Choosing to receive medical treatment abroad is a decision more and more patients are making. Among the most popular procedures are dental work, cosmetic surgery, and beauty treatments, as well as many surgical procedures for overall health.
Travelling abroad for healthcare might seem complicated and sometimes intimidating. However, a medical tourism journey can be relaxed, safe, and pleasant if organised properly. Turkey, in particular, has developed world-class infrastructure specifically designed to make your medical journey as smooth as possible.
Here are our tips on how to prepare for a medical trip abroad, with special attention to Turkey, which has become one of the world’s leading destinations for medical tourism.
Learn about your destination country
The first step is, of course, booking the clinical facility for your procedure or treatment. Once you’ve chosen the clinic that best suits your needs, it’s time to start organising your trip.
Begin by researching information about your destination country. We recommend looking into:
- The local healthcare system and its regulations
- Your chosen clinic, the doctors who will perform the procedure, its certifications, and basic information such as address and phone number
- Local culture and customs, to be well-prepared and avoid delays or unexpected issues
- Other precautions such as knowing if tap water is safe to drink, and if there are foods or beverages to avoid
Turkey stands out in this regard, as its medical tourism infrastructure is highly developed. Many Turkish clinics provide extensive pre-travel information packets specifically designed for international patients, covering everything from local customs to dietary recommendations during recovery.
Consult your GP or specialist
As a general rule, we recommend consulting your GP or specialist before departing. Your doctor might suggest some preliminary tests or check-ups to ensure you’re travelling in optimal health conditions.
In some cases, the doctor might also recommend certain vaccinations suitable for the country you’re about to visit, though Turkey typically doesn’t require special vaccinations for visitors.
You can also check official government travel advice websites for all information about your destination country.
Organise your journey
Once you’re in good health and ready to depart, you can start organising your trip.
Before leaving, make sure to:
- Book flights for yourself and any companions
- Reserve hotel accommodation for the entire necessary period
- Arrange transfers to and from the airport, and transfers between your hotel and the clinic
- Plan your itinerary based on the length of the procedure and recovery time
We recommend being accompanied by a family member or friend, especially for major procedures that require a few days of hospitalisation and may cause physical discomfort.
All-inclusive packages
Often, clinics abroad offer all-inclusive packages. This means that, in addition to the cost of the procedure and related care, transport and accommodation costs are also included. Usually, the service of a guide or interpreter is included as well.
Turkish clinics are particularly known for their comprehensive packages, which typically include stays in high-quality hotels, dedicated English-speaking patient coordinators, and private transportation. Many patients report that the quality of these all-inclusive experiences in Turkey exceeds what they expected, with luxury accommodations that feel more like a holiday than a medical trip.
Most clinics on intclinics.com offer all-inclusive packages to make the journey as simple and comfortable as possible, with stays in mid to high-end hotels and complete assistance.
What to pack for your trip
Once you’ve organised your trip, including transport and accommodation, it’s time to pack your bags. What should you bring with you?
Besides your essential luggage, here’s what we recommend:
- At least 1-2 changes of clothes, especially comfortable and easy-to-wear clothes, suitable for the climate and temperature of the destination country
- Your national ID card or passport for travel to Turkey (for EU citizens Turkey doesn’t require a passport for short stays)
- Local currency cash, or pounds/euros to exchange locally (be mindful of the exchange rate!)
- Prescription medications you regularly use that you don’t need to stop for the operation
- Results of any tests and medical records related to the procedure
If your health condition allows, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the city or surrounding area. Many clinics in Turkey are located in international cities rich in history and culture, such as Istanbul, Antalya, or Izmir, which can be a pleasant addition to your journey.
Additional useful tips
Here are some extra recommendations to ensure a stress-free trip:
- Consider purchasing travel insurance, also to protect your luggage or in case of flight cancellation
- Request a written copy of instructions to follow after the operation and throughout the healing period, including medications to use
- Respect all hygiene standards and be particularly cautious to ensure the best result, maximum safety, and avoid infections
- Don’t share your personal and health information during the initial clinic research phase, but only once you’ve selected a reliable and professional facility
If you follow all our advice, we’re confident that your medical trip abroad will be serene, safe, and worry-free. And if you haven’t booked your medical journey yet, you can find an extensive list of accredited clinics on intclinics.com.
