Chemotherapy in Turkey — get 3 personalized clinic matches

According to Bookimed, Turkey is a good place for chemotherapy because it has several world-class hospitals that provide high-quality treatment standards at affordable prices.

• Anadolu Medical Center, which affiliates with Johns Hopkins Hospital, is among the Top 10 hospitals in the world according to the Medical Travel Quality Alliance. Patients from United States, United Kingdom, Romania, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan choose Anadolu Medical Center for treatment.
• Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul is the largest multidisciplinary medical center in Istanbul and is accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) for high-quality treatment. Patients from 92 countries choose Memorial Şişli for treatment annually.
• Okan University Hospital is another private multi-specialty medical center that serves both adults and children. 110,000 patients choose Okan University Hospital to get medical care every year, and patients from CIS, Balkans, and Arab League States visit the clinic most often.
• Hisar Hospital Intercontinental specializes in pediatric and adult cardiovascular surgery, orthopedics, oncology, weight loss surgery, and check-ups. 250,000 patients choose Hisar Intercontinental Hospital to get medical care every year. The majority of medical tourists come from CIS, Balkans, and African countries.

The doctors in these hospitals are highly trained and skilled, and the success rate of organ transplant at Memorial is 90%. Patients have provided positive reviews about their experiences, including the professionalism of the staff, the attention to detail, and the high level of service.

Patients have also appreciated the constant support of a translator and the free accommodation and meals provided by the clinic during treatment.

In summary, Turkey is a good place for chemotherapy because of its world-class hospitals, highly trained and skilled doctors, affordable prices, and positive patient experiences.

Bookimed's rating has revealed the top 5 hospitals in Turkey for Chemotherapy:

1. Anadolu Medical Center
   
2. Medicana Atasehir Hospital
   
3. Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
   
4. Memorial Şişli Hospital
   
5. Medistanbul Hospital
   

Bookimed has identified the top doctors in Turkey who excel in performing Chemotherapy:

1. Yesim Yildirim, Hematology Oncology, Oncology, 19 years experience, with 5.0 reviews score
2. Mustafa Solak, Hematology Oncology, Oncology, 17 years experience, with 5.0 reviews score
3. Sinan Karaaslan, Hematology Oncology, Oncology, 26 years experience
4. Bülent Karagöz, Hematology Oncology, Oncology, 30 years experience, with 5.0 reviews score
5. Ahmet Bilici, Hematology Oncology, Oncology, 25 years experience

Patients consistently praise the seamless logistics support at Turkish clinics. Travel arrangements are handled efficiently, with coordinators organizing flights and transfers quickly. As one patient noted, everything went 'according to schedule' without feeling the language barrier. Clinics provide comprehensive accommodation packages, including free housing for the entire treatment period and three meals daily. Some found the transfer coordination occasionally needed clarification, though the translator support remained 'on top' throughout. The overall experience is described as professionally organized, with patients feeling well-supported from arrival to departure.

Patient experiences with chemotherapy effectiveness in Turkey show mixed outcomes. One patient received comprehensive treatment planning at Liv Hospital with 'examination and recommendations for treatment at home,' expressing satisfaction with the month-long program and planning follow-up visits in 3-4 months. However, treatment approaches can vary significantly between Turkish and home country oncologists. Some noted translation challenges during consultations, though this didn't affect the medical care quality. Another patient experienced differing medical opinions, with Turkish doctors recommending a wait-and-see approach while home physicians suggested more immediate intervention. Overall, patients describe doctors as 'professional' with thorough diagnostic processes.

Patients consistently describe Turkish oncologists as highly professional and competent, with doctors being 'knowledgeable' and taking time to explain treatment details thoroughly. Dr. Zafer Gulbash at Anadolu clinic particularly stands out for conducting examinations at a 'high level' with clear expertise. Some noted translation quality could be improved, though this didn't impact the medical care received. Doctors demonstrate patience in addressing patient concerns and create confidence that patients are 'in good hands.' The overall medical approach is described as professional and well-coordinated throughout treatment.

Patients consistently describe Turkish clinics as modern and well-maintained, with one calling Memorial Şişli 'spotless' and noting cleanliness was clearly 'a top priority.' The facilities at places like Medipol provide comprehensive comfort, including free accommodation and three meals daily during treatment. Some noted differences in certain protocols compared to their home countries, though this didn't impact their overall positive experience. Patients appreciate the 'professional' approach to organizing care and the seamless coordination. The modern environment combined with attentive staff creates a supportive atmosphere that helps patients feel cared for rather than 'useless and lonely.'

Patients consistently report that language barriers don't interfere with their chemotherapy treatment in Turkey. Most describe translators as being 'on top' of communication needs and making interactions 'effortless.' One patient noted having 'constant support of a translator' throughout their ongoing treatment at Medipol clinic. Another emphasized how interpreters were 'readily available' and 'efficient' during their father's care at Memorial Şişli. Some experienced occasional translation quality issues, though medical care proceeded smoothly. Overall, clinics provide comprehensive language support that allows patients to focus on their treatment without communication concerns.

Patients consistently describe Turkish clinic staff as exceptionally supportive throughout their chemotherapy journey. Families report feeling 'supported throughout the entire process' with staff who are 'attentive, competent, highly qualified.' One patient noted you 'do not feel useless and lonely,' highlighting the emotional care provided. Staff demonstrate remarkable responsiveness—one coordinator resolved issues 'in 5-10 minutes, without exaggeration.' The professional approach extends beyond medical care, with interpreters making communication 'effortless' and logistics handled seamlessly. Patients praise the caring attitude that makes a challenging treatment experience more manageable.

Healthcare is the key development sector of the Turkish government. The Turkish authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 77 billion liras for healthcare annually.

As a result, 28,000 medical facilities provide excellent medical care in the country. About 50 centers have certificate of JCI (Joint Commission International), the international improver of healthcare quality and safety across the globe. The index of certificates obtained is the largest. To compare, Israel has 20 JCI-accredited facilities, and Germany — only 10 clinics of this type.

In Turkey, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. The level of Turkish hotels is comparable to hotels in Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.

The main advantage of Turkish resorts is the long beach season. On the Mediterranean coast, it starts in April and lasts until November. In the resorts of the Aegean Sea — from May to October. The most comfortable time for swimming is from mid-June to the end of October. A large influx of tourists is in July-August, when the air temperature is +38°C, and the water warms up to +27°C.

In 2020, the Republic of Turkey has visa-free agreements with 89 states. Some foreigners are exempted from obtaining entry visas, others are required to receive an electronic visa (e-Visa), and still others must apply for a visa at Turkish missions abroad.

What states need a visa for treatment in Turkey and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.

Visas for travel to Turkey require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes:

• ID card
• confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
• certificate of income and availability of funds ($50 per day per person)
• insurance policy for a stay in Turkey (original and copy)
• 2 photos (5x6)
• visa receipt
• booking of flight and hotel
• medical opinion about the need for treatment.