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. And beyond the clinic, Türkiye offers an extraordinary cultural experience — from the breathtaking skyline of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Cappadocia — transforming your medical journey into a truly memorable trip.
Lunara Medical Travel is a Canadian-registered and professionally insured medical travel 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 right specialists, facilitate your consultations, coordinate your logistics, and ensure your best interests are protected throughout the entire process.
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, Türkiye’s breathtaking history, culture, and landscapes — from Istanbul and Ankara to the coastal beauty of Antalya and Bodrum, and the ancient wonders of Cappadocia — transform your medical journey into an unforgettable experience.
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.
International patients consistently report being impressed by the quality of care, clean environment, professional medical teams, and personalised attention they receive at facilities like those in our network. Many physicians have trained internationally — including in Canada, the US, the UK, France, and Japan — and are fluent in English. The facilities we work with are modern, technologically advanced, and entirely patient-focused.
Absolutely. Once you have received your treatment plan and selected a specialist you would like to proceed with, we will provide their full credentials, training background, accreditations, and clinical experience details — ensuring you feel completely informed and confident before making any commitment. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need at every stage of the process.
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 clients combine procedures during a single visit to maximise the value of their travel. Your treatment plan will be designed with this in mind, and our team will ensure sufficient recovery time is built into your schedule.
This varies by procedure. As a general guide:
- Hair transplant — 1-2 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:
- Personalised Discovery — complimentary session to understand your goals
- Your Tailored Plan — treatment plan and transparent cost quote within 2-3 business days
- Review, Consult & Confirm — direct specialist consultation, no commitment required
- VIP Arrival & Coordination — executive transfers, premium accommodation, English- French -multilingual support
- World-Class Care & Recovery — expert treatment, in-clinic recovery, and remote access to your medical team to support your healing journey once you return home to Canada.
Absolutely. Accommodation can be arranged for a companion, and they are welcome to attend consultations with you. Simply let your Lunara coordinator know and we will factor this into your planning.
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.
Packages vary by provider but typically include airport transfers, transport between hotel and clinic, premium accommodation, English-speaking coordinators, pre-operative consultations, the procedure itself, post-operative care, discharge report, and remote follow-up. Your Lunara coordinator will confirm exactly what is included in your specific package.
Absolutely — and we encourage it. Whether you are receiving treatment in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, or Bodrum, each city offers its own extraordinary character — from Istanbul’s breathtaking skyline and thousands of years of history, to the coastal beauty of Antalya and Bodrum, and the rich cultural heritage of Ankara and Izmir. Many patients enjoy exploring before their procedure, and depending on the nature of your treatment and your specialist’s guidance, there may also be opportunities to sightsee and experience the local culture during your recovery. Personalised city tours and cultural excursions can be arranged upon request. Your medical journey and your Türkiye experience can be one and the same.
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 results from lower operating costs, highly competitive medical tourism market conditions, and government-backed healthcare tourism incentives in Turkey — not from any compromise on quality or standards. The same internationally accredited hospitals, board-certified surgeons, and advanced technology are available at a fraction of Canadian prices.
Payment arrangements vary by provider and are handled directly between you and the medical facility. Lunara does not collect payment for medical procedures on behalf of providers. Your Lunara coordinator will clearly outline the payment process, deposit requirements, and accepted payment methods as part of your treatment plan confirmation.
Generally not for elective cosmetic procedures. Private health insurance plans in Canada typically do not cover elective surgery abroad. However, some extended health plans may cover portions of dental work — check directly with your plan administrator. For Executive Health Check-Up packages, certain diagnostic tests may be partially reimbursable. We recommend checking with your insurer 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.
Türkiye enjoys a varied and welcoming climate year-round. Istanbul experiences four distinct seasons — each offering its own unique charm, from vibrant spring blooms and warm summers to colourful autumns and mild winters. Antalya and the southern coastal cities enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny weather for much of the year — making them particularly popular destinations in every season. Whatever time of year you visit, your Lunara coordinator can help you plan your trip around both your procedure and your travel preferences.
All providers in the Lunara network offer airport pick-up and door-to-door transfers between your hotel and the medical facility as part of your all-inclusive package.
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.
