What Is Medical Tourism? What It Includes and How to Organize Treatment in Belarus?

Russian version

Medical tourism is a trip to another city or country for the purpose of receiving medical services: consultation, diagnostics, treatment, surgery, rehabilitation or a preventive health examination. At the same time, the medical purpose is usually combined with organizational and tourist elements: arrival, accommodation, support and sometimes leisure in a new city.

Put simply, medical tourism is when a person leaves their city or country not only to travel, but also to take care of their health: undergo an examination, get a second opinion, have surgery, complete a course of treatment or take part in a preventive programme.

Medical Initiative is exactly the place where international patients can receive help organizing treatment in Belarus: we receive the request, explain which documents are needed, arrange preliminary review, coordinate arrival, consultations, hospitalization, diagnostics and further treatment stages, and also assist with accommodation, transfer and stay in Minsk.

Important: Preliminary review of medical documents helps plan the trip and assess possible options, but it does not replace an in-person consultation. The final diagnosis, scope of treatment, indications, contraindications, timeline and cost are determined by the doctor after examination and necessary diagnostics.

Article Navigation

• What medical tourism means in simple terms >>>
• What medical tourism includes >>>
• How medical tourism differs from ordinary treatment >>>
• Who can apply >>>
• Why international patients choose Belarus >>>
• Which treatment areas are available to international patients >>>
• How a medical tour to Minsk works >>>
• Which documents to prepare in advance >>>
• What patient support includes >>>
• Can treatment and leisure in Minsk be combined? >>>
• Why we are glad to welcome guests >>>
• How to submit a request >>>
• Contact information >>>
• Frequently asked questions >>>

What Medical Tourism Means in Simple Terms

Medical tourism is a travel format where the main purpose is related to health.

A person may travel to another city or country to:

• receive a specialist consultation;
• get a second opinion on a diagnosis;
• undergo diagnostics;
• complete a preventive check-up;
• receive treatment;
• have surgery;
• undergo rehabilitation;
• visit a dentist;
• receive a cosmetology consultation;
• complete a wellness programme.

At the same time, medical tourism is not only a doctor’s visit. It also involves organization: how to get there, where to stay, whom to contact, which documents to prepare, how many days will be needed and how the treatment pathway will be structured.

This organizational part is often decisive. It is important for the patient not just to find a clinic, but to understand the entire journey - from the first request to returning home.

What Medical Tourism Includes

Medical tourism includes several components.

1. Medical Part

This is the main purpose of the trip:

• specialist consultations;
• diagnostics and examinations;
• laboratory tests;
• instrumental diagnostics;
• surgical treatment;
• therapeutic treatment;
• dentistry;
• cosmetology;
• rehabilitation and recovery;
• preventive programmes and check-ups;
• follow-up after treatment.

2. Organizational Part

This is what makes the trip manageable and clear:

• receiving the request;
• explaining which documents are needed;
• preliminary review;
• coordinating the visit date;
• booking a consultation;
• coordinating hospitalization;
• help with routes to the medical institution;
• support with organizational matters;
• communication before arrival, during the stay and after treatment.

3. Logistical Part

For an international patient, it is important to:

• confirm entry conditions;
• plan accommodation;
• organize transfer;
• calculate the number of days needed;
• consider accompanying relatives;
• plan the route and timing.

4. Tourist Part - Optional

If the patient’s condition allows, the trip can be supplemented with:

• walks around the city;
• excursions;
• gastronomic routes;
• hotel leisure;
• cultural discovery.

The medical programme remains the priority, while the tourist part is adjusted to it.

How Medical Tourism Differs from Ordinary Treatment

At first glance, it may seem that there is no difference: the person still visits a doctor. However, for an international patient, the differences are significant.

With ordinary treatment, the patient usually already knows the city, the clinic and the process. With medical tourism, everything must be arranged in advance:

• understanding where to apply;
• preparing documents in another language or format;
• coordinating dates;
• planning the trip;
• arranging accommodation;
• understanding how long treatment will take;
• knowing what to do after returning home.

That is why medical tourism almost always includes a coordinator - a person or a service that helps the patient go through this journey.

Who Can Apply

Medical tourism suits different categories of patients:

• those who want a second opinion;
• patients with complex diagnoses;
• those considering surgery or treatment abroad;
• those who want a comprehensive check-up;
• patients who need dental care;
• those planning a cosmetology consultation;
• families with children;
• patients who want to combine treatment and leisure;
• those who want to understand timelines and steps in advance;
• those who value clear support.

The request can be submitted by the patient themselves, as well as by a relative, accompanying person or representative.

Why International Patients Choose Belarus

Belarus is one of the promising medical tourism destinations in the CIS.

International patients choose our country because:

• Belarus is a politically stable state;
• its geographic location is convenient;
• the moderate climate does not require acclimatization;
• qualified specialists work in medical institutions;
• doctors complete internships at leading clinics around the world;
• modern technologies and treatment methods are used;
• clinics are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment;
• citizens of many countries can enter without a visa;
• a preliminary treatment plan can be received online;
• it is possible to combine treatment with a stay in a calm and comfortable city.

Minsk is a clean, green and comfortable city where it is convenient to spend several days and, if necessary, combine a medical programme with leisure.

Which Treatment Areas Are Available to International Patients

We organize treatment for foreign citizens in Belarus in the following key areas:

• Transplantology
• Oncology
• Hematology
• Traumatology and Orthopedics
• Ophthalmology
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Pediatric Urology
• Plastic Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery
• Dentistry

For each area, the coordinator helps understand which documents are needed, which specialists may be involved, which stages may be possible and how to structure the trip.

