In order to improve the quality of life, people with kidney diseases need a kidney transplant. According to the WHO, more than 70,000 people undergo renal replacement each year. Unfortunately, the number of people who are waiting for operations in long queues is much more significant.
Due to the high demand, the operation takes a lot of time and nerves. However, there are places where a kidney transplant can be done much faster. Among such countries are Turkey, India, and Thailand. Keep reading and find out more.
5 best hospitals for kidney transplant 2019
- Memorial Şişli Hospital, Turkey
- Medipol University Hospital, Turkey
- Global Hospital Chennai, India
- Bumrungrad International Hospital, Thailand
- Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center, Israel
What country is the best for a kidney transplant?
The choice of place for the operation is an individual for each patient. When choosing a country and the best hospital, you should focus on:
- high success rates
- reviews of patients who share their own experience
- quality of service confirmed by accreditations or certificates.
Bookimed works with clinics in 28 countries. After analyzing the clinics in each of them, the Bookimed team claims that the best kidney transplant clinics are located in Asia and the Middle East, actually in India, Thailand, and Turkey.
However, kidney transplants can also be done in Europe. But it is necessary to take into account the fact that not all European countries accept foreigners for organ transplantation.
Among European countries, Germany is one of the few conducting operations for outbound patients. But the price of the procedure here is much higher than in India, Thailand, or Turkey. Among the best kidney hospitals in Germany is Bremen-Mitte Clinic.
Why Asian and Near Eastern centers are the best for a kidney transplant?
India, Thailand, and Turkey are recognized as the best places for a kidney transplant due to the set of reasons that attract over 16,000 people for organ replacement.
Such a demand is explained with the set of reasons:
- over 90% of successful kidney transplants
- 80% of transplanted kidneys are not rejected
- savings up to 70%
- affordable accommodation
- low-priced medications (especially in India).
Best places for a kidney transplant in Turkey
Memorial Şişli Hospital
Memorial Şişli is the first health center in Turkey, where nephrologists performed the organ transplantation procedure, including the kidney replacement. Surgeons have vast experience, so Memorial is considered one of the best transplant centers in the world.
99% of renal transplant surgeries are successful, according to the hospital data. And the organ acceptance rate after the living-donor kidney transplant reaches 80%.
Memorial Şişli is especially popular center with Americans. The hospital is recognized as the best medical facility for US residents overseas according to the US News & World Report.
Kidney transplantation at Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey costs from $17,000 to $20,000. The hospital is JCI-accredited and reports a 90% organ transplant success rate. Prof. Dr. Kamil Yalçın POLAT, a specialist in General Surgery and Organ Transplantation, leads the program.
Memorial Şişli was the first hospital in Turkey to receive JCI accreditation. It ranks 21st in the world for quality of care. The hospital specializes in organ transplantation, oncology, and neurosurgery.
What's Included in the Package
The kidney transplant package covers all essential services. You receive consultations with a transplant surgeon and nephrologist. All preoperative tests are included — lab work, imaging studies, and Doppler ultrasound of renal vessels.
- Hospital stay: 5–7 days for recipient, 3 days for donor
- One accompanying person for both recipient and donor
- Payment for surgical team (surgeon, assistant, anesthesiologist)
- Medications during hospital stay
- Postoperative monitoring by doctors
- Airport-clinic-hotel transfers
Donor Requirements
Turkish law requires a living donor for foreign patients. The donor must be a blood relative up to the fourth degree. This relationship must be confirmed by an official consulate document in English or Turkish.
If the donor is a relative up to the fourth degree, no ethics committee approval is needed. The donor should be between 18 and 60 years old. They should have no history of major surgeries or diseases.
Blood group compatibility is essential. Recipients with AB blood can receive from any donor. Those with A blood need O or A donors. B blood recipients need O or B donors. O blood recipients can only receive from O donors.
Required Tests
Both patient and donor undergo comprehensive testing. Blood group typing confirms compatibility. HLA tissue compatibility testing ensures a good match. A viral panel screens for Hepatitis and HIV.
The clinic prefers all tests done at Memorial. This allows specialists to personally verify donor suitability. The team can then plan the surgery with complete confidence.
Additional Support
A Russian-speaking interpreter accompanies you during your stay. This service is free. The clinic also helps arrange nearby hotel accommodation if needed.
The quoted price may change based on individual needs. Additional tests or complications can affect the final cost. Contact the clinic to discuss your specific case and confirm current pricing.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
| Kidney transplant | $15000 |
Medipol University Hospital
Medipol University Hospital is included in the kidney transplant centers ranking due to affordable price and high success rate. 91% of renal replacements are successful as the hospital representatives report.
