If you or someone you love is facing lung cancer, you want the best care possible—no matter where it is. So, where to get the best lung cancer treatment? Germany, South Korea, Israel, Austria, Spain, and Turkey are home to some of the most respected lung cancer hospitals in the world.
In this article, Bookimed has researched what makes each country stand out, what its clinics have to offer, and how to choose the right one.
Destination highlights
◉ Germany and Austria lead in survival rates with 80–93% five-year survival for stage I patients.
◉ Turkey offers the best value with treatment costs 50–70% lower than US prices while achieving 100% survival for small tumors.
◉ Israel leads in innovation with AI treatment matching and discoveries like Erbitux effectiveness for specific gene mutations.
◉ South Korea ranks in the top 5 globally for lung cancer research, while Spain leads research in Europe.
◉ All 6 countries provide major cost savings compared to US treatment, with potential savings of 30%–70% depending on the lung cancer program.
Table of Contents
- Best Countries for Lung Cancer Treatment: Overview
- Germany: Precision Medicine Leader
- Turkey: Advanced Cancer Care at Lower Cost
- Israel: Innovation Hub
- South Korea: Technological Powerhouse
- Spain: Research-Driven Care
- Austria: EU Leader in Survival Rates and Diagnostics
- Conclusion: Choosing the Right Country for Lung Cancer Treatment
Overview: Where Is the Best Cancer Treatment in the World?
Here's how the top destinations compare across key factors:
Country | Stage I survival rate | What stands out | Avg. surgery cost at top centers |
---|---|---|---|
Germany | 80%–93% 5-year survival | Precision diagnostics, multidisciplinary teams | $19,500–$32,500 |
Turkey | 65%–100% 5-year survival (depending on tumor size) | High-tech, low-cost care, US partnerships | $10,000–$27,000 |
Israel | 80% 10-year survival | AI-powered medicine, research breakthroughs | $26,000–$32,000 |
South Korea | 82% 5-year survival | Tech leadership, CancerSCAN genomic profiling | $15,000–$33,000 |
Spain | 80% 10-year survival | Strong research ecosystem, early access to clinical trials | $20,000–$40,000 |
Austria | 82.3% 5-year survival | National audits, tiered care network, fast-track lung cancer diagnosis | $20,000–$27,000 |
Note: These costs are based on information from Bookimed’s partner clinics and are approximate. Actual prices may vary by clinic, condition, and treatment plan.
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Germany: Precision Medicine Leader
Germany is one of the most advanced countries in the world for lung cancer care. For patients diagnosed at stage 1, 5-year survival rates are 80%–93%, compared to 65%–67% in the US and UK.
What makes Germany special:
- Universal access to genetic testing. Through a national program (nNGM), all patients with advanced lung cancer receive next-generation sequencing to identify mutations.
- Multidisciplinary care. Every lung cancer patient's case goes before a multidisciplinary team following the latest German Cancer Society (GCS) guidelines. Care teams include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, psycho-oncologists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists alongside medical specialists.
- Early detection. A national lung cancer screening program using low-dose CT helps catch cancer sooner.
According to data from Bookimed’s partner clinics, the cost of treating lung cancer in Germany can be 30%–60% lower than in the US. Here are the approximate private costs for some treatment options:
Lung cancer treatment | Cost in Germany |
---|---|
Chemotherapy | |
Radiation therapy | |
Lung cancer surgery |
Top lung cancer hospitals in Germany
The following lung cancer centers were highlighted by Bookimed’s smart ranking based on patient reviews, clinic technologies, treatment programs, and accreditations:
Nordwest Clinic (Krankenhaus), Frankfurt
☆ Germany's innovation leader, offering 3D ultrasound imaging, focused ultrasound therapy (FUS), and anticancer vaccines.
☆ Accredited by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).
☆ Among Germany’s Top 100 Hospitals according to Newsweek.
☆ Houses 5 research institutes, including a branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.
- Accredited by ESMO, the Oncology and Hematology Center is among only 22 clinics worldwide recognized for exceptional cancer care.
- Professor Elke Jaeger, a top sarcoma specialist, leads the Oncology and Hematology Center, ensuring high standards in Lung cancer treatment.
- Oncology research at the clinic includes clinical trials for cancer vaccines and targeted therapy, offering innovative Lung cancer treatments.
- Lung cancer surgeries performed include Lobectomy, Wedge Resection, Pneumonectomy, and Lung segmentectomy.
