International Patients: Frequently Asked Questions

Our doctors and team will thoroughly answer your questions and ensure you feel you are part of the treatment process.

Our doctors and team will thoroughly answer your questions and ensure you feel you are part of the treatment process.

Request a Consult

Submit an online request for an in-person or remote consult.

Find answers to a few of the most common questions we receive from our international patients and their families.

If you do not see your question, email us at [email protected]. Or reach out to your designated international patient liaison for assistance.

Before Your Appointment

 

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed. Anyone can request an appointment or a second opinion from one of our doctors.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

We will do everything we can to assist you in scheduling an appointment as quickly as possible. Your appointment date will depend on the availability of your MSK doctor as well as your own needs and preferences. Our best advice to international patients seeking care at Memorial Sloan Kettering is to have your medical records translated into English as soon as possible. 

Does MSK provide medical record translation services?

MSK does not provide medical record translation. Speak with your international care advisor to learn more about document translation. See a listing of private translation services in New York here.

Can I request the doctor I would like to see?

Yes. You are welcome to request specific doctors. Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee that an appointment will be available in a timely manner.

In these cases, we will match you with another MSK specialist who works alongside the doctor you have requested and whose expertise matches your exact condition.

The Cost of Treatment

 

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of treatment varies depending on your individual diagnosis. We will be able to give you an estimate after your initial appointment with your MSK doctor. You can learn more about financial information here.

Does MSK accept insurance for international patients?

Memorial Sloan Kettering works with a limited number of international insurance companies. To find out about possible insurance coverage, contact us at [email protected] or speak with your designated care advisor.

Is it possible to get a discount?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer discounts. We understand how important it is for our international patients to plan their expenses up front. We are committed to providing you with the most precise estimate possible so that you do not have unexpected costs.

Can I pay in installments?

Unfortunately, we cannot accept installment payments. We provide you with a deposit amount that will go toward the cost of your recommended treatment plan. If any additional funds remain upon the completion of your care, you will receive a refund.

Preparing for Your Trip

 

Where can I find accommodations in New York?

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.

Where can I find New York City visitor information?

We provide each international patient with a physical copy of NYC Go, the official guide to New York City. In it you will find helpful maps as well as basic information about transportation options, dining, currency exchange, internet access, and things to do. Much of the same great information is available on the NYC Go website.

Smartphone apps like Yelp and Google Maps can also help you locate restaurants, cafés, and other nearby destinations.

Your designated international patient liaison is happy to assist you with any questions you may have during your stay. Ask us about food shopping, international schools, places of worship, dining options near MSK, and more.

Can I bring family members with me?

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.

You may bring loved ones with you to your outpatient office visits or to any of your treatments. Family and friends can also visit you if you are staying in the hospital.

Will MSK provide me with interpretation services?

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.

While at MSK

 

Can I stay in a private room while I am in the hospital?

We offer semiprivate and private rooms for patients staying overnight at Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the availability of a private room unless it is medically necessary. Ask your international patient liaison for more information on private rooms.

What can I eat during my hospital stay?

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

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

Where can I pray at MSK?

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

We also 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.

Going Home

 

How do I stay in touch with MSK after I return home?

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.

Contact Us

Email us at [email protected]
Call 212-639-4900, Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm, ET. 
Or use AT&T Direct Access by dialing the access number for the country you are calling from, then dialing 888-675-7722. If you need a translator, we will locate one while you are on the line. Or email [email protected] and tell us the language you speak along with the time you wish to call. We will arrange for a translator to be available.

Mailing Address

Bobst International Center 
160 East 53rd Street 
Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion, 11th floor 
New York, NY 10022

Fax: 212-639-4938