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.
Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center is the largest multidisciplinary medical facility in Israel. Ichilov Hospital was ranked among Top 10 most popular clinics for medical tourists in the world, according to the Newsweek magazine rating.
The strongest specialties at Ichilov are Oncology, Onco-Hematology, Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation, etc.
90% is the average success rate of oncology treatment. Sourasky doctors invent new treatment options, so the hospital has received numerous awards for scientific discoveries.
Over 400,000 patients receive treatment at Ichilov annually.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
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)
Anadolu Medical Center is a multidisciplinary facility providing American treatment standards at affordable prices in Istanbul (Turkey). Anadolu Medical Center's affiliation with the Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the best medical facilities in the USA.
Oncology, hematology-oncology, urology, neurosurgery, women's health, IVF, and check-up are the leading specialties at Anadolu Hospital.
The medical center is among the Top 10 hospitals in the world, according to the Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA), an international organization that promotes high standards of health care for medical tourists.
Patients from the United States, the United Kingdom, Romania, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria choose Anadolu Medical Center.
Summary about Anadolu from patients' reviews:
The Anadolu Medical Center is a highly regarded medical facility located on the coast of the Marble Sea. It is renowned for its professionalism, cleanliness, and attention to detail. The staff is polite, attentive, and responsive to patients' needs. Highly trained and skilled doctors are available for comprehensive examinations and treatments, and the recovery room is bright and comfortable, with a beautiful view. Patients have benefited from the services of an excellent translator, Elmira, and the support of coordinators Zakhida, Bakhtygul, and Amina. The clinic also offers a transfer service from the airport to the hotel and back, as well as booking a hotel conveniently located 10-15 minutes away. Anadolu Medical Center is the perfect choice for a successful treatment and recovery.
Top 5 Anadolu Medical Center Advantages:
- Highly skilled and experienced medical staff
- Advanced equipment
- Personal coordinators and interpreters
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Wide range of medical services and treatments
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Latest review
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
Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul is one of Turkey’s leading multidisciplinary medical centers, operating on a 53,000 m² area with 252 beds, 13 operating rooms, and advanced intensive care units. Opened in 2000, it became the first hospital in Turkey and the 21st worldwide to earn Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, confirming world-class standards.
The hospital is recognized for its expertise in oncology, organ and bone marrow transplantation (90% organ transplant success rate), IVF, neurosurgery, bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, and genetics. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and specialized centers, Memorial Şişli attracts patients from 167 countries each year, combining top-level medical care with Istanbul’s unique cultural and travel opportunities.
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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)
Hisar Hospital Intercontinental is a JCI-accredited multi-specialty hospital in Istanbul. It treats 250,000 patients each year. Its core specialties are oncology, hematology, cardiovascular surgery, orthopedics, and bariatric surgery.
- Features an MR-LINAC, a 640-slice CT scanner, and a 3 Tesla MRI for precise imaging and treatment.
- Bone marrow transplant unit provides allogeneic, autologous, and haploidentical transplants in HEPA-filtered rooms.
- 61 departments and 120 specialists cover a wide range of medical needs.
- Free interpreters in 15+ languages and airport transfers are included for international patients.
- Winner of Bookimed patient choice awards for oncology and international patient services.
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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.
Nordwest Clinic is a German hospital that developed innovations like 3D ultrasound and anticancer vaccines. Its main specialties are oncology, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, gynecology, urology, and surgery. Named a TOP German hospital by Focus and among the World's Best Hospitals by Newsweek.
- Oncology and Hematology Center is ESMO-certified – only 22 clinics worldwide hold this status.
- Only certified center in the region for focused ultrasound (FUS), recognized by Time magazine as a top invention.
- Comprises 5 research institutes, 11 specialized clinics, and 17 certified centers.
- Treats over 60,000 patients annually with 286 doctors across 28 departments.
- Single wards with WiFi, TV, and meals. Translation services provided for international patients.
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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.
Wiener Privatklinik (WPK) is a private hospital in Vienna for patients seeking diagnosis, second opinions and treatment in Austria. Founded in 1871 as Sanatorium Löw, the clinic combines Vienna’s medical tradition with modern private care, interdisciplinary doctor teams and discreet international-patient service. Key areas include oncology, orthopedics, surgery, gastroenterology, radiology, check-up programs, sports traumatology and rehabilitation. Patients value WPK for coordinated care, multilingual support, privacy, hotel-style comfort and access to renowned specialists in the heart of Vienna, close to major university medicine and modern diagnostic services.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
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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All medical content on this page is prepared by authors with specialized medical education and reviewed by certified physicians in the relevant field. Medical review by Yesim Yildirim, Clinical oncologist.
Last updated: July, 2026.
- Statistics: Figures are based on Bookimed’s internal database July 2026, which includes analysis of 12,450 patient requests across 6 accredited clinics in Israel.
- Pricing: Cost information is provided directly by Bookimed’s partner clinics and updated regularly to reflect current 2026 market conditions. Actual expenses may differ depending on case complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic location.
- Clinical Data: Treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction figures are collected from Bookimed’s verified clinic database and supported by data from peer-reviewed medical sources such as PubMed, The Lancet, JAMA, and NEJM (2023–2026).
All data is provided for general informational purposes and may not represent individual results or experiences.
- 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.