- Comprehensive Lung cancer care is supported by advanced therapies like Brachytherapy, CyberKnife, Immunotherapy with Keytruda, and Chemotherapy.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Chemotherapy for lung cancer | $2906.37 - $4650.19 |
Lung cancer surgery | $19763.32 - $24413.51 |
Lung segmentectomy | $19763.32 - $24413.51 |
CyberKnife | $9300.38 - $16275.67 |
Asklepios Hospital Barmbek, Hamburg
☆ Ranked among Germany’s Top 30 Hospitals by Newsweek.
☆ Certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG) and ISO.
☆ Offers targeted therapy, chemotherapy, interventional oncology, and multimodal treatments.
☆ Surgeries are performed with laparoscopic or endoscopic techniques (1–3 cm incisions).
Lung cancer treatment is performed by a team of specialists which consists of an oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, etc. The doctors take into account all the peculiarities of patient organism to provide the best treatment for lung cancer.
The therapeutic tactic is developed only after complete examination. It takes 5-10 days. The duration depends on the case complexity.
Among treatment options are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy. In most of the cases, combination of therapies is applied.
The treatment plan is individual, depends on the tumor size and cancer stage.
In case of surgery, a patient needs to stay in the Hospital for 5-14 days. The duration of operation varies from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Lung cancer surgery | $23250.96 - $32551.35 |
Da Vinci Robotic System | $20925.86 - $25576.06 |
Chemotherapy for lung cancer | $3000 - $5500 |
Turkey: Advanced Cancer Care at Lower Cost
Turkey delivers world-class lung cancer outcomes at costs 50%–70% cheaper than in the West. Patients with small 1cm tumors achieve 100% five-year survival rates, while results for patients with 3cm tumors reach 65%–70%.
What makes Turkey stand out:
- International partnerships. Turkish hospitals actively collaborate with leading institutions like Johns Hopkins and integrate the latest lung cancer research.
- Advanced technology. Over 40 JCI-accredited facilities use Da Vinci robotic surgery, CyberKnife, and Gamma Knife procedures.
- Lower costs. Cancer care in Turkey is 50%–70% cheaper than in the US due to healthcare investments, lower operational costs, and favorable exchange rates.
Lung cancer treatment | Cost in Turkey |
---|---|
Lung cancer surgery | |
Radiation therapy | |
Immunotherapy | |
Chemotherapy |
Best hospitals for lung cancer treatment in Turkey
Anadolu Medical Center, Istanbul
One of Turkey’s most advanced cancer centers, Anadolu combines US-level technology with research-based treatment.
☆ Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital, ranked among the world’s top 5 clinics (Newsweek).
☆ Certified by ISO, JCI, ESMO, and the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI).
☆ One of the few centers in Turkey offering CTC liquid biopsy for ultra-early cancer detection (tumors as small as 5 mm).
☆ Offers high-precision treatment with CyberKnife, Varian Edge, TrueBeam, and Da Vinci robotic surgery.
Anadolu Medical Center offers the latest treatment for lung cancer. The specialists conduct complete examination of a patient to detect the tumor type, size, and stage. Only then the treatment plan is developed. The duration of diagnostics at Anadolu takes 7-10 days.
Such treatment options as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are available.
The chemo- and radiotherapy regimens are prescribed individually for each particular case.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Radiotherapy for lung cancer | $12000 - $18000 |
Lung cancer surgery | $15000 - $27000 |
Stereotaxic radiosurgery | $6000 - $8500 |
Da Vinci Robotic System | $24000 |
CyberKnife | $6000 - $9000 |
Proton-beam therapy | $1500 - $2000 |
Chemotherapy for lung cancer | $1400 - $3300 |
Lung segmentectomy | $15000 - $25000 |
Lobectomy | $17438.22 - $29063.7 |
Memorial Şişli Hospital
Turkey's first JCI-accredited hospital serving lung cancer patients from 92 countries annually.
☆ Follows international NCCN and ESMO treatment protocols.
☆ TrueBeam STx radiation therapy with 1.5mm precision.
☆ Uses Da Vinci robotic surgery, laparoscopy, and endoscopy for scar-free tumor removal.
- Designated as the largest multidisciplinary medical center in Istanbul, with an impressive 90% success rate in organ transplant, which reflects the hospital's proficiency in complex medical procedures including lung cancer treatment.
