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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need
to know.

Answers to the most common questions about medical treatment coordination in Istanbul — costs, timelines, safety, and what to expect.

Getting started
How do I get a quote?+
Contact us via WhatsApp (+44 7441 904858) or email (info@oceanhealthtravel.com) with your treatment, preferred dates, and any relevant medical information. We provide a full itemised quote within 48 hours — no obligation.
How quickly can I have surgery?+
Most patients can have surgery within 2–3 weeks of first contact. This covers quote, booking, and travel arrangement. Some complex procedures (e.g. neurosurgery) may require additional pre-operative assessment time.
Do I need a referral from my GP?+
For most cosmetic, dental, and ophthalmological procedures, no GP referral is required. For complex procedures such as neurosurgery, orthopaedics, or deep brain stimulation, a specialist referral letter is required before coordination can begin.
What information should I include in my first message?+
The more detail you provide, the faster we can quote. Ideally: which treatment(s) you are considering, preferred dates, approximate budget, and any relevant medical records or X-rays. Photos of the area of concern are helpful for cosmetic procedures.
Costs & pricing
How much cheaper is treatment in Istanbul than the UK?+
Savings vary by procedure. Dental implants are typically 80% lower than UK private rates. Rhinoplasty 55–70% lower. Knee replacement 70–75% lower. LASIK 60–75% lower. Deep brain stimulation 40–60% lower. All prices are indicative — exact quotes depend on your specific case.
What is included in the price?+
Your itemised quote will specify exactly what is included. Typically: surgeon fee, anaesthesia, hospital stay, and standard post-operative care. Airport transfer, hotel, interpreter, and clinic liaison are included in your package. No coordination fee is charged directly to patients. Flights are never included.
Are there any hidden charges?+
No. Our quotes are itemised and fixed before you travel. We do not add charges on arrival. Ocean Health & Travel coordinates your care at no direct cost to you — our commercial arrangements are with partner hospitals, not with patients.
How do I pay?+
Payment terms are specified in your coordination agreement. Client payments are held in a designated client account, separate from operating funds, before and during treatment. Full details are provided in our Medical Services Brokerage Agreement.
Are flights included?+
No. Flights are not included in any package. We recommend booking flights once your surgery date is confirmed. We can advise on typical flight times from UK airports to Istanbul.
Safety & accreditation
Is medical treatment in Istanbul safe?+
Ocean Health & Travel coordinates exclusively with JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul. JCI (Joint Commission International) is an internationally recognised hospital accreditation standard covering patient safety, quality systems, and clinical governance. All partner facilities meet these international standards.
Which hospitals do you work with?+
We work with JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul, including Memorial Hospitals Group. Our partner hospitals are selected based on clinical standards and JCI accreditation. Our commercial arrangements with hospitals do not affect the independence of clinical decisions.
Are the surgeons qualified?+
All surgeons at our partner hospitals are board-certified in their specialty and trained at internationally recognised institutions. Surgeon credentials are provided in your treatment proposal. Ocean Health & Travel does not employ surgeons — all clinical decisions rest with the treating physician.
What if something goes wrong?+
Your treating provider has standard clinical governance and complaint procedures. Ocean Health & Travel has a formal Complaints Policy — available on our website — and will assist in coordinating communication with the hospital in the event of a concern. We are registered with the ICO and operate under UK consumer protection law.
What we provide
What coordination services are included?+
Every coordination package includes: airport transfer (arrival and departure), hotel accommodation near your clinic, professional medical interpreter at all appointments, and full clinic liaison throughout your stay. Post-discharge documentation is forwarded to your UK GP on request.
Do you provide an interpreter?+
Yes. A professional medical interpreter is present at every clinical appointment — consultation, pre-operative assessment, surgery day, and post-operative check. You will never be left to communicate alone with clinical staff.
What happens after I return to the UK?+
Post-discharge documentation — including operative notes, discharge summary, and any laboratory results — is provided in English and forwarded to your UK GP on request. The treating provider remains responsible for its clinical treatment and agreed post-operative follow-up. Patients should seek urgent local medical care if required after returning home. Ocean Health & Travel does not provide post-operative medical care.
Is Ocean Health & Travel a medical provider?+
No. We are a medical tourism coordination service. We do not employ surgeons, operate clinical facilities, or provide medical advice. All clinical decisions rest with the treating physician at our JCI-accredited partner hospitals.
Travel & logistics
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?+
Stay length varies by procedure. LASIK: 3–5 days. Hair transplant: 3–5 days. Dental treatment: 7–10 days. Rhinoplasty: 7–10 days. Knee replacement: 10–14 days. Deep brain stimulation: 2–3 weeks. Your coordinator will advise on the appropriate stay for your specific procedure.
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?+
British citizen passport holders can normally visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Most EU passport holders can also enter visa-free. Patients should check the latest entry requirements on GOV.UK before travelling.
Can I bring a companion?+
Yes, and we recommend it for most surgical procedures. We can arrange hotel accommodation for companions and include them in transfers. Companion costs are quoted separately.
When can I fly home after surgery?+
Flying timelines depend on the procedure. LASIK: 2–3 days post-op. Dental: immediately after treatment in most cases. Rhinoplasty: 7–10 days. Knee replacement: 10–14 days (deep vein thrombosis risk must be managed). Your surgical team will advise on the appropriate time to fly based on your recovery.
About Ocean Health & Travel
Is Ocean Health & Travel a UK registered company?+
Yes. Ocean Health & Travel Ltd is registered in England & Wales (Companies House no. 16186647). We are registered with the ICO for UK GDPR compliance, and client payments are held in a designated client account.
How long have you been operating?+
Ocean Health & Travel is the UK-registered brand of Ocean Travel, which has 15 years of experience in international health tourism coordination in Turkey.
Are you regulated?+
We are registered with Companies House (no. 16186647), the ICO (UK GDPR), and are TÜRSAB authorised in Turkey. We hold a USHAS International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate issued by the Turkish Ministry of Health. We operate under UK consumer protection law.

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