Cancer treatment abroad can open doors to life-saving care without long waits or unmanageable costs. According to Bookimed’s research, the best countries for cancer treatment are Israel, Turkey, Germany, and Austria.
This article explains what makes these countries stand out, what treatment options and costs they offer, and how to travel safely.
Table of Contents
- Best Countries for Cancer Treatment: Overview
- How Much Does Cancer Treatment Abroad Cost?
- Why Patients Choose Cancer Treatment Abroad
- What Types of Cancer Treatments Are Available Abroad?
- Funding Options for International Patients
- How Can You Travel Abroad with Cancer?
- Key Takeaways
What Is the Best Country for Cancer Treatment?
Bookimed has prepared an overview of the most popular destinations for cancer treatment abroad. They offer the optimal balance of advanced medical care and competitive prices.
Israel
⟢ CAR T-Cell therapy
Israel has been instrumental in developing CAR T-Cell therapy. It uses genetic engineering to help the immune system fight cancer. In Israel, CAR-T therapy results in a 90% remission rate for multiple myeloma.
⟢ High survival rates, including:
- 88% 5-year survival rate for breast cancer.
- 97% survival rate for prostate cancer.
⟢ Leader in research
Israeli scientists are at the bleeding edge of cancer research. For example, they have recently identified a protein that prevents the immune system from attacking tumors. This discovery can lead to new ways to treat cancers that don’t respond well to immunotherapy.
⟢ Affordable treatments
Cancer treatments in Israel can cost 70%–80% less than those in the US. For example, CAR T therapy costs around $90,000-$120,000, while the costs exceed $400,000 per treatment in the US.
Best cancer treatment center in Israel
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) – Tel Aviv
☆ 90% success rate in advanced cancer care.
☆ Ranked among the Top 100 World's Best Hospitals 2025 by Newsweek.
☆ Israel’s largest multidisciplinary medical facility.
Turkey
⟢ High survival rates
Turkey’s cancer survival rates have soared from 40% to over 80% in the past 30 years. This has happened thanks to the transition from chemotherapy to immunotherapy, active research, and numerous clinical trials.
Turkey’s successes include:
- 86% 5-year survival rate for breast cancer;
- 85% for patients with uterine cancer;
- 74.4% for childhood cancer (and 91.8% for blood cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma).
⟢ World-class facilities
Turkish hospitals actively collaborate with top international institutions like Johns Hopkins. They integrate the latest research and clinical trials. Over 40 JCI-accredited hospitals adhere to international healthcare standards.
Among the latest medical technologies used in Turkey are Da Vinci robotic surgery, CyberKnife, and Gamma Knife surgery.
⟢ Affordable care
Turkey offers competitive prices on cancer treatment abroad due to lower operational costs and costs of living, as well as government support for healthcare. While treatment costs in the US can exceed $100,000, international patients may pay between $20,000 and $35,000 for the same care in Turkey.
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Best cancer treatment centers in Turkey
Anadolu Medical Center – Istanbul
☆ Highest-rated cancer treatment clinic worldwide
☆ Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital and follows American treatment standards
☆ One of the World’s Top 10 Hospitals according to the Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA)
Memorial Şişli Hospital – Istanbul
☆ The 1st hospital in Turkey to be accredited by JCI
☆ Minimally invasive techniques with Da Vinci robotic surgery and laparoscopy
☆ Healthcare professionals follow international protocols from the NCCN and ESMO
Hisar Hospital Intercontinental – Istanbul
☆ Accredited by JCI
☆ Best hospital for radiotherapy, according to Bookimed patients
☆ Precise treatment with Tesla imaging and tissue-sparing technology (LINAC)
Germany
⟢ Outstanding healthcare
Germany invests nearly 13% of its GDP in healthcare, more than any other country in the EU. This effort is paying off, since Germany's healthcare system is consistently rated as one of the best in the world. It ranks 3rd in the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation.
This commitment helps Germany excel in innovative medical treatments like proton therapy and anticancer vaccines, as well as precision diagnostics.
⟢ Patients live longer
According to The Lancet, Germany consistently outperforms the UK across several cancer types. Germany has a five-year survival rate of 62%–66% across all cancers, while the UK averages at 55.7%.
Examples include:
- 88% for breast cancer.
