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Trusted globally, rooted in care: Acıbadem’s insurancecentred healthcare model

1 May 2026 | Editorial Team
Featured in ITIJ 304 | May 2026
Sponsored by Acibadem
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Acıbadem

Cem Üstündağ, Head of International Insurance Services, shares how Acıbadem is transforming the healthcare experience for internationally insured patients

At Acıbadem, we work with three primary international insurance models: travel health insurance, international private medical insurance (IPMI), and air ambulance and evacuation companies. Each group comes with unique needs, but our goal is consistent: provide seamless, coordinated, and reliable care.

While IPMI policies often follow more structured and predictable workflows, what truly differentiates Acıbadem is its extensive experience in managing the entire journey of internationally insured patients. From the moment of arrival to discharge, our teams are equipped to handle diverse insurance types, cultural expectations, and communication needs. This flexibility, combined with our experienced team and wide network with 22 hospitals in Turkey, makes us a preferred provider for many global insurer networks.

Operational precision, medical excellence

With services spanning more than 90 medical specialties, Acıbadem is well equipped to address a wide range of health needs across diverse patient profiles. Most travel insurance patients seek emergency care, orthopaedics, general surgery, or cardiology. Expat patients often access paediatrics, internal medicine, gynaecology, and general surgery. Whether the patient walks in unannounced or arrives via air ambulance, Acıbadem’s protocols are in place.

Upon arrival, patients present their insurance card at the reception desk. Our front-line staff liaise directly with the International Patient Services team, which operates within each hospital. Additionally, our central International Insurance Services department monitors and supports authorisation processes 24/7, ensuring real-time responsiveness and alignment with insurers.

As we coordinate with insurance providers on the patient’s behalf, we proactively communicate any co-pays or non-covered services. For contracted insurance partners, our aim is to ensure zero out-of-pocket costs for services within coverage.

A healthcare ecosystem

Acıbadem’s difference isn’t only in insurance coordination; it’s in the care philosophy. We are a patient-centric organisation. From emergency desks to complex hybrid operating theatres, every part of our infrastructure is designed for safety, clarity, and comfort.

Acıbadem’s centres of excellence in oncology, cardiology, IVF, organ transplantation, spine surgery, robotic surgery, and FIFA-accredited sports medicine are nationally and internationally certified, with advanced technologies and renowned specialists.

While rooted in Turkey, Acıbadem has a global outlook. Patients from over 90 countries choose Acıbadem for care.The International Patient Services Centre functions as a full-service ‘one-stop’ hub, handling everything from initial inquiry to follow-up care post-discharge.

We collaborate closely with more than 250 global insurance and assistance companies to offer direct billing, multilingual support, and highly personalised care, making sure every patient feels secure and understood throughout their medical journey.

Partnering for the future

For international insurers and assistance companies, we’re more than a provider – we’re a solution partner. We combine medical excellence, operational efficiency, and a global mindset. Together, we offer insured patients something rare in cross-border healthcare: peace of mind.

About Acıbadem Healthcare Group

Acıbadem began its journey into healthcare services as a small neighbourhood hospital in a district of Istanbul, Turkey. Today, Acıbadem has taken its place amongst the global healthcare leaders, with its 29 hospitals, 15 outpatient clinics and supporting service companies. Acıbadem’s rapid growth led to the signing of a joint partnership with IHH Healthcare in 2012 which enabled us to be a part of world’s second largest healthcare chain.

Cem Üstündağ

Head of International Insurance Services, Acıbadem Healthcare Group

Cem began his career at Acıbadem Healthcare Group in 2012. With a background in engineering and a focus on systems improvement, he has held a wide range of roles across the organisation, from patient services and hospital operations to international business development. Today, he leads Acıbadem’s international insurance relations.

ITIJ 304 May Cover

May 2026
 Issue

Welcome to your May ITIJ. This month we look into partnerships and affinity deals and we ask where in the world these insurance distribution channels are working most effectively; plus we consider medevac and assistance from Africa – exploring the opportunity for tailored medevac and medical assistance solutions designed specifically for the region.

Read full issue
1 May 2026
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Editorial Team

The Editorial Team updates the ITIJ website daily, and works on features for the print edition. With expert industry knowledge and years of experience in writing about complex travel insurance issues, the Editorial Team is ready to investigate and report on the topics that matter most to ITIJ's readers.

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