Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medical Travel — and How Can Lunara Help?
Considering medical travel to Türkiye? We have answered your most important questions — so you can take the first step with complete confidence.
Medical travel — also known as health tourism or medical tourism — refers to travelling abroad to receive healthcare, cosmetic, dental, or wellness services. It is a growing global practice driven by access to world-class specialists, significantly lower costs, and shorter waiting times. For Canadians, Türkiye (Turkey) has emerged as one of the most sought-after medical travel destinations — combining internationally accredited hospitals, elite specialists, and procedure costs significantly lower than Canadian prices. Beyond your treatment, many patients enjoy experiencing Türkiye’s rich history, vibrant culture, and world-famous landmarks during their stay—from the skyline of Istanbul to the ancient landscapes of Cappadocia.
Lunara Medical Travel is a Canadian-registered and professionally insured medical tourism facilitation company, proudly serving clients in Toronto, the GTA, Ontario, and across Canada. We act as your independent advocate — connecting you with a trusted network of world-class specialists and accredited hospitals in Istanbul and across Türkiye and guiding you through every step of your journey with complete transparency and no obligation.
Lunara is a Canadian facilitator, not a medical provider, clinic, or hospital. We do not perform procedures. Our role is to connect you with the specialists, facilitate your consultations, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your treatment journey.
No. Lunara is an independent Canadian medical travel facilitation company, not a travel agency. We do not sell or book flights, accommodation, transportation, or vacation packages. Where accommodation, airport transfers, or local transportation are included, they are offered directly by the medical provider as part of its treatment package and are paid directly to the medical provider. Our role is to facilitate communication between patients and their chosen medical providers, provide guidance and support, and help clients navigate their treatment journey.
Your initial discovery call is completely complimentary — and there is no payment made to Lunara at any stage of the process. We are here to answer your questions and help you explore your options. There is absolutely no obligation until you are fully satisfied with your personalised treatment plan, have completed your specialist consultation, and are ready to confirm your procedure and book your treatment date. Payment is made directly to your chosen healthcare provider for your procedure.
As your independent Canadian advocate, we obtain quotes from multiple providers on your behalf — so you can review your options clearly and make the most informed decision. We arrange and facilitate your specialist consultations and can join your calls to bridge any communication gaps and ensure your goals are clearly understood. You benefit from our established relationships, our analytical rigour, and our complete independence — giving you the confidence that every recommendation we make is rooted entirely in your best interest.
Most clients receive a personalised treatment plan and transparent cost quote within 2-3 business days of completing their intake profile.
Our listed specialties cover the most commonly requested procedures through our network. However, if you are looking for something not listed, please reach out — we are happy to discuss your needs and explore whether we can assist through our network of providers in Istanbul.
About Medical Travel to Türkiye (Turkey)
Türkiye (Turkey) has established itself as one of the world’s most sophisticated and regulated medical tourism destinations, welcoming over 1.3 million international patients in 2025 alone. Exceptional specialists, cutting-edge technology, and procedure costs significantly lower than Canadian prices make it the destination of choice for patients who refuse to compromise on quality or results. And beyond the clinic, Combined with shorter wait times and the opportunity to experience Turkey’s rich history and culture, it’s easy to see why so many international patients choose Turkey for their treatment.
Yes — when you choose the right providers. Turkey’s international health services operate under strict Ministry of Health oversight, with rigorous standards for hospital accreditation, licensing, and patient safety. Lunara only refers clients to providers holding top-tier international certifications such as JCI and ISO 9001 — the same standards used to evaluate hospitals in Canada, the US, and Western Europe. All providers in our network hold recognised professional credentials.
Many medical providers also coordinate premium accommodation, airport and local ground transportation, and English-speaking – multilingual patient support as part of the treatment plan, ensuring international patients feel welcomed, supported, and well cared for from arrival through recovery.
International patients consistently report being impressed by the quality of care, highly experienced physicians, professional medical teams, modern facilities, and personalized attention they receive. Many physicians have trained internationally—including in Canada, the US, the UK, France, and Japan—and are fluent in English. The medical providers in our network combine advanced technology with a strong commitment to patient-centred care.
Absolutely. Before making any decision, you’ll receive personalized treatment recommendations, transparent cost estimates, and detailed information about each recommended specialist, including their qualifications, training, experience, and professional credentials. This gives you the opportunity to compare your options and choose the provider that best meets your needs.
Yes. Before you confirm any procedure, we can arrange a video or phone consultation with the medical team or facility on your behalf. We can accompany you on this call to assist with any questions and ensure your goals are clearly understood. No commitment is required before this consultation.
Yes — the hospitals in our network operate world-class facilities across multiple cities in Türkiye, giving you the flexibility to combine exceptional medical care with an extraordinary travel experience. Beyond Istanbul, our network includes facilities in many other cities including:
Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Bodrum, Eskisehir
Whether you are drawn to a bustling city, a coastal retreat, or a cultural destination, your Lunara coordinator can help you choose the location that best suits both your medical needs and your travel preferences.
About the Procedures
Through our network of distinguished specialists in Istanbul, Turkey, we facilitate:
- Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery — breast, facial, and body procedures
- Hair Transplant — FUE, DHI, Sapphire FUE, beard, moustache, and eyebrow restoration
- Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry — Hollywood Smile, dental implants, veneers, All-on-4, All-on-6, root canal treatment
- Executive Health Check-Up — comprehensive preventive screening packages
Yes. Many patients combine compatible procedures during the same visit. When medically appropriate, this often provides better overall pricing than having each procedure separately, while allowing treatment and recovery to take place during one trip. Your chosen medical provider will determine whether combining procedures is safe and appropriate for you.
