Frequently Asked Questions About Health Tourism

Türkiye and Health Tourism

Why Should Türkiye Be Your Choice?

Türkiye is one of the leading countries in health tourism thanks to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, experienced medical teams, modern hospitals, cutting-edge medical technologies and healthcare services designed for international patients. Its geographical location, tourism offerings and international transport connections also provide significant advantages for patients travelling from different countries.

Why Is Türkiye Preferred for Health Tourism?

Türkiye is preferred because it offers diagnosis and treatment options across many different specialties, uses advanced technologies, provides a price advantage and delivers comprehensive services for international patients. The fact that the treatment process can be planned together with support services such as travel, transfer, accommodation and interpretation also helps patients manage the process more easily.

What Are the Advantages of Healthcare Services in Türkiye?

The main advantages of healthcare services in Türkiye include an advanced hospital infrastructure, physicians specialised in a wide range of fields, multidisciplinary treatment options and modern diagnostic and treatment technologies. Thanks to dedicated coordination services for international patients, comprehensive support can be received from the pre-treatment stage until the return home.

Is It Safe to Receive Treatment in Türkiye?

"Healthcare services in Türkiye are provided in line with the relevant legislation and the quality and patient safety standards applied by healthcare institutions. It is important for patients to evaluate the hospital where they will be treated, the physician, the method to be applied and the quality standards of the healthcare institution. 

 At Medipol Health Group, there are practices in place to ensure patient safety, clinical quality and the conduct of medical processes in accordance with the defined standards."

What Is the Quality of Healthcare Services in Türkiye Like?

"In Türkiye, healthcare services are provided in many different specialties at hospitals equipped with advanced technology. Medipol Health Group also provides services with its academic medical staff, technological infrastructure and multidisciplinary approach that brings different areas of expertise together.

 Medipol Mega University Hospital is accredited under the JCI Academic Medical Center Hospital standards."

Are Healthcare Services in Türkiye More Affordable Than in Europe and the USA?

Treatment costs vary according to the patient's health condition, the treatment to be applied, the technology used, the length of hospital stay and any additional procedures. For some healthcare services, Türkiye can offer more advantageous cost options compared with Europe and the USA.

Why Is Istanbul Preferred for Health Tourism?

Istanbul is one of the key centres for health tourism thanks to its location connecting Europe and Asia, its extensive international flight network, its developed accommodation infrastructure and its comprehensive healthcare services. Medipol Health Group's hospitals located in different parts of Istanbul also serve international patients across various specialties.

Is a Visa Required to Come to Türkiye for Treatment?

Visa requirements vary depending on the patient's country of citizenship. For patients coming from countries where a visa is required, medical visa options may be available. Medipol International Patient Services can provide support regarding the hospital documents that may be used in the visa application process and information about the procedure where necessary.

How Are Accommodation and Transport Organised While Receiving Treatment in Türkiye?

Medipol International Patient Services supports patients in processes such as airport welcome, transfer and accommodation arrangements. Transport between the airport, the hospital and accommodation points can be planned according to the patient's treatment programme. Options regarding contracted hotels can also be offered to patients.

Which Treatments Can Be Performed in Türkiye Within the Scope of Health Tourism?

In Türkiye, healthcare services are provided in many fields such as oncology, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, organ transplantation, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, urology, gynaecology and obstetrics, IVF, obesity surgery, ophthalmology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, dental treatments, and physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Why Should You Choose Medipol Health Group?

Which Services Does Medipol Offer in Health Tourism?

Medipol Health Group offers international patients comprehensive support from before treatment through to the post-treatment period. These services include a medical second opinion, physician and appointment arrangements, treatment planning, interpretation, visa support, transfer and accommodation arrangements, and coordination throughout the hospital process.

What Are the Advantages of Medipol Health Group?

Medipol stands out with its academic and experienced medical staff across different areas of expertise, its advanced medical technologies, its multidisciplinary approach and its service structure dedicated to international patients. Having different hospitals and centres within the same health group makes it possible for complex cases to be evaluated jointly by different specialties.

Which Services Are Offered to International Patients at Medipol Hospitals?

International patients are offered medical evaluation, physician selection, appointment planning, second opinion, interpretation, transfer, accommodation arrangements, visa support and coordination services throughout the hospital process. Follow-up may also be continued after treatment where necessary.

Is There a Dedicated Unit for International Patients at Medipol?

Yes. Within Medipol there is an International Patient Services unit that coordinates the healthcare and travel processes of international patients. The unit provides support at different stages, from the patient's first application through to treatment and the period after discharge.

 Is Interpretation Service Provided for International Patients?

Yes. Interpretation and communication support in different languages is provided within the scope of Medipol International Patient Services. This aims to make communication between patients and their physicians and healthcare teams easier.

