Your Second Medical Opinion with ELSAN International Patients
Overview
ELSAN International Patients office offers a Second Medical Opinion service designed to help you make confident healthcare decisions.
This service allows you to:
- Confirm or clarify an existing diagnosis,
- Explore alternative treatment options,
- Obtain additional expert insight into your medical condition.
Each assessment is performed by a renowned French specialist, within 48 hours to 10 days after we receive your complete medical file.
- To ensure a thorough review, your file should include:
- A recent medical report,
- Relevant test results or imaging,
- A referral or summary letter from your local physician.
Evaluations are conducted remotely, either in writing or via teleconsultation, depending on your needs and preferences.
The Second Medical Opinion service costs 250€, which may be covered by your private insurer or mutual health plan.
Définition
What is a second medical opinion?
A second medical opinion (SMO) is a service that allows you to obtain an evaluation from a specialist regarding a proposed diagnosis or treatment.
This evaluation is carried out remotely, either in writing or via teleconsultation, based on the medical documents you provide. The surgeon will review your file and send you a detailed report, without the need for you to travel to France. The cost of this service is 250€.
To continue your request for a second medical opinion >>> Second Medical Opinion
What is the difference between a second medical opinion and a regular medical consultation?
- A medical consultation is usually the first contact with a doctor or surgeon. It allows you to present your symptoms in order to assess your current clinical condition, establish an initial diagnosis, propose a treatment plan, and begin care.
- A second medical opinion takes place after an initial diagnosis or a first proposed treatment.
How to obtain a second medical opinion (SMO)?
1. Contactez the International Patients Office
Send us your request for a second medical opinion (SMO), together with your complete medical file.
Request a second medical opinion
2. Medical Evaluation
If your file is complete, your request will be submitted to an ELSAN specialist.
Your medical file must include the following documents:
- A recent medical report (less than 3 months old) written by your referring physician, indicating your medical history, treatments, symptoms, and clinical examinations.
- Readable complementary tests: imaging (CT scan, MRI, X-rays, etc.), blood tests, medical reports, and any histology results.
- A letter from your local doctor specifying the medical question for which you are seeking a second opinion. This helps our surgeon focus the analysis and provide a clear and useful response tailored to your case.
Important: Please avoid simple photographs of documents, as they are often difficult to read. We recommend scanning your documents to ensure optimal quality for our medical team’s review.
3. Quotation and Payment
If your file is accepted by one of our ELSAN specialists, you will receive a quotation and a secure payment link. Payment can be made online by credit card.
Price.How much does this service cost ? Are there any additional fees ?
The total cost of the second medical opinion is 250€. This includes the specialist’s consultation and/or the full written report according to your needs.
Payment must be made before the service via the secure link sent to you by email. Payment can be made by credit card.
Insurance coverage: Is the service reimbursed by private insurance ?
Some private insurance plans cover the second medical opinion as part of their partnerships. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm whether this applies to you.
4. Delivery of the SMO Report
Once payment has been received, your second medical opinion report will be sent to you via our secure online platform, ensuring full confidentiality of your personal and medical data.
5. Scheduling a Teleconsultation
If a teleconsultation is deemed necessary, our team will assist you in organizing a virtual appointment with the specialist who reviewed your case.
Why request a second medical opinion?
What can you expect from a second medical opinion (SMO)?
Requesting a second medical opinion after being informed of a diagnosis, a proposed treatment, or a surgical recommendation allows you to:
- Confirm the initial diagnosis.
- Explore alternative treatment options.
- Gain additional insight through the expertise of another specialist.
A second opinion does not replace the initial consultation, but it serves as a valuable complement, especially in complex medical situations — when an important treatment decision needs to be made, or simply to feel more confident before proceeding.
Which medical documents should I provide to obtain a second opinion?
Submit your documents
To allow an ELSAN surgeon to accurately and personally assess your medical situation, you will be asked to upload your medical documents via our secure platform, specifically designed to protect your health data.
Once we receive your contact form, we will send you a link to upload your documents safely to our secure system.
It is important to provide the following:
- A recent medical report (less than 3 months old) prepared by your physician, describing your medical history, previous treatments, and current clinical condition.
- Relevant imaging tests related to your condition (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or recent X-rays).
- If possible, a letter from your local doctor specifying the medical question for which you are seeking a second opinion. This will help our surgeon focus their analysis and provide a clear, personalized, and useful response to your situation.
With these documents, the specialist will be able to provide a comprehensive opinion without the need for you to travel to France.
