There are an estimated 18.1 million cancer survivors in the United States, a number expected to rise to 22.5 million by 2032. This growth highlights progress in treatment options. Facing a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, and you or a loved one may be considering Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). While costs in the US range from $135,000 to $150,000, countries like Turkey, Spain, and Italy offer the same high-quality care starting at $28,000. These clinics meet international standards, such as ISO 900 certification. Let's explore with Bookimed how HIPEC works and where patients can find the most affordable options.
Key Takeaways: HIPEC Cost
💰 Cost Savings
USA: $135,000 – $150,000
UK: $37,500 – $62,500
Turkey: $28,000 – $38,000 (Save up to 80%, ~$112,000)
Spain: $25,000 – $45,000 (Save up to 70%, ~$105,000)
Italy: $30,000 – $90,000 (Save up to 75%, ~$120,000)
Ukraine: $10,000 – $20,000 (Save up to 90%, ~$130,000)
🌍 All-inclusive packages include surgery, preoperative tests, hospital stay, language assistance, and transfers.
🏥 Accredited clinics abroad meet global standards with certifications like ISO 9001.
🛡️ Some insurers may cover HIPEC abroad; verify your policy.
💚 Save thousands with Bookimed while accessing top-tier HIPEC treatment globally.
Table of Contents:
What Is HIPEC Treatment?
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is an advanced treatment for certain types of cancer that affect the abdominal area.
HIPEC is typically used for cancers confined to the abdominal cavity, such as:
Peritoneal carcinomatosis (cancer spread to the abdominal lining).
Appendiceal cancer (including pseudomyxoma peritonei).
A review showed that patients with high-risk colorectal cancer who received proactive HIPEC had a much lower chance of cancer spreading to the abdomen (risk reduced by 59%). The reduced spread shows the targeted effectiveness of HIPEC.
What to Expect During HIPEC Therapy
HIPEC surgery combines cytoreductive surgery (removing visible tumors) with the infusion of a heated chemotherapy solution into the abdominal cavity.
It begins with a procedure called cytoreductive surgery, where a surgeon removes as much visible cancer from the abdominal cavity as possible.
After surgery, a heated chemotherapy solution is introduced directly into the abdomen. The chemotherapy is circulated within the abdominal cavity for about 60–90 minutes.
The heat enhances the chemotherapy's ability to penetrate and destroy remaining cancer cells that are too small to be seen or removed surgically.
✅ Since the chemotherapy stays in the abdominal cavity, it has less impact on the rest of the body, reducing the common side effects seen with systemic chemotherapy.
What to expect
Before undergoing HIPEC, patients go through tests and consultations to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure. The treatment itself is performed under general anesthesia and combines:
- surgery to remove visible tumors;
- heated chemotherapy to target remaining cancer cells.
🔹After the procedure, patients receive post-operative care in the hospital, followed by ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation to support their recovery. On average, patients typically stay in the hospital for 7 to 14 days.
Why HIPEC is Worth It: Key Benefits
HIPEC is a valuable treatment option for certain cancers due to its unique benefits.
Targeted treatment. Delivers heated chemotherapy directly to the abdomen. It focuses on cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, reducing side effects like nausea and immune suppression.
Improved Survival. For certain cancers, HIPEC can significantly extend survival. Studies show it increases survival rates for advanced colorectal cancer to 40-50% at 5 years, compared to 20% with standard care.
Effective for complex cases. Especially beneficial for cancers spread to the abdominal lining, like peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Carcinomatosis is a condition in which cancer has spread extensively to the lining of body cavities, such as the peritoneum (the thin tissue covering abdominal organs) or the pleura (the lining around the lungs). It typically occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and implant themselves on these linings, forming multiple small tumors.
Reduced recurrence. A JAMA Surgery study revealed that HIPEC patients had significantly lower peritoneal recurrence rates (9.3%) compared to standard surgery patients (42.5%), demonstrating a notable reduction in recurrence risk.
Quality of life. Helps manage symptoms like pain and bloating, allowing many patients to regain daily functionality.
How Much Does HIPEC Treatment Cost?
