Medical tourism in Iran: treatments and travel

Iran has become a significant destination for visitors who travel for planned medical care. The country combines a long history of medical education with large public and private hospital networks and experienced specialists. In August 2024 some commentators reported that Iran aimed to attract around one million medical travelers a year which shows the scale of attention on this sector.

Why Iran for medical care

Several features make Iran attractive for people who are considering travel for health services. A 2024 UNICEF country brief describes Iran as having a robust health system that has helped raise life expectancy and reduce child and maternal deaths which reflects broad investments in health services over time.

Iran is widely known for cosmetic surgery in particular rhinoplasty which is surgery to reshape the nose. Multiple sources in September 2024 still refer to Iran as one of the leading global destinations for rhinoplasty sometimes calling it the nose job capital because of the high number of procedures performed each year.

Beyond cosmetic procedures Iran has major referral centers for fertility treatment cancer care heart surgery eye surgery and other specialties. Tehran Mashhad and Shiraz are frequently mentioned as leading health tourism cities that host large hospitals highly specialized doctors and international patient departments.

For many patients another factor is overall affordability. Studies and news reports highlight that treatment packages can cost less than in many home countries although the exact difference varies by procedure and personal situation.

Common treatments and specialties

International visitors travel to Iran for a wide range of treatments. The main areas include:

• Cosmetic and plastic surgery. Common procedures include rhinoplasty facelift eyelid surgery body contouring and breast surgery. These surgeries focus on appearance and may also help with function such as breathing in some nose operations.
• Hair restoration. Hair transplant techniques such as follicular unit extraction move hair from thicker areas to thinning areas of the scalp.
• Dental care. Many patients seek dental implants crowns veneers and full mouth rehabilitation in private dental centers.
• Fertility and IVF. Fertility clinics offer in vitro fertilization intrauterine insemination and related diagnostics for couples who need help to conceive.
• Eye and vision surgery. Eye hospitals perform laser procedures for vision correction cataract surgery and treatment of some retinal and corneal conditions.
• Oncology and cancer care. Specialized centers provide chemotherapy radiotherapy surgery and multidisciplinary care for cancer
• Cardiology and cardiac surgery. Heart centers offer diagnostic angiography angioplasty and open heart surgery for conditions such as coronary artery disease or valve problems.
• Orthopedics. Joint replacement spine surgery and sports injury repair are available in several teaching and private hospitals.

Whether a specific procedure is suitable always depends on a specialist’s assessment of your health history examinations and test results.

Quality accreditation and safety

Iran uses a national hospital accreditation system managed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Research describes how this system adapts concepts from Joint Commission International and other global standards to local needs and is applied through regular inspections of hospitals.

In parallel the Ministry has licensed selected hospitals to admit international patients through dedicated International Patient Departments. A June 2023 list published by an Iranian embassy shows dozens of hospitals approved to treat patients from abroad which means they must meet defined structural and service standards for foreign visitors.

Studies in 2024 also note that the health system continues to work on issues such as resource allocation and efficiency which can affect waiting times and service experience in some settings.

For personal safety when choosing a provider you can:

• Confirm that the hospital or clinic is licensed and has an International Patient Department for foreign visitors.
• Check that your doctor is registered in the relevant specialty and has hospital privileges for the procedure you need.
• Ask about infection control policies anesthesia safety and emergency backup facilities.
• Request written reports in English or another language you understand.

Travel basics and practicalities

Most medical travelers arrive via Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. Other cities with international flights and large medical centers include Mashhad and Shiraz. Flight routes and airlines can change because of sanctions and regional conditions so it is important to check current schedules before booking.

Many nationalities need a visa to enter Iran. The government provides an official e-visa portal where travelers submit applications and select the embassy or airport where they will receive a visa grant notice. Rules vary by nationality and can change so you should always confirm details on the official e-visa website or with the nearest Iranian embassy before you travel.

