Patient Guide
Everything you need to know about using Istanbul Medical Tourism to plan and book your treatment in Istanbul.
Getting Started
How do I create an account?
Click 'Sign Up' in the top navigation, enter your email and password, and verify your email. You can also sign up with Google for faster access.
Is Istanbul Medical Tourism free to use?
Yes — the whole platform is free for patients. Creating an account, browsing destinations, using the AI planner, exploring treatment packages and sending a request all cost nothing. You only ever pay your doctor, directly, for the service they deliver.
Can I use the site without an account?
You can browse destinations, guides, and public treatment packages without an account. However, you need an account to save favorites, message doctors, or make bookings.
Planning Your Trip
How does the AI Treatment Planner work?
Our AI Treatment Planner uses verified Istanbul medical data to create personalized treatment plans. Tell it your dates, interests, and budget, and it generates a day-by-day plan with real clinic times, costs, and local tips.
Can I customize AI-generated treatment packages?
Absolutely! After generating an treatment package, you can edit any day, add or remove destinations, adjust timings, and save it to your account for future reference.
How do I find treatment packages from other patients?
Visit the Treatment Packages page to browse real trip plans shared by fellow patients and local doctors. Filter by destination, duration, budget, or trip type.
Booking Services
How do I book with an doctor or clinic?
Find an doctor or clinic through our directories, view their treatment packages, and click 'Book Now' or 'Contact' to start. You can message them directly to discuss your needs before committing.
How and when do I pay?
You pay your doctor directly, not us. Istanbul Medical Tourism takes no payment at any point and never asks for your card details. You and your doctor agree the amount and the method between you, usually when you meet in Istanbul.
What if the doctor does not deliver?
Because you pay on delivery rather than up front, you are not out of pocket if something goes wrong before then. Every doctor is verified before they can take requests, and if one lets you down, tell us — we mediate and we suspend doctors who do not honour what they agreed.
Can I cancel a booking?
Cancellation policies vary by service provider. Check the specific terms before booking. Most providers offer free cancellation up to 48-72 hours before the service date.
Working with Doctors
Who are the local doctors?
Local doctors are verified professionals including medical specialists, photographers, food hosts, drivers, and treatment planners who live and work in Turkey. Each doctor is verified by our team.
How do I know an doctor is trustworthy?
Look for the verification badge, read reviews from other patients, check their response rate and trust score, and message them with questions before booking.
Can I message doctors before booking?
Yes! Click 'Message' on any doctor's profile to ask questions, discuss your trip, or request a custom treatment package. Messaging is free for registered users.
Community Features
What is the Community forum?
The Community is where patients share tips, ask questions, and connect with others planning Turkey trips. Browse topics, start discussions, and get advice from experienced patients.
How do I save favorite destinations?
Click the heart icon on any destination, treatment package, or doctor profile to save it to your favorites. Access your saved items from your account dashboard.
Can I share my own travel experience?
Yes! After your trip, submit an treatment package with your real experiences, tips, and photos. Approved treatment packages appear in our public directory and help other patients.
Support & Safety
What if I have a problem during my trip?
Contact our support team via the Help button or email. For urgent issues with a booked service, you can also reach the provider directly through your booking confirmation.
How do I report an issue with a provider?
Go to your booking history, select the booking, and click 'Report Issue'. Our team reviews all reports and takes action to protect patients.
Is my personal information safe?
We use industry-standard encryption to protect your data. We never sell your information to third parties. Read our Privacy Policy for details.