This varies by procedure. As a general guide:
- Hair transplant — 3-4 days
- Dental procedures — 5-10 days depending on complexity
- Cosmetic surgery — 2-10 days depending on the procedure
- Check-up packages — 1-3 days depending on the package
After your return home, a coordinator from the hospital team will remain your point of contact to support recovery, address post-procedure questions and coordinate any follow-up, if required. We also strongly recommend purchasing medical travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind in the rare event of any unexpected situation.
About Your Journey
Our five-step journey is designed to be clear, supported, and stress-free:
- Your Journey Begins — complimentary call to understand your goals and prepare your profile for specialist review.
- Your Tailored Plan — personalized treatment plan and transparent cost quote—typically within 2–3 business days.
- Review, Consult & Confirm — meet remotely with the specialists, ask questions, and decide with no obligation or payment until you choose to proceed.
- Arrival & Coordination —From the moment you land at Istanbul Airport, your medical provider’s team will be there to welcome you, coordinate your arrival, and support you throughout your stay. Lunara facilitates communication and supports you throughout your journey.
- World-Class Care & Recovery — receive expert treatment, in-clinic recovery, and comprehensive aftercare instructions. Your medical provider typically offers remote follow-up after you return home to Canada, while Lunara remains available to facilitate communication and ongoing support.
Absolutely. Many medical providers can accommodate your companion. Your companion is welcome to accompany you to consultations, where permitted by the medical provider. Simply let your Lunara coordinator know, and we’ll facilitate communication with your chosen provider to help ensure everything is planned smoothly.
Yes. All providers in our network offer English-French speaking, multilingual coordinators and support staff. Language is not a barrier — our team can also join your consultation calls to bridge any communication gaps.
Treatment plans vary by medical provider but often include the procedure, pre-operative consultations, post-operative care, discharge documentation, remote follow-up, premium accommodation, airport and local ground transportation, and English-speaking or multilingual patient support.
These services are offered and administered by the medical provider to ensure a seamless patient experience, All payments are made directly to the medical provider. Lunara does not sell travel services or receive payment for medical, accommodation, or transportation services. Our role is to facilitate communication, answer your questions, and guide you throughout your treatment journey.
Absolutely. Many patients take the opportunity to experience Türkiye’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks during their stay. Depending on your treatment plan and your specialist’s recommendations, you may have time to explore before your procedure or during recovery.
Cost, Financial & Insurance Questions
Patients typically benefit from savings of up to 70% on procedure costs compared to Canada— and these savings remain significant even after flights and accommodation are factored in.
The cost advantage is driven by favourable exchange rates, lower operating costs, a highly competitive healthcare market, and government support for international health tourism—not by any compromise in quality or safety. Patients benefit from internationally accredited hospitals, highly experienced specialists, and advanced medical technology at costs significantly lower than in Canada.
Payments are made directly to your chosen medical provider. In most cases, a deposit is required to secure your treatment date, with the remaining balance paid directly to the provider when you arrive in Türkiye, in accordance with the provider’s payment policy. Accepted payment methods vary by provider and will be explained before you confirm your treatment.
Lunara does not collect or process payments for medical procedures and does not sell, book, or receive payment for travel services. Where accommodation, airport and local ground transportation, or other patient services are included as part of the treatment plan, they are provided or coordinated by the medical provider and paid directly to them.
Generally, elective procedures are not reimbursed by provincial health plans or private health insurance, whether performed in Canada or abroad. However, medically necessary or reconstructive procedures may be covered in certain circumstances, depending on your provincial health plan or private insurer. Some extended health plans may reimburse portions of eligible dental treatment, and certain Executive Health Check-Up diagnostic tests may also qualify for partial reimbursement. We recommend checking directly with your provincial health plan or insurance provider before travelling.
Medical expenses incurred abroad may qualify for the Canadian Medical Expense Tax Credit, subject to the same rules that apply to Canadian medical expenses. We recommend consulting with your chartered accountant or tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
We recommend that all clients purchase medical travel insurance before departing Canada. Please visit our Resources Page for link to the travel insurance providers.
Practical Travel Information
Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Türkiye (Turkey) for stays of up to 90 days. If you are a permanent resident of Canada holding a passport from another country, visa requirements may differ depending on your nationality. We recommend checking your specific entry requirements at the official Turkish portal at LINK or contacting the Turkish Consulate before travel. Always check the latest travel advisories at travel.gc.ca before departure
Turkey’s currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). For personal expenses during your stay — meals, shopping, excursions — you can exchange Canadian dollars at the airport or use a credit card at most establishments. Medical procedure costs are typically quoted and paid in USD or CAD. Your Lunara coordinator will provide full payment details as part of your treatment plan confirmation.
Türkiye time is 7 hours ahead of Toronto in summer and 8 hours ahead in winter.
Turkey offers a diverse climate year-round. Istanbul enjoys four distinct seasons, while Antalya and the southern Mediterranean coast are known for warm, sunny weather throughout much of the year. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, you can choose a treatment date that best fits your schedule while enjoying everything Turkey has to offer.
Airport pick-up and transportation between the hotel and medical facility are usually provided directly by your chosen medical provider as part of its treatment package. Lunara facilitates communication with your medical provider, provides ongoing support, and helps you navigate your treatment journey.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Yes — completely. All personal and medical information you share with Lunara is treated with the strictest confidentiality in accordance with Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA). We will never share your information with third parties without your explicit consent. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details.
Only with your explicit consent. Before we share any medical records or personal information with providers in our network, you will be asked to review and sign a medical consent form. This ensures you retain full control of your information at every stage.
Getting Started
Simply reach out to our Canadian team for a complimentary, no-obligation discovery call. We will guide you through your options, answer all your questions, and help you determine whether medical travel to Turkey is the right choice for you.