- Utilizes a range of surgical interventions for lung cancer treatment, including lobectomy, segmentectomy, and minimally invasive techniques supported by the Da Vinci Robotic System.
- Dr. Serkan Keskin is a leading medical oncologist at the hospital, with accolades such as ranking 1st in Turkey's Medical Oncology Proficiency Exam in 2012.
- Dr. Keskin's experience spans across 28 years, with a strong academic presence, having published 42 articles in international medical journals.
- The hospital's Oncology Department adheres to NCCN and ESMO protocols, ensuring internationally recognized standards in cancer care.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Brachytherapy | $4800 |
Immunotherapy with Keytruda (Pembolizumab) | $12760 |
Pneumonectomy | $1200 |
Tomotherapy | $7150 |
Lung cancer surgery | $10700 - $12500 |
CyberKnife | $4750 - $6450 |
Israel: Innovation Hub
Israel ranks in the top 5 countries with the highest survival rate for lung cancer, surpassing the US by nearly 11.5%. For stage I lung cancer detected through screening, patients achieve 80% ten-year survival rates.
Why Israel stands out:
- AI-powered precision medicine. Israeli centers use artificial intelligence like I3LUNG to predict immunotherapy responses and create personalized treatment plans.
- Breakthrough research. Israeli researchers discovered that the drug Erbitux can completely shrink certain lung tumors without them returning. They have also developed ways to reprogram the immune system to kill cancer cells more effectively.
- Early detection. Israeli hospitals use liquid biopsy and low-radiation diagnostics that reduce exposure while detecting smaller tumors.
Treating lung cancer in Israel can be 40–60% less expensive than in the US. Here are some approximate estimates:
Treatment | Cost in Israel |
---|---|
Lung surgery | |
Chemotherapy | |
Radiotherapy |
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Best lung cancer hospitals in Israel
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), Tel Aviv
Israel's largest multidisciplinary medical facility; treats cancer in 40,000 patients annually.
☆ One of the Top 100 World's Best Hospitals 2025 (Newsweek).
☆ FoundationOne CDx test detects 324 cancer genes—available at only a few hospitals worldwide.
The examination of a patient to develop lung cancer treatment plan is performed in the Safra Onco-Pulmonology Department at Sourasky. It includes blood tests, PET-CT, revision of biopsy material, consultation with the best lung cancer oncologist. When the results are ready, a specialist develops the individual treatment plan.
The therapeutic tactics may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or biological therapy. The combination of these options can be applied.
The treatment duration is determined individually and depends on the lung cancer stage and tumor size.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem
A comprehensive cancer center with over 150 doctors ranked among Forbes' best physicians.
☆ The first hospital to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
☆ Hosts the first proton therapy center of its kind in the Middle East, minimizing damage to healthy lung tissue.
- Recognized by Newsweek in the World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 list, indicating excellence in healthcare and lung cancer treatment.
- Offers procedures like chemotherapy, lobectomy, and innovative therapies such as brachytherapy and proton-beam therapy for lung cancer.
- Dr. Tamar Jablonski-Perec, with experience from Sloan-Kettering, leads the oncology department.
- Dr. Jablonski-Perec is renowned for her roles as Head of Institute of Oncology and Breast Cancer Treatment Center.
- Hosting over 35,000 operations annually, the center has substantial experience in managing complex medical procedures.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
South Korea: Technological Powerhouse
South Korea has doubled its lung cancer survival rates over the past two decades, thanks to high-tech diagnostics and modern therapies. For stage I lung cancer, the 5-year survival rate is 82%.
What makes South Korea stand out:
- Research leader. South Korea ranks in the top 5 countries for lung cancer research output, according to the Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC).
- Advanced genomic testing. Korea’s Samsung Medical Center has created CancerSCAN technology that can detect over 500 gene mutations in a single test.
- Minimally invasive surgery. Korean surgeons lead in Da Vinci robotic surgery, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and proton beam therapy. These techniques allow precise treatment with fewer complications and faster recovery.
Lung cancer treatment in South Korea can be 50%–80% more affordable than in the US, depending on the type. Here are some cost estimates:
Treatment | Cost in South Korea |
---|---|
Surgery | $15,000–$33,000 |
Chemotherapy | $1,400–$4,000 |
Radiotherapy | $3,000–$25,000 |
Top lung cancer treatment centers in South Korea
Samsung Medical Center, Seoul
Asia's most comprehensive cancer center with “Hospital of Presidential Standards” status.