HIPEC is a rather costly, life-saving option for patients with certain cancers. However, its cost can vary significantly depending on the country. Abroad, the cost of HIPEC treatment is drastically lower than that of the USA or the UK. Let's compare the average cost of HIPEC treatment across different countries
| Country | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | $20,000 to $30,000 |
| China | $15,000 to $30,000 |
| Germany | $30,000 to $50,000 |
| Greece | $25,000 to $35,000 |
| Israel | $30,000 to $50,000 |
| Italy | $30,000 to $90,000 |
| Republic of Korea | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Spain | $25,000 to $45,000 |
| Turkey | $28,000 to $38,000 |
| Ukraine | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| US | $135,000 to $150,000 |
| UK | $37,500 to $62,500 |
In Turkey, the cost of HIPEC treatment ranges from $28,000 to $38,000, making it one of the most affordable, high-quality options. Patients save up to 80%, or $112,000, compared to the USA.
In Ukraine, the HIPEC treatment cost starts as low as $10,000, offering a 90% savings over American prices.
Spain and Italy provide mid-range options for HIPEC treatment cost, starting at $25,000 and $30,000, respectively, which is 70–75% cheaper than in the USA.
Why choose HIPEC treatment abroad?
✅ Patients can save tens of thousands of dollars by choosing countries with affordable HIPEC treatment cost options, such as Ukraine or Turkey.
✅ International clinics meet global standards, including certifications like ISO 9001, and are recognized by the European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) for their expertise in cancer treatment.
✅ Affordable countries offer packages that include preoperative consultations, surgery, post-treatment care, and additional services like language assistance and transportation.
Comprehensive HIPEC Packages
💚 Bookimed offers all-inclusive packages from partner clinics with outstanding benefits. Patients frequently save more by booking through Bookimed compared to direct clinic bookings, with access to exclusive limited-time deals for even greater discounts.
Bookimed's HIPEC packages provide comprehensive care. Designed for convenience, these packages ensure international patients receive world-class care with minimal stress.
All-inclusive deals typically include the HIPEC procedure, preoperative tests, surgeon consultations, and hospital stays.
Many packages also cover airport transfers and language assistance, while services like accommodation, meals, and post-treatment medications may require confirmation or extra cost.
| Service | Commonly Included | Requires Confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| HIPEC Procedure | ✅ | |
| Preoperative Tests | ✅ | |
| Hospital Stay | ✅ | |
| Local Transfers | ✅ | |
| Accommodation | ✅ | |
| Language Assistance | ✅ | |
| Meals by Nutritionist | ✅ |
Factors That Determine the Cost of HIPEC
The HIPEC surgery cost varies widely depending on several factors:
Type of cancer
Advanced abdominal cancers often involve more extensive surgeries and higher doses of heated chemotherapy drugs, increasing costs.
Specific cancers, such as those of colonic origin, may need additional imaging tests or specialized drugs, adding to the actual cost.
Extent of surgery
Larger or more widespread tumors increase the procedure's length and cost due to the use of more chemotherapy drugs and extended surgical effort.
Hospital Stay
Costs rise based on the duration of the stay, including charges for the room, nursing care, and post-operative medications.
Extended monitoring for complications like infection or pain management adds to the hospital costs.
Location and healthcare system
In the USA, the price ranges from $135,000 to $150,000 due to higher labor costs and strict regulations. Countries like Turkey and Ukraine offer HIPEC procedures starting at $10,000–$28,000. This is due to lower operational expenses and streamlined healthcare processes.
Medical team expertise
Experienced surgeons in surgical oncology specializing in HIPEC treatment often charge more for their expertise.
Clinics with recognized certifications like Joint Commission International (JCI)or affiliations with the International Society of Surgery (ISS)may have higher costs, but ensure safety.
💚Both of these criteria are met with Bookimed without the price increment.
Chemotherapy drugs and technology
The HIPEC machine price, used to heat and circulate chemotherapy drugs, is a significant contributor to the overall cost. These specialized devices ensure precise temperature control and even drug distribution in the peritoneal cavity. The HIPEC machine price is high, which directly impacts the procedure price.
Customized drugs for certain types of cancer increase the overall treatment costs but improve effectiveness.
