International patient referral process

What to expect during the referral process 

Referral submission

Complete the International Patient Program Referral Form (PDF) for surgical care, medical treatment or consultation.

• The parent/legal guardian must complete and sign sections 1–7.  
• The referring physician must complete and sign sections 8–11.

All applications must include the following documents:

• A complete medical history and current condition;
• Medical notes completed within the last 6 months;
• Recent laboratory, test results, and imaging studies (X-rays, CTs, MRIs, etc.) must be sent in DICOM format. For large files, please contact international.patientprogram@sickkids.ca to provide a secure file transfer link, or send by courier on CD or USB drive;
• If pathology analysis is required for the physician to provide an opinion, digital images of the pathology slides may be sent. If your referring physician does not offer scanned slides,  all original pathology slides and report, as well as a block or 10 unstained slides from a representative block must be sent by courier.

All information must be submitted in English, translated by a medical translator and include patient's name and date of birth. Referrals with documents in another language will not be reviewed by the SickKids team.

International Patient Program will respond to you within 2 business days

• Once you have submitted all required medical information, your referral will be reviewed by the International Case Coordinator and the medical team. The medical team may ask for additional information. 
• To help us review your referral as efficiently as possible, please ensure all required information and supporting documentation are provided. Once the referral is complete, our International Patient Program team will make every effort to respond in a timely manner.

Acceptance decision and recommended care plan

• Accepted: If SickKids is able to provide the requested services, the referral will be accepted. Our team will send the intake package to the family, which includes a letter outlining the proposed treatment plan, an estimated cost, and information regarding the required next steps prior to final acceptance of the referral. 
• Declined: If SickKids cannot offer the requested services, the referral will be declined. When possible, we will suggest other paediatric centres or consultants near your child's home who may provide the needed care. 

Financial arrangements

• Full financial coverage of services is required by SickKids before scheduling any appointments. Payment may be arranged directly in full via cheque, bank transfer, or online by credit card. Alternatively, insurance companies, embassies, or governments may provide coverage for the total cost of proposed services through a Letter of Guarantee. 
• Please note that if unforeseen complications occur or if the child requires extra medically necessary care during their stay at SickKids, additional charges will apply and be included in the final invoice. Medically necessary care will be reported to the insurance provider or foreign government/embassy, along with a request for a guarantee of payment. 
• If you are applying for humanitarian financial support through the SickKids Herbie Fund, an additional financial review and approval from the Herbie Medical Review Committee will be necessary. 

Notification of acceptance and scheduling care

• Upon receiving financial coverage, we will send you a notification of acceptance. The International Case Coordinator will work with you to book your child’s appointments. 
• If the child is coming to SickKids for medical or surgical treatment, we will provide appointment dates, times and locations, in addition to other important information in preparation for travel. Your International Case Coordinator will also arrange to meet with the patient prior to the child's first medical appointment at SickKids. 
• For virtual care, you will need internet access, and a computer or smartphone that has a webcam, microphone and audio. 
• Referring providers or insurance providers receive clear communication at each stage of the process, supported by a dedicated international care coordination team. 

Visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada

• Travel arrangements should be made after the family has received confirmation of acceptance from SickKids. 
• Once the referral is accepted, SickKids will issue a visa support letter to help with the visa application for the child and one accompanying parent or legal guardian.
• Information on the visa application process can be found at the Government of Canada website. Families must ensure they have the necessary travel documents  for entering Canada and be aware of the visa processing time at their local Canadian embassy.
• If the family has questions about travel documents to enter Canada, please email international.patientprogram@sickkids.ca. We will provide a letter to support the visa application for the child and one accompanying parent/legal guardian.  
• International visitors exempt from visa requirements must have an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering Canada, except for U.S. citizens. Travelers needing an eTA should secure it before their trip to ensure they can board their flight. 
• Please note: The IPP office cannot apply for a visitor visa or eTA on behalf of the patient and family.