Iran

Language

Persian (Farsi); Azerbaijani is widely spoken in the north-west

Keep a translation of your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list in this language or in English. Many hospitals offer interpreters — ask in advance.

Health system overview

Medical facilities are generally reasonable in major cities but poor in remote areas; many health professionals speak some English. Shortages of some basic medicines have been reported — bring enough of your own.

Local foods

• Well-cooked hot dishIranGhormeh sabzi (herb stew)Well-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishIranFesenjan (walnut and pomegranate stew)Well-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishIranAsh reshteh (noodle and bean soup)Well-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishIranZereshk polo (barberry rice)Well-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishIranKabab koobidehWell-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishIranAbgoosht (dizi)Well-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishIranSholeh zard (saffron rice pudding)Well-cooked hot dish

Iran: food database →

Food-safety habits

Wherever you live, the core rules with low immunity are the same: clean hands, keeping raw and cooked food apart, cooking thoroughly, chilling quickly and choosing pasteurised dairy. At local markets and street stalls, watch how food is stored. Ask your team whether tap water is fine for you; if unsure, use bottled or boiled water.

Hospital daily life

In many hospitals in this region a family member stays with the patient to help with daily care, and families often bring food from home. With low immunity, agree with the ward which food can be brought and how it should be prepared and stored. Fewer visitors, and none who are unwell, lowers the risk of infection.

Travel during treatment

• Talk to your care team before planning a trip — timing, blood counts and vaccines.
• Carry a doctor’s letter with your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list (including in English).
• Pack medicines in original packaging, in hand luggage, with extra; some medicines have import rules.
• Get travel insurance that covers your existing condition and read the terms.
• Find the nearest haematology centre and the emergency number at your destination in advance.
• Live vaccines can be unsafe during treatment — ask your team before any vaccination.
• Ask your team about clot risk on long flights and move around when you can.

Related topics

• Leukemia care in different countries: an overview
• Food safety
• Fever: when to seek urgent care
• Visitors and public places
• Work, study and finances
• Step-by-step guide: from diagnosis to follow-up

Sources

1. GOV.UK — Iran
2. GOV.UK — health: Iran
3. GOV.UK — foreign travel advice (emergency numbers and health)
4. European Commission — European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)