BUMS TUMS and GUMS

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

Yesterday we celebrated our birthday boy in a very unique way — with a bilateral knee replacement! 🎂🦵 It may not be the most traditional birthday present, but it will absolutely be worth it when he’s racing around again! Wishing him a speedy recovery — the best is yet to come!

17/06/2026

Good morning from Mumbai. Hope and I have just been guest speakers at a business networking international meeting

12/06/2026

Our amazing dental surgeon email me [email protected] for a quote!!!

09/06/2026

Well, I've officially entered the 21st century! I am SO excited to announce that Bums, Tums & Gums New Zealand now has its very own YouTube channel!
I've been busy making videos and collecting testimonials — there's still plenty more to come, but head over and have a look at what's there so far. I'd love to know what you think!
Next on my to-do list? A Google Reviews page. I know, I know — seventeen years taking people for surgeries oversea (not to mention 50 years as a travel agent and tour guide) and not a single review page! But watch this space, because this girl is catching up fast!
Will I ever be an influencer? Honestly, probably not — but I may as well get with the beat!
Go check out the channel and hit subscribe so you don't miss a thing — more videos coming very soon!
👉 https://www.youtube.com//videos!

08/06/2026

Exciting news — Bums, Tums & Gums now has a YouTube channel! oh the fame...the fame!!!!I am so excited to share this journey with you all!
Every day I'll be uploading a short documentary-style video — real, honest, behind-the-scenes content about why I do what I do, where we go, and what life actually looks like on one of our tours. No scripts, no fluff — just me, the journey, and everything in between.
Whether you're curious about overseas surgery, thinking about joining a tour, or just want to come along for the ride — this one's for you.
👉 Head over to YouTube and search Bums, Tums & Gums and hit subscribe so you don't miss a thing!
New video going up every day — starting now. yaaaay!

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.