Is Patient Support Provided Before and After Treatment at Medipol?

Yes. Before treatment, patients can receive support on matters such as the evaluation of medical documents, physician selection, appointments and travel arrangements. After discharge, check-up and follow-up processes can be planned according to the requirements of the treatment.

How Are the Transport and Accommodation Processes of International Patients Managed?

The International Patient Services team helps organise transfer and accommodation processes in line with the patient's treatment programme. Support can be provided for airport welcome, transfers between the hospital and the hotel, and contracted accommodation options.

In Which Specialties Are International Patients Served at Medipol Health Group?

At Medipol, international patients are served in surgical and internal medicine specialties as well as at dentistry and advanced treatment centres. Oncology, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, organ transplantation, orthopaedics, urology, gynaecology, IVF, ophthalmology, paediatrics, obesity surgery, plastic surgery and dentistry are among them.

Which Technologies Are Used at Medipol Hospitals?

"At Medipol hospitals, various technologies such as 3 Tesla MRI, 256-slice CT, PET/CT, SPECT/CT, CyberKnife M6, Gamma Knife, Varian TrueBeam, Halcyon, intraoperative MRI, O-Arm, robotic surgery systems, robotic rehabilitation technologies and advanced imaging systems are used, varying by specialty and hospital.

 Which technology will be used is determined by the specialist physician according to the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan."

How Do International Patients Choose Their Doctor at Medipol Hospitals?

When a patient wishes to consult a specific physician, they can convey their request to the International Patient Services team. For patients who have no physician preference, medical documents and the patient's healthcare needs are evaluated and guidance can be provided on the appropriate specialty and physician.

Is It Possible to Have a Consultation With a Doctor in Advance of Treatment?

An online doctor consultation can be arranged for suitable specialties and cases. By sharing their existing reports, imaging results and other medical documents in advance, the patient can have the opportunity to be evaluated by a specialist physician.

Is a Second Opinion Service Available at Medipol?

Yes. Medipol offers a medical second opinion service to international patients. The patient's existing reports, tests and imaging results are evaluated by the relevant specialist physician, and an opinion can be formed regarding the diagnosis and possible treatment options.

How Is a Treatment Plan Prepared for International Patients at Medipol?

The medical documents sent by the patient are first directed to the relevant area of expertise. Following the physician's evaluation, the required tests, the possible treatment method, the length of hospital stay and the planning of the treatment process are prepared specifically for the patient.

How Is Follow-Up Carried Out After Treatment?

The necessary check-ups after treatment are planned according to the type of treatment and the patient's clinical condition. After the patient returns to their country, the follow-up process can be continued where appropriate through online doctor consultations and remote evaluation of medical documents.

Pre-Treatment Process

What Should I Do First in Order to Receive Treatment in Türkiye?

 The first step is to prepare the medical documents relating to your current health condition and contact Medipol International Patient Services. Your documents can then be forwarded to the relevant specialist physician so that the preliminary evaluation process can begin.

 In addition, if there is a Medipol international representative office in the country where you live, you can visit our representative office in person to share your medical documents and receive information about your treatment process. For example, our patients in Kazakhstan can visit our Kazakhstan representative office to make their first application directly.

 You can view the Medipol international representative office nearest to you on our International Representative Offices page.

How Can I Apply to Medipol Health Group for Treatment?

 An application can be made through the contact, appointment or second opinion forms on the Medipol Global website. After the application, the International Patient Services team contacts the patient and guides them through the process.

Which Medical Documents Should I Send Before Consulting a Doctor?

 It is recommended to share existing diagnostic reports, discharge summaries (epicrisis), laboratory results, pathology reports, imaging results and, if any, documents relating to previous operations or treatments. The documents required may vary according to the illness and the relevant specialty.

 How Long Does It Take to Prepare a Treatment Plan?

 The time required to prepare a treatment plan may vary according to the patient's condition, the scope of the documents and the evaluation of the relevant specialist physician. Once the documents have been received in full, the evaluation is completed as soon as possible and the patient is informed.

Can I Obtain a Price Quotation Before Treatment?

 Yes. Following the medical evaluation, approximate cost information regarding the recommended diagnosis and treatment process can be shared. For some treatments, package options with a predefined scope may also be offered. 

 What Is Included in the Treatment Fee?

 The scope of the fee varies according to the treatment. The offer presented to the patient specifies which medical services and procedures are included. Additional tests or procedures that are not included in the treatment plan may be charged separately.

Which Tests Are Performed Before Treatment?

 The necessary tests are determined by the specialist physician according to the patient's illness, the planned treatment, their age and their general health condition. Blood tests, imaging methods or advanced examinations specific to the relevant specialty may be deemed necessary.

