How To Plan Medical Trip To Turkey. The idea of traveling to a foreign country for medical treatment can be daunting. It involves navigating not just a new city, but a new healthcare system, often in a different language. It is natural to feel overwhelmed by the logistics: “Where do I stay?”, “How do I get to the hospital?”, “Who will take care of me?”. However, when you partner with a premier clinic like International Plus, this complexity disappears. We transform what could be a stressful medical operation into a seamless, well-orchestrated “medical holiday.” Turkey is not just a destination for surgery; it is a global leader in patient hospitality. This comprehensive guide is the only map you will need. It is designed to walk you through every single step, from your first Google search to your flight home, proving that your journey to a new you is closer and easier than you think.
Step By Step Medical Tourism Guide
To make the process manageable, we break it down into five clear, actionable phases.
- Communication: You reach out to us, and we assign you a personal medical consultant.
- Planning: We evaluate your medical history and provide a treatment plan and price quote.
- Travel: You book your flights, and we arrange everything else (hotel, transfers).
- Treatment: You arrive in Istanbul, undergo your procedure and recover in luxury.
- Return: You fly home with your new look and we continue to monitor your recovery remotely. By following this structure, you eliminate the guesswork.
Online Consultation Process
Everything begins with a conversation. In the digital age, you do not need to fly to Istanbul just to see if you are a candidate. The online consultation process is simple, secure and completely free. You will be asked to send photos of the area you want to treat (e.g., your hairline, nose or body) via WhatsApp or email. Our medical team reviews these images to assess your suitability for surgery. Based on this, we create a detailed, personalized treatment plan that outlines the technique, expected results and costs.
As Dr. Hakan from International Plus advises: ‘A successful medical trip starts with clear communication. We use high resolution photos and video calls to assess your condition remotely, ensuring the treatment plan is 99% accurate before you even book your flight.’
Visa Requirements For Medical Travel
For many international patients, entry into Turkey is incredibly straightforward. Citizens of the UK and many European Union countries do not require a visa for tourist visits (which covers medical tourism stays up to 90 days). For citizens of the USA, Canada and Australia, an E Visa can be obtained online in less than 3 minutes. It is a simple digital process. The most critical requirement is your passport: ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry.
Booking Flights For Surgery
Once your medical assessment is complete and you have decided on a surgery date, it is time to book your flight. Istanbul has two major international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Check with your coordinator which airport is closer to your assigned hotel, though our transfer team covers both. Crucially, do not book your flight until you have received final medical clearance from our team. This avoids the cost of rescheduling if the doctor needs more tests or advises a different timeline.
Airport Transfer and Hotel Booking
This is where the “All Inclusive” concept shines. You do not need to worry about hailing a taxi in a foreign language or scrolling through hotel booking sites. We handle it all. Your package includes VIP transfer services. A private, luxury van will pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your hotel. We partner with vetted 5-star hotels that are experienced in hosting medical guests, offering amenities like extra pillows, room service and proximity to the clinic. Your accommodation is booked by us; you just check in.
What To Pack For Surgery Trip
Packing for a medical trip is different from packing for a vacation. Comfort is king.
- Clothing: Bring loose, comfortable clothes. For breast surgery, rhinoplasty or hair transplants, button-up or zip-up tops are essential so you don’t have to pull anything over your head. Slip-on shoes are best to avoid bending over.
- Essentials: Bring your phone charger, a travel adapter (Turkey uses Type F plugs) and any regular prescription medications you take.
- Entertainment: Recovery can be boring, so load up your tablet with movies or books.
Bringing A Companion To Turkey
Having a support system can be invaluable. Bringing a companion to Turkey is welcomed and encouraged. Most of our partner hotels allow a guest to stay in your double room at no extra charge (you only pay for their breakfast in some cases). They can provide emotional support and help with small tasks like putting on socks or getting water. However, if you are traveling solo, do not worry. Our nursing staff and patient coordinators act as your family, checking on you constantly to ensure you are never lonely or helpless.
Insurance For Medical Tourism
It is important to understand that standard travel insurance typically excludes planned medical treatments. While complications are rare, it is smart to be prepared. We recommend purchasing specialized medical travel insurance. These policies are designed specifically for medical tourists and cover potential costs related to surgical complications, extended stays or medical repatriation. It provides an extra layer of financial security.
Arrival In Istanbul Procedures
Imagine landing in a new city. You are tired from the flight. The last thing you want is stress. At International Plus, we ensure your arrival is smooth. When you exit customs, you will see a greeter holding a sign with your name or the clinic’s logo. They will welcome you, help with your luggage and escort you to your waiting VIP vehicle. From that moment on, you are in our care. You will be driven to your hotel to rest before your pre operative tests the next day.
One of our patients, David from the USA, shares: ‘I was nervous about landing in a huge city like Istanbul alone. But as soon as I exited customs, I saw the International Plus greeter. From that moment on, I didn’t have to worry about a single thing. They handled my luggage, my transport, and my check in.’
Surgery Packages Istanbul
Our surgery packages Istanbul are designed to provide transparency and value. By bundling the essential elements, we protect you from unexpected costs. A standard package includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, hospital stay, medication, post-op garments, hotel accommodation, transfers and translator services. The price you see on your treatment plan is the price you pay. This allows you to budget effectively without fear of hidden surcharges.
Need a customized travel itinerary for your treatment? Get a free travel plan and medical assessment from our experts at International Plus International Patient Center today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a medical visa for Turkey?
No. For most cosmetic and elective procedures, a standard tourist visa (or E-Visa) is sufficient as the stay is short and the primary purpose is widely accepted under tourism regulations.
How many days should I stay in Istanbul for surgery?
This depends on the procedure. For hair transplants, 3 days is usually enough. For rhinoplasty or breast surgery, we recommend 7 days to allow for cast removal and a final check-up. For major body lifts, 10-14 days may be required.
Is it safe to travel to Turkey alone for surgery?
Yes, thousands of patients do it every year. Our system is set up to support solo travelers. Your personal host is available 24/7 to assist with translation, medical needs or general questions, ensuring you always have a local contact.
Can I use my credit card in Istanbul?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. However, it is always useful to have some Turkish Lira cash for small expenses like taxis or street food.
Conclusion
Planning a medical trip to Turkey does not have to be a headache. It is a structured, safe and exciting journey towards self-improvement. With International Plus managing the logistics, you have the freedom to focus entirely on your recovery and the excitement of your transformation.
Let us handle the logistics while you focus on your transformation. Explore our comprehensive International Patient Guide and start your journey now.
At International Plus, we are dedicated to making your transformation as smooth as possible. We organize the entire process for you, including your appointments, VIP transfers, medical treatment and luxury accommodation. The only thing you need to arrange is your flight ticket.
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International Plus was established from scratch in 2014 with the sole purpose of providing a world class center for plastic and cosmetic surgery by SAMİLSAN SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİ TURİZM DANIŞMANLIK TİCARET LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ International Plus has developed a worldwide reputation for its unique treatments and techniques. With over 10 years of experience, our talented medical experts are among the best in their respective fields. You are our priority. We are convinced that good communication between you and your surgeon is essential when planning your treatments. We offer realistic advice and the most suitable treatments for you.