Here are the price ranges for drugs used in HIPEC for different cancers, along with the estimated costs in the United States and Turkey:
| Cancer Type | Common Drugs | Purpose | Price Range in the US | Price Range in Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorectal cancer | Mitomycin-C, Oxaliplatin | Targets residual cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity. | $1,000 - $2,500 per dose | $500 - $1,200 per dose |
| Ovarian cancer | Cisplatin, Paclitaxel | Effective against widespread cancer in peritoneal metastases. | $1,500 - $3,000 per dose | $700 - $1,500 per dose |
| Gastric cancer | Cisplatin, Mitomycin-C | Reduces tumor spread within the abdominal cavity. | $1,200 - $2,800 per dose | $600 - $1,300 per dose |
| Appendiceal cancer | Mitomycin-C, Doxorubicin | Combats slow-growing but invasive peritoneal surface malignancies. | $1,000 - $2,400 per dose | $500 - $1,100 per dose |
| Peritoneal mesothelioma | Cisplatin, Doxorubicin | Slows progression of cancer in the abdominal lining. | $1,500 - $3,200 per dose | $700 - $1,600 per dose |
Can Insurance Cover HIPEC?
Not all international health insurance plans cover specialized treatments such as HIPEC. It's essential to review your policy details. Certain policies may limit coverage to specific hospitals or healthcare providers. Verify that your chosen treatment facility is within your insurer's approved network.
Some insurers require pre-authorization for treatments abroad. Ensure you obtain the necessary approvals to avoid unexpected expenses.
❗Even with coverage, you might be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs.
Steps to ensure coverage
Consult your insurance provider
Engage with your insurer to clarify coverage specifics for HIPEC treatment abroad.
Obtain detailed documentation
Secure comprehensive medical records and a letter of medical necessity from your healthcare provider to support your case.
Explore international health insurance options
If your current policy lacks adequate coverage, consider international health insurance plans that offer broader benefits. Providers like Cigna Global and GeoBlue are known for comprehensive international coverage.
Exploring Financing Options for HIPEC Treatment
Finding ways to finance Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy abroad makes treatment more accessible. Patients can reduce financial strain by combining options like insurance, loans, and packages while accessing high-quality care abroad.
✔️Even without funding, HIPEC treatment abroad is up to 90% cheaper than in the USA or UK.
1. International health insurance. Review policies from providers like Cigna Global or GeoBlue. They are known for comprehensive international coverage.
2. Medical loans. Specialized financing companies like Chrysalis Finance offer loans for private medical treatments. Traditional personal loans from banks are also an option.
3. Crowdfunding & grants. Platforms like GoFundMe allow patients to share their stories and raise funds. Organizations like CancerCare and disease-specific foundations also provide financial assistance.
4. Payment plans & packages. Hospitals abroad offer installment agreements or all-inclusive packages covering treatment, accommodation, transportation, and follow-up care. Clinics in Turkey provide HIPEC with full-service care starting at $28,000.
You may also discuss discounts directly with hospitals, especially for self-paying patients.
💚 Feel free to discuss the options with your medical Bookimed coordinator.
5. Clinical trials. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for trials offering reduced or free HIPEC.
6. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Tax-advantaged savings can often be used for international medical expenses, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Choosing a Hospital for HIPEC Treatment
To ensure effective HIPEC treatment, focus on these essentials:
Select hospitals with trusted certifications, ensuring expertise. For example:
Prioritize centers performing regular HIPEC procedures for cancers like colorectal or ovarian cancer.
Look for all-inclusive packages covering surgery, hospital stays, and travel.
Ensure the hospital has precise heated chemotherapy systems and a skilled multidisciplinary team for optimal outcomes.
Use trusted platforms like Bookimed to compare costs, reviews, and treatment options.
💚 Bookimed ranks HIPEC clinics transparently, factoring in patient reviews, success rates, doctors' expertise, and advanced techniques. This helps patients choose the best care. Details are available on the Bookimed Clinic Ranking Policy page.
| Clinic | Location | Rating ⭐ |
|---|---|---|
| Liv Hospital Ulus | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.5/5 |
| Hisar Intercontinental Hospital | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.5/5 |
| Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) | Tel Aviv, Israel | 4.4/5 |
| Maria Cecilia Hospital | Bologna, Italy |
Liv Hospital Ulus (4,5⭐)
📍Istanbul, Turkey
IV Hospital offers Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for conditions such as appendiceal tumors, colorectal cancer with stomach metastasis, and ovarian cancer. The hospital uses advanced techniques like the Oncogramme, a lab method to identify the most effective drugs for rare or treatment-resistant tumors. To minimize side effects, LIV also follows the ALARA principle ("as low as is reasonably achievable").
