Travelling to another country for cancer treatment or an organ transplant takes far more preparation than travelling for cosmetic surgery: the stay is long, the paperwork is extensive and a companion is usually needed. In this guide New City Clinic sets out the process step by step for patients from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Before you travel
The process begins with documents. A physician reviews your reports, and you receive a written preliminary plan, the expected length of stay and an itemised quote. For a transplant, the official documents proving the relationship between recipient and donor are also requested at this stage. Dates are set around hospital appointments; do not book flights until the plan is confirmed.
Visa and documents
Entry requirements for Türkiye depend on nationality: citizens of some countries can enter without a visa or with an e-visa, while others need a visa from a consulate. Check the current rules with official sources. Where a visa application is required, a hospital appointment and invitation letter is provided. Check the validity of your passport and your companion’s documents as well.
Length of stay, companion and accommodation
In oncology the duration depends on the treatment: an assessment may take a few days and radiotherapy several weeks, while drug treatments may involve repeated visits. For a transplant the process is about 70 days and the donor travels with you. Accommodation near the hospital, transfers and interpreting are arranged by New City Clinic; for long stays, apartments with a kitchen are often preferred.
Going home and follow-up
Before you leave, the physician confirms that you are fit to fly. Your treatment summary, medication plan and reports are prepared in English; give them to your physician at home, where check-ups and medication monitoring continue. Your New City Clinic coordinator stays in touch for questions; in an emergency, contact your local medical services.
Cancer treatment or a transplant in Istanbul with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about cancer treatment or a transplant in Istanbul, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Is an invitation letter provided for the visa?
Yes. For patients and companions from countries that need a visa, a hospital appointment and invitation letter is provided; the visa decision rests with the consulate.
How many people can come with me?
One companion is usually recommended; for a transplant the donor travels as well. Accommodation is planned around your needs.
Do my reports need to be translated?
Reports in English are reviewed directly. For documents in other languages, the necessary translations are arranged.
Deciding on cancer treatment or a transplant in Istanbul is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