- 91% for prostate cancer.
- 97% for testicular cancer.
- 93%–95% for skin cancer.
- 93.1% or melanoma (2nd best result in Europe).
- 64.8% for colon cancer (1st among Europe’s largest economies).
Best cancer treatment centers in Germany
Asklepios Hospital Barmbek – Hamburg
☆ No. 1 hospital for international patients according to the Medical Travel Quality Alliance.
☆ One of Germany’s Top 30 Best Hospitals according to Newsweek.
☆ Certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG) and ISO.
Nordwest Clinic – Frankfurt am Main
☆ Innovative medical treatments such as 3D ultrasound and anticancer vaccines.
☆ 5 research institutes, including a branch of the Ludwig American Institute of Clinical Research.
☆ Accredited by the ESMO.
☆ One of Germany’s Top 100 Best Hospitals according to Newsweek.
Austria
⟢ High survival rates
Austria has a 63% five-year survival rate for cancer patients, and the number continues to grow.
As for specific types:
- Breast cancer: 88%.
- Prostate cancer: 95%.
- Testicular cancer: 96%.
⟢ Success in difficult cases
Lung cancer is notoriously difficult to detect and treat. However, Austria has one of the best rates in Europe. With early detection, one-year survival rate for lung cancer patients has increased from 42% to 52%.
⟢ Research and innovation
Austria is active in cancer research and quickly adopts new medical treatments. It patented more than 600 cancer-related innovations over the past 20 years. Some of the notable achievements include:
- Faster and safer radiation therapy. Thanks to new radiation techniques, breast cancer patients in Austria now need just 5 sessions instead of 25-30. Methods like partial breast irradiation target only the tumor and don’t damage healthy tissue.
- Blood cancer prediction tools. Austrian researchers have developed a prediction tool for blood cancer therapies. They help doctors assess which treatments will work best for individual patients with leukemia or lymphoma.
- Immunotherapy. Austrian scientists are making major strides in using the body’s immune system to fight cancer. One breakthrough treatment for neuroblastoma is already available, and new therapies for solid tumors are in development. Start-ups are designing viruses that destroy cancer cells but leave healthy cells unharmed.
Best Cancer Treatment Center in Austria
Wiener Privatklinik – Vienna
☆ Has employed 7 Nobel laureates, including Sigmund Freud and immunologist Karl Landsteiner.
☆ 95% success rate of treatments.
☆ Certified by ISO and ranked among the Top 30 Best Austrian Hospitals by Newsweek.
☆ Voted the best private Austrian hospital in a survey by the Austrian Insurance Association.
Best cancer treatment centers abroad at a glance
Clinic | Location | Patient rating |
|---|---|---|
Tel Aviv, Israel | 4.4 (144 reviews) | |
Istanbul, Turkey | 4.6 (489 reviews) | |
Istanbul, Turkey | 4.6 (316 reviews) | |
Istanbul, Turkey | 4.5 (159 reviews) | |
Hamburg, Germany | 4.5 (125 reviews) | |
Frankfurt am Main, Germany | 4.4 (52 reviews) | |
Vienna, Austria | 4.6 (146 reviews) |
How Much Does Cancer Treatment Abroad Cost?
Cancer treatment abroad can be 50% to 80% more affordable than in the USA. For example, Turkey and Israel can save you up to 75% on treatments like surgery and immunotherapy, while Germany and Austria offer savings of around 30%–60%.
The table below illustrates approximate costs for different types of cancer treatments across these countries.
| Treatment | Israel | Turkey | Germany | Austria | USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | $2,000–$7,000 | $2,000–$3,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | $2,200–$8,800 | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Radiation therapy | $6,000–$20,000 | $3,500–$16,500 | $8,000–$26,000 | $6,600–$16,500 | $17,000–$50,000 |
| Cancer surgery | $23,000–$31,000 | $5,000–$15,000 | $27,500–$45,000 | $18,700–$38,500 | $50,000–$100,000 |
| Immunotherapy | $3,500–$9,500 | $1,500–$6,500 | $4,500–$15,000 | $3,700–$15,000 | $23,000–$45,000 |
| CAR-T Therapy | $90,000-$120,000 | $100,000 to $275,000 | $330,000-$340,000 | $330,000-$340,000 | $400,000-$700,000 |
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Why Patients Choose Cancer Treatment Abroad
Costs and wait times are the two main reasons why patients are choosing to get cancer treatment abroad.
