International Patients’ Rights
These are among the most important issues that healthcare tourism stakeholders are obliged to observe.
Many of these regulations are common in the destination countries of health tourists. In this section, we examine the laws and rights of international patients in Iran.
Right of Access to Information
Every patient has the right to receive complete and sufficient information regarding the nature of the disease, its cause, provisional/confirmed diagnosis, proposed treatments, and potential complications, in a language fully understandable to the patient.
Right of Access to Medical Records and Reports
The patient or their companion has the right to access the original/copies of medical files, patient records, and treatment reports during hospitalization, within 24 to 72 hours after discharge.
Right to Emergency Medical Care
All hospitals, whether public or private, are obliged to provide essential emergency medical care. Injured individuals have the right to receive immediate medical attention.
Right to Appropriate Referral and Transfer, Free from Harmful Influence
A patient has the right to continuity of care and to be properly admitted at the first healthcare facility or any other place where they seek treatment.
During transfer from one medical center to another, the patient or their companion must receive a full explanation of the reason for transfer and alternative options for transfer. It must also be ensured that all necessary procedures for transfer and admission to the new facility have been completed.
Right to Education and Awareness
The patient has the right to receive education regarding major facts about their condition and healthy lifestyle practices, insurance services that formally support patient rights, and the procedures for lodging any potential complaints.
Right to Informed Consent
Every patient has the right to fully and knowingly complete informed consent forms prior to any potentially hazardous test or treatment (e.g., invasive research, surgery, chemotherapy) that carries specific risks. Informed consent forms must be provided to patients in accordance with appropriate protocols and in the patient’s language, making the process of obtaining informed consent mandatory.
Right to Confidentiality, Human Dignity, and Privacy
All patients have the right to privacy, and physicians are obligated to keep information regarding the patient’s health status and treatment plan confidential, except in special circumstances where disclosure is required for the benefit of the patient, protection of others, or due to public health considerations.
Right to a Second Opinion
Every patient has the right to request a second opinion from a specialist of their choice. The hospital administration is obliged to respect this right and provide the necessary records and information to the patient’s companions without any additional cost or delay.
Right to Transparency in Rates and Care According to Established Tariffs
Every patient and their companions have the right to complete information regarding the rates charged by the hospital for any type of service and available facilities. They are entitled to receive a detailed breakdown of all charges at the time of bill payment.
