Documents — Non-Negotiable
Before you think about what to wear or what medication to bring, make sure these documents are sorted:
Essential for every patient:
Valid passport (check expiry — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates)UK/EU e-Visa confirmation for Turkey (apply at evisa.gov.tr — takes 5 minutes, costs approximately GBP 20)Travel insurance policy documents (print a copy and save digitally)Clinic booking confirmation and clinic address in TurkishYour coordinator's WhatsApp number saved on your phoneAny existing medical records, blood test results, or imaging relevant to your treatmentA list of all medications you currently take (generic names, not just brand names)Emergency contact details (family member or friend)Store these in two places: one physical copy in your bag and one digital copy in your email or cloud storage.
Travel Insurance: What to Check
Standard travel insurance policies may exclude pre-planned medical procedures. Before you travel, confirm:
Does your policy cover the specific procedure you are having?Does it cover emergency medical treatment unrelated to your procedure?Does it include medical repatriation if needed?What is the emergency number to call from Turkey?Some patients use specialist medical travel insurance (MASTA, Campbell Irvine, and others offer this). It is worth the additional cost for major procedures.
Clothing
For all procedures:
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for clinic visits and recovery daysLayers — Turkish clinics can be cool insideEasy slip-on shoes (you may be unsteady or uncomfortable bending after surgery)Specifically for hair transplant patients:
Button-up or zip-up shirts and jackets for the days immediately post-procedure — you cannot pull anything over your head without risking dislodging graftsA loose-fitting hat or cap for the journey home (to protect the donor area from sun and cold — ask your clinic what type is safe for the recipient area)Specifically for bariatric surgery patients:
Loose elasticated waistbands for hospital stays and recoveryComfortable non-restrictive underwearWarm socks (hospitals can be cold)Specifically for dental patients:
Nothing specific — normal comfortable clothing is fineRecovery Essentials
For hair transplant:
Prescribed post-op medication will be provided by the clinic (shampoo, lotion, vitamins)A neck pillow for the flight home (to avoid resting the donor area against a hard headrest)Soft foods for the first few days if grafts are in the frontal regionFor bariatric surgery:
The clinic will provide your initial vitamin protocolPack liquid or chewable vitamins for the journey homeA small blender bottle for protein shakes (widely available in Istanbul if needed)Comfortable compression socks for the flight home (DVT prevention)For dental:
Soft-bristle toothbrushNon-alcoholic, gentle mouthwashPain relief (ibuprofen or paracetamol as back-up — your clinic will prescribe if needed)For eye surgery:
Sunglasses with UV protection (essential post-LASIK)Artificial tear drops (your clinic will prescribe, but having extra is useful)Avoid eye makeup for at least a week post-procedureElectronics and Connectivity
Universal travel adapter (Turkey uses Type F sockets — same as continental Europe)Portable phone charger / power bankHeadphones (for waiting times at clinics)Downloaded entertainment for recovery daysMoney
Mix of cash (Turkish Lira) and cardNotify your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocksAvoid airport currency exchange — rates are poorCity-centre currency exchange offices (doviz) offer good rates for GBP and EURMost clinics accept card payment; some offer a small discount for cash — ask in advanceMedications to Bring
Bring sufficient supply of any regular medications for the full trip duration plus 2-3 extra days. Declare these at customs if needed.
Do not bring without checking with your surgeon:
Blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) — most surgeons require stopping these before invasive proceduresAnti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen) — often contraindicated before surgeryHerbal supplements including fish oil, garlic, and vitamin E — these can affect bleedingYour clinic will provide a pre-operative medication guidance document. Follow it precisely.
The Night Before
Confirm your airport transfer with the clinicCharge all devicesSet two alarmsDo not eat or drink after midnight if your procedure is the following morning (nil by mouth protocols apply to hair transplant, bariatric, and invasive procedures)Get a good night's sleep — recovery begins before the procedure