What to pack for a medical trip to Istanbul
Front-buttoning clothes, your medication list, and one thing most people forget: a copy of your medical history in English.
Clothing that does not go over your head
After facial, dental, hair or breast procedures, pulling a jumper over your head is uncomfortable or forbidden. Bring shirts and zip tops. For body surgery, loose high-waisted trousers that do not press on incisions.
Medical documents
A list of current medications with doses, allergies, previous operations and any implanted devices, in English. If you have recent bloods, an ECG or imaging, bring digital copies. This shortens your assessment and occasionally changes the plan.
Practical items
Compression garment if you already own one, a neck pillow for hair transplant patients, straws are useful after dental work, dry shampoo, and a phone charger with an EU adapter (Turkey uses type C/F, 220V).
What not to bring
Aspirin, ibuprofen or fish oil supplements in the ten days before surgery unless prescribed. They increase bleeding. Bring the list, and we will tell you what to pause and when.
The Ones People Actually Ask.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes for the trip itself. Note that elective surgery complications are excluded from standard policies. Ask your clinic about their own complication cover.
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What Stands Behind The Plan.



