Officially Become a Patient

You must complete the five step "Becoming a Patient" process, including: completing the medical review; providing the required insurance authorizations, Letters of Guarantee, and/or payment deposits.

Check VISA Requirements

Unless you hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country, you must obtain a VISA to be admitted to the United States for medical care.

For specific information by country, please visit the U.S. Department of State website. You may also contact Children's International Center directly at (617) 355-5209 or by email.

Online visa applications are now available on the U.S. Department of State website.

Airplane Ticket(s)

Boston is home to one of the busiest international airports in the world, Logan International Airport. To find an airline that has routes from your (or a neighboring) country to Boston, Massachusetts, please visit the Massport website.

Airport Assistance

Once you have made your travel arrangements, you can notify the International Center, at least 48 hours in advance of your arrival, with your flight number and airline; time and date of arrival; the names of all members of your family who are traveling with you; and any special needs you may have such as wheelchairs or language assistance. If Boston is your first port of entry into the United States, you also will be expedited through Customs and Immigration formalities.

To request assistance at Logan Airport, please contact your patient representative at the Children's International Center at (617) 355-5209 or by email. Requests must be made three days prior to your arrival in the U.S.

Accommodations

Children's is located in Boston's Longwood Medical Area, home to Harvard Medical School and several prestigious medical centers. Because many patients from throughout the world come to the Longwood Medical Area for expert medical care, many hotels in the community offer affordable short-term living arrangements for patients and their families. Most hotels provide patients and families accommodations at a discounted rate (subject to availability).

For assistance in making a hotel reservation, please complete the Hotel Arrangement Form and return it to the Children's International Center.

List of Accomodations

Confirm Appointment with Children's International Center

Request an Interpreter through the International Center

Preparing Your Child for Their Visit

There are many ways to help children prepare for their visit to a hospital. Parents often ask for information about how to talk with their child about the hospital. We offer suggestions to help you prepare your family for your visit--from talking with your child, what to bring to your appointment, helping siblings cope and getting ready for a surgical procedure.

A Parent's Guide to Preparing for Their Visit
A Child's Guide to Preparing for Their Visit

Getting to Know Boston

The city of Boston, founded in 1630 and located on beautiful Boston Harbor, still retains much of its old-world charm, where cobblestone streets and 18th century brick buildings provide a dramatic contrast to contemporary glass-walled skyscrapers. Today, Boston is a thriving international center for medicine, high technology, finance and education, with more than 60 colleges and universities, including Harvard University. As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Boston is a cosmopolitan, culturally diverse city that hosts more than 11 million visitors each year.