For elective surgery many people plan to stay at least one to two weeks in the country to allow for pre procedure tests immediate recovery and follow up checks. Diagnostic visits can be shorter while complex treatments such as cancer care may require repeated or longer stays. Your treating team can give a recommended length of stay according to your plan.

Persian is the main language in Iran. In larger hospitals staff may also speak English and some centers offer interpreter support in regional languages. If you do not speak Persian it is helpful to confirm interpreter availability before you commit.

Because of banking restrictions some international bank cards do not work inside Iran. Many providers expect payment in local currency or through arranged transfers. Ask your clinic in advance which methods are accepted and how deposits or refunds are handled.

Care pathway for international patients

The typical journey for someone traveling to Iran for care includes several stages:

• Initial inquiry and information sharing. You send information on your health concern previous medical reports and imaging. This helps the clinical team decide whether they can offer a suitable option.
• Remote consultation. Some hospitals or doctors arrange video calls or detailed written consultations. At this step you can review possible approaches expected timelines and any risks that have been explained.
• Treatment plan and quotation. If the team believes you are a candidate they prepare a draft plan and a cost estimate. This is usually not a final medical decision but a guide that may change after in person examination.
• Travel and pre procedure tests. On arrival you complete registration and undergo blood tests imaging or specialist assessments to confirm safety for treatment.
• Procedure and early recovery. The procedure takes place in a hospital or surgical center followed by monitoring and post procedure instructions.
• Follow up and return home. Before you travel home your doctor checks your recovery and documents what needs to be monitored afterwards. Many centers provide digital copies of test results and imaging files.
• Remote follow up. Some teams offer follow up by messaging video calls or email so you can ask questions from home if concerns appear.

Throughout this process it is important to keep copies of all reports prescriptions and imaging so that your local doctor can continue your care.

Cost factors without prices

Iran is often described as more affordable than many other countries for comparable procedures but actual expenses differ widely from person to person. Instead of focusing on headline prices it helps to understand what shapes the total cost of a treatment journey.

• Type and complexity of procedure. More complex surgery or combined procedures usually involve longer operating times specialized equipment and longer recovery.
• Hospital level. Care in a large tertiary hospital with intensive care backup may cost more than in a smaller day surgery center yet can be important for higher risk cases.
• Doctor’s experience. Surgeons with many years of focused experience or sub specialties may charge higher professional fees.
• Anesthesia and devices. Use of general anesthesia implants prostheses or high cost materials adds to the bill.
• Length of stay. Extra nights in hospital or hotel and extra nursing or interpreter support increase total spending.
• Travel season and logistics. Flight prices accommodation and local transport vary by season and local events.

Comparing options should include not only the procedure fee but also pre travel tests local accommodation and aftercare needs at home.

Cultural tips and accessibility

Iran is a predominantly Muslim country with social norms that may differ from your home. In public places modest dress is required. Men usually wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves. Women are expected to cover their hair with a scarf and wear loose clothing that covers arms and legs although styles vary.

Hospitals are generally accustomed to family involvement in care. It is common for a relative to stay with the patient to help with meals and communication. Visiting rules differ between facilities so it is good to ask in advance especially for intensive care or specialized wards.

Many large hospitals have ramps elevators and wheelchairs yet sidewalks traffic and older buildings may be less accessible for people with mobility or sensory needs. If you have a disability or need special assistance discuss this with your chosen provider before you travel so they can plan room location transfer vehicles and any equipment.

Interpreter support and patient coordinators can make it easier to navigate local customs complete paperwork and understand medical explanations.

How Cura can help

If you decide to explore treatment options in Iran a coordinating service such as Cura Medical Tourism can help you shortlist vetted clinics compare proposed treatment plans organize interpretation and transfers and support communication before and after your trip. This support does not replace your own research or advice from your local doctors yet it can simplify many practical steps.

This guide is for general information only and does not replace personalized advice from qualified medical professionals or official visa and safety guidance. Always confirm medical plans visa rules and travel advisories with trusted sources before you make final decisions.