☆ 30th World's Best Hospital according to Newsweek.
☆ Offers proton beam therapy, Da Vinci robotic surgery, IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy), and Novalis radiosurgery.
☆ Runs in-house clinical trials through its Research Institute for Future Medicine, giving patients early access to treatments not yet available elsewhere.
A specialized Center for Lung Cancer operates based on the premises of Samsung hospital. It is headed by the Professor Keun Chil Park - Chief physician of the Oncohematology Department. The Center unites specialists from different departments: oncohematologists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, pulmonologists. Here, more than 100 operations (video-assisted thoracic surgery) per year are performed on patients with early stage of lung cancer.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Da Vinci Robotic System | $15700 - $23000 |
Chemotherapy for lung cancer | $540 - $1400 |
Radiotherapy for lung cancer | $2400 - $25000 |
Severance Hospital, Seoul
One of Korea’s oldest and most trusted academic hospitals, serving 1.6 million patients annually.
☆ Ranked among the World’s 50 Best Hospitals by Newsweek.
☆ Certified by JCI and affiliated with MD Anderson and Johns Hopkins
☆ Advanced treatment strategies include IMRT, radiosurgery, tomotherapy, hyperthermia, and minimally invasive lung surgery.
Severance Center is considered one of the best lung cancer treatment centers in Korea. Specialists conduct the complete examination of a patient to develop the most effective treatment plan. The diagnostics takes approximately 5-7 days. The procedure is performed on out- and inpatient basis.
After the detection of tumor size and level of metastatic spread, doctors assign treatment plan. In most of the cases, they apply combination therapy which consists of surgery, chemo- and radiotherapies.
The duration of lung cancer treatment is individual.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Lung segmentectomy | $15000 - $25000 |
Chemotherapy for lung cancer | $1500 - $4000 |
Lung cancer surgery | $25000 - $35000 |
Da Vinci Robotic System | $16000 - $23000 |
Spain: Research-Driven Patient Care
Spain is one of the EU’s leaders in lung cancer research. Patients in major urban cancer centers achieve an 80% ten-year survival rate when cancer is caught early.
Why Spain stands out:
- Research excellence. The Spanish Lung Cancer Group (GECP) is one of the first and most active research networks in Europe. It has conducted over 130 clinical trials and helped establish new standards like combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy for advanced cases.
- Comprehensive national guidelines. Detailed protocols from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) ensure access to targeted therapies and immunotherapy matched to each patient's genetic profile.
- Access to innovation. Through institutions like the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), patients gain early access to new drugs, liquid biopsies, and immunotherapy combinations.
On average, treatment in Spain is around 40%–60% cheaper than in the US. Here are some estimated costs for lung cancer programs in Spain:
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Lung cancer treatment | Cost in Spain |
---|---|
Minimally invasive surgery | |
Radiation therapy | |
Chemotherapy | |
Immune therapy treatment |
Best lung cancer hospitals in Spain
Teknon Medical Center, Barcelona
As one of Spain’s top-rated private hospitals, Teknon serves high-profile patients, including celebrities and Olympic athletes.
☆ Accredited by JCI and EFQM for meeting international benchmarks for quality and safety.
☆ Ranked among Spain’s Top 20 Hospitals (Newsweek).
☆ Offers Novalis radiosurgery and Da Vinci robotic surgery.
☆ Team includes 400+ medical professionals, with many listed in Forbes Spain’s Top 100 doctors.
- Accredited by Joint Commission International, ensuring adherence to the highest standards in Lung cancer treatment.
- Employs the Da Vinci Robotic System for precise and minimally invasive Lung cancer surgeries.
- Offers comprehensive Lung cancer surgery, including Lobectomy and Lung segmentectomy.
- Utilizes advanced treatment options such as Immunotherapy with Keytruda (Pembolizumab).
- Provides targeted Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for effective Lung cancer management.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Radiotherapy for lung cancer | $18600.77 - $20925.86 |
Lung cancer surgery | $52314.66 - $63940.14 |
CyberKnife | $11625.48 - $20925.86 |
Da Vinci Robotic System | $22088.41 - $25576.06 |
Chemotherapy for lung cancer | $2906.37 - $4068.92 |
Lung segmentectomy | $52314.66 - $63940.14 |
Immunotherapy for lung cancer | $4068.92 - $6394.01 |
Lobectomy | $40689.18 - $52314.66 |
Proton-beam therapy | $29063.7 - $52314.66 |
Quirónsalud Hospital, Barcelona
Part of Spain's largest medical group with the specialized Baselga Institute of Oncology and close ties to top US cancer centers.
