A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a life-saving medical procedure that offers hope to people with blood cancers, immune deficiencies, and some genetic disorders. Its success rate ranges from 72.1% to 93.3%, depending on patient characteristics, type of transplant, and other factors. 

The financial aspect of the procedure is crucial for transplant patients and their families since it can be quite costly. So, if you're wondering, "What is the average cost of a bone marrow transplant?" the price may range from $25,000 to $700,000 depending on the country, type of transplant, and other factors. For instance, you will find the most affordable bone marrow transplant options in Turkey and Spain – from $25,000 and $71,700, respectively. The BMT price in Israel starts at $133,000, in Thailand – at $137,000, in Germany – at $157,700. The cost in the USA is about $300,000 on average.

This article will explore the cost data for a bone marrow transplant in different countries and the factors influencing the price. So, if you've ever pondered, "How much does a bone marrow transplant cost?" we're here to help. Keep reading to find out how to make an informed decision, get the best value for your money, and book a clinic that will take proper care of your health.

bone marrow price

Table of contents

  1. How Much Does Bone Marrow Cost Worldwide?
  2. TOP Countries for Bone Marrow Transplant
  3. Best Bone Marrow Transplantation Centers
  4. What's Involved in the Bone Marrow Price?
  5. Autologous vs. Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation Cost: Overview
  6. What Factors Affect BMT Cost?
  7. Bone Marrow Transplant Cost with Insurance
  8. Additional Costs
  9. Bone Marrow Transplant: Brief Overview
  10. FAQ
  11. Takeaways

How Much Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Cost Worldwide?

The bone marrow transplant cost displays significant differences across the world. Below, you can see an outline of estimated costs for BMT in several countries.

Country

Bone marrow price

Turkey

from $25,000

Spain

from $71,700

Israel

from $133,000

Germany

from $157,700

Thailand

from $137,000

UK

$184,000 (on average)

USA

$300,000 (on average)

The table above presents only approximate costs. Actual costs may significantly vary depending on the transplant type, the patient's condition, toleration of transplanted cells, and many other factors. 

TOP Countries for a Bone Marrow Transplant

According to Bookimed, the following 5 countries are some of the most excellent choices for a bone marrow transplant. Want to know why? Just keep reading.

Turkey

You can consider Turkey for bone marrow transplantation due to the following benefits it offers:

  • Value for your money. Turkey is well-known for its advantageous mix of affordable prices and high-quality care. The low-end price for bone marrow transplantation in Turkey is $25,000, the average is $70,000, and the high-end price reaches $125,000. These costs are 4-5 times lower than in the United States and Western Europe. For instance, the average cost of a bone marrow transplant in the US is $300,000. 
  • Package prices. Turkey is one of the few countries globally that offers bone marrow transplant packages. The package price typically includes hospitalization, medical care, doctor fees, pre-operative tests, medications, and follow-up checkups. It may also include language support, airport pick-up and drop-off, and accompanying person's hospital stay and meals.
  • Decades of expertise. Turkish doctors have been performing bone marrow transplantation for 45 years. During this time, they have elevated their transplantation methods to international quality standards.
  • Successful clinical outcomes. Turkey counts as one of the leaders in the field of bone marrow transplantation. According to the Memorial Hospital in Istanbul, bone marrow transplantation has a 90% success rate in Turkey, while its cost is approximately 50% lower than in European clinics. 
  • International appeal. Turkey’s costs of living and goods are generally more affordable than in other European countries, attracting many patients from abroad.

Spain

Spain presents an appealing option for bone marrow transplant due to the following reasons:

  • Fair pricing. The prices for bone marrow transplantation in Spain range from $71,700 to $241,800. As you can see, the costs are higher than in Turkey (from $25,000). This price difference can be attributed to Spain's higher living costs and healthcare expenses. Still, this is considerably cheaper than the options presented by other countries, such as the US ($300,000 on average).
  • The heart of stem cell research. The European Group for Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), a leading organization in marrow transplant research, is based in Spain. This collective of healthcare experts fosters innovation and develops stem cell therapies to better the lives of patients with blood-related diseases.
  • National Bone Marrow Plan. The country's government has shown a deep interest in promoting bone marrow transplantation by launching the National Bone Marrow Plan. The program has been successful, quickly reaching its targets thanks to the combined effort of medical experts, healthcare research bodies, patient associations, and donors.
  • Vast donor pool. Spain ranks 5th among European countries in terms of its extensive donor pool, with over 400,000 registered bone marrow donors
  • Short waiting times. Due to a vast donor pool, the waiting times for bone marrow transplants in Spain are shorter than in many other countries. In 2021, there were almost two compatible donors per patient, and the average search time for such a donor was only 26 days.
  • Experienced medical staff. Because of the rapid development of this treatment option, Spanish hospitals are staffed by experienced and qualified doctors and nurses. Over the last decade, there has been a 50% increase in the number of bone marrow transplants performed in Spain.

Looking for an attractive bone marrow price?

