Frequently Asked Questions – International Patients

No referral is needed.  You can request an appointment online now.

We will do everything we can to help you schedule an appointment as quickly as possible. Our advice to international patients is to have the medical records translated to English to facilitate the process. We are happy assist with facilitating translation if needed.

Interpreters and translators are available for any Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) patient. These services are free of charge. Interpreters are available in person or by telephone.

If you are calling MSK for the first time, we will connect with an interpreter while you are on the line. You can also email international@mskcc.org and tell us the language you speak along with the time you wish to call. We will arrange for an interpreter to be available. For in-person appointments, your patient services team can arrange this service for you.

If you need your medical records to be translated into English, we can arrange for documents to be translated.

Yes. You are welcome to request specific doctors. We will review your request to confirm the doctor will be best for your case.

Yes, but MSK does not require a remote opinion to begin scheduling appointments or pursuing care in New York. For patients who may need surgery, we recommend in-person appointments to allow our doctors to make a thorough evaluation and present the best treatment plan.

Payment options include self-payment, embassy and government sponsored care, and international insurance. Please visit our financial services page to learn more.

MSK works with a limited number of international insurance companies. To learn about possible insurance coverage, email us at international@mskcc.org or speak with your designated Care Advisor.

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer discounts, coupons, or any other type of deal. We understand how important it is for our international patients to plan their expenses up front. We are committed to providing the most precise estimate possible.

We have negotiated special rates and amenities for our patients and their caregivers at select hotels in Manhattan. View a listing of discounted accommodations.

Your international patient liaison is also happy to provide assistance.

Ronald McDonald House is an independent facility close to Memorial Sloan Kettering. It provides temporary housing at reduced rates to families of children and young adults who are undergoing medical treatment. Ask your international patient liaison if this is an option for you.

Your designated patient liaison will assist you with hotels, restaurants for all dietary preferences, and places of worship for all religions.

Yes. We understand that having loved ones around you for support is essential to your health and well-being. We want them to feel welcome while you are in our care. Family and friends can also visit you if you are staying in the hospital.

Yes. We offer free medical interpreters throughout your care. We have interpreters available either by phone or in person in any language 24 hours a day.

MSK offers semiprivate and private rooms. Please ask your International Patient Liaison for more information on private rooms.

If you are staying in the hospital, we will provide you with a room service menu tailored to your nutrition needs. Please let us know if you have food allergies or require halal, kosher, or vegetarian meals.

Your guests are welcome to place room service orders with us. We also offer meals in Memorial Hospital’s cafeteria.

We welcome people of all faith traditions and value systems. We encourage you to reach out to your designated international patient liaison with any of your faith-based needs.

We have a chapel just off the main lobby of Memorial Hospital. People of all faiths can go to pray or join in worship services here.

Our professional chaplains are available to provide support to people of any religion, faith tradition, or value system. We can help you find the resources you need. Ask our chaplains for spiritual or emotional help, to pray with you, to give you more information about religious service schedules at MSK, or to contact community clergy or a faith group on your behalf. Our chaplains can be reached at 212-639-5982.

Your MSK care team will reach out to your local doctor regarding any medications or follow-up care you may need. We will send you or your caregiver home with your medical records and CDs of scans conducted at MSK. We will also return any pathology slides or imaging work you have submitted to us from other hospitals.

Once you are back at home, we encourage you to contact your international patient liaison with any questions. You can also access our patient portal, MyMSK, to communicate directly with your MSK care team.