How a Medical Tour to Minsk Works

Organization of treatment is structured in stages.

1. Initial Request

The patient contacts the medical tourism service and describes the purpose of the request: consultation, diagnostics, surgery, treatment, follow-up or a second opinion.

2. Collection of Documents

The patient sends medical documents, examination results, scans and specialists’ reports.

3. Preliminary Review

Specialists review the request and determine possible options, necessary examinations and specialists.

4. Coordination of Dates and Programme

Arrival dates, consultations and possible treatment stages are coordinated.

5. Arrival in Minsk

An in-person examination, diagnostics and preparation of the final treatment plan are carried out.

6. Treatment and Follow-Up

Treatment or surgery is performed, after which the patient receives recommendations and information about further follow-up.

Which Documents to Prepare in Advance

For preliminary review, it is advisable to prepare:

• passport details;
• description of complaints and purpose of the request;
• medical records from healthcare institutions;
• test and examination results;
• reports from relevant specialists;
• scans and imaging results;
• information about previous treatment;
• details of medications taken;
• information about chronic diseases and allergies;
• contact details of the treating physician, if possible.

The more complete the information, the more accurately preliminary recommendations can be prepared.

What Patient Support Includes

For a patient from another country, it is especially important to feel that they are not left alone with organizational matters.

The coordinator helps to:

• receive the request;
• explain which documents are needed;
• arrange preliminary review;
• coordinate consultation and treatment dates;
• advise on the expected length of stay in Minsk;
• help with routes to the medical institution;
• provide information about accommodation options;
• discuss transfer if needed;
• stay in touch before arrival, during the stay and after treatment;
• help with support after the programme is completed.

Medical tourism patients are eligible for a 10% discount on accommodation at the Victoria hotel chain using the promotional code 131.BY. Current terms, room availability and discount conditions should be confirmed before booking.

Can Treatment and Leisure in Minsk Be Combined?

Yes, if it does not contradict medical recommendations.

Minsk is a calm, clean and green city. Here you can walk through the historical centre, relax in parks, try Belarusian cuisine, visit excursions and simply slow down.

For international guests, this makes the trip more comfortable: they can come for a consultation, diagnostics or a preventive programme and at the same time see the city.

Why We Are Glad to Welcome Guests

We want every international patient to feel calm, understood and warmly welcomed in Belarus.

For us, it is important:

• that a request never goes unanswered;
• that the patient understands which steps await them;
• that documents are reviewed carefully;
• that the trip is planned without unnecessary stress;
• that a coordinator is available to contact;
• that the stay in Minsk is comfortable;
• that after treatment the patient knows what to do next.

We welcome guests with openness and attention, help them go through the entire journey - from the first message to the completion of treatment - and make a trip to Belarus clear, convenient and friendly.

Come to Minsk for health, care and peace of mind. We will be glad to help you organize treatment and make your stay in Belarus comfortable.

How to Submit a Request

To receive information about treatment in Belarus, submit a request and attach available medical documents.

In the first message, it is advisable to include:

• full name;
• country of residence and citizenship;
• contact phone number and e-mail;
• preferred messenger;
• purpose of the request and the area of interest;
• approximate travel dates;
• a brief description of the situation;
• which documents and examinations are already available.

After receiving the request, the coordinator will advise on the next steps.

Contact Information

Medical Initiative, Minsk, Belarus

Addresses:

• Minsk, 20 Krasnaya Street
• Minsk, 42 Ya. Kolasa Street

Contacts:

• Single number within Belarus: 131
• International phone number: +375 (17) 243-41-43
• Viber / WhatsApp / Telegram / MAX: +375 (29) 34-10-131
• E-mail: Адрес электронной почты защищен от спам-ботов. Для просмотра адреса в вашем браузере должен быть включен Javascript.
• submit a request through the medical tourism page >>>

You can also inquire about the procedure cost and book an appointment by phone:

+375 (17) 364-98-07
+375 (29) 666-98-07

Frequently Asked Questions 

What does medical tourism mean?

Medical tourism is a trip to another city or country for the purpose of receiving medical services: consultation, diagnostics, treatment, surgery, rehabilitation or a preventive examination. Such a trip usually includes organizational support and, if desired, a tourist part.

What does medical tourism include?

Medical tourism includes the medical part (consultations, diagnostics, treatment), the organizational part (documents, appointment booking, coordination), the logistical part (accommodation, transfer, timelines) and, optionally, a tourist programme.

Who can apply for medical tourism?

Any patient who is considering treatment or examination outside their city or country can apply. A relative, accompanying person or representative of the patient may also submit the request.

Can I receive a consultation before travelling to Belarus?

Yes. Preliminary review of medical documents helps discuss possible treatment options before arrival. However, the final decision is made after an in-person consultation and diagnostics.

Which documents should be prepared for preliminary review?

It is advisable to prepare medical records, test and examination results, specialists’ reports, scans and information about previous treatment. It is also important to indicate medications taken and chronic diseases.

Do you help with accommodation and transfer?

Yes. The coordinator helps with accommodation, routes to the medical institution and transfer if needed. Medical tourism patients are eligible for a 10% discount on accommodation at the Victoria hotel chain using the promotional code 131.BY.

Can I come with an accompanying person?

Yes. Many patients come with relatives or accompanying persons. When preparing the trip, it is possible to discuss the number of guests, accommodation and the accompanying person’s participation.

Can treatment and leisure in Minsk be combined?

Yes, if it does not contradict medical recommendations. Minsk is a convenient city for walks, leisure and discovering Belarus. The stay programme is discussed individually.