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Best price
Turkey, Istanbul
Hematologist - Şebnem İzmir Güner
24 years of experience
  • Extensive expertise of Dr. Şebnem İzmir Güner, with over 20 years in hematology and bone marrow transplantation, including founding several hematology departments and BMT centers in renowned hospitals.
  • Internationally recognized specialist, Dr. Güner is certified in therapeutic apheresis, has authored medical thesis works, and is an active member of prestigious medical societies such as TSH and the Turkish Medical Association.
  • Prestigious hospital accreditation: Memorial Şişli Hospital is the 1st in Turkey and 21st globally to be accredited by JCI, ensuring the highest quality of leukemia treatment.
  • Comprehensive care package includes individual chamber for privacy and comfort, with transfers between airport, hotel, and clinic for a seamless experience.
  • Global patient trust: Annually, patients from 92 countries choose Memorial Şişli Hospital for its high success rates in medical treatments including a 90% success rate in organ transplants.
Read more
4.6
Package price
$2500
Turkey, Istanbul
Hematologist - Zafer Gulbas
47 years of experience
  • Over 45 years of experience with Prof. MD Zafer Gulbas, a top specialist in medical oncology and hematology, and a leading figure in bone marrow transplantation.
  • Internationally trained and recognized, Dr. Gulbas has honed his expertise at prestigious institutions across the globe, including Hadassah Medical Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center.
  • "All inclusive" diagnosis for leukemia includes essential services such as blood tests, biopsy, and consultation with an oncohematologist.
  • Anadolu Medical Center's global reputation for excellence, serving patients from numerous countries, and affiliation with Johns Hopkins Hospital.
  • State-of-the-art technology and a wide range of medical services at Anadolu Medical Center, which is among the Top 10 hospitals worldwide according to MTQUA.
Read more
4.6
Package price
$2800
Best price
Turkey, Istanbul
  • Extensive Experience: Dr. Cihat Sen has been a specialist in Perinatology and Obstetrics & Gynecology since 1980, providing over 38 years of expertise in the medical field.
  • Renowned Institution: Dr. Sen practices at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, a multidisciplinary center recognized for oncology, including Leukemia treatments.
  • Comprehensive Care: The Basic Diagnosis for Blood Cancer package includes a consultation with Dr. Sen, access to an individual chamber, and VIP transfer services.
  • Eco-Friendly Environment: Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital offers a healing atmosphere with extensive green areas, promoting psychological comfort and recovery.
  • No Required Hospital Stay: The diagnosis package involves no mandatory hospital or hotel stay, allowing for flexibility in your travel and accommodation arrangements.
Read more
4.6
Package price
$2500
Best price
Turkey, Istanbul
Neurosurgeon - Zafer Orkun Toktas
15 years of experience
  • Extensive Expertise: Dr. Zafer Orkun Toktas brings over a decade of experience in neurosurgery, ensuring expert care for Leukemia-related neurological needs.
  • Accredited Excellence: Memorial Ataşehir Hospital is JCI certified, affirming its commitment to international healthcare standards in treating Leukemia.
  • Comprehensive Diagnostic Package: The "Basic Diagnosis for Blood Cancer" includes essential blood tests for accurate Leukemia assessment.
  • Comfortable Amenities: Patients receive VIP transfer services and accommodation in an individual chamber for their comfort and privacy.
  • Renowned Specialties: The hospital is recognized for its high success rates in organ transplant and in vitro fertilization, highlighting its overall medical prowess.
Read more
4.6
Package price
$2500

Israel

Israel is one of the recommended options for bone marrow transplant thanks to numerous advantages:

  • Cost-effectiveness. The prices for bone marrow transplantation in Israel range from $133,000 to $200,000. The average cost is about $168,000. Although Israel is not the cheapest option for such procedures as BMT, it offers a fair balance between cost and quality as a top provider of healthcare services. 
  • High rank in medical tourism. According to the latest edition of the Medical Tourism Index (MTI), Israel ranks as the 8th most attractive medical tourism destination based on such factors as safety and quality of care. This country is internationally renowned for its first-rate healthcare system, cutting-edge medical equipment, and highly skilled medical personnel. 
  • Pioneering research. Notably, Israel stood at the origin of bone marrow research. It has been publishing ground-breaking studies for more than 50 years. 
  • Continued innovation. Israel is still the world’s leader in stem cell research, producing more papers on the subject than any other country. Many Israeli companies and universities are exploring new ideas in stem cell research, including bone marrow transplantation. Given Israel’s stellar reputation in healthcare, particularly in the BMT field, you should definitely consider this choice.

Germany

The cost of bone marrow transplantation in Germany typically ranges from $157,700 to $263,000. Although the average price of the BMT procedure in Germany is on the pricier spectrum, the sheer level of expertise that awaits you here is not to be undervalued.

  • Professional expertise. If experienced and qualified doctors are your goal, look no further: Germany performs the highest number of bone marrow transplants among other EU Member States (around 7,000 procedures annually). 
  • The biggest pool of donors. It will be significantly easier to find a donor here since Germany is the location of Europe’s largest donor pool. An impressive 10th of its eligible population is part of the German National Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ZKRD). German donors provide over 40% of all unrelated stem cell transplants worldwide. 

Thailand

The prices for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Thailand start from $137,000 and may reach up to $170,000. Although this is not the lowest price range on this list, it certainly presents a more affordable choice compared, for instance, to Germany, where prices can vary from $157,700 to $263,000. Likewise, doing a bone marrow transplant in Thailand is much more cost-effective than in the UK or the US, where average prices are $184,000 and $300,000, respectively. 

