team to deliver the reassurance and quality patients need when choosing treatment abroad.
Ribera Care International and IMSKE Hospital stand ready to assist you through your entire medical journey in Spain for orthopaedic and plastic and reconstructive treatments so you can return home feeling healthier and more confident and happier.
Ready to start your journey? Request your appointment here and our international patient team will contact you to discuss your needs and guide you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can international patients receive treatment at IMSKE Hospital?
Yes. IMSKE has a dedicated International Patient Unit that handles every aspect of your care—from booking consultations to organising surgery, arranging accommodation, providing interpreters, and coordinating follow-up appointments. This ensures a seamless experience from your home country to your return.
What types of treatments are most popular for patients from abroad?
Many international patients come for orthopaedic procedures such as knee replacement, hip replacement, and sports injury surgery, as well as plastic surgery including abdominoplasty, breast reconstruction, and liposuction. The hospital also attracts patients seeking advanced rehabilitation programmes.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for surgery in Spain?
The International Patient Unit can arrange an initial virtual consultation where you share your medical history, test results, and expectations. The specialist will then recommend whether you should travel for in-person assessment or if alternative treatments are more suitable.
How long should I plan to stay in Spain after my surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure:
- Orthopaedic surgeries: usually 1–2 weeks for initial recovery and check-ups.
- Plastic surgery: typically 1–3 weeks, depending on healing speed and whether combined procedures are performed.
Staying for the recommended period ensures safe monitoring before you return home.
Is the language barrier a problem?
Not at IMSKE. The hospital provides professional interpreters and has multilingual staff to make sure you understand every step of your treatment, from pre-surgery instructions to rehabilitation exercises.
Can I combine my treatment with a holiday in Spain?
Yes, many patients plan their recovery in Spain’s pleasant climate. While your activity will be limited right after surgery, the country offers comfortable, scenic environments that can make the healing process more enjoyable.
What safety measures are in place for surgeries?
IMSKE operates under strict international medical standards which include sterile surgical environments and advanced anaesthesia protocols and continuous post-operative monitoring. The hospital maintains patient safety as its main concern.
