Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Mor Midovnik
28 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Melanoma treatment cost in Israel typically ranges from $7,000 for primary surgical interventions. A standard consultation with an oncologist runs from $700, with total expenses depending on the cancer stage and the necessity of advanced immunotherapy. Patients can expect 30–80% savings compared to the United States. Top treatment centers are located in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Typical Melanoma Treatment Costs in Israel
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients seeking advanced protocols benefit from JCI-accredited centers like Hadassah, where multidisciplinary teams offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment packages starting around $31,000. For complex cases, choosing a specialist like Dr. Michael Lotem, who leads dedicated immunotherapy research, ensures access to the latest biological therapies. Sourasky Medical Center is ideal for those prioritizing high success rates, reporting a 90% average in oncology treatment.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Wide excision of melanoma | from $7,000 | from $4,400 | ≈ $2,600 |
| Topical therapy of melanoma | ≈ $4,500 | ≈ $1,800 | ≈ $1,800 |
| Mohs microsurgery | from $4,300 | from $26,900 | ≈ $1,500 |
| Melanoma surgery | ≈ $6,500 | from $4,000 | ≈ $3,800 |
| Halcyon | ≈ $14,000 | ≈ $9,500 | ≈ $11,500 |
Prof. Merimsky leads the Soft Tissue and Bone Oncology Unit at Sourasky Medical Center, with over 41 years of specialized experience in sarcoma and melanoma.
Dr. Dov Zippel is a surgical oncologist and head of the Meirav Breast Center. Forbes Israel named him to its Best Doctors list in 2025. He treats benign and malignant breast tumors and melanoma at Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Zippel completed a surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Calgary in Canada.
Dr. Yuri Goldes is the Deputy Director of General Surgery at Sheba Medical Center. He pioneered some of Israel’s first robotic resections for stomach and pancreatic cancers. Forbes Israel named him among the nation’s best gastrointestinal surgeons. In 2019, he received the Best Doctor of the Year award from the Israeli Ministry of Health.
Dr. Midovnik is the director of the melanoma center at Sourasky Medical Center, bringing specialized leadership to melanoma care.
Written by Veronika Kazina
Written by Veronika Kazina
Written by
Prepare questions regarding your Breslow depth, mitotic rate, and ulceration status to determine tumor thickness. Ask about BRAF gene mutation testing and sentinel lymph node biopsy to guide systemic therapy. Ensure you understand your exact stage and any metastatic spread found via PET-CT scans.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers often prioritize histopathology revision for international biopsy slides to ensure staging accuracy. Leading institutions like Sourasky Medical Center report a 90% average success rate in oncology treatment. Bringing your original pathology slides is vital as specialized centers frequently find subtle markers that change the recommended treatment plan.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of challenging initial biopsy methods like shave biopsies that might delay proper staging. Many note that having an ultrasound of the lymph nodes provides immediate peace of mind during the first visit.
Israel is a top destination for melanoma treatment due to pioneering therapies and 90% success rates. Leading centers like Sheba Medical Center offer exclusive protocols like TIL immunotherapy. Access to BRAF gene testing and Mohs microsurgery ensures precise, personalized care for international patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israel’s high volume of sun-related cases has turned its hospitals into a real-world laboratory. For example, Sheba Medical Center treats over 1.9 million patients annually with a heavy focus on precision medicine. This immense scale allows surgeons to refine techniques like wide excision and Mohs microsurgery far beyond standard protocols. While many seek immunotherapy, the expertise in aggressive early excision often yields survival rates exceeding 95% for early-stage cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that seeking treatment in Israel often cuts wait times down to under 2 weeks. Those treated by specialists like Dr. Bernstein at Assuta Medical Center praise the efficiency of the diagnostic process and the attentive care received during surgical procedures.
Diagnostic accuracy in Israel matches international OECD standards. Specific oncology and melanoma assessments utilize advanced digital pathology and genetic testing. High-volume centers like Sheba Medical Center serve up to 2 million patients annually. These facilities use AI and electronic health records to minimize diagnostic errors.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many countries offer basic biopsies, Israel's diagnostic accuracy is driven by the sheer scale of specialized centers. Sheba and Sourasky handle nearly 4 million patient visits combined annually. This massive data flow allows their AI systems to recognize rare melanoma patterns that lower-volume clinics might miss.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli doctors often catch Stage II melanoma that was previously dismissed elsewhere. They specifically value the ability to get pathology results in under 48 hours for urgent cases.
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is an advanced immunotherapy using a patient's own immune cells to combat cancer. Israel is a global pioneer in this field. Leading centers like Sheba Medical Center offer these protocols for advanced melanoma cases that resist standard treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Sheba Medical Center is a world leader with over 200 patients treated, accessibility varies based on specific research protocols. Patients should verify if their case qualifies for the Young-TIL protocol. This streamlined process at Sheba significantly reduces the cell manufacturing wait time to just fourteen days.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while the process is physically demanding and requires hospital isolation, it remains a vital option when other immunotherapies fail. Many emphasize the importance of having a high tumor mutational burden for successful cell expansion.
Israeli oncology centers routinely provide advanced non-TIL therapies including Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, targeted BRAF/MEK inhibitors, and oncolytic viral therapy. Facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center utilize JCI-accredited protocols to deliver personalized immunotherapy and precision medicine for melanoma.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many search for experimental TIL, Israel’s real strength lies in rapid diagnostic integration. Centers like Hadassah Medical Center utilize BRAF gene mutation testing and histopathology revisions to confirm the specific molecular subtype within days. This allows doctors like Dr. Michael Lotem to switch from general immunotherapy to targeted BRAF/MEK inhibitors immediately, which is critical for aggressive metastatic cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm BRAF status quickly to access the right drug combinations. Many highlight that specialists like Dr. Bernstein at Assuta provide reassuring, thorough ultrasound screenings of lymph nodes during follow-ups.
International patients typically begin melanoma treatment in Israel within 2 to 5 days of arrival. The process starts with a diagnostic phase lasting 1 to 3 days to confirm staging. Clinical pathways for surgery or immunotherapy often initiate immediately following these final evaluations.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a significant efficiency gap between private and public tracks. Assuta Medical Center, a private facility, performs over 92,000 operations annually with a focus on patient-selected specialists. This private model often bypasses the administrative queues found in larger state institutions like Sourasky, despite the latter's massive volume of 1,800,000 yearly patients. Sharing digital biopsy slides before travel typically strips 2 days off the onsite timeline.
Patient Consensus: Patients report that having a coordinator meet them helps speed up the initial ultrasound and doctor visits. Many note that quick results at clinics like Assuta provided immediate peace of mind and faster surgical dates.
Top accredited hospitals for melanoma in Israel include Sheba Medical Center, Sourasky Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These JCI-accredited facilities are global leaders in immunotherapy and advanced surgical oncology. They offer specialized treatments like TIL therapy and Mohs microsurgery for high success rates.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patient volume often signals where the most complex cases go. While Sourasky and Sheba serve nearly 2,000,000 patients annually, private centers like Assuta offer faster access to identical high-tech diagnostics. Leading surgeons like Dr. Shlomo Schneebaum and Dr. Haim Gutman often operate across both public and private sectors.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it's important to seek second opinions via telemedicine to optimize plans before traveling. They appreciate the specialized care for BRAF-positive cases but suggest preparing for 2-4 week wait times.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.