IM Insaf Med

Questions & answers

Answers to common questions about organizing treatment, the medical process, payment, and returning home.

Logistics & documents

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

Citizens of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan don't need a visa for treatment trips of up to 30 days, and citizens of Russia up to 60 days. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months. The clinic issues an official invitation letter if one is needed for work or to confirm the purpose of the trip. The coordinator confirms the current rules in writing before you buy tickets.

What documents are needed for a remote medical opinion?

Imaging — MRI, CT or X-ray, ideally as files rather than photos of printouts; discharge summaries and doctors' reports; a list of medications you take; information about chronic conditions and past surgeries. For a hair transplant, instead of imaging you need 4–6 photos of your head in bright light. We translate everything into Turkish free of charge.

Can I bring a companion?

Yes, and we recommend it, especially for patients over 65. Packages include accommodation for one companion at a hotel near the clinic. The companion can stay in the room, attend check-ups and be present for conversations with the doctor. If there's no companion, the coordinator sends a daily update to relatives.

How much money should I bring?

The main amount is paid to the clinic's cashier according to the estimate — by card or cash. On top of that, we suggest budgeting for personal expenses: food outside the clinic, pharmacy, taxis, souvenirs. A rough guide is $30–50 per person per day; prices in Bursa are lower than in Istanbul. The coordinator can suggest where to exchange currency or withdraw cash at a fair rate.

Who meets me at the airport, and how will I recognise the driver?

A clinic driver meets you in the arrivals area holding a sign with your name. A day before your flight the coordinator sends you the driver's name, car number and phone, plus instructions on exactly where to meet him. If your flight is delayed, the driver tracks the status and waits.

What language will we communicate in?

A Russian-speaking coordinator and interpreter work with you throughout — at consultations, ward rounds, when signing documents, and at discharge. Documents for you are translated into Russian. Your materials for the doctors are translated into Turkish or English.

What should I bring to the clinic?

Your passport, a printed copy of the estimate and your correspondence with the coordinator, imaging, a list of medications, comfortable loose clothing and shoes without laces, toiletries, chargers and an extension cord. Walkers, crutches and compression stockings, if included in the package, are provided by the clinic — no need to buy them in advance. We send the full checklist before your flight.

Medical questions

How long is the recovery period?

Visible signs of the procedure fade within 7-10 days; the final result shows after 10-12 months.

What anaesthesia is used for joint replacement?

Most often spinal anaesthesia: the lower half of the body is numbed while the patient stays conscious or in light sedation. It puts less strain on the heart and lungs than general anaesthesia. The anaesthesiologist makes the final decision after an examination and tests, and discusses it with you.

What are the risks?

As with any surgery: infection, bleeding, thrombosis, reaction to anaesthesia; for orthopaedic surgery — dislocation or implant loosening later on; for spine surgery — nerve damage and disc recurrence. The clinic reduces risks with navigation, neuromonitoring, thrombosis prevention and early mobilisation. The doctor must tell you your personal risks before you sign the consent form.

How long does a joint implant last?

According to worldwide statistics, modern implants last 20–25 years on average. Age, weight, activity level and placement precision all matter — which is why the NAVIO 7 robotic system is used. The implant comes with an international warranty card with a serial number, which you should keep.

When can I fly after surgery?

After joint replacement, usually on day 10–11; after endoscopic spine surgery, after 3–5 days; after spinal fixation, after 7–10 days; after a hair transplant, on day 3–4. The surgeon gives clearance after an examination. On the flight you'll need compression stockings, foot movements and getting up once an hour.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

There's no strict age limit: surgery is performed even at 75–80 if the heart, lungs and test results allow it. With significant excess weight, the doctor may ask you to lose weight before surgery — this reduces risks and extends the implant's lifespan. The decision is always individual, based on the anaesthesiologist's assessment.

Can surgery be done with diabetes or hypertension?

Yes, if the condition is under control: blood sugar and blood pressure are managed, and you have a report from your physician or endocrinologist. The clinic will ask for recent tests and may adjust your medication schedule before surgery. If diabetes isn't under control, surgery will be postponed until the numbers normalise.

