Treatment in Tehran: Choosing a Hospital and Specialist, IPD-Licensed Facilities, Hotels and Getting Around

How to choose a hospital and specialist in Tehran

Tehran has many university and private hospitals across specialties. Start with the doctor rather than the hospital name, and ask:

• The treating doctor's specialty, Iranian Medical Council licence number and the hospitals where they practise.
• For international patients: does the hospital hold a valid IPD licence?
• The language you can use with doctors and nurses, and whether a medical interpreter is available.
• A written quote covering treatment, hospital stay and follow-up visits.
• The follow-up plan after discharge and how to reach the care team.

IPD-licensed facilities and the official list

An IPD (International Patient Department) is a unit in a hospital, clinic or treatment centre licensed by the Ministry of Health to admit international patients. According to a 2023 article in Health Scope, the ministry set up these departments in hospitals in 2015. The list of licensed facilities is published on the ministry's health tourism portal, iht.behdasht.gov.ir, and the ministry advises against referring patients to centres without a valid licence.

As one example, Shafa Yahyaeian Hospital of Iran University of Medical Sciences announced in August 2024 that it had obtained an IPD licence and opened an international patient ward with 7 private rooms and a companion bed. We mention it only to show how to check, not as a recommendation. Before you travel, check your own facility against the official list.

Challenges worth knowing in advance

The same Health Scope study, based on interviews with IPD experts and hospital managers in six large Iranian cities, reported verbal communication problems between international patients and care teams, and brokers who demand large sums from patients.

To reduce these risks, agree the language of communication in advance, deal only with a licensed facility and an authorised facilitator, and get all costs in writing before you travel.

Where to stay near hospitals

Getting around Tehran can take a long time in traffic, especially at rush hour. If you have follow-up visits after treatment, a hotel close to the hospital cuts travel time and fatigue.

LSevin shows hotels near hospitals and, where available, lets you add in-hotel care such as nurse visits or hospital transfers. Your treating physician decides what level of care you need.

From IKA airport to the city, and getting around

International flights to Tehran usually land at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). According to World Travel Guide, the airport is about 30 km southwest of central Tehran, reached via the Tehran to Qom freeway, and a taxi to the centre takes about 60 minutes depending on traffic. Mehrabad Airport, which handles mainly domestic flights, is inside the city.

For a newly arrived patient, or one moving after surgery, a pre-arranged transfer is easier than finding a car at the airport. LSevin can coordinate transfers between the airport, hotel and hospital.

Planning treatment in Tehran with LSevin

1. Send your medical records for a free consultation.
2. A licensed doctor or facility reviews your case and you receive a written quote.
3. If needed, international patients apply for a treatment visa through evisa.mfa.ir; LSevin does not issue visas.
4. Book flights, an airport transfer and a hotel near the hospital.
5. In-person consultation, treatment and recovery under your treating physician.
6. Discharge with a medical summary and a remote follow-up plan.

Travel advisories (checked 27 October 2026)

As of 27 October 2026 the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran. Patients travelling from abroad should read their own government's latest advisory before booking. LSevin does not declare travel safe.