Here are more reasons to consider Thailand for your bone marrow transplant:

  • Excellent expertise. With its 37-year history in the field of bone marrow transplantation, this country is a promising destination for medical tourists in need of this procedure.
  • World-class hospitals. Thailand boasts a highly skilled medical workforce and internationally accredited hospitals. For instance, Bumrungrad International Hospital, located in Bangkok, is one of the largest private centers in Southeast Asia. Over 1 million patients choose this hospital annually, half of whom are international visitors. Bumrungrad has earned its place among the world’s top-tier healthcare providers, ranking as one of the 10 best hospitals and 30 most technologically advanced clinics globally.
  • Advantageous location. Thailand’s allure as a medical tourism destination is reinforced by its well-developed infrastructure, favorable climate, and lower living costs. The tropical climate creates a relaxed recovery environment, making it an attractive choice for people undergoing medical procedures. 

Get a BMT cost estimate

Best Bone Marrow Transplantation Centers

To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best bone marrow transplant centers according to the Bookimed data. Such factors as the number of patients and positive reviews, as well as the speed of reply from the clinic, were taken into account while creating this list.

Turkey

Anadolu Medical Center
Turkey, Istanbul
92% patients recommend

Anadolu Medical Center is a multidisciplinary medical facility located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA and recognized as one of the top 10 hospitals in the world by the Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA). Anadolu provides American treatment standards at an affordable cost and offers a wide range of services, including oncology, hematology, urology, neurosurgery, women's health, IVF, and check-ups. Doctor Zafer Gülbaş, Prof. MD, is the founder of Anadolu's Bone Marrow Transplantation Center and is one of the top lymphoma specialists in Turkey, with over 1,500 bone marrow transplants performed to date. The clinic provides a "all inclusive" leukemia treatment program which includes diagnosis, chemotherapy, and the Bone marrow transplantation in Turkey. Anadolu Medical Center offers language assistance, transfer service from the airport to the hotel and back, as well as booking a hotel conveniently located 10-15 minutes away. Patients from the US, UK, Romania, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan have praised Anadolu Medical Center for its professionalism, cleanliness, attention to detail, and skilled and experienced medical staff.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

International Organization for Standardization certificate for Anadolu Medical Center Joint Commission International  certificate for Anadolu Medical Center European Society for Medical Oncology certificate for Anadolu Medical Center Organisation of European Cancer Institutes Certificate certificate for Anadolu Medical Center  Johns Hopkins Medicine certificate for Anadolu Medical Center Patient Choice for Basic Check-up certificate for Anadolu Medical Center Patient choice in Oncology & Hematology Oncology certificate for Anadolu Medical Center International Accreditation System for Interventional Oncology Services (IASIOS) certificate for Anadolu Medical Center  Planetree's Gold Certificate certificate for Anadolu Medical Center

Latest review

Verified review.
Bookimed handed over our documents to Anadolu and the next day we were contacted by the curator Zakhida from Anadolu. The curator sent us a list of hotels with whom Anadolu cooperates under the contract (discount for Anadolu patients), made a reservation and organized a transfer from the airport to the hotel, made an appointment with doctors, for tests, PET CT, etc. and sent us a schedule for November 8. We arrived on November 7, we were met by a transfer from Anadolu and taken to the hotel. The next day, November 8, we went to Anadolu, we were met in the hall by the curator Zahida and the translator Muhamed. Our doctor Sinan. Analyzes, Pet CT, MRI, ultrasound of the heart and even the review of slides, the results are prepared quickly.
— Алибек
Kazakhstan, Nov 20, 2022
Nov 20, 2022 • Verified review.
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Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
Turkey, Istanbul
83% patients recommend

Hisar Hospital Intercontinental is a multi-specialty medical center in Turkey, Istanbul.

The medical center specializes in pediatric and adult cardiovascular surgery, orthopedics, oncology, weight loss surgery, and check-ups. Hisar Intercontinental Hospital serves only adults. 250,000 patients choose Hisar Intercontinental Hospital to get medical care every year.  Hisar Hospital is certified by JCI (Joint Commission International) that confirms compliance with international standards of treatment quality and safety.

Patients from CIS, Balkans and African countries choose Hisar Hospital for medical care.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

