International Paediatric Specialty Care
The International Patient Program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) provides coordinated access to world‑leading paediatric subspecialty expertise. We help children living outside of Canada who require access to specialized paediatric care not available in the country or region where they reside. We work with international physicians, insurers and health-care systems to deliver complex medical and surgical care with predictable access, dedicated international capacity and supportive care coordination. The Program has supported more than 1,000 inquiries and facilitates over 100 new patient referrals each year.
Submit an inquiry to the International Patient Program
Why refer to SickKids
SickKids is one of the world’s leading paediatric academic health science centres. Through the International Patient Program, patients, families and referring providers benefit from:
- World‑renowned paediatric subspecialists across medical and surgical disciplines
- Dedicated operating room time and inpatient capacity for international patients
- Predictable referral review and scheduling timelines
- Centralized coordination from intake through follow‑up
- Supporting clinical care, logistics and financial stewardship.
- Transparent communication and documentation for payors and referring providers
- Cost containment by using clinical resources responsibly. We help referring physicians keep costs down while ensuring each child receives the care they truly need
We are committed to clinical excellence and uphold the highest standards of professional stewardship. Our model fosters confidence, accountability, and enduring partnerships with health-care systems and providers.
Medical and surgical consultation and treatment
For children who need to travel to SickKids, our team coordinates in‑person assessment and hospital‑based medical and surgical treatment delivered on site in Toronto.
Virtual consultations
Through a virtual appointment with SickKids medical and surgical specialists, you can access care and consultation without coming to the hospital. Following the appointment, a medical note will be sent to the referring physician abroad.
Medical second opinion
SickKids offers medical second opinion (MSO) to help international patients and their doctors confirm diagnoses and treatment plans. MSO includes review of medical records, pathology, and diagnostic imaging, with optional pathology and radiology analysis.
Who we work with
The International Patient Program supports international health-care partners seeking advanced paediatric expertise, including:
- Referring physicians and hospitals
- Insurance companies and payors
- Government‑sponsored health-care programs
- International health systems seeking subspecialty consultation, treatment, or second opinions
- Self-referred patients and families
Our model is designed to support professional referral pathways and long‑term clinical partnerships.
Areas of clinical expertise
SickKids accepts eligible international referrals for complex, rare and highly specialized paediatric conditions where advanced subspecialty expertise is required. Referrals are reviewed by designated clinical leads to ensure timely assessment and appropriate matching to subspecialty expertise.
- Cardiovascular surgery for complex congenital heart disease
- Neurosurgery for rare, complex, and re‑operative conditions
- Complex gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and intestinal failure surgery
- Craniofacial, reconstructive, and microsurgical care
- Orthopaedic surgery for rare and complex musculoskeletal conditions
- Ophthalmology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, and urology for specialized paediatric cases
Support for international patients and families
Navigating medical care in a new country can be overwhelming, especially for international patients and their families. At SickKids, we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive support and resources designed to facilitate a smooth care experience. Our team provides personalized care coordination and practical assistance to ensure that families receive guidance and support throughout every stage of their health-care journey.
Humanitarian support: The Herbie Fund
The Herbie Fund is a humanitarian fund that provides financial support for eligible international children who need life‑changing surgical care at SickKids.
Please refer to the eligibility criteria that outline who is considered an international patient at SickKids.
If you have questions about whether your child is eligible for services at SickKids, you may contact us via email. Please provide the following basic information including:
- Contact Information
-
- Name
- Relationship to Patient: Parent/Legal Guardian or referring physicians
- Phone
- Patient Information
- Patient name
- Date of birth
- Country of residence
- Country of citizenship
- Diagnosis
- Payment method
- Service or treatment requested at SickKids
Once we receive your application completed in full and in English, we aim to have your application reviewed within 1 to 2 Canadian business days. Each application is individually reviewed by the appropriate SickKids medical experts, and therefore the time frame may vary if multiple SickKids doctors are involved. A member of our team will be in contact with you if we require more information. We will provide formal documentation once your application has been reviewed by the medical team.
About the International Patient Program
The International Patient Program helps children living outside of Canada who require access to specialized paediatric care not available in the country or region where they reside. We are the first point of contact for international inquiries and referrals to SickKids, including support for temporary residents, visitors and international students. The Program has assisted with over 1,000 inquiries and facilitates over 100 new patient referrals each year.
The International Patient Program operates in alignment with SickKids’ mission, clinical priorities, and commitment to excellence in paediatric care, research and education.
All revenue from international patient activity is directed back to SickKids to support the delivery of care for Ontario patients. International patients are not eligible for funding through the Ontario Ministry of Health and require coverage in full prior to receiving treatment.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please firstly refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ), or review information about how to refer a patient or request a medical second opinion.
The International Patient Program office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. We will respond to your inquiry within two (2) Canadian business days.
Phone: +1-416-813-7654 ext. 428917
Fax: +1-416-813-8667
Email: international.patientprogram@sickkids.ca
Please note that email may be intercepted between the sender and the receiver and is therefore neither secure nor confidential. Your continued use of email communication confirms that you accept this risk.
Mailing address
International Patient Program
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
M5G 1X8