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Azerbaijan: treatment abroad

Some families consider treatment or a transplant abroad — most often in Turkey, sometimes in Germany, Israel and other countries. This chapter explains how to approach the decision, what to prepare and what not to forget after returning.

Last updated: ~2 min read
On a dark navy background, a golden flight arc from the Caspian coast to a distant hospital city.
Figure 1.Treatment abroad is planned only when needed.

01Short answer

Treatment abroad should be planned only when needed and together with your own haematologist: diagnosis and chemotherapy usually take place in Azerbaijan, while patients go abroad for special tests, a second opinion or a transplant. In 2023, a group of patients was sent to Turkey for transplantation through a state project. When choosing a clinic, look at the transplant centre’s accreditation (JACIE in Europe, FACT elsewhere), its experience and a written estimate. Agree in advance who will follow you up after your return.

02Simple explanation

First discuss with your doctor whether going abroad is really needed.

Get a written plan and estimate from the clinic.

Decide in advance who will follow you up after you return.

03Scientific explanation

Preparing to travel: the CDC advises consulting your doctor before treatment abroad, checking the clinic’s accreditation, getting a written agreement and taking copies of medical records and your medicines.

A quality marker: JACIE accreditation (EBMT) shows that a transplant centre meets quality standards.

04What happens in the body?

When is it considered?

For special genetic or MRD tests, a second opinion, a transplant (especially if a matching donor is found abroad) or a rare treatment not available locally.

What to prepare

Translated discharge summaries, test results, slides, a medicines list, enough medicine (in original packaging), a doctor’s letter, travel and medical insurance and a relative to accompany you.

On a dark navy background, an open translucent case with medicine boxes, a thermometer, a document folder and a mask.
Figure 2.Medicines travel in original packaging with documents.

Coming home

Get a detailed treatment summary and follow-up plan from the clinic. Agree in advance with your haematologist in Baku that they will see you after you return.

On a dark navy background, a bridge of light linking hospitals on either side of a sea, with folders moving along it.
Figure 3.Your team and the clinic abroad should stay in contact.

05Treatment abroad in four steps

From decision to return.

Decision — Discuss the need with your doctor.1DecisionDiscuss the need with your doctor.
Plan — Get a written plan and estimate.2PlanGet a written plan and estimate.
Preparation — Documents, medicines, insurance.3PreparationDocuments, medicines, insurance.
Return — Hand the summary to your team.4ReturnHand the summary to your team.
A sound decisionThe trip is really needed.
Fewer surprisesCosts and timing are known.
Continuous careFollow-up continues at home.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
When is it considered?For special genetic or MRD tests, a second opinion, a transplant (especially if a matching donor is found abroad) or a rare treatment not available locally.
What to prepareTranslated discharge summaries, test results, slides, a medicines list, enough medicine (in original packaging), a doctor’s letter, travel and medical insurance and a relative to accompany you.
Coming homeGet a detailed treatment summary and follow-up plan from the clinic. Agree in advance with your haematologist in Baku that they will see you after you return.

07Key terms

JACIE
Accreditation of transplant centres in Europe.
FACT
Similar accreditation in the USA and other countries.
Estimate
A written calculation of expected costs.
Treatment summary
A document describing the treatment given.

08Key points

  • Discuss the need first.
  • In acute leukaemia, do not delay treatment.
  • Check accreditation.
  • Ask for a written estimate.
  • Plan follow-up after return.

09Frequently asked questions

Turkey or Europe?

The centre’s experience, accreditation and fit with your disease matter more than the country. Discuss with your doctor.

Can I use an agency?

Be careful: direct contact with the clinic’s international office and a written contract are more reliable.

Does the state pay for treatment abroad?

Patients are sometimes sent through state projects. Ask the relevant bodies.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Turkey or Europe?

  2. Can I use an agency?

  3. Does the state pay for treatment abroad?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medical Tourism: Getting Medical Care in Another Country
  2. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Seeking a Second Opinion
  3. EBMT / JACIE. JACIE accreditation
  4. EBMT. European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
  5. European Commission. Cross-border healthcare — overview
  6. Catholic Hematology Hospital, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. Introduction
  7. Asan Medical Center. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  8. Tata Memorial Centre, ACTREC. Department of Medical Oncology
  9. Christian Medical College, Vellore. Department of Haematology: bone marrow transplantation
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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