🧾 Summary Table : Second Medical Opinion (ELSAN International Patients)
|
|
Details |
|---|---|
|
Definition |
The second medical opinion (SMO) is a remote evaluation by an ELSAN specialist regarding a proposed diagnosis or treatment. It provides additional insight without the need to travel. |
|
Target Audience |
Canadian patients seeking to confirm a diagnosis, explore alternative treatment options, or obtain an additional opinion before deciding on a medical or surgical procedure. |
|
Response Time |
Between 48 hours and 10 days after receipt of the complete file and payment. |
|
Evaluation Methods |
- Written report: detailed report sent via a secure platform - Teleconsultation: secure video conference with the specialist |
|
Service Fee |
250 €, all-inclusive (file analysis + report or teleconsultation). |
|
Insurance Coverage |
Some private insurance plans or mutuals may cover the service. Prior verification is recommended. |
|
Required Documents |
-Recent medical report (less than 3 months old). - Complementary tests (imaging, lab results, histology). - Letter from your local doctor specifying the medical question.e. |
|
Accepted Languages |
French or English (no translation required). Other languages: certified translation required. |
|
Covered Specialities |
All medical and surgical fields (orthopedics, gynecology, bariatrics, etc.) except: pediatrics, transplants, psychiatry, certain cancers, and life-threatening emergencies. |
|
Procedure |
1️⃣ Contact International Patients. |
|
Confidentiality |
Documents are transmitted via a secure platform respecting health data confidentiality. |
|
Additional Support |
Assistance with compiling your file via partner medical concierge services. |
|
After the Second Opinion |
If the opinion supports an intervention in France, support is provided for the quotation, organization of stay, and continuity of care. |
Article écrit le 30/10/2025, vérifié par Pierre Luton, expert journalist specialized in health, social issues, and SEO EEAT.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Second Medical Opinion
Will I be reimbursed?
For patients not covered by the French social security system, we provide a cost estimate for the proposed care. This estimate allows you to submit your treatment plan to your insurer and obtain prior authorization, according to your health insurance policy.
Some insurers:
- Pay directly, avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for the patient.
- Or reimburse the patient upon proof of payment (paid invoice), depending on the terms of your insurance policy.
In which language should I submit my documents?
If your documents are in French or English, you may submit them as-is; no translation is required.
If your documents are in another language, they must be translated by a certified translator so that our surgeon can correctly analyze your situation. This ensures that your second medical opinion is accurate and reliable, regardless of the original language of your documents.
Do I need to travel to France to obtain a second opinion?
No. The SMO (second medical opinion) does not require travel to France and is not eligible for a visa request.
It can be done online or by mail, via teleconsultation or written correspondence. This allows you to obtain an opinion from our top surgeons and medical specialists, members of the leading hospital group in France, without leaving your country.
The second opinion report can be provided in writing or via teleconsultation, according to your preference, to adapt to your situation and needs.
How long does it take to receive the surgeon's response?
The timeframe to receive a second opinion, starting from the receipt of your complete medical file and payment, is typically between 48 hours and 10 days, depending on the surgeon’s availability and the complexity of your case.
We also adapt to the urgency of your situation and the required specialization, to provide a precise medical opinion as quickly as possible.
Who will analyze my file?
Your medical file will be handled by an experienced case manager, who will oversee your request from start to finish.
The case manager will ensure that your documents are complete, verify that all necessary information is provided, and forward your file to the most suitable surgeon or medical specialist for a precise evaluation.
If you have a preference for a specific city or clinic in France, we will do our best to refer you to the corresponding facility.
This ensures that you receive a personalized, reliable second medical opinion, provided by recognized specialists in their field.
What if I want to be treated in France after the second opinion?
If the surgeon recommends a surgical procedure, we will support you throughout the next steps.
We will contact the surgeon directly to provide a complete cost estimate for the procedure. You will then have the option to continue your care with the initially chosen surgeon and clinic.
Can I request a second opinion for any type of condition?
Thanks to our network of over 7,500 medical specialists and surgeons, we can direct you to the expert best suited for your condition.
These are highly qualified and experienced practitioners whose background, CV, publications, and expertise we know thoroughly.
Whether you need a second opinion in orthopedics, surgery, gynecology, bariatrics, or other specialties, we will find the right doctor or surgeon to provide a reliable and personalized opinion.
Exceptions: pediatrics, transplants, psychiatry, certain cancers, and life-threatening emergencies.
What if I cannot gather all the required medical documents?
If you do not have all the required documents, we can, through our partnerships with medical concierges and local physicians, connect you with trusted healthcare professionals in your country and city.
They will help you compile a complete, recent, and legible medical file, so our surgeon can analyze your situation under the best possible conditions.
Our goal is to simplify the process and ensure that you receive a reliable second opinion, even if you initially lack all necessary documents.
Is the second opinion free?
No. The cost of a second medical opinion with ELSAN International Patients is 250€, all-inclusive.
What is the difference between a second medical opinion and a regular medical consultation?
-
A medical consultation is usually the first contact with a doctor or surgeon. It allows you to present your symptoms, assess your current clinical condition, establish an initial diagnosis, propose a treatment plan, and begin care.
- A second medical opinion takes place after an initial diagnosis or proposed treatment and provides additional insight and reassurance.