PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

Preparing for Your International Trip

Traveling to Turkey for medical treatment involves important planning. At Medco HealthCo, we are here to guide you every step of the way — from helping you gather medical documents to ensuring a smooth arrival and recovery experience.

Medical Documentation

To avoid any delays, please prepare and bring the following documents to your first appointment:

Medical Reports: Bring printed copies of any medical records previously shared with our team, as well as any new ones you’ve received.
Diagnostic Images: Include physical films or CD-ROMs (DICOM-compatible) of CT, MRI, PET, X-rays, ultrasounds, etc.
You can also send them in advance via WeTransfer to your Medco HealthCo assistant.

Visa & Entry Information

Once your appointment is confirmed, we will issue an official confirmation letter stating your scheduled evaluation and estimated treatment duration. This can be used to apply for a Turkish visa through your local consulate or embassy.

For up-to-date information and exemptions, visit:

https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

Pre-Arrival Consultation

You will be asked to complete a medical history form to help us consult with your assigned physician. Our team may also schedule a video consultation to discuss your condition, answer your questions, and finalize a tailored treatment plan before your arrival.

Your Travel & Stay Schedule

Our coordinators will share a personalized schedule including:

Your pre-operative instructions
When and where to arrive
Expected hospital check-ins and rest days
Guidance about your recovery timeline

Please follow all pre-op instructions carefully, especially if you are traveling from abroad. Doing so helps minimize complications and ensures optimal preparation for surgery.

Packing Tips & Travel Preparation

Clothing: Check the weather in Istanbul before packing. We recommend comfortable clothing such as loose dresses, tracksuits, leggings, and pyjamas — ideal for rest and recovery.
Adapters: Turkey uses two-pin European-style sockets. If you're traveling from the UK or Americas, bring a universal power adapter.
Personal Items: Remove all gel nail polish, acrylics, fake eyelashes, and piercings before arriving.

What We Provide

During your hospital stay, we will provide:

Free Wi-Fi (please note speed may vary)
All doctor-prescribed medications during hospitalization
Compression stockings (for hospital and flight)
Surgical dressings and medical garments (as needed)
Post-op corsets (in-hospital only; additional items can be purchased locally)

Please note that take-home medications and garments (like external corsets) are not included in the package price and must be purchased separately.

Your Arrival in Turkey

Please book your flight to Istanbul Airport (IST).
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is farther from our facilities and may result in additional transfer costs.

You will receive the name and contact details of your driver in advance.
Upon arrival, our transfer team will meet you at the non-customs exit area and escort you to your hotel or hospital, depending on your treatment schedule.

Surgery Preparation Timeline

1 Week Before Surgery:

Stop taking blood thinners (consult your physician).
Stop smoking at least 1 week before and 1 month after surgery.
Avoid alcohol 1 week before and 1 week after surgery.

2–3 Days Before:

Eat a low-sodium (salt-free) diet to reduce swelling.
Avoid multivitamin tablets or supplements unless advised by your doctor. Focus on a healthy, balanced diet.

24 Hours Before:

No food or drink 12 hours before surgery.
Remove nail polish, fake nails/lashes, piercings, and jewelry.
Trim fingernails and toenails to minimize infection risk.
Your menstrual cycle does not affect your surgery eligibility.

Surgery Day

Final bloodwork and pre-op consultation with your surgeon will take place.
The surgeon will mark surgical sites and discuss the full procedure.
Make sure to review and understand your consent form before signing.

After Surgery

Most patients stay 1 night in hospital; more complex surgeries may require longer stays.
You’ll be asked to wear surgical garments as instructed for best results.
Avoid heavy activity (lifting, running) for at least 2 weeks.
Stay active with light walking to promote circulation and recovery.

If you have questions about preparation or your visit, your International Patient Assistant is available 24/7 to help.