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital (4,5⭐)
📍Istanbul, Turkey
Hisar Hospital Intercontinental in Istanbul is a trusted destination for advanced oncology treatments. The hospital serves both pediatric and adult patients and provides personalized cancer care, including surgical, medical, and radiation oncology, for various cancer types.
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) (4.4⭐)
📍Tel Aviv, Israel
Sourasky Medical Center in Israel is a globally renowned hospital specializing in advanced cancer treatments, including Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for complex cancers like stomach and pancreatic cancer. Ranked among the Top 10 medical tourist clinics by Newsweek, Sourasky combines cutting-edge therapies like CAR T-cell therapy and Lutetium-177 with a 90% cancer treatment success rate.
Maria Cecilia Hospital
📍Bologna, Italy
Maria Cecilia Hospital is internationally recognized for its advanced cancer treatments and experienced specialists, including Dr. Marcello Deraco, who has successfully performed over 1,200 HIPEC procedures. Patients benefit from multidisciplinary care, including services like 3 meals per day by a nutritionist, preoperative tests, language assistance, and hospital transfers.
Are HIPEC Treatments Safe?
✅ HIPEC is safer than traditional chemotherapy, as it targets cancer directly, minimizing systemic effects.
A study of 1,822 patients found that the 30-day death rate after cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC (CRS/HIPEC) was much lower (1.1%) than that after other complex surgeries like pancreatic surgery (2.5%) or esophagus surgery (3.0%). This shows that HIPEC is a safer choice for high-risk cancer surgeries.
🔹Side effects after HIPEC are normal and manageable. Common issues include:
- temporary abdominal pain;
- fatigue;
- nausea;
- fluid imbalance (swelling, dehydration, or changes in blood pressure);
- delayed bowel function (digestive system slows down or stops working after surgery).
These are closely monitored to ensure recovery.
Risks
HIPEC is generally safe, but just like every other complicated surgery, it has some risks to consider.
Post-surgical infection is rare but possible.
Bleeding risk increases with extensive surgery.
Rare cases of injury to nearby organs.
Temporary nausea or reactions to anesthesia.
Blood clots are possible with extended recovery periods.
FAQs
How much does HIPEC treatment cost?
HIPEC procedures typically range from $135,000 to $150,000 in the United States, influenced by higher labor costs and stringent regulations. Conversely, countries like Turkey and Ukraine offer HIPEC treatments starting between $10,000 and $28,000, attributed to lower operational expenses.
What is the recovery time for HIPEC?
Recovery varies but generally takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and the patient's overall health.
What is the life expectancy of a person on HIPEC?
The life expectancy after HIPEC depends on the cancer type, stage, and success of the treatment. Patients with colorectal cancer and peritoneal metastases often have a median survival of 22–54 months. Those with appendiceal cancer may live over 5–10 years. Survival rates are higher with complete tumor removal, slower-growing cancers, and treatment at specialized centers.
How do you start your HIPEC journey with Bookimed?
Start today for a seamless journey to advanced HIPEC treatment!
💚 Explore offers. Browse available HIPEC treatment packages.
💚 Submit a request. Fill out the online form to begin.
💚 Get expert assistance. A medical coordinator will contact you to answer questions and recommend the best clinic for your needs.
💚 Receive a quote. The clinic sends you a detailed bill directly.
💚 Confirm and schedule. Once you approve, the coordinator will arrange your treatment date.
💚 Travel assistance. Your coordinator helps book flights and a hotel at partner discounts.
💚 Begin treatment. Arrive at the clinic as scheduled and start your care.
- Cancer Statistics. Comprehensive Cancer Information - NCI. URL: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics (date of access: 19.11.2024).
- Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer Patients at High Risk of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / P.-y. Zhao et al. Frontiers in Surgery. 2020. Vol. 7. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2020.590452 (date of access: 19.11.2024).
- Cortes-Guiral D., Glehen O. Expanding Uses of HIPEC for Locally Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A European Perspective. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. 2020. Vol. 33, no. 05. P. 253–257. URL: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1713742 (date of access: 19.11.2024).
- Efficacy and Safety of Intraoperative Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Colon Cancer / A. Arjona-Sánchez et al. JAMA Surgery. 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2023.0662 (date of access: 19.11.2024).
- Health Savings Account (HSA) - Glossary. HealthCare.gov. URL: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/#:~:text=A%20type%20of%20savings%20account,of-pocket%20health%20care%20costs (date of access: 19.11.2024).