International appointment process

Mayo Clinic understands that traveling from another country for medical care can be a complex process during a stressful time. To make it easier, Mayo Clinic provides a clear appointment process and a team that can guide you.

Our team helps you know what to expect before, during and after your visit so that you and your family can focus on what's important: Your health.

Mayo Clinic offers several ways to schedule an appointment in the U.S., depending on your preference.

If you are comfortable with planning travel and handling the appointment process yourself, you can request an appointment at our U.S. locations by using our online form, calling or emailing. A Mayo Clinic representative will respond within 2 to 3 business days.

Appointment request form

Phone: +1 507-738-4021 (Phones are answered Monday through Friday, 07:00 to 19:00 U.S. Central Time.)

Email: intl.isit@mayo.edu

For appointments in London, U.K., visit Mayo Clinic Healthcare.
Yes. Mayo Clinic has international representatives around the world. Many live in the countries where they serve and speak the local language. You can reach out to a team member, free of charge, to talk about your needs and ask questions.

Your team member will take the time needed to understand your and your family's needs. Your team member can help you choose a U.S. location that works best for you and your family, prepare needed documents, tailor a travel plan, and more.

Mayo Clinic representatives also can answer questions about:

Cost and insurance.

How to provide documents.

Medical visa process.

Available Mayo Clinic specialties.

Typical length of visits.

Travel options.

Amenities and local resources.

Find your Mayo Clinic representative.
Most people do not need a doctor's referral to request an appointment at Mayo Clinic. However, if you have insurance, it's best to first check what your insurance company requires.

When arranging an international medical appointment, you will need to provide the patient's:

Name, as it appears on the patient's passport (Last, First, Middle names).

Gender.

Address.

Date of birth.

Direct telephone number.

Email address.

You also will need to give a short explanation of the medical problem (in English) and your preferred appointment dates. You will also need to indicate if the patient needs an interpreter and for what language.

Note that traveling to the U.S. for medical care usually requires a visa. Mayo Clinic representatives can explain the visa process and provide a care plan, but they cannot assist with the visa process itself. If you have questions, contact your Mayo Clinic representative.
After you submit an appointment request, the international appointment team will begin evaluating how Mayo Clinic can meet your needs. A member of the team will usually contact you within two business days. They may ask for more information or medical records to better understand your condition and tailor your visit.

There is no cost to request an appointment. However, some assessments require a specialist to review radiology studies or pathology slides. This review may incur charges.

The International team will email a letter to you and schedule the appointment based on your preferred dates and specialist availability. Appointment scheduling usually takes 1 to 2 days.

Once an appointment date is set, we will email you a confirmation letter that includes:

Registration date and time.

Appointment schedule, including testing and the specialty areas you will see.

Travel and concierge services information.

Financial Services staff will contact you before your visit and can explain cost estimates, insurance options and payment options. In most cases, you do not need to pay before you arrive.

If needed, Mayo Clinic will provide a visa support letter.

The International Patient Center will reach out 1 to 2 weeks before you arrive to review your schedule and answer any additional questions.
Your first Mayo Clinic appointment will be with the International Patient Center team. A bilingual international patient coordinator will welcome you and orient you to Mayo Clinic and answer your questions. Your international team will also guide you through your appointment itinerary.

Your coordinator can connect you with services for international visitors.

Your international patient team is available throughout your stay. Team members work closely with embassies, referring entities and your care team to meet your personal and cultural expectations. Your team can connect you to free services that you and your family may require, such as interpreters or medical records staff.
International patient care teams are usually led by a doctor and may include advanced practice providers, nurses and others. At your first visit, the care team reviews with you your medical history and concerns.

The medical team also reviews your care plan and adjusts it as needed. For example, you may have additional tests or specialist visits to better understand your condition. Your international patient team will help manage the appointment process to make it as efficient as possible.

After tests, imaging and specialist visits, your provider reviews results and discusses the best treatment options for you.

Most people have their screenings, tests and treatments done in the clinic and return to their lodging at the end of the day. If hospitalization is required, options may include a semiprivate room, a private room or a personal suite, depending on availability and campus. An international patient coordinator can explain the options and will visit you in your room to see how you are doing and if you need anything.
The length of your stay depends on the number of tests and appointments you need. Most tests take 3 to 5 weekdays, but the process can take longer if more-extensive tests or a specialty appointment is needed. The average stay in the U.S. for international patients is about 5 to 10 business days.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doctors can diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan during your initial visit. If more tests or specialist visits are recommended, Your international team will do everything possible to schedule them while you are here. We often can adjust schedules to meet your needs.
Mayo Clinic specialists have experience working with doctors all over the world. Patients often receive a diagnosis here and then continue treatment in their home countries. If needed, Mayo Clinic doctors will work closely with your local doctors to make sure the treatment options are tailored to your needs.

Before leaving Mayo Clinic, most people stop at the International Patient Center for a farewell visit. Your international patient team can help you access your medical records and results, which are also in your Mayo Clinic Patient Portal. You'll also receive a summary of your doctor's recommendations and any prescriptions.

If needed, your team can provide printed or emailed medical documents for continued care at home.

If you brought pathology slides, your international patient team can help you understand how to pick them up so that you don't have trouble shipping them internationally.

Your team also can help you make sure you have enough medicine for travel and until you can refill your prescription.