Joint Commission International  certificate for Hisar Intercontinental Hospital

Latest review

Verified review.
Many thanks to Bookimed for the opportunity to meet different specialists and clinics in Turkey, compare, read reviews, and study information in an understandable language. It’s hard to even imagine how much time, financial and professional costs it took for the creators to make the information so accessible and complete for the patient. Thank you for your work and choosing such a useful niche as this! It is so important for the patient to be able to communicate with the manager at any time: to talk, consult, discuss personal issues and possible risks. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Before finding you, I had experience communicating with two organizations that provide services in the field of medical tourism, but unfortunately, commerce and the desire to sell specific specialists without options is alarming and does not inspire confidence at all. On the other hand, I’m even glad that I had such a short communication experience, especially since I was able to evaluate the capabilities of Bookimed! I understand that for the reader my review may be similar to an ode of praise, but as they say, “you can’t erase words from a song.”))) Therefore, I can only continue to talk about how it was in my specific case. Thanks to the Khizar clinic for a luxurious spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows, an additional sofa for visitors, as well as delicious meals three times a day. It would seem difficult to surprise us with high-quality Turkish service in a hotel, but when your stay in the clinic is exactly the same as in a hotel, it is much more valuable at a time when you are absolutely alone in a foreign country and your physical capabilities are temporarily limited. Everything was thought out to the smallest detail: it so happened that I arrived for the operation unaccompanied, with a small backpack. This was extremely important for me: everything I could need was provided or was already available in my favorite room opposite the reception. The operation was scheduled for the afternoon, so the most difficult time was at night. The nurse who was on night duty did a tremendous job and until 6 am did everything as required according to the protocol after the operation. Yes, you can say, how could it be otherwise, you paid the money and it should be so, but you and I know very well that no one has canceled the human factor, and patients in this state after surgery cannot always read carefully in English doctor's recommendation language. Therefore, I send rays of love to this Great Man!!! Every 40 minutes He applied cold compresses, fed me even at night, and then took me for a walk along the long corridor of the clinic. This is an invaluable experience for me, not only because it is important for rehabilitation and health, but also for my personal faith in people. Low bow to the doctor for his professionalism, ability to listen to the patient and a high-quality operation. I would also like to thank Gulshirin Beshimova for the opportunity to make my stay in Turkey as comfortable as possible. Just as theater begins with a coat rack, so in my case Istanbul greeted me with a friendly smile from the driver and a luxurious car. It is impossible not to mention Alpay. I’ve been driving for 20 years, but I’ve never seen anyone pay such attention to the car and the passengers sitting in the back seat: TV, music from all over the world, water of different temperatures, drinks, napkins, a footrest for comfortable feet, and even a fresh bouquet of herbs to scent the salon! My applause!!! Bookimed! Türkiye! You have won me over! What a pity that I didn’t know before that everything could be like this! She curtsied. Your Eva❤️
— Anonymous
Germany, Sep 29, 2023
Sep 29, 2023 • Verified review.
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Spain

Quironsalud Madrid
Spain, Madrid
66% patients recommend

Quirónsalud Madrid is a top clinic in Spain and Europe known for its specialization in oncology, neurosurgery, heart surgery, plastic surgery, and IVF. Dr. Luis Madero is a pediatric oncologist with 37 years of experience and offers treatment for blood disorders such as bone marrow transplantation and ablation therapy. He is a member of Spanish Association of Paediatric Haematology, Spanish Association of Paediatric Oncology, SIOP, EBMT and Spanish Association of Haematology and Haemotherapy. He offers Bone marrow transplantation in Spain from Dr. Luis Madero at Quironsalud Madrid University Hospital.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Quironsalud Madrid

Latest review

Verified review.
The doctor (Madero) didn’t even respond to our greetings when we entered his office. He didn’t even read correctly the medical report. He didn’t explained anything. He was doing things in a rush as if we didn’t have an appointment with him. He even left us in his office and went away. We were so frustrated after the consultation. Coming from Cameroon for this, was so disappointed.
— Charlene
Spain, May 23, 2022
May 23, 2022 • Verified review.

SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital
Spain, Barcelona
97% patients recommend

Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona, Spain offers treatment for children from infancy up to 21 years old. It is ranked among the top 5 medical institutions in Europe and is well known for its innovative therapeutic methods. The hospital has received positive reviews from patients who have experienced its high quality medical care. It provides special diagnostics before Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) and BMT itself, all under the supervision of Doctor Isabel Badell Serra, head of the Center of Bone Marrow Transplantation at the hospital. The offer includes recipient evaluation and the transplantation itself, providing a great opportunity for those looking for Bone marrow transplantation in Spain.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

Bookimed Award: Best pediatric hospital certificate for SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital

Latest review

Verified review.
Good day to all! Finally we got our hands on writing about the treatment of our child at the Sant Joan de Deu Barselona hospital. I would like to say once again a huge thank you to Bookimed for the help in choosing a clinic. This is not just a hospital, THIS IS A SUPER HOSPITAL !!! To be honest, they did not even expect that medicine could be of such a high level. About the staff separately: from nurses to professors of the clinic, damn well, all simple, normal, kind people. I have never seen such attention to a child, literally everything is scheduled by the minute, everyone is smiling, joking. In general, the little one did not understand that he had undergone a complex operation on the spinal cord. After the operation and coming out of complex anesthesia, the child never even cried and did not experience any pain (except for changing the dressing, removing the adhesive plaster). The hospital itself is huge, EVERYTHING FOR CHILDREN, everything is in pictures, slides, balls, a dinosaur farm. Everything has been done so that the children would not be afraid of doctors, etc. And a special BIG THANKS to our neurosurgeon Jose Hinojosa Mena-Bernal with a capital letter. This is a man with golden hands and a kind heart (just works wonders)! The child began to walk on his own 5 days after the operation. Thanks to Mikki, the resuscitator, a young guy who looked after the little one after the operation, like his son. And also the hospital's translator, Mikhail, who, together with us, empathized with everything that happened, thanks to nurse Svetlana who helped in all matters related to caring for the little one, including as an interpreter, and just a good kind woman. Thanks to our curator of the hospital for organizing the stay in the clinic, cheerful, always cheerful with a smile on her face Valeria, deciding all issues of hospitalization and treatment. MANY THANKS TO ALL HONEY STAFF SANT JOAN DE DEU. You are best !!! CONTINUE SAVING THE CHILDREN AND MORE, and we, in turn, promise not to get sick anymore !! Respectfully, V.V. Solomatin
— Любовь
Ukraine, Feb 26, 2021
Feb 26, 2021 • Verified review.
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Israel

Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
84% patients recommend
  • Sourasky Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation unit is considered top national BMT center according to the hospital’s data.
  • Autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplants are performed for children and adults.
  • Sourasky is in Top 10 list of the most popular hospitals for medical tourism in the world. The ranking is composed by Newsweek magazine, authoritative American edition.
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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Hospitals 2020 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) Patient choice for Check-up certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) Fastest treatment organization certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) Joint Commission International  certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)

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Verified review.
My brother has epilepsy .. Without a doubt, the Ichilov clinic is an excellent choice for examinations and treatment of various diseases. And the narrow specialization of doctors make it one of the best in the world. I am very grateful to the Bookimed consultants who helped me choose the Ichilov Medical Center. You really know what you pay money for! Thanks to my consultants, Ostap and Yulia for their work .. I tried to get in touch with the clinic directly, but through Bookimed I managed to organize everything quickly. You can just trust them and not worry. Help and in choosing a doctor and with housing. THANK!
— Дмитрий Пацукевич
Belarus, Oct 23, 2018
Oct 23, 2018 • Verified review.
Brain MRI:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results Brain MRI:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results

Rambam Medical Center
Israel, Haifa
100% patients recommend
  • Rambam is included in Top 3 hospitals in Israel according to the Ministry of Health.
  • 150 stem cell (bone marrow) transplants are performed annually.
  • Rambam Bone Marrow Transplant Institute is the only facility of this type in Northern Israel and one of several within the country.
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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

Joint Commission International  certificate for Rambam Medical Center World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Rambam Medical Center World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Rambam Medical Center

Germany

Helios Hospital Berlin Buch
Germany, Berlin
92% patients recommend

Helios Hospital Berlin Buch is the largest and modern hospital in the capital of Germany. It is one of the top-ranked hospitals in 2018 according to the Focus magazine. It provides treatments of oncology and surgical oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery and obesity. The hospital is highly recommended by 94% of patients.

The clinic offers Bone marrow transplantation in Germany, which is provided by the experienced doctor Bertram Glass. Prof. Glass is an expert in hematology, internal oncology and stem cell transplant, who heads the Hematology Department at Helios Berlin-Buch. He is a lecturer at Asklepios Medical School and professor at the University Medical Center Gottingen.

Patients who have visited the hospital appreciate the staff, the quality of the medical services and the comfortable accommodation which corresponds the level of a 5* hotel. Patients also express their gratitude to Bookimed employees for organizing their trips.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

International Organization for Standardization certificate for Helios Hospital Berlin Buch TOP German hospital according to 2019 Focus ranking certificate for Helios Hospital Berlin Buch World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Helios Hospital Berlin Buch

Latest review

Verified review.
There was an online consultation with Professor Kivit. I express my deep gratitude to the doctor, translator, as well as the bookimed team, which brought us together. The professor looked at all our documents, explained everything in a very accessible and understandable way. He reassured us as parents and made recommendations. Thanks again for your help!
— Anonymous
Ukraine, Apr 16, 2021
Apr 16, 2021 • Verified review.

Asklepios Hospital Barmbek
Germany, Hamburg
89% patients recommend

Asklepios Hospital Barmbek is a clinic No. 1 for foreign patients according to the Medical Travel Quality Alliance, the international organization for medical tourism.

The Hospital is a multidisciplinary medical center. It is a part of Asklepios Kliniken, the most significant German hospitals' network.

Asklepios Barmbek specializes in Oncology, Oncohematology, Surgery, and Pulmonology.

80,000 patients from Germany and other countries worldwide receive treatment annually here.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

International Organization for Standardization certificate for Asklepios Hospital Barmbek Medical Travel Quality Alliance certificate for Asklepios Hospital Barmbek TOP German hospital according to 2019 Focus ranking certificate for Asklepios Hospital Barmbek

Latest review

Verified review.
Thank you very much Ekaterina Bonko for help in choosing a clinic, reception organization and efficiency! Special thanks to coordinator Lydia, who was always in touch and helped deal with everything on arrival. We went with my mother to see a neurologist, prof. Urbanu in the clinic Asklepios, as well as a rheumatologist in a private consultation. In general, we were satisfied with everything.
— Alina Olshevskaya
Russian Federation, Sep 3, 2018
Sep 3, 2018 • Verified review.
[object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results [object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results

Thailand

Bumrungrad International Hospital
Thailand, Bangkok
91% patients recommend

Bumrungrad International Hospital is a global medical facility in Bangkok, Thailand that specializes in oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, neurosciences, heart surgery, check-ups, etc. Over 1 million patients choose Bumrungrad annually. 50% of them are international ones from over 190 countries.

