🇮🇷 Iran Healthcare Guide
Tehran has several well-equipped hospitals — Milad Hospital and Parsian are among the best — and Iran is increasingly popular for medical tourism in dental and cosmetic procedures. Outside Tehran and Isfahan, facilities become more basic, and the healthcare system operates entirely in Farsi. Carrying your medications with a doctor's letter listing generic names and dosages in both English and Farsi avoids complications at pharmacies where brand names and labelling differ from what you're used to.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 115
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $15 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: high
Healthcare overview
Iran’s healthcare system is more capable than many visitors expect, with Tehran’s hospitals (Milad, Imam Khomeini, private clinics in northern Tehran) providing specialist care that draws medical tourists from neighbouring countries, particularly for cosmetic surgery, cardiology, and ophthalmology. Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad have adequate hospitals. International sanctions affect medication supply and medical equipment availability, but clinical expertise remains strong. GP visits at private clinics cost $10–25.
Medical tourism destination
Iran attracts medical tourists for cosmetic surgery, eye procedures, and cardiac care, with clinical expertise that outperforms what sanctions might suggest.
Sanctions impact on equipment
International sanctions affect the availability of some advanced medical equipment and imported medications, particularly newer biologics and specialty drugs.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Iranian pharmacies carry domestically manufactured medications at very low prices, and Iran’s pharmaceutical industry produces many generics locally. Some international brands are unavailable due to sanctions. Having your medication list with generic names helps pharmacists match Iranian-manufactured equivalents, which are often effective but may carry unfamiliar branding.
Domestic generic manufacturing
Iran manufactures many generics domestically. Your medication may be available under an Iranian brand at very low cost. Generic names help pharmacists match.
Tips for travellers
Tehran’s hospitals provide comprehensive specialist care, with particular strength in cardiology and ophthalmology. For conditions requiring equipment or medications affected by sanctions, Turkey (Istanbul) is the nearest well-equipped alternative with established Iranian patient pathways. Having your treatment plan accessible in Farsi or English helps Tehran’s specialists continue your care.
Istanbul as sanctions workaround
For treatments requiring sanctioned equipment or medications, Istanbul hospitals have established pathways for Iranian patients and are accessible by direct flight.