How Is an Appointment Arranged for Patients Coming From Abroad?

 The International Patient Services team plans the appointment in line with the patient's medical needs and preferred physician. The appointment details are shared with the patient and, where necessary, arranged in coordination with the travel programme.

Is There Any Special Diet or Medication Restriction I Need to Follow Before Coming for Treatment?

 This depends on the test or treatment to be performed. Before some procedures, fasting, adjustment of certain medications or other preparations may be required. Patients should not stop taking their medications without their doctor's advice and should follow the preparation instructions provided to them."

Pricing and Payment

How Are Treatment Prices Determined in Türkiye?

 Treatment prices are determined according to the patient's diagnosis, the procedure to be performed, the medical supplies and technologies used, the length of hospital stay and any additional services required. 

How Are Treatment Fees Calculated at Medipol Health Group?

 After the patient's medical documents have been evaluated and a possible treatment plan has been drawn up, the estimated cost is calculated in line with the relevant procedures. Additional medical requirements that may arise during treatment may change the total cost.

 Does the Treatment Price Vary by Country?

 The patient's medical needs, the treatment to be applied and the scope of the service are the main factors taken into account when determining the treatment price. Up-to-date price and package information to be presented to the patient is shared by International Patient Services.

Are Hospital Costs Included in the Treatment Fee?

 This depends on the scope of the treatment package offered to the patient. The offer clearly states whether hospitalisation or related hospital services are included.

Is the Doctor's Fee Included in the Treatment Fee?

 Depending on the scope of the treatment offer, the physician's service fee is generally included in the total fee. The content of the offer submitted to the patient should be checked in terms of which services are and are not included.

Are Additional Tests and Procedures Included in the Treatment Fee?

 Tests planned in advance may be within the scope of the offer. However, additional tests and procedures deemed necessary by the doctor during the examination or treatment may be charged separately.

Can Exact Price Information Be Obtained Before Treatment?

 Before treatment, an estimated price, or a package price for suitable treatments, can be shared as a result of the evaluation of the medical documents. However, if the treatment plan changes after the examination or additional procedures are required, the total cost may change.

Which Payment Methods Are Accepted?

 Up-to-date information about the payment methods that can be used, currencies and payment terms is provided to the patient by International Patient Services. Payment options such as international bank transfer may be available.

Can International Patients Benefit From Their Health Insurance?

 Medipol Health Group has agreements with various international insurance and assistance companies. Insurance coverage varies according to the patient's policy and the approval of the relevant insurance company. It is recommended to share insurance information at the time of application.

Do I Have to Pay Any Fee for the Review of My Medical Documents?

 Within the scope of Medipol International Patient Services, the medical second opinion service can be provided free of charge. If additional consultations or services are required depending on the scope of the application, the patient is informed separately."

Transport, Accommodation and Travel

How Can I Get From Istanbul Airport to the Hospital?

 Airport welcome and transfer arrangements can be made for international patients according to their travel programme. Transfer details are planned in line with the patient's flight information and treatment programme.

Does Medipol Offer a Transfer Service for International Patients?

 Yes. Within the scope of International Patient Services, support is provided for airport welcome and for transfer processes between the airport, the hotel and the hospital in suitable arrangements. 

 Where Can I Stay During Treatment?

 Medipol can provide organisational support regarding contracted hotels for patients' accommodation needs. 

How Long Do I Need to Stay in Istanbul for Treatment?

 The length of stay in Istanbul varies according to the treatment to be applied. While some procedures require only short-term follow-up, a longer stay may be necessary for surgical or more comprehensive treatments. The recommended duration is determined by the doctor once the treatment plan has been drawn up.

Can I Come to Türkiye With a Companion?

 Patients can generally travel together with their companions. As visa, accommodation and hospital rules may differ according to the country and the type of treatment, it is recommended to consult International Patient Services before travelling.

 Are There Accommodation Options for Companions?

 Yes. When the patient's accommodation is arranged, the companion's accommodation needs can also be included in the planning. Suitable options are evaluated according to availability and preference.

When Can I Return to My Country After Treatment?

 The time of return is determined by the doctor according to the treatment applied, the patient's general health condition and the recovery process. Particularly after surgical procedures, the appropriate time for flying should be assessed on an individual basis.

Can I Travel Within Türkiye During Treatment?

 If the patient's health condition and treatment programme allow, travel may be possible. However, as travel restrictions may be necessary after an operation or certain medical procedures, the doctor's recommendations should be taken into account."

Trust and Quality

Which International Quality Standards Are Applied at Medipol Hospitals?

 At Medipol, healthcare services are carried out in line with quality standards covering patient safety, clinical quality and medical care processes. Medipol Mega University Hospital is accredited under the JCI Academic Medical Center Hospital standards.

