Arranging the trip

Be Sure About Your Diagnosis and Treatment Needs

The more you know about the treatment you’re seeking, the easier your search for a physician will be. Do work closely with your local doctor or medical specialist, and make sure you obtain exact recommendations-in writing, if possible. If you lack confidence in your doctor’s diagnosis, seek a second opinion.

Research Your In-Country Doctor Thoroughly

This is the most important step of all. When you’ve narrowed your search to two or three physicians, invest some time and money in personal telephone interviews, either directly with your candidate doctors or through your health travel planning agency. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, lots of them, until you feel comfortable that you have chosen a competent physician.

Consider Travelling With a Companion

Many health travelers say they wouldn’t go without a close friend or family member by their side. Your travel companion can help you every step of the way. With luck, your companion may even enjoy the trip!

Consider Engaging a Good Health Planner

Even the most intrepid, adventurous medical traveler will benefit from the knowledge, experience, and in-country support these professionals can bring to any health journey. Do thoroughly research an agent before plunking down your deposit.

Get It In Writing

Cost estimates, appointments, recommendations, opinions, second opinions, airline and hotel arrangements—get as much as you can in writing, and do be sure to take all documentation with you on the plane. Email is fine, as long as you retain a written record of your key transactions. The more you get in writing, the less chance of a misunderstanding.

Insist On Using a Language You Understand

As much as many of us would like to have a better command of another language, the time to brush up on your Turkish is most definitely not when negotiating medical care! Establishing comfortable, reliable communication with your key contacts is paramount to your success as a health traveler. Happily for English-speaking patients, most medical staff in Turkey speak English, so communication should not be a problem.

Do Not Plan Your Too Tightly

Don’t plan your trip with military precision. A missed consultation or an extra two days of recovery in Turkey can mean expensive rescheduling with airlines. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra day for every five days you anticipate for consultation, treatment, and recovery.

Alert Your Bank and Credit Card Companies

Contact your bank and credit card companies prior to your trip. Inform them of your travel dates and where you will be. If you plan to use a credit card for large amounts, alert the company in advance, and reconfirm your credit limits to avoid card cancellation or unexpected rejections.

Learn a Little About Your Destination

Once you’ve decided on Turkey or any other health travel destination, spend a little time getting to know something about its history and geography. Buy or borrow a couple of travel guides. Read a local newspaper. Your hosts will appreciate your knowledge and interest.

Inform Your Local Doctors Before You Leave

Preserve a good working relationship with your family physician and local specialists. Although they may not particularly like you’re traveling overseas for medical care, most doctors will respect your decision. Your local healthcare providers need to know what you’re doing, so they can continue your care and treatment once you return home.

Visa information

While planning your trip to Turkey do not forget to check your passport if it is valid for at least 90 days. To avoid any inconvenience please make your visa application in person and one month before you proceed to Turkey. Depending on your nationality, most probably your stay as a tourist is limited up to 3 months (for one entrance). For tourist visas, there is no need to apply in advance or to fill in any forms. If you are flying to Turkey, you will buy your visa at the Turkish airport on arrival. To learn the visa fees at border gates you may visit http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-fees-at-border-gates-for-2008.en.mfa. You will see the visa desk, situated just before passport control. You must buy your visa, which will be stamped on your passport by the official, before you join the queue for passport control. Visas are multiple entries and are valid for three months. Each passport-holder, including infants, must purchase a visa. With tourist visas you will not have the right to take up paid or unpaid employment or to reside, or to study (including student exchange program) or to establish yourself in business in Turkey. For more information please visit http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.en.mfa?cc4e437c-6769-4d79-9017-10b63c651224