The hospital is one of the largest private centers in Southeast Asia and one of the most significant world’s outpatient clinics. Bumrungrad International is recognized as TOP-10 best hospitals and TOP-30 most technologically advanced clinics in the world.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

International Organization for Standardization certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital Joint Commission International  certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital Global Healthcare Accreditation Program certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Hospitals 2020 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital

Latest review

Verified review.
The medical team gave us the best of care and showed professionalism, and at the same time friendly. Even though the result I wanted couldn't be achieved but I really appreciate the support and care I received from Dr. Anna. Bumrungrad International hospital gave us the best of care and professional advice I must say once again. I'm still seeking medical attention for my wife's "Diffuse Cerebral Dysfunction". That's the diagnostics and results we received from Bumrungrad International hospital Bankok! Thank you!
— Anonymous
China, Aug 5, 2019
Aug 5, 2019 • Verified review.
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What's Involved in the Bone Marrow Price?

bone marrow price

A bone marrow transplant can be quite costly, partly because it involves a long and complex process that can be divided into 5 main stages:

➤ pre-op medical evaluation;

➤ stem cell collection (from the patient or a donor);

➤ chemo- and/or radiotherapy cycles;

➤ transplantation itself;

➤ post-op recovery.

Let’s consider these stages in greater detail.

Pre-op medical evaluation

Before the BMT procedure, a patient undergoes medical tests to evaluate their general health condition and some specific indicators. The price for bone marrow transplants usually includes expenses for pre-op BMT preparation.

Stem cell collection

The next important step is to collect stem cells for infusion. The complexity of this step depends on the type of bone marrow transplant. There are 3 main ones:

  • autologous – a person receives healthy stem cells taken from their own blood. This type of transplant is used mainly in patients with lymphoma, myeloma, and plasma cell disorders. The transplant aims to revive the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells after chemo- or radiotherapy;
  • allogeneic from a related donor – doctors use the bone marrow obtained from the patient’s relative;
  • allogeneic from an unrelated donor – a patient receives bone marrow from the matched donor through the blood bank. A special blood test can accurately determine the compatibility of the donor’s and recipient’s blood cells.

In the case of autologous bone marrow transplantation, you will receive specific medications to stimulate your stem cell production for further collection. If you require an allogeneic transplantation and a donor is available, doctors will gather donor cells.

☝ There are three main ways to harvest stem cells:

  • from blood;
  • from bone marrow (through a needle inserted in the hip bone);
  • from cord blood (sometimes stem cells can be taken from the donated placenta and umbilical cord of a baby).

Chemo- and/or radiotherapy cycles

Before the bone marrow transplant, a patient undergoes high-dose therapy (sometimes with total body irradiation) to prepare the body for the better adoption of new cells.

This is also called a conditioning treatment and is done to:

  • destroy malignant cells in the case of cancer diagnosis;
  • destroy existing bone marrow cells to free space for new healthy ones;
  • suppress the immune system so that it doesn’t reject the transplant.

Transplantation process

The transplant typically happens several days after the conditioning treatment is complete. The BMT procedure is painless and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Healthy stem cells will be gradually infused into the vein through a catheter. During the procedure, the patient remains awake, and no anesthetic solution is needed.

Post-op recovery

Once new bone marrow cells enter your body, they travel through the bloodstream, reach the bone marrow, and start multiplying. In several weeks, the number of healthy stem cells will reach a required level. 

Throughout the first 100 days after the transplant, you should anticipate frequent clinic appointments to monitor the state of your health. They will include various tests and physical examinations. During this time, the following procedures might also be required:

  • administration of fluids through your mouth or a nasogastric tube to avoid malnutrition;
  • blood and platelet transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells and platelets in the body.

Your immune system might need over a year after the transplantation to get strong again, so you’ll be at risk of infections during this time. In the case of allogeneic transplantation, doctors often prescribe immunosuppressants. These drugs weaken the immune system, preventing it from fighting transplanted cells. The weakened immune system makes the patient susceptible to infectious complications, which may prolong the hospital stay and expand inpatient costs.

Autologous vs. Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation Cost: Overview

As we have already mentioned, there are 2 main types of bone marrow transplants: autologous and allogeneic. The choice between them depends on several factors, such as:

  • type of the disease;
  • the stage and condition of the disease;
  • age of the patient;
  • availability of a donor;
  • the ability to harvest healthy cells from the patient.

The cost of autologous BMT is approximately two times lower than that of allogeneic transplantation since it requires the patient’s own blood cells. In the case of allogeneic BMT, a significant part of expenses is spent on the analysis to detect the best donor match, and, as a result, average costs may double.

The table below provides the cost comparison for these 2 types of BMT procedures:

Country

Autologous bone marrow transplantation cost

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation cost

Turkey

From $25,000

From $42,500

Spain

From $71,700

From $179,000

Israel

Upon request

From $133,000

Germany

From $157,700 

From $212,000

Thailand

From $137,000

Upon request

USA

From $100,000

From $270,000

UK

From $63,000

From $114,000

What Factors Affect BMT Cost?

Aside from the multilayered processes behind the bone marrow transplantation itself, other important variables also impact the final price of the procedure. So, let’s puzzle out why overall costs for BMT range so drastically and what factors are primary influencers:

1. Country

The country where you will have a bone marrow treatment is among the top factors determining its final price. However, it’s important to remember that a low cost does not mean poor efficacy and a high one does not guarantee an excellent result. Higher charges in the USA are caused mainly by high doctors’ salaries and pharmacy costs, as well as expensive hospital services. There, doctors’ earnings and pharmaceutical costs are twice as high as in other countries, such as Germany. Consequently, bone marrow transplant prices are also almost two times higher – $300,000 in the US vs. $157,700 in Germany.

