10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Clinic Abroad
Choosing where to have treatment is one of the most important decisions in your medical journey. Comparing prices is easy; comparing safety, experience and care is harder. These ten questions will help you look beyond the advertising and choose a hospital or clinic with confidence.
Is the Provider Authorised to Treat International Patients?
In Türkiye, hospitals and clinics that serve international patients are expected to hold an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health. You can check the official lists of certified healthcare providers and facilitators on the HealthTürkiye website of the Republic of Türkiye.
Some hospitals also hold international accreditations, such as Joint Commission International (JCI). Accreditation is not required for good care, but it shows the organisation has been assessed against international standards.
Who Will Perform My Treatment?
Ask for the name of the doctor who will treat you, their specialty, their experience with your specific procedure and how long they have been practising. For procedures with several steps — such as hair transplants — ask which parts are performed by the doctor and which by the wider medical team.
Will My Case Be Reviewed by a Doctor Before I Travel?
A responsible provider asks for your medical history, reports and images and has them reviewed by a doctor before proposing a plan. Be cautious if a detailed treatment and price are offered before anyone with medical training has looked at your information.
Can I Receive a Written Treatment Plan?
A written plan should describe the proposed procedure, what it aims to achieve, the expected timeline, the number of appointments and the recommended length of stay. It should also explain what might change after the in-person examination.
What Exactly Is Included in the Price?
Ask for a clear list of what is included — for example consultations, tests, anaesthesia, hospital stay, medications, garments, follow-up visits, accommodation and transfers — and what is not. Very low prices without detail are a reason to ask more questions, not fewer.
What Are the Risks and the Alternatives?
Every medical procedure carries risks. A good doctor explains the possible complications, how common they are, and what alternatives exist, including non-surgical options or waiting. Take time to read the consent documents before your treatment day.
What Happens If There Is a Complication?
Ask how complications are managed during your stay and after you return home, who is responsible for additional treatment, and whether any additional costs are covered. Knowing the answer in advance brings peace of mind.
How Will We Communicate?
Clear communication is essential for safe care. Ask whether the doctors speak your language or whether a medical interpreter will be available, and who you can contact at any time during your stay.
How Is Follow-Up Organised After I Return Home?
Ask how check-ups will take place — online, with your local doctor or during another visit — and how you can reach the medical team with questions. Make sure you will receive your medical records in English. Our recovery and aftercare guide explains what to prepare.
What Results Can I Realistically Expect?
Ask what a realistic result looks like for someone with your characteristics, and how long it will take to appear. Before-and-after photos can be helpful when they come from the doctor’s own patients with similar cases — but no one should guarantee a perfect outcome.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Pressure to decide or pay quickly, such as “today only” discounts
- No medical review of your case before a plan and price are offered
- Unclear information about who will perform the treatment
- Guaranteed results or dismissing your questions about risks
- No clear plan for aftercare or complications
How Medistra Care Can Help
At Medistra Care, we coordinate with selected healthcare providers and specialists in Türkiye and encourage every patient to ask these questions — including to us. Your coordinator can help you gather answers, compare information and prepare for your consultation, while all medical decisions remain with qualified medical professionals.
See how our process works on the How It Works page, learn about our healthcare network or start your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check whether a clinic in Türkiye is authorised for health tourism?
The Republic of Türkiye publishes lists of healthcare providers and facilitators holding an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate on the official HealthTürkiye website.
Is JCI accreditation necessary?
No, but it is one indicator that a hospital has been assessed against international quality and safety standards. It is helpful alongside the other questions in this guide.
Should I choose the cheapest option?
Price is only one factor. The experience of the medical team, the quality of the assessment, what is included and the aftercare plan are just as important for your safety and results.
Information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment recommendations are made by qualified medical professionals after evaluation of each individual case.