1. Cost savings
Cancer treatment abroad can be 50% to 80% cheaper than in the USA, while involving therapies not readily available in other parts of the world.
2. Shorter wait times (and better survival outcomes).
Patients seeking treatment abroad can often start their cancer care within days. In contrast, NHS waiting times in the UK are at an all-time high, with 300,000 patients paying out-of-pocket for private treatment due to delays. Over 34% of patients wait longer than 2 months for urgent cancer treatment.
Delays in treatment can negatively affect survival rates. For example, cancer survival in the UK lags behind other European countries like Germany and Austria for 9 out of 10 common cancers. Faster treatment abroad can help improve a patient's chances of recovery.
What Types of Cancer Treatments Are Available Abroad?
Clinics abroad offer a broad spectrum of therapies, from time-tested methods to the latest innovations:
- cancer surgery (minimally invasive options like Da Vinci robotic surgery);
- radiotherapy (including proton therapy, CyberKnife, and Gamma Knife for precise tumor targeting);
- chemotherapy;
- immunotherapy (including drugs like Keytruda, CAR-T therapy, and cancer vaccines);
- targeted and hormonal therapies;
- bone marrow transplants;
- localized treatments (HIPEC, SIRT, and HIFU).
After a consultation and diagnostic procedures, your doctor will determine which therapies will be the most effective for your case and create a treatment plan.
Funding Options for International Patients
UK: For treatment within the European Economic Area (EEA), the S2 and EU directive routes can reduce costs. To get treatment outside Europe, you'll need to discuss alternatives with your local Integrated Care Board (ICB).
USA/Canada: Private insurance may cover some costs, but Medicare, Medicaid, and provincial plans in Canada usually don't. Medical tourism insurance can help with treatment outside the US.
How Can You Travel Abroad with Cancer?
Traveling abroad for cancer treatment requires some thoughtful preparation:
1. Check your fitness for travel. Consult with your doctor to make sure you're fit to travel. Breathlessness, recent surgery, or severe anemia could make flying risky.
2. Take care in the sun. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. To protect yourself:
- Use high SPF sunscreen.
- Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats.
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 am and 3 pm.
3. Avoid health problems. While traveling, be cautious about food and water. To avoid stomach issues:
- Drink bottled water or boil water.
- Eat only freshly cooked food and avoid raw or uncooked items.
- Be mindful of ice, as it may not always be made from safe water.
Can I travel while undergoing cancer treatment?
Yes, patients can usually travel between treatment cycles, but be sure to get your doctor’s approval before making any plans.
Travel insurance for cancer treatment abroad
Cancer falls under pre-existing conditions. This means insurance companies will assess your health and how likely you are to cancel or delay your trip. As a result, the cost of your insurance may increase.
Be upfront about your diagnosis with your insurer. Ask them what's covered, including emergency medical evacuation or trip cancellation.
Key Takeaways
➯ Israel excels in CAR-T therapy, research, and innovation.
➯ Turkey specializes in Da Vinci robotic surgery and CyberKnife/GammaKnife precision procedures.
➯ Germany offers proton therapy and cancer vaccines, while Austria leads in early-stage cancer detection and the latest radiation therapy techniques.
➯ Cost savings. Treatment abroad can be 50%–80% cheaper than in the US.
➯ High survival rates. 5-year survival rates abroad range from 62% to 97%, depending on the type of cancer. These rates are comparable to, and in some cases higher than, those in the US and UK.
➯ Faster treatment equals better outcomes. International patients can start treatment within days abroad. On the other hand, delays in countries with overburdened healthcare systems, like the UK, negatively affect survival.
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Related Articles
- Newsweek. (2025). World's Best Hospitals 2025.
- The Jerusalem Post. (2023). Groundbreaking Israeli cancer treatment has 90% success rate.
- Pediatric Blood & Cancer. (2021). Epidemiology and survival of childhood cancer in Turkey.
- FREOPP. (2024). Germany: #3 in the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation.
- Euronews. (2024). Which countries offer the best chance of surviving cancer in Europe?
- Statistics Austria. (2025). Survival rates after cancer diagnosis continue to rise.