2. BMT type

Another criterion affecting bone marrow transplant cost is whether it is autologous or allogeneic. For patients needing the allogeneic BMT, doctors will search for a donor and invest time and expenses into matching tests. Plus, donor stem cell collection, transportation, and storage require additional effort and financial resources. 

As a result, the allogeneic transplant can be twice as expensive as the autologous one. For example, in Spain, the minimum costs for autologous and allogeneic BMT are $71,700 and $179,000, respectively. 

3. Patient’s condition

The cost of a bone marrow transplant greatly depends on the patient’s specific diagnosis. Each medical condition requires a distinct treatment approach.

☝ The bone marrow transplant is used to treat people suffering from a range of diseases, in particular:

  • leukemia;
  • immune deficiency disorders;
  • myeloma;
  • lymphoma;
  • thalassemia;
  • aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure).

The severity of the patient’s condition determines how long they will have to stay in the hospital and how many medications and additional therapies they will need. Therefore, researchers report higher treatment costs in patients with advanced disease, with an average increase of $20,228. Due to these factors, only your doctor can determine a complete list of medical services needed based on patient characteristics, with further cost estimation.

4. Pre-op tests and therapy

Depending on the patient’s specific medical condition, preliminary tests and therapy can vary significantly from case to case. Patients usually require a variety of diagnostic procedures. Moreover, patients with advanced illnesses or co-occurring diseases may need additional evaluations and therapy. 

Whether these tests are included in the total cost of transplantation or considered separately differs from clinic to clinic. Therefore, before your medical trip, you should check what is included in your chosen package of services.

Some typical tests required before the procedure are:

  • an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram – simple tests to examine your heart;
  • an X-ray to assess the condition of other organs;
  • blood tests to measure blood cell levels and evaluate liver and kidney function;
  • a coronavirus test;
  • biopsy – if the patient has cancer, a small sample of malignant cells can be taken to determine the state of the disease. 

All in all, the extent of testing may drive up the expenses associated with the BMT process.

5. Patient’s age and hospital stay

The patient's age is another significant cost driver. Transplants are usually more expensive for pediatric patients (not older than 20). According to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), the median duration of hospitalization is 43 days for pediatric patients and 30 days for adults. Due to an extended hospital stay, pediatric patients face 1.6 times higher total costs than adults. 

The hospital stay after the bone marrow transplantation generally lasts between 30 and 90 days. However, in case of post-transplant complications, the discharge will be postponed, increasing hospital costs and the total price of the stem cell transplantation.

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Bone Marrow Transplant Cost with Insurance

Most health insurance plans cover the total price entirely or partly. Third-party payer costs usually include preliminary testing, the collection and delivery of stem cells, the procedure itself, and post-operative recovery. The prices can vary depending on the region and hospital.

Additional Costs

While your insurance company may approve the payment for the bone marrow transplant itself, it may not cover some procedures associated with BMT. For patients covered by health insurance, the out-of-pocket costs for a bone marrow transplant typically consist of lab and prescription drug copays, as well as coinsurance of 10-50% for the procedure. 

Additionally, insurance does not always cover the following services and procedures:

  • medical testing;
  • finding a suitable donor;
  • follow-up medical appointments;
  • drug therapy;
  • food, travel, and lodging expenses. 

It's crucial to thoroughly understand the specifics of your insurance policy and explore potential sources of support for the additional costs.

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Bone Marrow Transplant: Brief Overview

Are you interested in having a bone marrow transplant and want to know more? Here is our short summary of the main aspects of this complex procedure. 

Despite a somewhat confusing name, a bone marrow transplant does not actually involve a surgical replacement of bone marrow. Instead, this procedure resembles a blood transfusion. It infuses healthy stem cells into a patient’s bloodstream to replace damaged bone marrow. This is why it’s also referred to as a stem cell transplant or hematopoietic stem cell transplant. BMT is typically indicated when a patient’s bone marrow cannot produce the required amount of healthy blood cells.

A bone marrow transplant can be used to:

  • replace nonfunctioning bone marrow with blood-forming stem cells (for conditions like acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, or aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure));
  • rejuvenate the immune system to fight cancer cells left after the radio- or chemotherapy;
  • restore bone marrow damaged by high doses of radiation or chemotherapy;
  • to minimize the effect of a genetic disorder by infusing genetically healthy bone marrow cells (for example, in the case of the Hurler syndrome).

FAQ

What is the success rate for bone marrow transplants?

The result depends on the patient's age and condition, the medical team's professionalism, and donor-recipient matching. The proximity of the donor’s profile to the recipient’s needs directly influences the success of the clinical outcome. 

The average survival rate 1 year after the allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is 72.1%. In the case of autologous transplant, the 1-year survival rate is 93.3%. This type of transplant is also well tolerated by elderly patients.

Are bone marrow transplants painful for the patient or donor?

The procedure is not painful for the recipient, doesn’t require the use of anesthetics, and takes only a couple of hours.

As for the donation, bone marrow stem cells are harvested under a general (or sometimes local) anesthetic. Therefore, the donor will not be awake during the procedure and won’t feel any pain. After the collection of stem cells, it is normal to experience pain in the area where the needle was inserted. However, these feelings of discomfort are temporary and will pass after a couple of days or weeks.

What are the side effects and possible complications after a bone marrow transplant?