Due to the general policy in this hospital, prices here are 2 times lower than in other private health centers in Turkey. 500,000 people from over the world choose Medipol for treatments annually.
Kidney transplantation at Medipol Mega University Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey costs between $18,000 and $19,000 USD. The procedure is performed by Prof. Huseyin Cagatay Aydin, a transplant surgeon with 36 years of experience and over 900 kidney transplants. The hospital holds JCI accreditation and offers a 98% success rate for living-donor transplants.
The kidney transplant package includes all preoperative tests for both recipient and donor. Radiological procedures such as CT angiography and kidney scintigraphy are covered. The surgery itself typically takes 3-4 hours. Recipients stay in intensive care for 1 day after the operation.
Hospital Stay and Recovery
Recipients remain hospitalized for 6-10 days after surgery. Donors stay in the hospital for 2-4 days. The total time in Turkey is 15-20 days for recipients and 5-7 days for donors. These estimates may vary based on individual recovery.
The hospital uses modern surgical techniques including laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. This minimally invasive approach removes the donor kidney through small incisions. The surgeon also performs ABO-incompatible kidney transplants when needed.
About the Surgeon
Prof. Huseyin Cagatay Aydin specializes in kidney transplantation. He previously directed the Johns Hopkins Kidney Transplantation Center in Istanbul. He has published 38 scientific papers, with 26 in international journals. The doctor is a member of the Turkish Organ Transplantation Centers Coordination Association.
Donor Requirements
Living donors can be relatives up to the 4th degree of kinship. This includes parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and their children. Non-relative donors require approval from regional ethics committees. The hospital also performs cadaveric transplants through Turkey's National Coordination System.
Blood type compatibility is checked before surgery. A lymphocyte crossmatch test must show compatibility. If the crossmatch is incompatible, the transplant cannot proceed. The donor surgery takes 1-1.5 hours using open or closed techniques.
Hospital Facilities
Medipol Mega University Hospital opened in 2012. It has 810 beds and 127 intensive care units. The hospital operates 25 operating theaters across 58 departments. Advanced equipment includes 3 Tesla MRI, 256-slice CT, and the Da Vinci surgical robot.
The facility treats about 25,000 international patients yearly. Services for foreign patients include airport transfers, accommodation assistance, and translation. All medical reports are translated into English. VIP assistance is available throughout the hospital stay.
Post-Transplant Care
Patients must take immunosuppressive medication for life after transplant. The doses typically decrease gradually over time. A surgical drain is removed 2-3 days after surgery. A ureteral stent stays in place for 3-4 weeks.
Regular follow-up at an experienced transplant center is essential. The hospital emphasizes personalized immunosuppressive plans for each patient. Organ rejection rates have dropped to around 6% with modern medications.
The quoted price is valid until December 31, 2025. Final costs may vary if complications occur or the treatment plan changes. Payment is accepted by credit card, cash (USD or EUR), or bank transfer before the first appointment.
Contact Medipol Mega University Hospital to schedule a consultation and confirm your eligibility for kidney transplantation.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
| Kidney transplant | $16500 - $20000 |
Best kidney transplant hospital in India
Global Hospital Chennai
Global Chennai is the best hospital for a kidney transplant in India and one of the world's leaders in the organ transplantation. Surgeons have performed over 900 successful operations.
Kidney doctors here have over 15-years experience and conduct even the most complex surgeries. Specialists at Global Chennai are the first in India to carry out combined heart-kidney transplant successfully.
Despite the excellent service and high results, Global Chennai offers 30-50% cheaper kidney transplant compared with the US or European hospitals without quality loss. Such low-priced surgery is explained by the average cost within the country and local citizens' income.
Gleneagles Global Hospital is a pioneer medical facility for the kidney transplant in India in agreement with the Clinic’s data. Gleneagles transplant surgeons were the 1st in India to carry out combined kidney and heart transplantations.
Global Hospital expands the leading position of the top destination for the kidney transplant in India. Patients from India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia prefer Gleneagles.
Excellent services and high-class health care at Global Hospital are proved with the numerous national accreditations, i.e. NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare provider) certificate.
Specialists of the Hospital perform the kidney transplants from a living donor and a deceased one.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
| Kidney transplant | $15000 - $17000 |
Top nephrology hospital in Thailand
Bumrungrad International Hospital
The Nephrology (Kidney) Center works on the premises of Bumrungrad International Hospital, one of the best kidney hospitals in the world, according to the Bookimed patient reviews.
People from North America, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe choose Bumrungrad as the most appropriate option to solve their medical issue.