 In addition, Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital and MEDIPOL Acıbadem Regional Hospital also hold the JCI Accreditation Certificate.

What Are the International Accreditations of Medipol Hospitals?

 Medipol Mega University Hospital is accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) under the Academic Medical Center Hospital standards. In addition, Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital and MEDIPOL Acıbadem Regional Hospital hold the JCI Accreditation Certificate. Up-to-date accreditation information can be checked through the relevant hospital and Medipol Global channels.

 In addition, the hospital has earned the HIMSS Stage 6 certificate in line with the HIMSS criteria, which assess the level of use of digital technologies and information systems in healthcare services. Following the assessments carried out in December 2017, Medipol Mega University Hospital became the first and only private hospital in Türkiye to reach this stage.

How Can the Specialties and Experience of Doctors at Medipol Be Checked?

 The physicians' areas of expertise and professional information can be reviewed through the doctor profiles on Medipol's website. The International Patient Services team can also provide guidance on the specialty and physician appropriate to the patient's diagnosis. 

How Is Patient Safety Ensured for International Patients?

 Patient safety is supported by many practices such as correct patient and procedure verification, medication safety, infection control, operating theatre standards, clinical follow-up and quality processes. The patient's individual health condition is also taken into account in treatment planning.

Which Medical Devices and Technologies Are Used at Medipol?

 Medipol has many technologies including advanced imaging, radiotherapy, robotic surgery, surgical navigation and robotic rehabilitation. CyberKnife M6, Gamma Knife, Varian TrueBeam, Halcyon, PET/CT, 3 Tesla MRI, 256-slice CT, intraoperative MRI, O-Arm and various robotic systems are among them. 

 The technology to be used varies according to the hospital, specialty, diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Are the Personal and Medical Data of International Patients Protected?

 Medipol Health Group processes personal data and special categories of personal data in line with Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK), the legislation on personal health data and the relevant regulations. Health data is processed and protected only within the framework of the necessary purposes and legal grounds.

What Are Patient Rights During the Treatment Process?

 Patients have rights such as receiving healthcare services without discrimination, obtaining understandable information about their health condition and treatment options, learning the identity and title of healthcare professionals, requesting that their privacy be protected, and accessing their medical records to the extent permitted by legislation.

How Is the Communication Process With International Patients Conducted?

 The International Patient Services team provides communication and coordination support to patients throughout the application, medical evaluation, appointment, travel, hospital and follow-up processes. Interpretation support in different languages is offered with the aim of facilitating communication between the patient and the healthcare team.

How Are Complex and Multidisciplinary Treatment Cases Managed at Medipol?

 In cases involving more than one area of expertise, the relevant specialties can carry out a joint multidisciplinary evaluation. The patient's diagnosis, general health condition and treatment options are addressed in line with the opinions of different specialties, allowing a personalised treatment approach to be developed.

After Treatment

How Does the Follow-Up Process Continue After Receiving Treatment in Türkiye?

 The follow-up process is planned according to the treatment applied. Before discharge, the patient is informed about check-up dates, medication use, returning to daily life and the situations that require attention. For patients who return to their country, remote follow-up can be carried out where appropriate.

Is an Online Consultation With the Doctor Possible After Treatment?

 Yes, where appropriate. Medipol offers an online doctor consultation service. After treatment, some check-ups, the evaluation of test results and the monitoring of the treatment process can be carried out through online consultations.

How Can I Get in Touch After Returning to My Country?

 You can continue your communication through the International Patient Services team. When necessary, your new medical documents and test results can be forwarded to the relevant physician so that the evaluation process can be organised.

How Are Post-Treatment Check-Ups Carried Out?

 Check-ups can be carried out face to face at the hospital or, in suitable cases, online, depending on the nature of the treatment. The frequency and method of check-ups are determined by the relevant physician according to the patient's clinical condition.

What Is Done in the Event of a Complication?

 If an unexpected symptom or a suspected complication arises after treatment, the patient should follow the medical instructions given to them and contact the healthcare team. In emergencies, the nearest emergency healthcare facility in their location should be contacted. The subsequent process is evaluated by the relevant physician according to the patient's clinical condition.

Are the Necessary Reports and Documents Provided to the Patient After Treatment?

 The appropriate medical documents relating to the treatment process can be provided to the patient. The discharge summary (epicrisis), test results, imaging reports, prescriptions and other necessary documents can be prepared according to the procedures performed.

 How Is Medication Use Monitored After Treatment?

 At the time of discharge, the patient is informed about the medications they need to take, their dosages and how long they should be used. Whether any change in drug treatment is required is assessed by the physician during check-ups. Patients should not stop taking their medications or change their dosages without their doctor's advice.