During the conditioning period, the patient might experience temporary nausea, tiredness, and hair loss. After the transplant, the common side effects are fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea. 

Your doctor will personally discuss the potential risks you might face. Complications that sometimes arise after a bone marrow transplant include:

  • graft-versus-host disease – might occur after an allogeneic transplant if donated cells (graft) start viewing the recipient’s cells (host) as a threat and attacking them;
  • graft failure – patient’s own immune cells attack foreign donor cells or donor cells fail to develop properly;
  • organ dysfunction;
  • infections.

Your medical team will continuously monitor your health and promptly address any issues if they ever arise.

Who can be a donor for a bone marrow transplant?

Almost any healthy person between the ages of 17 and 44 can become a donor for a bone marrow transplant. If you want to donate blood cells to your relative, you will have to take a blood test and see if you are a suitable donor. Siblings have the biggest chance to match (25%). If you are a half-match, it might still be possible to donate. The transplant taken from a half-matching donor is called a haploidentical transplant.

If you want to donate bone marrow for an unrelated person, it’s necessary to contact the nearest donor register and find out the details. Each bank has its criteria and procedure for donating. Once you register, your blood samples will be compared with samples from potential recipients. If you match, you'll be asked for a donation. 

How does a bone marrow transplant work for the donor? 

There are 2 types of donations you can make: marrow stem cells or peripheral blood cells (PBSCs). The patient’s treating doctor decides which one will be more suitable.

  • PBSC donation: 90% of donors need to attend only 1 session lasting up to 8 hours; the remaining 10% will need 2 sessions, each lasting 4-6 hours. During the procedure, the donor is connected to a blood cell separator device via tubes in both arms. After blood-forming cells are collected from one arm, the remaining blood returns to your body via a needle in the other arm.
  • Marrow donation: it's a surgical procedure conducted under general anesthesia. The graft is taken directly from the bone marrow since it is a rich stem cell source. A doctor collects cells from both sides of the donor’s pelvic bone via small incisions. Most donors return home the same or next day after the donation.

What is the recovery like after donating for a bone marrow transplant?

Although the recovery period varies on a case-to-case basis, donors can typically resume their everyday activities within 1 to 7 days after the procedure. In a few weeks, your stem cells will return to normal levels.

What is recovery like for the recipient after a bone marrow transplant?

Recovery from a bone marrow transplant is gradual and involves managing several aspects of your daily life: nutrition, medications, physical activity, hygiene, and contact with others. Key priorities include maintaining adequate food and fluid intake and taking prescribed medication. 

After the bone marrow transplantation, patients’ energy is often lacking, and they may experience rapid weight gain. Following doctors’ recommendations and leading a healthy lifestyle is crucial to prevent this. It is best to gradually increase your activity level, starting from daily walks and simple exercises. The most important thing is to set realistic goals and consult with your healthcare team when in doubt. 

Why is it hard to find a matching donor?

The likelihood of having a matched related donor transplantation is approximately 30%, while the chances of finding an unrelated donor range from 29% to 79%, depending on your ethnic profile. This is because it’s essential to match a donor’s and a patient’s HLA gene markers for a successful transplantation. Race and ethnicity have a direct influence on these markers. Some marker combinations may be more common within certain ethnic groups. For example, African Americans exhibit greater diversity in their HLA markers, which complicates the search for a matching donor. 

HLA genes are also the reason why siblings are often preferred as donors: since we inherit HLA genes from both our patients, brothers and sisters are more likely to share the same markers. 

Can a bone marrow transplant change your blood type or DNA?

Yes, after the allogeneic transplant, the recipient’s blood type changes into the donor's. This happens because bone marrow produces most of the body’s blood cells. When the patient undergoes BMT, donated blood cells replace the damaged cells and begin to produce new ones. So, if your donor has a different blood type, your own blood will eventually convert to it.

To some extent, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can also change your DNA. If a person receives an allogeneic transplant, the new stem cells will have the donor’s DNA. This phenomenon is known as chimerism. In Greek mythology, the creature Chimera was partly a lion, partly a goat, and partly a snake. On the other hand, a person with chimerism will have the donor’s DNA in their blood and their original DNA in most other cells. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that donor DNA may migrate to other body parts.

Takeaways

➤ Turkish hospitals present the most affordable offers of bone marrow transplantation, with prices ranging between $25,000 and $125,000. The average cost of bone marrow transplantation in Turkey is about $70,000. 

➤ In Europe, Spanish hospitals provide the best cost-effectiveness. The typical range of prices for BMT in this country is between $71,700 and $241,800.

➤ Israel and Thailand present the optimal balance of price and quality. BMT can cost from $133,000 up to $200,000 in Israel and from $137,000 up to $170,000 in Thailand.

➤ Compared to other countries on our list, Germany offers the highest prices (from $157,700 to $263,000) but boasts excellent expertise and the biggest donor pool in Europe.

➤ The BMT cost typically includes pre-op medical evaluation, stem cell collection, chemo- and/or radiotherapy cycles, transplantation, and post-op treatment. The complete list of services included in the price should be checked with the specific clinic you are interested in.

➤ The total cost for bone marrow transplantation depends on a range of significant factors, including bone marrow transplant type, the patient’s age and condition, the length of hospital stay, and pricing policy in the country.

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