How treatment abroad works, step by step

A clear, step-by-step guide to arranging planned treatment abroad through Saluvia — who does what, what it costs, and where the medical responsibility sits.

Long waiting lists are one of the most common reasons people look beyond their own country for planned medical care. If you are facing a wait of several months for a procedure, treatment abroad can be a way to be seen and treated in a matter of weeks instead.

This guide explains, step by step, how treatment abroad works when you arrange it through Saluvia — who does what, what it costs, and where the medical responsibility sits.

First, what Saluvia does (and does not) do

Saluvia coordinates and guides. We help you reach the right hospital, organise your information, and stay with you through the process. We do not provide medical advice. Every medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan comes from the doctors at our partner hospitals — not from us.

We also do not book your flights or hotel, and we do not translate medical records. You provide your records in English; we can point you in the right direction for travel, but those arrangements stay in your hands.

Step 1 — You share your situation

You start by requesting a free assessment through the form on our site. You tell us the basics: the treatment you are interested in, your country, and, if you have them, your medical records (in English). There is no cost and no obligation.

Step 2 — The hospital's doctors review

We pass your information to the international patient team at the relevant hospital. Their doctors review your case and advise on whether treatment is suitable, what it would involve, and what they would recommend. That clinical judgement is theirs — our role is to make sure your information reaches the right specialists and that you understand what comes back.

Step 3 — You decide, then we help you plan

If you choose to go ahead, we help coordinate the practical side: proposed dates, what to bring, and what to expect on arrival. Communication is by email and in English, so nothing is lost in translation.

Step 4 — Your treatment

Treatment takes place at one of our partner hospitals. In Istanbul, the American Hospital and Koç University Hospital are members of the Mayo Clinic Care Network and hold JCI accreditation — a leading international standard for hospital quality and patient safety. We also work with a Koç Healthcare facility on the Mediterranean coast in Antalya.

Step 5 — Aftercare and going home

Your hospital team explains your recovery and any follow-up before you travel home. If questions come up afterwards, we stay reachable and help you get answers from the hospital.

Who pays for what

You pay the hospital directly for your treatment — the same price as if you had approached them yourself. Saluvia is paid by the hospital, not by you, so our coordination and guidance cost you nothing. International (non-resident) patients are also not charged Turkish VAT, which is one reason treatment can work out considerably lower than comparable private care in Western Europe.

Want to understand your options? Request a free assessment. It takes a few minutes, and the hospital's doctors take it from there.

Read next: Hip replacement abroad: what you should know.

Saluvia provides coordination, guidance, and information only — not medical advice. All medical assessment is carried out by the doctors at our partner hospitals.