☆ Accredited by JCI and ranked in Spain’s Top 15 Hospitals (Newsweek)
☆ Equipped with linear accelerators, 3T MRI scanners, and PET-CT for precise lung cancer diagnosis.
☆ Performs robot-assisted surgeries.
☆ Offers luxury accommodations (suites and royal apartments), full concierge services, and airport transfers for international patients.
- Recognized for its collaboration with American oncological centers, this clinic offers progressive lung cancer research and treatment.
- Lung cancer treatment includes surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy options.
- Under the management of Dr. Enriqueta Felip, a reputable oncologist with a focus on thoracic malignancies.
- Dr. Felip brings experience from Vall d'Hebron Hospital, is an ESMO award winner, and has numerous publications and leadership roles in oncology.
- The Baselga Institute of Oncology within the clinic provides a specialized focus on various oncological disciplines, including lung cancer.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Austria: EU Leader in Survival Rates and Diagnostics
In the EU, Austria has the highest life expectancy for lung cancer thanks to advanced diagnostics and minimal wait times. Five-year survival rates for patients with stage I disease reach up to 92%, among the highest in the EU.
Why Austria stands out:
- Strict quality control. The Austrian Lung Cancer Audit (ALCA) monitors how well hospitals follow national care standards. Leading expert groups like the Austrian Lung Cancer Group and the Austrian Society of Pathology help shape the latest guidelines and keep care consistent across the country.
- High-tech diagnostics. Austria exceeds EU averages in advanced imaging, with more MRI, PET, and CT scanners per capita.
- Specialized network. Austria uses a three-tier system with comprehensive centers, regional specialty centers, and local certified centers. Lung cancer patients get the right level of care within 1–2 hours.
- Digital health leadership. Austria is expanding telemedicine and fast-track diagnostics to reduce wait times. Oncology teams use virtual tumor boards and digital tools to streamline care.
Austria offers innovative treatments at prices 40%–60% lower than in the US:
Medical treatment | Cost in Austria |
---|---|
Surgery | |
Chemotherapy | |
Radiotherapy | |
Immunotherapy |
Top lung cancer center in Austria
Wiener Privatklinik, Vienna
A historic private hospital combining world-class care with academic prestige.
☆ ISO-certified and ranked in Austria’s Top 25 hospitals by Newsweek.
☆ Named Austria’s best private hospital by the Austrian Insurance Association.
☆ Employed 7 Nobel Prize winners, including Sigmund Freud and immunologist Karl Landsteiner.
- Recognized among Austria's Best Hospitals by Newsweek in 2021, it is acclaimed for its excellence in cancer treatment, including lung cancer.
- Operational treatments for lung cancer include lobectomy, lung cancer surgery, pneumonectomy, and tomotherapy.
- Dr. Rosen is a proficient abdominal surgeon with a wealth of experience in various surgical cancer treatments.
- Emphasizes personalized medicine, utilizing targeted therapy and immunotherapy alongside traditional methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
- Boasts a high patient satisfaction rate with a 95% positive treatment outcome for its patients.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Country for Lung Cancer Treatment
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your budget, medical needs, and how soon you need care.
➯ For world-class care under strict medical standards, Germany and Austria provide exceptional patient outcomes through regulated, multidisciplinary systems.
➯ Looking for world-class care at significantly lower costs? Turkey offers up to 85% savings.
➯ If you're looking for the latest technology and innovative therapies, Israel, South Korea, and Spain are the main contenders.
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- Cancer Research and Treatment. (2023). Five-Year Overall Survival and Prognostic Factors in Patients with Lung Cancer: Results from the Korean Association of Lung Cancer Registry (KALC-R). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35790197/
- Global Lung Cancer Coalition. (2020). The state of global lung cancer research. https://www.lungcancercoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/State-of-global-lung-cancer-research-2020.pdf
- Archivos de Bronconeumología. (2022). Lung Cancer Screening: Survival in an Extensive Early Detection Program in Spain (I-ELCAP). https://www.archbronconeumol.org/es-lung-cancer-screening-survival-articulo-S0300289622002976
- Cancers. (2024). Real-World Treatment Patterns and Timeliness of Clinical Care Pathway for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients in Austria: The PRATER Retrospective Study. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/14/2586