The hospital is included in this kidney transplant centers ranking due to high technological advancement. Bumrungrad is among Top 10 most excellent equipped medical facilities in the world according to the OnTopList healthcare report.
The Hospital is considered the best hospital for kidney transplant in Thailand under Bookimed version. JCI (Joint Commission International), GHA (Global Healthcare Accreditation), Thai Labour Ministry and other accreditations prove Bumrungrad leadership in the country.
Donor and cadaveric organ transplants are available here. Nephrologists perform the surgery with a living transplant (when a family member donates one of his/her kidneys) in the most cases.
Living kidney transplant in Thailand with Bumrungrad has such advantages as:
- less waiting time for donor searching
- the higher success rate (compared to the deceased one)
- the surgery planning is possible (it makes health condition of a donor and a recipient better after the operation).
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Best kidney transplant center in Israel
Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center
Sourasky takes leading places in the kidney transplant hospital rankings despite the high cost of the procedure. Surgeons perform over 300 renal replacements annually. In 90% of cases, the operation is successful.
Kidney doctors here are highly-qualified. 90% of them undergo internship in the leading hospitals of Europe and North America that helps to achieve such high results.
Over 400,000 international patients choose Ichilov Hospital each year. That's why this medical facility is among Top 10 best hospitals for outbound patients according to the Newsweek magazine rating.
Kidney transplantation at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) in Tel Aviv, Israel, costs approximately $135,239 USD. This includes the transplant surgery, donor nephrectomy, and hospitalization for both donor and recipient. The center is ranked among the top 10 clinics worldwide for medical tourists by Newsweek.
The kidney transplant program covers complete evaluation and treatment. The main transplant procedure costs $84,560. Donor nephrectomy with ureterectomy adds $12,832. Hospital stay includes 3 days post-surgery at $992 per day, plus extended care at $863 per day. ICU care is available at $863 per day if needed.
What's Included in Treatment
The program covers both recipient and donor care. You receive the kidney transplant surgery and all necessary hospital stays. The donor undergoes complete nephrectomy with ureterectomy. Post-operative monitoring includes up to 25 days of inpatient care. Four days of ICU support are included in the estimate.
Ichilov is Israel's largest multidisciplinary medical center. It treats over 400,000 patients each year. The clinic has a 4.5 rating from 138 patient reviews. 91% of patients recommend it to others. Newsweek named it one of the World's Best Smart Hospitals in 2021.
Nephrology Expertise
Dr. Doron Schwartz leads the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis. He has 33 years of medical experience. Dr. Schwartz is a Full Professor at Tel Aviv University. He specializes in kidney disease, transplantation, and dialysis. His expertise covers polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and renal failure.
Online consultations are available for $850 USD. The Zoom consultation includes expert review of all medical reports. Doctors may request additional tests before the consultation. After reviewing your case, specialists present the best treatment options.
Preparation Requirements
You must bring all original medical records to Israel. This includes laboratory results, pathology slides, and imaging studies. X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound pictures are essential. The clinic needs a valid passport copy to open your medical file.
The cost estimate is valid for one month. It does not cover unexpected complications or medications purchased outside the hospital. Accommodation and transportation are not included. The center may adjust the treatment plan based on your condition at arrival.
Contact the Medical Tourism unit at Ichilov to discuss your kidney transplant options. The team will help you understand the process and schedule your evaluation.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
| Kidney transplant | $100000 - $120000 |
Top kidney doctors
Prof. Nakash Rishard
Prof. Rishard is a top kidney specialist practicing at Sourasky Medical Center. The doctor heads the Organ Transplantation Department in this hospital. Prof. Rishard practiced in France and Swiss, where he developed his skills.
Prof. Hüseyin Çağatay Aydin
Prof. Aydin is a Turkish transplantologist with over 20 years of experience. The doctor specializes in the kidney transplants and operates in Medipol Hospital.
Prof. Murat Dayangaç
This kidney doctor is heads the Organ Transplant Center in Medipol University Hospital. Practiced in the Mayo Clinic (USA). Professor has vast experience and is a member of numerous European and Turkish transplant organizations.
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 Kamil Yalcin Polat, Transplant surgeon.
Last updated: October 18, 2023.
- Statistics: Figures are based on Bookimed’s internal database December 2025, which includes analysis of 12,450 patient requests across 5 accredited clinics in Turkey.
- Pricing: Cost information is provided directly by Bookimed’s partner clinics and updated regularly to reflect current 2025 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 (2023–2025).
All data is provided for general informational purposes and may not represent individual results or experiences.


