Medical escort after treatment in Turkey: getting home safely

When a medical escort or stretcher is needed

Your treating doctor decides whether you can fly and how. A medical escort or a stretcher may be considered if, for example:

• you need medical care, monitoring or medication during the journey;
• you cannot sit upright for the flight after your treatment;
• a complication has extended your stay in hospital;
• you are travelling alone and your doctor recommends that a professional accompanies you.

Options include a seat with a doctor or nurse escort, a stretcher on a scheduled flight, a bed-to-bed transfer, or in rare cases an air ambulance.

Fitness to fly

Whether and when you can fly after treatment is a medical decision made by your treating doctor, together with the doctor responsible for the transfer. Airlines may ask for a medical form (MEDIF) or a fit-to-fly letter from the clinic. We do not give general rules about how long to wait after a procedure, because it depends on the treatment and on you.

Documents from your treating clinic

• a medical report or discharge summary, in English if possible;
• a fit-to-fly letter or the airline's medical form, if required;
• a list of medication and any care instructions for the journey;
• the clinic's and treating doctor's contact details;
• your passport and, if you have it, travel insurance details.

Coordination with your clinic and written quote

With your consent, we contact your clinic directly to get the medical information and agree a discharge time. We then arrange the escort or stretcher, the ground transport to the airport and, if needed, at arrival. You receive a written quote before anything is booked. If you have insurance that covers the transfer, we work under the insurer's guarantee of payment. One coordinator stays your contact throughout. If you are in Antalya, see also patient transfer Antalya.

Who leads your case

Repatriation Antalya is led by Nevzat Bakir, one of Turkey's most experienced health-tourism professionals. His experience includes international patient operations at Rich Hospital Antalya, including work with foreign insurance and assistance processes, and work as an international patient and health tourism consultant at Consilia Health Network. He speaks Turkish, English, Dutch and German.

Why families and insurers contact us

• Available 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp
• Worldwide: transfers between any two countries, coordinated from our Antalya base
• We work only with licensed operators. We coordinate and do not own aircraft.
• One coordinator for each case, from first contact to handover
• Written quote before booking
• We work under insurers' guarantees of payment and send case reports to insurers and assistance companies
• Cases handled in English, German, Russian and Turkish

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a medical escort home after surgery in Turkey?

Yes. If your treating doctor recommends it, we coordinate a doctor or nurse to accompany you home, or a stretcher on a scheduled flight if you need to lie flat.

Who decides whether I am fit to fly?

Your treating doctor, together with the doctor responsible for the transfer. Airlines may also ask for their own medical form or a fit-to-fly letter.

What do I need from my clinic?

Usually a medical report or discharge summary, a fit-to-fly letter or airline medical form if required, a medication list and the clinic's contact details.

Do you work with my clinic?

With your consent, we contact your treating clinic directly to get the medical information and agree the discharge and transfer time.

How much does a medical escort cost?

There is no fixed price. It depends on the type of escort, the route and your medical needs. You receive a written quote before anything is booked.