Canadian Medical Travel Coordination
Last updated: June 2026
Why Canadians consider ENT surgery abroad
According to the Fraser Institute's 2025 report, otolaryngology (ENT) has the third-longest median wait of the 12 specialties surveyed, at 43.8 weeks from family doctor referral to treatment, and 6.2 weeks longer than the year before.
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The wait varies widely by province. Using the same report's Table 2 data, the median wait from referral to treatment for ENT reaches 127.7 weeks in New Brunswick, 92.6 weeks in Nova Scotia, 69.1 weeks in Prince Edward Island, 57.7 weeks in British Columbia, and 56.2 weeks in Saskatchewan.​
During these months, patients with chronic sinusitis, a blocked nasal airway, recurrent tonsillitis, or hearing problems manage their symptoms while they wait. Treatment at an accredited hospital abroad is one option for earlier care. It applies to planned, elective procedures that can be arranged in advance, not to emergencies.
How ENT surgery abroad works for Canadians
ENT surgery abroad for Canadians follows a clear path: you share your medical file and any imaging or test results, we match you with an accredited hospital and surgeon, you meet the operating surgeon in a free online consultation, and then we coordinate the hospital, travel, accommodation, and follow-up after you return.
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Maple Med Global is a coordination service; the medical care is provided by the accredited hospital and its physicians, who hold clinical responsibility for your treatment.
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Treatment abroad is private and paid directly by you. The quote sets out what is and is not included. If you prefer not to pay all at once, instalment financing is available through third-party providers, with payment made to us or the hospital and repaid over time.
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Share your medical file, audiology results, and any imaging (CT, MRI)
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We match you with an accredited hospital suited to your case
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If your case is accepted, a free online consultation with the operating surgeon
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A clear quote showing what is included
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Coordination of hospital, flights, and accommodation
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Follow-up support after you return to Canada
ENT procedures we coordinate
The main ENT procedures we coordinate at accredited hospitals are set out below. The specific technique and recovery plan for your case are recommended by the surgeon in a free online consultation before any commitment.
Septoplasty and functional nasal (breathing) surgery
For a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates causing persistent blocked-nose breathing. This is functional surgery to improve breathing. For nose reshaping for appearance, see our Cosmetic page.
Sinus surgery (FESS)
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections that have not responded to medication.
Tonsil and adenoid surgery
For recurrent tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and related breathing or swallowing problems.
Ear surgery
For eardrum perforation (tympanoplasty), chronic ear infection, or otosclerosis affecting hearing (stapedectomy). Cochlear implants for severe hearing loss are publicly funded through provincial programs in Canada and are managed within the Canadian system.
Snoring and sleep apnea surgery
For obstruction of the upper airway that causes snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep.
Thyroid (head and neck) surgery
For thyroid nodules or goitre and selected head and neck conditions.Surgical techniques vary by hospital and include endoscopic (minimally invasive) and image-guided options.
Who is suited to travel for ENT care
Whether to travel for treatment is a clinical matter for qualified physicians, and we encourage you to discuss any plan with your own physician in Canada. The specialist who would treat you abroad reviews your file to confirm whether your case can be treated at that centre. When you share your records, we relay the specialist's view on whether suitable options exist; some cases are better treated closer to home.
How we choose your hospital and surgeon
We select the hospital on three criteria in every case: the hospital's volume in ear, nose, and throat surgery, the surgeon's experience with your specific procedure, and an international patient department with English-language support. We share the hospital we recommend, with the surgeon's name and professional background, before any commitment.
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The international hospitals we work with hold Joint Commission International (JCI), Accreditation Canada, or equivalent accreditation. If you want to compare, you can ask for more than one option.
Where Canadians can have ENT surgery abroad
We coordinate ENT surgery for Canadian patients at established international centres across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The right destination depends on both your case and your priorities, such as expertise, language, timing, and travel preference.
Region
Americas
Countries
Noted for
The United States offers access to leading ENT and head and neck centres; because self-pay costs are high, it is most suitable for patients with private international health insurance. Mexico offers shorter flights and minimal time difference, with modern ENT surgery at accredited hospitals
Europe
Asia
Germany for advanced ENT and hearing surgery, Turkiye for high-volume nasal and sinus surgery and advanced ear surgery, Spain for established ENT centres
South Korea for advanced head and neck and endoscopic ENT surgery, India for high procedure volume and internationally trained surgeons, Thailand for established international patient centres
If you have already decided on a destination, we will factor that in. All the countries we work with are listed on our Destinations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Your Options with Maple Med Global
As a Canada-based coordination team, Maple Med Global manages every step, from selecting the hospital and team to flights, accommodation, and follow-up after returning. To begin, share your diagnosis and any imaging. The case is reviewed, and suitable options are presented together with a clear treatment plan and quote.
This page provides general information, not medical advice. Clinical decisions are made by the treating physician(s).