Do you operate on children?

The clinic has paediatric orthopaedics and paediatric rehabilitation, including programmes for cerebral palsy. For a specific case you need a remote medical opinion: send imaging, discharge summaries and the child's age. Rehabilitation costs from $200 per day, with a course usually from 10 days.

What if the doctor says surgery isn't necessary?

That's a normal and common outcome: you'll receive a written opinion with a conservative treatment plan and a timeline for a follow-up MRI or check-up. The remote opinion is free, and deciding not to travel costs you nothing.

Payment

How much does a hair transplant cost?

Prices start from $1,500 depending on the number of grafts and the chosen technique.

How much does joint replacement cost?

Prices start from $6,000 depending on the implant type and surgery scope.

When and how do I pay?

First you receive the estimate and the contract in Russian, read it and ask questions. The surgery date is booked with a deposit starting from $500. You pay the rest at the clinic's cashier on the day of admission, by card or cash, and receive a receipt and an invoice in your name.

Does Insaf Med charge the patient a commission?

No. The clinic pays us, and you pay the clinic at its own price list. So the price is no different from booking directly with the clinic, while we handle the organisation. A sign of a fair setup: the estimate is on the clinic's letterhead, and payment goes to the clinic's cashier, not to a private individual's account.

Can the price go up once I arrive?

The estimate is fixed before your flight and doesn't change. A recalculation is only possible if the doctor changes the scope of surgery for medical reasons — for example, if on-site tests show a different implant is needed. In that case you're first told the reason and shown the new amount, and nothing proceeds until you agree.

What if the surgery is cancelled for medical reasons?

If the clinic cancels the surgery due to contraindications found during examination, the deposit is refunded under the terms set out in the contract. Any tests and consultations already carried out are paid at list price. We help arrange the refund and, if needed, reschedule the date.

Do you work with insurance companies?

The clinic issues a full set of documents in English: invoice, discharge summary, reports and imaging. You can submit these to your insurance company or employer. We can't guarantee reimbursement — that's your insurer's decision, so check the terms with them in advance.

Can I pay in instalments?

The standard order is a deposit plus the balance at admission. Whether instalments are possible depends on the clinic's policy — check with the coordinator when the estimate is being agreed. Message the coordinator if you need a non-standard schedule — we'll discuss it before the date is booked.

After you return home

Who removes the stitches once I'm home?

Stitches or staples are removed at a local clinic or private practice — it's a simple procedure. The discharge summary states the removal date and wound-care instructions; it's in Russian, so it's enough to show it to your local doctor. If any doubts come up, the coordinator will connect you with the surgeon who operated.

How does the online follow-up work?

At 1, 3, 6 and 12 months the coordinator contacts you and arranges a time. You'll usually need recent imaging and a short video of you walking or doing exercises. The surgeon reviews the materials, answers questions and adjusts the rehabilitation programme if needed.

What should I do if there is a complication?

The protocol is simple: message the coordinator on WhatsApp with a photo of the problem area and your temperature. The same day, they connect you with the surgeon who operated. If you notice signs of infection, thrombosis or sharp pain, also see a doctor locally — the clinic will provide written recommendations you can show your local doctor.

Do I need to take medication after I get home?

Usually yes: thrombosis-prevention medication for several weeks, painkillers as needed, and stomach-protecting medication if required. The regimen is written out in the discharge summary with dosages and timing. The coordinator can help you find equivalents in your country by active ingredient.

Where should I do rehabilitation — at home or in Turkey?

A basic programme is included in the package and can be done at home following instructions written in Russian. If you'd prefer a supervised course, you can stay in Turkey: rehabilitation at the clinic costs from $200 per day, with a course usually from 10 days. This is discussed with the doctor at discharge.

What should I do a year or more later?

After joint replacement, a check-up X-ray every 1–2 years and an orthopaedist's examination are recommended, along with telling dentists and other doctors about the implant before procedures. Keep the implant's warranty card together with the discharge summary. You can contact us even years later — we keep your treatment history on file.